DG ITF urges staff to imbibe reading culture

Director General of the Industrial Training Fund ITF Sir Joseph Ari on Monday said reading is a critical tool of empowerment.

He also stressed the need for all staff of ITF to engage themselves to imbibe reading culture.

Ari made this known while speaking at the ITF 14th Library week held at the headquarters in Jos.
“In the ITF, the first Library Week was organised in 2007 and was aimed at boosting the reading culture in the ITF staff and other users. Since then, the event has been organised every year, leading to marked increment in the patronage of its numerous services, he added .

Represented by Dickson Onuoha ,the Director Information and Communication of the fund ,Ari said “I am very delighted to be here for the 14th edition of the ITF Library Week, which is an important activity on the Fund’s annual calendar that affords us the platform to celebrate the invaluable role of libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming societies.

In his words ” What we are celebrating today, dates back to 1958, when the American Library Association (ALA) organised the first library week. “

He further said that the decision to organise the Library week by the Association was premised on the fact that fewer people were spending money on books, and devoting more time to television and radio shows.

Ari also added that this year, the ITF Library Week with the theme: Library Matters: Building a Reading Culture, is in furtherance of our continued efforts to ensure well rounded staff that are mentally and intellectually prepared to drive the achievement of our onerous mandate.

“As you may be aware, the ITF Library offers an array of services and opportunities for knowledge growth within our community because it contains a wide range of books on various subject matters for diverse readers, and is open not only to staff and their children/wards but to members of the general public desirous of taking advantage of its immense resources. “

The question may be asked; why the emphasis on building a reading culture? Why do libraries matter? For us, the answer is simple; as the leading Human Resource Development Organisation in Nigeria, with the wide ranging mandate to provide, promote and encourage the acquisition of skills, we are expected to be ahead of the field in the discovery of new and trending skills, information and knowledge. For us therefore, knowledge creation is a sine qua non.

It is often said that, “You cannot give what you don’t have.” Therefore, for the ITF to sustain the momentum of growth, increasing relevance and its positioning as a leader in the ever changing and fast-paced knowledge economy in Nigeria, we must embrace and imbibe a strong reading culture otherwise, our vision of aspiring to be among the best in the world will not be fully realized.

This is because organisations that embrace a reading culture build creative and innovative teams that set the tone for development in their sector. In addition, a reading Organisation is basically a learning Organisation that will remain ever relevant because they are able to adapt to any change in the environment that is occasioned by either technology or policies of Government.

He stressed that reading is not only for organizational growth alone but also for individual benefit as it aids in developing the individual’s thoughts, cognitive mental stimulation and brain exercising, vocabulary and knowledge expansion, stress and tension relief and helps with depression and dysthymia amongst others.

Ari called on citizens to visit the library and pick a book and read. I implore you to also make reading part of your daily life; Make a plan read a book a month and by the end of the year, you would have read twelve books.

“We have a library that can boast of being one of the best on the Plateau State. I urge you to visit our library and I assure you that you will find interesting books and other educational resource that will be worth your while”, he further stressed .

WEDDING RECEPTION OF BAPYIBI JOB; HON GAGDI CALLS ON THE COUPLE TO SET THE FOUNDATION OF THEIR HOME ON PATIENCE, LOVE AND TOLERANCE.

Despite the tight engagement of Rt Hon. Gagdi due to the state congress of the APC yesterday, Saturday 16th October 2021; for the love and premium the member have for his constituents, made out time to attend the wedding reception of Mr Bapyibi Jobguyson at Zumji Event Centre Jos.

The lawmaker admonished the couple to build their home with love, tolerance and patience serving as the cornerstone.

He reiterated his commitment towards giving his utmost best to the development of the constituency and the constituents as he won’t relent in his people-centric dispositions of representation.

The father of the groom Engr. Job Bungsgyakman shows his appreciation to Hon Gagdi’s leadership style of carrying all his constituents along irrespective of tribe or religion.

From the wedding reception, Hon Gagdi heeded straight to Crest Hotel, the venue of the party’s state congress which as a loyal and obedient party man participated in the process of getting a state leadership for the party from the start to finish.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE NEW PLATEAU APC EXCO FROM RT HON. YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI

The peaceful conduct of APC congresses in Plateau State, which climaxed with the emergence of the Rufus Bature led Executive Committee was a clear indication of the party’s to retain power in Plateau State beyond 2023.

