GOVERNOR LALONG APPROVES MORE APPOINTMENTS

In addition to earlier appointments of Special Advisers approved by Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, more appointments have been announced of other Special Advisers and other political appointees.

The following is the full list of Special Advisers approved by the Governor:

1.Hon. Diket Plang
2.    Arch. Pam Dung Gyang
3.Justice Philomina Lot (Rtd)
4.Chief Burki Gofwan
5.Barr. Jonathan Mawiyau
6.Mrs. Felicia Yakzum
7.Hon. Joe Bukar
8.Hon. Danladi Mann
9.Hon. Talatu Apini
10.  Barr. Bashir Musa Sati
11.  Barr. Kwamkur Samuel Vondip
12.  Rev. Dr. David Laje
13.  Hon. Sani Mudi
14.   Maj. Gen. Paul Goar (Rtd)

Honorary Special Advisers are:

1. Nde Ezekiel Gomos
2. Prof. Ochapa Onazi
3. Chief Michael Maqual
4. Maj. Gen. A.C. Agundu (Rtd)

The Governor also approved the appointment of two Deputy Chiefs of Staff in the Governor’s Office.  They are:

1. Salihu Kwando – Deputy Chief of Staff (General Admin)
2. Ibrahim Saleh Maitala – Deputy Chief of Staff (Political Affairs)

The Governor also approved the appointment of Managin Director and Board of the Plateau Minerals Development Company Ltd. (PMDC). The new Managing Director Mr. Kwaplong Mathew Bialwan.

The Board is constituted of the following:

1. H. E. Executive Governor of Plateau State – Chairman
2. Hon. Commissioner for Minerals Development – Member
3. Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs – Member
4. MD PIPC – Member

The Special Advisers will be sworn in on Wednesday, 17th November 2021 at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
15th November 2021.

NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi FELICITATES WITH THE FIRST LADY,MRS REGINA LALONG ON HER BIRTHDAY

The leader of the DVD Movement in Plateau State, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi on behalf of his family and all members of the DVD Movement felicitate with Plateau State first lady on the occasion of her birthday.

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi in a joyous message described the attainment of the age by the mother of Plateau State as a momentous occasion that calls for celebration and thanksgiving to God.

Reviewing the impactful life of the first Lady, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi said, “I commend the First Lady for being a woman of substance whom God is using mightily. We applaud her for reaching out and focusing on the welfare and wellbeing of women, children and the vulnerable.

“Using her non- governmental organization, SWITCH Foundation, she has trained and empowered thousands of women and youths, especially the girl child. We thank her for her contributions in other critical areas of national development.”

“As you celebrate this day, we pray fervently that God will continue to enrich you and your family with greater wisdom and may he grant you many more fruitful years ahead.”

“We wish you many more years of peace, good health and God’s protection.” he concluded.


DVD Media Team

PLATEAU STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REJOICES WITH FIRST LADY REGINA LALONG ON HER BIRTHDAY.

The Plateau State Executive Council has expressed warm felicitations to the First Lady of Plateau State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Regina Simon Bako Lalong on the occasion of her birthday.

The Council rejoices with the Mother of the State for marking another year, describing the occasion as an auspicious one that calls for Thanksgiving to God for his faithfulness in her life and her family.

It particularly expressed delight that the First Lady has over the years devoted her life to the service of humanity by focussing on the welfare and wellbeing of women, children and the vulnerable.

Using her non-governmental organisation, SWITCH Foundation, the First Lady has trained and empowered thousands of women and youths, including the girl child. This has reduced poverty, provided social education and emancipated them from some negative societal practices that impinge on their rights.

Her Excellency has also offered assistance to many indigent girls by sponsoring their education and also ensuring that they choose career paths that will give them a brighter future and make them good citizens of Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

The First Lady’s passion for fight against drug and substance abuse among youths has similarly received tremendous accolades as she has done so much to support relevant government agencies through her foundation to discourage access, abuse and distribution of drugs in Plateau State, Northern Nigeria and the entire country. She has also made afforts at ensuring the rehabilitation of those under the influence of harmful substances.

Apart from her role as the Public Relations Officer of the Northern Governors Wives Forum, the Plateau State Government is also appreciative of Her Excellency’s support to the Executive Governor who has been holding forth at the family front and giving moral and spiritual backing to her husband to continue with the Rescue Mission and taking Plateau State to greater heights.

