DG Jos business school Gomos urges F
Director General of the Jos Business School Nde Ezekiel Gomos has said that unless Nigeria invests in human capital development through skills development and building of productive capacity to deliver quality services, the nation cannot overcome endemic poverty.





He made this known in Jos during a paper presentation at the Industrial Training Fund ITF’s golden jubilee celebration .



Speaking on the theme: Changing the poverty narrative through skills, The role of the ITF and the imperative for institutional synergy,” Gomos, a former Secretary of the Plateau State Government noted that in the 1960s, only 15% of Nigerians were poor but today, the country has 70% of the poor people coming behind India and China.







His words, “The 33% unemployment rate in Nigeria is quite challenging, Management of ITF, the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and all stakeholders must do what is necessary to change the poverty narratives of the country.



He added that “Poverty level in Nigeria is massive and devastating and leads to social vices, ITF’s impacts are just a scratch on the surface, more needs to be done to breach the skills gap in the nation’s economy. Nigeria should emulate Vietnam in aggressive skills education which help them to lift 50 million people out of poverty within a decade.







“Skills remain the currency of the 21st century to pull Nigeria out of poverty. We must also focus on socio-emotional skills and digital skills must be fused into all we do and there must be synergy with relevant stakeholders. The nation needs a national skills development summit to improve and coordinate skills acquisition programmes.”



It would be recalled that the ITF was established on October 8, 1971 with the core mandate to develop human resources by training Nigerians on skills relevant for the industrialization of the country.

JUBILATION AS GOVERNOR LALONG SWEARS IN 17 ELECTED CHAIRMEN

There was huge jubilation and ecstatic celebrations as Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong swore in 17 Local Government Chairmen elected in the elections conducted peacefully on Saturday, 9th October 2021.

The New Government House, Little Rayfield was agog as a mamoth crowd of citizens, politicians, traditional and religious leaders, as well as supporters of the elected Chairmen converged to witness the event.

The Victoria Gowon Hall where the event took place was packed to capacity with thousands of others unable to get access due to capacity.

While swearing in the Chairmen, Governor Lalong said the elections were conducted peacefully without any incident throughout the State. He said “I use this opportunity to commend the people of Plateau State for their exemplary conduct, resilience and patriotism throughout the exercise. I also congratulate the Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) for conducting one of the best elections in the history of the State adjudged to be free, fair and credible. Despite the legal fireworks that persisted up to few hours before the polls, they were able to carry out their constitutional mandate according to law”.

Lalong said without doubt, this is a very significant achievement in the democratic journey and the efforts to build a Plateau that is inclusive, egalitarian and progressive.

He expressed delight that all political parties and candidates had equal opportunity to participate in the process from the beginning, while those who had issues within their parties exploited all legal options to ventilate their grievances rather than resorting to taking laws into their hands.

The Governor described as frivolous and unfortunate the rumours and disinformation being propagated by the opposition that he sidelined the PDP from participating in the elections. He said PLASIEC which is an independent body organised the elections according to the Constitution and its guidelines, and his party the APC had to also comply. To therefore blame him for their misfortune according to him, is most disappointing.

Lalong charged the elected Local Government Chairmen to see their victory as a call to service and an opportunity to serve the people.

“From today, you have ceased to be leaders of your parties, religious or ethnic groups only. You are to work for all citizens including those who did not vote for you. Furthermore, your victory is for the people and not an opportunity to settle scores with anybody or enrich yourselves” he said.

On revenue generation and project implementation,  Lalong said “In developing your blueprints, you must think outside the box and explore other sources of revenue generation that will enable you carry out people-oriented projects. You must key into the new joint revenue drive between the State and Local Governments which commenced last year in order to ensure that we tap from revenue sources that have been neglected over the years”.

He also asked them to take advantage of the full Autonomy currently being enjoyed by the Local Government System in Plateau State to do more for their people by embracing prudence, accountability and according priority to the programmes and projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman Kanam Local Government Alh. Dayyabu Garga promised that they will do their best to carry out the Rescue agenda by consulting widely and carry along all stakeholders in running the affairs of the Local Government.

He said they will do justice, administer fair treatment and avoid selective treatment in the distribution of projects and services within their domain.