While extending my warmest felicitations to Hon. Rufus Bature and his EXCO, may I reiterate that the choice of the incoming party chairman to pilot affairs of the party at this transition period is the best thing that happens to the party in the state, giving the pedigree of the chairman and his enviable antecedents.

Having worked with him during the first tenure of Lalong administration when he was the SSG, while I was Deputy Speaker of the state legislature, I have known him well enough to vouch for his sterling leadership credentials.

With his role as the DG of the Rescue Campaign Organization that wrestled power from the then ruling PDP to install the present administration, and his robust leadership as minority leader of the state legislature, when I was one of the aides to the then Deputy Speaker, the late Zumunta Musa of blessed memory, I can attest to his unquestionable leadership prowess; which he will bring to bare in galvanizing fortunes of the APC in Plateau State for a greater victory in the coming general elections.

As you brace up to assume the mantle of leadership of our great party, I enjoin you to exhibit high sense of responsibility in the discharge of your duties and lead with the fear of God.

You have the assurance of my unalloyed loyalty and dedication to help you succeed in the task ahead.

Once again, congratulations and best wishes in your new responsibilities!

Signed:
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
(Dan Malikin Kanam),
Member representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy.

GOVERNOR LALONG EULOGIZES GBONG GWOM JOS @ 70

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba as a patriotic leader whose passion for peace, justice and unity has assisted in the substantial restoration of peace and tranquility in Plateau State and clearly reflects in his conduct and utterances over the years.

Governor Lalong while speaking at a reception to mark the 70th birthday of the monarch in Jos, said the Royal Father has not only demonstrated consistency in his advocacy and creation of conducive environment for peaceful coexistence and economic prosperity of Plateau State, but that of the entire nation.

Lalong said the life story of Da Jacob Gyang Buba has been characterized by persistence, patience, diligence, honesty and philanthropy both in his professional career and Royal capacity.

He said as the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs, the Gbong Gwom has continued to mobilise the Royal Institution towards supporting the Rescue Administration in restoring peace and security in the State. Such efforts he said have assisted the Government to consolidate on its achievements in various sectors.

In their goodwill messages, Former Governor Dara Janah Jang, Long Goemai Miskom Martin Shaldas III, and others, said the celebrant is a man of his words who does not condone injustice, corruption and violence in any form.
This according to them has stood him out as a man of principle and courage.

In his response, His Royal Majesty the Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba appreciated the show of love demonstrated by his family, friends, well wishers, people of Berom land, Plateau State and Nigeria at large, saying he is humbled by the words of affirmation and encouragement.

He decried the level of insecurity, intolerance and disharmony that has denied the country and Plateau State in particular the stability for growth and development. He said this is most unfortunate because the society has abandoned timeless values and has been raising children that are confused on the right path to a greater society.

He thanked Governor Lalong for carrying along the Traditional Institution and working for peace and reconciliation, a development he said he will continue to support and promote.

The Gbong thereafter bestowed traditional titles on 10 individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria at large. They include  Mr. Austin Pam Dalyop (Galadiman Jos) Engr. Jang Chuwang Tanko (Jarman Jos), Alh Mansur Nakande (Makaman Jos), Chief (Dr) Felix Ezeanoche ( Mutawallen Jos) Da Toma Chuwang Minti (Ngwom Nkanang) Da Michael Gyang Pam (Sarkin Pada), Da Choji Zang Tott (Talban Jos), Mrs. Felicia Chomo Sodipe (Jakadiyan Jos), Mrs. Sarah Dagah (De Sele Berom), as well as Mallam Yakubu Ibn Mohammed DG NTA, a childhood friend of the Gbong Gwom who was given the title of Tafidan Jos.


Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
17th October 2021

ALH. (DR) DANLADI GARBA PASALI, CONGRATULATE PLATEAU STATE APC FAMILY FOR A SUCCESSFUL STATE CONGRESS YESTERDAY.

On behalf of we the BUHARI CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION (BCO) have loudly acknowledged the good works of Rescue Captain & His loyal Deputy and the good people of our dear party during the just concluded state Congress and have rewarded some of our party faithful with more work during the state Congress which Hon. Rufus Bature emerged as the State party Chairman. I have no doubt the people of PLATEAU state through our party APC are yet to see the best of your Leadership qualities. We shall all get it right inshallah in 2023 with the caliber of highly respected personalities we choose to lead our dear party to the next level of governance.