The Exco wishes her a joyous celebration and prays that God will give her many more years of good health, peace and divine protection.

Dan Manjang
Commissioner for Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
15th November 2021

Plateau group declare Gabriel Suswan enemy of Plateau State.
“Focus on your recall ” group advises.

Plateau United for Protection of Democary (PUFPOD) has declared  Senator Gabriel Suswan as the enemy of Plateau State who is bent on formenting unrest in the state to score cheap political points for his sponsors.

The group in a statement signed by it’s President, Comrade Istifanus Abok described Sen Suswan, as “a serial betrayer who has abandoned his constituency to wage a war against the Government and good people of Plateau State.”

The group said ” the people of Plateau State find the statement of Sen Suswan on the floor of the National Assembly where he called on his colleagues to remove the elected Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Yakubu Sanda, as absurd, insensitive and bizarre, with intent to instigate hatred and crisis in the state. “

The group wondered why a former Governor and Senator of neighbouring Benue State will postulate on Plateau affairs, without consulting with Senator Hezekiah Dimka and Senator Nora Dadu’ut who are his colleagues, to get a balanced position of developments in their State.
” is he the Governor-General of Benue and Plateau states?” the statement querried.

According to the group ” we are surprised that Sen Suswan who kept mute amid insecurity in his constituency, resulting in the gruesome murder of his brother and the attempted murder of Alfred Atera, Council Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA,
has suddenly regained his voice to castigate Gov Simon Lalong over actions of an independent arm of Government”

Speaking further, the group urged Sen Suswan to focus his attention more on the recall process being championed by his constituency for lack of performance and adequate representation.
It will be recalled that Sankera United for Democracy and Development (SUDD) has threatened to initiate the recall of Senator Gabriel Suswam of Benue State for allegedly neglecting the Sankera people of Benue North-East, which he represents, comprising of Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala councils.

The group led by Edward told reporters in Abuja that consultation had been concluded to begin the process of recalling Suswam from the senate.

“Our people cannot breathe anymore. The most disturbing aspect of this is the incontrovertible fact that our son, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has become a fugitive senator.

“To his satisfaction, he has maintained a vivacious silence. His absence in his immediate constituency of Sankera to address the people is disturbing. Suswam has committed many sins against the people of Sankera,” he said.

The group advised Sen Suswan to go back to Katsina-Ala and apologise to his suffering constituents and stop embarrassing the good people of Benue State who share common heritage with their Plateau neighbours.

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS ALBUM LAUNCH BY PASTOR ERNEST DADES; CHALLENGES NIGERIAN ARTISTES TO PROJECT PEACE, UNITY AND HARMONY.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Sunday 14th November 2021, graced the album launch of one of the leading Christian gospel music artistes in Plateau State and Nigeria, Pastor Ernest Dades at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, Dadin-Kowa Jos.

Governor Lalong while commending the musician for his enduring service to God and humanity through music, said the artiste continues to churn out quality music while mentoring younger ones in the industry.

Lalong said Pastor Ernest Dades has consistently produced music that is inspired by the Holy spirit which has transformed lives and provided godly entertainment for many Nigerians across various faiths and socio-economic backgrounds.

He recalled how the artiste contributed to his campaign in 2015 by producing music that captured the truth and conveyed the concept of justice, equity, unity and peace to the people of Plateau who embraced it and ensured that the collective will of the people prevailed over the diviations of the time.

He said “Plateau State belongs to all of us and nobody will be allowed to dominate another because he or she thinks he has more strength. We have to do everything possible to provide a good environment for all people of Plateau State to achieve their aspirations within the concept of One Plateau. Pastor Dades propagated this message strongly in 2015 and I urge him to continue to do so even as we move closer to another transition”.

The Governor also asked the people of Plateau State to ignore those who are trying to plant seeds of discord and cause choas using politics of exclusion and incitement, saying the time for such divisive political rhetoric has long gone, and the storm of strife and acrimony is over in Plateau State.