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

We wish to write and apologize on behalf of FREELANCE REPORTERS ONLINE NEWS BLOG for publishing an unverified news item with the above caption. As a reputable online news reporting blog, we want to take full responsibility for the publication, however it’s pertinent to note that the document given to our reporter was totally false and nothing in that article is true, as investigation through our contact with the Honourable Member representing Langtang North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Beni Lar and security investigation also revealed that nothing of such exists at all as the publication was given to our reporter by an individual whose motive we do not know and we totally distance ourselves from all that publication and we have provided all necessary information to securities.

We wish to note that according to the article, Hon. Beni Lar has never contacted anybody in the form of NSCDC, DSS, Police or Nigerian Army etc to attack any PLASIEC officials or cause break down of peace in the federal Constituency where she represents.

We as a reputable media outfit deeply regret our action in publishing this untrue article and sincerely apologize to the general public, the good people of Plateau State, especially the federal Constituency of Langtang North and South and to the Honourable Member representing Langtang North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Beni Lar and we pledge that such will not reoccur again.

Prince Rotdunna Sekat

Editor-in-chief, Freelance Reporters

WHITEMONEY  WINS BBN SEASON 6

3rd October, 2021.

It is no longer news that Whitemoney who’s real names are Hazel Oyeye Onou has clinched the prize money of #90 million, as this years winner of Big Brother Nigeria season 6. This was announced Sunday night the 3rd of October, 2021.

Whitemoney has been a clear fans favourite from day one, he was closely followed by first runner up Roseline Onokhoa popularly known as Liquorose, then Pere before Cross. 

Angel and Emmanuel were earlier evicted.

This curbs up a new generation of Nigerian enterpreneurs who are expected to do great in their various choosing field of investment.

Congratulations once more to Mazi Whitemoney!!!

The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has issued a stern warning to the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC, to include it in the Saturday Local Government Elections, or the elections will not hold.
In a statement signed by Kefas Sumdi on behalf of the PDP chairman, Chris Hassan which a copy was forwarded to Freelance Reporters, stated that the party chairman gave the warning in Langtang North at the unveiling of Hon. Beni Lar, member representing Langtang North/Langtang South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives as an Amazon of women by the Mega Voice of Women. According to the statement, Hassan said the PDP is doing its best to make sure it participates in the October 9th election or no election will hold.
He accused PLASIEC of connivance with the State Government of giving the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, undue advantage to subdue the opposition party. And that the commission should come clean in its responsibility to give PDP forms or there will be no election on Saturday.
He said, “The era of Political victimization of opposition is over as the party will use all its might to fight injustice.”
Furthermore he alleged that the APC is afraid of the PDP, adding that the ruling party should not use PLASIEC as an underdog to deny PDP in the forth coming LG election.
The State Chairman claimed optimism that his party will win all the LGs when election is conducted.
On how he intends to stop the elections, a phone call was put to him by 4:19 pm Sunday, but he couldn’t pick and did not called back up to the time of filing this report. Earlier, a call was made to John Akans the Publicity Secretary of the PDP at the same time, but didn’t pick or called back at the time of filing this report. Thus; it could not be ascertained whether the PDP intends to use violence, or the courts to stop the elections. However, some stalwarts of the party have the record of making inflammatory statements when it comes to elections.
It would be recalled that in 2002 Damishi Sango issued a stern warning while talking to News Watch, magazine that his boys will go to polling booths with petrol to set ablaze anyone that rigged the elections. In 2018 during the skirmishes in some parts of Jos North, Jonah David Jang, made a call that everyone should take up arms to defend themselves saying that President Buhari will not be able to defend them. And that President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Lalong should be impeached.
Also in 2017 during their press briefing on May 29, the party Chairman, Damishi Sango made caricature of the two years of peace being enjoyed in the state, and instead of encouraging peace he said the state was sitting on a keg of gun powder. These they said aside their support for the violent and illegal impeachment of then Governor Joshua Dariye in 2006 to clinch to power.
Pundits opined that they are watching to see how they will stop the elections, whether through court injunctions or the use of thugs.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has reaffirmed his commitment to
the provision of welfare, adequate operational platforms and logistics as catalyst to boost the fighting spirit of NA personnel.