Once more, Congratulations our new party leadership and the rescue team.

Signed
Alhaji. (Dr) Danladi Garba Pasali
National Coordinator,
Buhari Campaign Organization

GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES PLATEAU APC FAMILY, AS NEW STATE PARTY EXCO EMERGE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the All Progressives Congress family in Plateau State remains a beacon of democracy and the hope for the peace, progress and unity of the State and the nation at large.

Governor Lalong who spoke at the APC State Congress in Jos where members of the State Executive Committee were elected, said the level of maturity and seamless conduct demonstrated by members clearly shows the strength of the party in the State and the unity of its members.

Lalong said the peaceful conduct of the State Congress which was through consensus shows how committed the members are in galvanising all differences and working together for the common interest of the party.

Lalong said such unity of purpose has been responsible for the continous acceptance of the party and its consolidation in Plateau State, which accounted for the recent overwhelming victory of the APC in the recent Local Government elections and enable the party to win in all the 17 Local Government areas.

While urging the new State party Executives to work in synergy with other party officials at the Local Government, Ward and Unit levels, Governor Lalong emphasized the need for them to carry along all members and be fair, honest and transparent in all their dealings.

Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase and other APC political leaders described the State Congress as yet another record breaker in the successes achieved by the party in the State.

They said this successful congress has clearly shown that the APC remains the biggest party in the State and across the nation with clear capacity for more victories in forthcoming elections. They urged members to come together and embrace reconciliation and patience in supporting the elected party officials to deliver on their mandate.

Responding on behalf of the newly elected State Exco, Chairman-elect Hon. Rufus Bature, immediate past Secretary to the Government of Plateau State and one time member of the State House of Assembly, expressed appreciation to the members and leaders of the party for electing them.

He said the fact that their election done through consensus without any challenges means that the party has fully evolved and is taking major strides in good governance, inclusivity and fairness to the citizens.

Bature specifically thanked Governor Lalong for giving the State the needed leadership that has endeared APC to the people and continued to give them hope. He said the party exco will support him and also carry along all members at all times and also avail them level playing field for aspiring to any position.

The election was conducted by the APC State Congress Committee set up by the national body and witnessed by INEC. The new Exco has 36 members.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
16th October 2021.

NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi CONDOLES THE FAMILY OF MAJ. GENERAL ABRAHAM LUKA DUSU

The leader of DVD Movement, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi received with shock the news of the sudden demise of Maj. Gen. Abraham Luka Dusu, who until his journey to the great beyond was the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia, Kaduna State.

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi says “This death has robbed Nigeria of one of its finest Generals whose dedication and commitment to duty and service to fatherland was exemplary.”

“The late General Dusu shall be greatly missed not only by his immediate family, the military, Barkin Ladi Local Government but the nation at large.”

Nde David Victor Dimka urged the family, the Berom nation, Plateau State, friends and associates to take solace in God who is the author and finisher of our lives.

May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his wife, children and the immediate family. Amen.

DVD Media Team

The Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency Plateau State, Hon. Simon Mwadkwon Ph.D today attended the House of Representatives Plenary for the first time since he was involved in a ghastly motor Accident on Friday 7th May, 2021 where he presented his Bill (HB. 23) for an Act to establish the North Central Development Commission for second reading.

He successfully presented the Bill on the floor of the House during the plenary session which was passed overwhelmingly.
The Bill was immediately committed to the committee of the whole and was adopted. The Bill is now ready for harmonization with the Senate before onward transmission to the President for assent.

When passed into Law by the President, the Commission will be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage Funds from allocation of the Federation Account for the region as a result of the effects of the crisis and has the propensity to create huge employment opportunities, address the humanitarian challenges faced by the displaced persons in the region which has suffered violent attacks/killings, tackle the ecological problems and other related environmental or developmental challenges in the North Central States.

The Lawmaker has again reiterated his commitment to providing people-oriented representation and making laws that will have direct impact to the people, Constituency, State, Region and Nation at large.

He praised God for sparing his life and restoring his health to enable him speak more on National issues. He appreciated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, Minority leadership, the entire leadership of the house and his colleagues for their prayers and unflinching support during the time of the accident. He applauded his Constituents and well meaning Nigerians for their spiritual and moral supports.