“There is no need for bitterness and unnecessary heating up the polity because Plateau people will decide their leaders based on the template that they ensured was sustained when they brought this Government into office. Yesterday was another zone, today is the Southern zone and tomorrow, it will be another zone. Do not be deceived by politicians who are going up and down poisoning minds. What we are focused on now as a Government is to empower our youths though agriculture, job creation and skill development. Thousands have been trained and more will be trained in the coming months and also empowered” he said.

He launched the new album entitled ” Marmarin Sujada (Desire for Worship)” and also pledged to support the live recording of the compendium of songs by the artiste scheduled for next year. The Governor also directed Dades to work with other artistes to organise a concert before Christmas where the people will converge to give praise to God for his goodness to Plateau State.

Pastor Ernest Dades appreciated Governor Lalong for his support over the years and said he was honoured to have him physically grace the occasion which is a major motivation for him and other artistes. He also appreciated the promise by the Governor to support some artistes with transport logistics to assist them in Ministry.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
14th November 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEW COCIN PRESIDENT, REV. DR. AMOS MOHZO

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the President-elect of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo who was elected on Friday at the Church’s 100th General Church Council meeting in Jos.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the election of Rev. Dr. Mohzo as another higher calling in his spiritual journey where he has served the Church in various capacities over the years.

The Governor recalled that the Borno-born cleric was until his recent election as COCIN Vice President, the Church’s General Secretary, a position he rose to while serving as the Church’s Deputy General Secretary.

Lalong said the overwhelming election of the new COCIN President by the General Church Council was an affirmation of the confidence he has built over the years in the service of God and the discharge of his duties in propagation of the gospel of salvation and service to humanity.

The Governor acknowledged that the new COCIN President will be coming into office at a time when there is grater need for the Chuch to do more in praying for the salvation of men, and also for God’s intervention in the challenges that the nation continues to face particularly in areas of insecurity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

He asked him to devote himself to his spiritual calling and provide the needed leadership for the Church to carry out its mandate of bringing people to Christ and making the society a better place by teaching love, righteousness, tolerance, justice and honesty among other virtues that are contained in the Holy Bible.

He pledged the continued commitment and collaboration of the Plateau State Government and his Rescue Administration to the Church to ensure that the tenure of the new President is not only fruitful, but transformational in bringing people closer to God and one another.

Lalong also prays that the new COCIN President who was one time Provost of Gindiri Theological Seminary, will work hard to find a quick and lasting solution to the obstacles that are holding the take-off of the Karl Kumm University Vom, owned by COCIN, which was granted licence to commence academic activities but is yet to do so.

The Governor also commended the outgoing President Rev. Prof. Dachollom Datiri for his service to the Church, Plateau State and the nation at large and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th November 2021

SPEAKER RT. HON. YAKUBU SANDA PRESIDES OVER PLENARY AS HOUSE LAMENTS DESTRUCTION AT ASSEMBLY COMPLEX; SEEKS ALTERNATIVE FACILITY AND IMMEDIATE REPAIRS OF COMPLEX.

Plateau State House of Assembly has condemned the destruction that occured in the house following the recent upheavals in the Assembly, leading to vandalization of many items that has made the House facilities, particularly the hallowed chambers unsuitable for legislative business.

To this end, the House has passed a resolution seeking to move its legislative business to the Chambers of the Old Government House, pending the repairs of the damaged and vandalised facilities in its hallowed Chamber.

This followed a resolution arising from a motion moved by Majority Leader Hon. Naanlong Daniel seeking the intervention of the Governor to provide an alternative facility for their legislative business and also facilitate the repairs of various parts of the Assembly complex which were destroyed by hoodlums recently. The motion was unanimously supported by members.

At the House sitting which was presided over by the Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda on Friday 12th November 2021, the Honourable members lamented the unfortunate development that occured after the change of leadership where hoodlums gained access to the house including the hallowed chambers and caused serious damages.

The House which was billed to begin deliberations on the 2022 Appropriation Bill and the request for confirmation of the extension of appointment of Chairman and Members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC, had to stand down the items on the Order Paper because of the deplorable nature of the chambers.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda assured that the House will soon regain stability as the events of the recent past are under control and the new leadership of the House under him is doing everything possible to ensure that lost ground is regained and the business of law making and oversight for the good of the Plateau people is carried out seamlessly.

Before adjourning, the House appreciated the support of the good people of Plateau State who have remained calm and prayed for the quick resolution of the recent upheavals in the House, assuring that they will always act in the interest of the people at all times.