The COAS disclosed this during his maiden working visit to 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in Jos, the Plateau State capital. He emphasized that the welfare of troops is a top priority of his administration.

While addressing officers and soldiers of the Division, the COAS noted that through persistent demonstration of professionalism in all assigned tasks, the current security challenges could be surmounted.

He charged the personnel of the Division to consistently demonstrate high level of professionalism in the discharge of their assigned duties. He assured of his commitment to their welfare, provision of equipment and infrastructure within available resources to enable them succeed in their various tasks.

During the visit, the General Officer Commamding 3 Division, who also doubles as the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Maj Gen I Ali briefed the COAS on the operational activities, achievements, successes and challenges of the Division.

The COAS commended the Division for living up to its responsibilities and urged them not to rest on their oars until peace is restored in their Area of Responsibility, particularly in the Plateau. He assured the Division of his continued support to enhance their operational engagements.

While speaking to journalists, the COAS noted that his visit to 3 Division was to interact with the troops, as well as encourage and assure them of his support in the discharge of their duties. He however stressed that security is everybody’s business and urged all agencies of government, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, professionals, as well as, all citizens to work in togetherness for peace and security of the country.

During the visit, the COAS presented a Toyota Hilux Vehicle to the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Division, in fulfilment of his pledge to revitalize the position of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) as custodians of tradition, ethos and regimentation in the NA. He added that empowering the RSMs will give them the necessary enablement to discharge their duties effectively.

*ONYEMA NWACHUKWU*
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
30 September 2021

SPECIAL PRESS STATEMENT:

It has come to the notice of the Plateau State Government that there are rumours of a planned protest tomorrow Friday, 1st October, 2021.

While Government acknowledges and respects the right of citizens to peaceful protest, it however reminds the general public that the ban on public procession by whatever guise and name is still in force.

Government therefore warns the organisers of the purported protest to drop the idea in the interest of peace and security.

Security agents have been placed on red alert to rise up to the challenge by arresting anyone who violates this directive.

The Government also enjoins all law abiding citizens to go about their normal duties without any fear of molestation or intimidation.

Parents are also advised to rein in their wards and continue to support the Government in working for the restoration of total normalcy to the State.
Happy 61st Independence Celebration.

ALWAYS THINK PLATEAU AND ACT PLATEAU.

Dan Manjang,
Honourable Commissioner,
Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
Thursday 30th September, 2021.

With recent developments, there are strong indications that, there might not be a Chairmanship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State in the forthcoming, Plateau State Local Government Elections, as a Plateau State High Court has granted Orders of Interlocutory Injunctions, restraining the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) from giving effect to the alleged unconstitutional primary election of the APC in Pankshin Local Government Area.

The Plateau State High Court, Pankshin Division, presided over by, Hon. Justice, B. S. Ngyou, upon hearing a Motion on Notice brought by Abafaras Gabriel Ngolong and Rotshak G. Yokden(Plaintiffs/Applicants) pursuant to Orders 42 and 43 of the High Court of Plateau State (Civil Procedure) rules 2020, has granted an Order of Interlocutory Injunction, restraining the APC, being the 1st Defendant, in suit No. PLD/P27CV/M2/2021, whether by itself, its agents, privies of assigns or any other person acting through it, or however, from recognizing or further recognizing, Hon. Audu Kak’mena (2nd Defendant), as the nominated candidate from the primary election purportedly held on the 24th of June, 2021, and/or presenting or submitting his name to PLASIEC (3rd Defendant), as the nominated candidate of the APC for the Chairmanship position of Pankshin LGA of Plateau State in the forthcoming Plateau State Local Government Councils elections, pending the determination of the Plaintiffs/Applicants substantive suit.

The Court also granted an Order of Interlocutory Injunction, restraining PLASIEC (3rd Defendant) from giving effect to the purported primary election of the APC of Pankshin LGA, pending the determination of the Plaintiffs/Applicants’ Substantive suit.

From the face of the Orders of the Court, the 2nd Defendant, Hon. Audu Kak’mena has been also restrained from parading himself or acting or presenting himself as the candidate of the APC for the Chairmanship position of Pankshin LGA in any manner whatsoever, pending the determination of the suit.