REPS PASSES BILL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION PANKSHIN

The quest to upgrade the Federal College of Education, Pankshin to the status of a full university of education for the award of Degrees in Education, in order to foster teacher education in Nigeria has taken a giant leap with the passage of a bill for that purpose by the House of Representatives today.

At the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase today, report on the bill presented earlier this year by the member representing Pankshi/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi for an Act to provide for the establishment of Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, for the promotion and development of education in Nigeria and other matters related thereto, was laid for consideration by the Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services, where the House had unanimously voted for the passage of the bill.

With this milestone achieved, the sponsor of the bill and member representing PKK was full of gratitude to the leadership of the House of Representatives for giving the bill the needed speedy consideration in view of the strategic importance of fostering education in Nigeria, by breeding high quality teachers, while assuring the takeoff of the university before the end of his tenure in 2023.

The lawmaker assures of speedy concurrence of the bill by the Senate, having already sought consideration of his colleagues in the red chamber and the assurance by leadership of the Senate to fast track concurrence of the bill once passed by the House of Representatives.

Speaking on why the bill has received speedy consideration of the House of Representatives and its likelihood to receive similar fate at the Senate, Rt Hon. Gagdi said such speed is underscored by the importance of the bill in the educational life of Nigerian nation and the dogged lobbying prowess of the sponsor of the bill.

As an alumni of FCE Pankshin, Gagdi said if all he could achieve in his four years tenure as the member representing PKK was the taking off of the institution, then he would have left the National Assembly a fulfilled man, who has achieved everything, not only for his constituency, but the state in general.

Gagdi assures the FCE community that the taking off of Federal University of Education, Pankshin is a near done project that will come to fruition in no distant future, as both human and capital resources already in the institution for its smooth takeoff.

In a related development, the member representing PKK has today, advocated for the completion of federal road projects in his constituency, while contributing on the debate on the general principle of the 2022 budget, which was presented to the National Assembly last week, as the lawmakers brace up for budget defense in coming weeks.

Reported by:
Gagdi Media Team

GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS WUKARI TARABA STATE; CONDOLES WITH JUKUN NATION OVER PASSAGE OF AKU UKA

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Thursday 14th October 2021 led a delegation from Plateau State to Wukari in Taraba State to condole with the Jukun nation over the passage of the Aku Uka, His Majesty, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa Ibi, Kuvyo II, CON, who recently joined his ancestors at the age of 84.

Lalong while condoling with the family, the traditional council and the entire Jukun nation, described the passage of the Aku Uka as painful. He however said there was great consolation by the fact that he lived a fruitful and long life where he impacted positively on the fortunes of his people and society at large.

He said the Royal Father who was the Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Traditional Rulers, demonstrated high sence of patriotism, peace and goodwill towards all manner of people irrespective of their backgrounds.

The Governor said he learnt a lot from the late monarch who was a father to him many others, and constantly reminded him of the need to be fair, just, humble and peaceful in all his activities. This he said has guided him in governance where he remains passionate about unity, forgiveness, dialogue and tolerance.

While praying God to grant the immediate family and the sons and daughters of Jukun nation the fortitude to bear the loss, he admonished them to keep alive the legacies of integrity, unity, loyalty and peaceful coexistence which the Royal Father preached and practised during his reign.

Also speaking, the Long Gamai of Shendam Miskoom Hubert Shaldas III said the passage of the great monarch who reigned for about 45 years was filled with achievements that brought peace and progress to the land as well as improved the lives of the Jukun people.

He said the Gamai nation will continue to remember its roots in the Kwararafa Kingdom and also uphold the rich history and tradition that has made the people stand out anywhere in the world.

Responding on behalf of the most senior traditonal title holder in the palace, the former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Samuel Danjuma Gani expressed the deep appreciation of the Aku Uka palace and the Jukun nation for the show of love and solidarity of the Government and people of Plateau State.

He said the Governor who as a Kwararafa son has recieved a traditonal title from the kingdom, continues to show high sense of fraternity and solidarity with the Jukun nation.

He said the respect and honour he has done to the Royal Father both in death and in life will never be forgotten.

Dr. Samuel used the opportunity to also thank the entire people of Plateau State who have maintained friendship and goodwill with not only the Jukun people, but the entire people of Taraba State.

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