Sebastine Hommuk,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Plateau State House of Assembly.
12th November 2021.

Prof. Tanko Ishaya is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Acadamic), University of Jos.

The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya is a Professor of Computer Science with a Mathematics background and specialism and experience in Data Engineering, Computer Security and Forensics. He obtained his B.Sc. in Mathematics Education (2nd Class Upper Division) in 1992 at University of Jos and began work as a lecturer in Mathematics at the College of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State. Professor Tanko proceeded to the University of Manchester, United Kingdom to pursue an M.Sc. programme in Computation which he successfully completed in 1997. He later enrolled for his PhD in Computing Studies which he successfully completed in 2001. Professor Tanko was promoted to the rank of Professor of Computer Science in 2012.

He joined the University of Hull in October 2000 as a Lecturer and was Head of the Centre for Internet Computing at the University before returning to Nigeria in 2008 as a visiting Professor to the University of Jos whilst on his Sabbatical. Professor Tanko was the founding Director of the University’s Directorate for Information and Communication Technology from where he returned back to the University of Hull in January 2009 after his Sabbatical.

Professor Tanko came back to Unijos in 2012 on special request by the University to serve as the Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and doubled as the pioneer Head of Computer Science Department at the University. He has served in over 60 University Committees at the University of Hull and the University Jos. A member of several professional bodies and associations, including the being a Fellow of both the British Computer Society (BCS) and Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Professor Tanko is a seasoned, multi-skilled IT professional equipped with over Twenty-Five (25) years experience.

BREAKING -PLATEAU NEW SPEAKER YAKUBU SANDA PRESIDES OVER PLENARY AT THE HALLOWED CHAMBER
Breaking -Plateau new Speaker Yakubu Sanda presides over plenary
Speaker of the Plateau state House Rt Hon Yakubu Sanda is currently presiding over plenary at the hallowed chamber of the state house of assembly.

Our correspondent reports that the Speaker Sanda arrived the state assembly complex alongside 11 members around 11 40 am Friday morning.

He moved into the chamber at exactly 12 .12 .

Most of the members present at the chambers are that of the All progressive Congress , as no single member from the Peoples Democratic party was seen inside the plenary .

It could be recalled that the members had appealed to the Inspector General of Police( IGP )to unseal the house to enable members to continue their legislative function, in-view of the numerous bills on ground which required legislative attention including the 2022 appropriation bill which was laid by the state Governor Simon Lalong recently .

Hon. Naanlong Daniel Majority leader, Plateau State House of Assembly ,who addressed newsmen in Jos on Thursday said “it became imperative that they address newsmen and put the records straight in-view of the aftermath of the change of leadership in the Plateau State House of Assembly.”

The lawmakers had before the commencement of the plenary accessed the damages carried out in the house.

More details soon

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS MEMORIAL MASS FOR LATE ARCHBISHOP G. G. GANAKA; PRAISES HIS LEGACIES

Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the legacies of the late Archbishop of Jos, Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka have continued to manifest in the growth of the Church in Plateau State and other parts of the nation.

The Governor was speaking at the Fatima Cathedral Jos during the memorial mass in honour of the late Archbishop Ganaka.

He said the late Archbishop did a lot to plant the seeds for the growth of the Church and the propagation of the gospel in Plateau State and other parts of the country particularly the North.

He said late Archbishop Ganaka taught love, humility, forgiveness, tolerance and sacrifice which has been inculcated among the people in the various churches over the years.

Lalong told the congregation to continue to pray for the leadership of the State and the nation especially at these difficult times, saying by the grace of God, the challenges will pass away soon.

The Governor said ahead of the 2023 elections, the people must pray and commit all political actors to God for direction and guidance. He said rather than panic, they should prepare to participate in the process and ensure that the right people are elected.

Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most. Revd. Mathew Ishaya Audu said the late Archbishop G.G. Ganaka was a priest who stood for his calling and served God and humanity with zeal and sincerity.

He said the Archbishop G.G Ganaka raised and mentored many priests and faithful Christians who are today serving God in various places and changing lives.

He urged the congregation to sustain his legacies and seek for eternal things rather than earthly riches and titles that fade away.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th November 2021.