“And after hearing, M. A. Abdullahi (Esq) with J. E. Okpe for the Plaintiffs/Applicants, it is hereby ordered that: parties in the suit are directed to maintain the Status Quo Ante, pending the final determination of the substantive suit”. The Court Order further stated.

The case was adjourned to the 16th of November for hearing.

The Plateau Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP has expressed disappointment over the Plateau High Court Ruling by His Lordship Justice Ibrahim Kunda which dismissed the petition filed by the Party challenging its exclusion from the forthcoming Local Government Polls slated for 9th October, 2021 by the State Electoral umpire, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).

In a statement signed by the Party State Publicity Secretary, Hon. John Akans ksm, the party said the judgment exposed the true self as enemy of the people. It said it is shameful that a judge could go down to such despicable levels to show his contempt for the people of Plateau State by shocking attempt to demonize the cries of the people against injustice while seeking for justice.

“This judgment can only be celebrated by those whose consciences are dead to the plight of the people and marooned in government house at the feet of the oppressors of their people in quest to please ‘oga at the top’ for their personal gain”

“We therefore call on our members across the state to remain calm as arrangement has been made for an appeal to be filed immediately, which our legal team has commenced the process” the statement said.

According to him, the PDP will never allow anti democratic forces in an open confrontation with norms and values of democracy, and at this time the people will not be the victims of those forces.

The full statement reads;

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY(PDP) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, 20/22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS

29TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2021

PRESS STATEMENT

It was disappointing as we watched justice kunda delivered most ridiculous judgment in the history of the Nigerian judiciary.

It is obvious that this judgment has unveiled the government’s true self as enemy of the people. It is indeed shameful that a judge could go down to such despicable levels to show his contempt for the people of Plateau State by shocking attempt to demonize the cries of the people against injustice while seeking for justice.

In his judgment, the judge claimed that our case was based on the interpretation of a judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction and thus robbed him of jurisdiction to review or try. Notwithstanding he went ahead to wholesomely interpret and review, and also claimed that he could enforce the judgment by making far reaching orders which none of the parties asked for, one of which is the order of justice Gang in kaze’s case and the parties were not even invited by kunda to address him on those issues.

This judgment can only be celebrated by those whose consciences are dead to the plight of the people and marooned in government house at the feet of the oppressors of their people in quest to please ‘oga at the top’ for their personal gain.

We therefore call on our members across the state to remain calm as arrangement has been made for an appeal to be filed immediately, which our legal team has commenced the process.

The PDP will never allow anti democratic forces in an open confrontation with norms and values of democracy, and at this time the people will not be the victims of those forces.

We will not allow this merchants of retrogression succeed, as they only think of themselves and not the people.

Justice Kunda has clearly descended into the arena of the absurd and inflicted us with grave travesty of justice.

The people have rejected the APC and its agents and so it stands, so no amount of intimidation can change the peoples stand.

Election remains the only democratically available means of transition and changing an under performing administration such as what we have on the plateau under Lalong.

Long live the PDP!
Long live Plateau State!!

Signed..

John T Akans ksm FICA JP.
State Publicity Secretary (PDP)

Plateau state information and communication technology development Agency PICTDA Supported by GiZ, yesterday Organized a workshop for the validation of the ICT Value chain Gap Analysis and review of the Plateau State ICT Policy and Implementation Strategies.




The DG PICTDA Mr. David Daser made this known on his Facebook page. According to DG “the Plateau State ICT Development agency had a policy dialogue with various stakeholders within the Plateau State ICT sector.“

“It was a workshop for the validation of the Plateau State ICT Value Chain Gap Analysis and review of the Plateau State ICT Policy and implementation Strategies.”

David Daser also said “Plateau State ICT Value Chain Gap Analysis is a research sponsored by GiZ and carried out by nHub to analyse the gap in the Plateau State ICT value chain for the purpose of possible intervention.”




“The Policy dialogue that ensued was for the purpose of assaying possible grey areas of the policy vis-a-vis the research findings of the value chain gap analysis to answer the question of if a possible review of the policy was necessary at this time or not.”

“And yes, there is a need for a review.
Thanks to GiZ for the wonderful support and partnership.”