The Leader of DVD Movement in Plateau State, Nde Victor Dimka fsi, has directed that all Political engagements and consultations be suspended today, Monday April 11, 2022 with immediate effect.
The decision was taken in view of yesterday’s attack on some communities by Bandits in Kanam Local Government Area and similar attack that took place last week in Bassa LGA, all in Plateau State where many residents were killed with several others injured.
In a release signed and issued by his Media Aide, Boniface Kassam, the DVD leader and Governorship hopeful said the suspension was to mourn with the families of the departed and condole with the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt.Hon.(Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, the Executive Chairmen of Kanam and Bassa Local Government Councils, and the good people of the two Local Government Areas.
He described the unfortunate development as one of the most wicked and barbaric act ever experienced on the Plateau in recent times.
Nde David Victor Dimka fsi who expressed sadness also called on the government at all levels to ensure that the bandits who have been terrorizing innocent citizens especially in some communities of the State are fished out and the law takes its course.
Recall that the DVD Campaign Team had scheduled to visit some Local Government Areas today, Monday, April 12, 2022. However, normal activities of the Movement will resume tomorrow after today’s suspension.
BEING A PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PLATEAU INTERRELIGIOUS YOUTH COUNCIL HELD ON THE 30TH MARCH, 2023 BY 9:00 AM AT CREST HOTEL CONFERENCE HALL, JOS PLATEAU STATE
Gentlemen of the Press, distinguished Ladies and gentlemen Good morning. Today’s press Conference is significant to the progress, Growth and development of Plateau State. We have gathered you here this morning to say it with a loud voice and as a duty of patriotism and total conviction that as the 2023 election gets closer we the Plateau Interreligious Youth Council call on Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik to contest for the position of the Governor of Plateau State to improve our infrastructure, bring investments using his global network, ensure youth participation in Governance, Making the state a tourism hub through development of our tourism potential by replicating what he has seen and experienced in other parts of the world.
Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik is a business mogul who has done excellently well in providing humanitarian aid to our people, especially widows, orphans and the less privileged in Plateau State and beyond, he possesses a pragmatic leadership prowess which is evident in his success as one of Nigeria’s most successful automobile merchants in a highly competitive industry. Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik has an admirable ideological belief that has drawn him to be passionate about the wellbeing of the downtrodden and disadvantaged in his immediate and wider community, we have carefully researched about the viability of this aspiration to lead Plateau State and our findings has shown to be positive hence our call for him to contest for the number One position in Plateau State.
We are appealing to all patriotic citizens and stakeholders in Plateau State to ensure the realization of Chief Kefas Kefiano Wungak Ropshik’s election as Governor of Plateau State in 2023. Being a man who God has raised from a humble background he understands the predicaments of the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable among us.
worthy of mention as part of his philanthropic gestures are; 1. Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik has sponsored over 59,000 thousand treatments of poor people and 2,900 otf those are comprehensive surgeries for people who could not afford the cost of these medical procedures.
2. He facilitated the release of 127 inmates from the Jos correctional facility who were languishing in jail for minor cases or have been granted bail but could not afford to pay fines, this intervention secured the release of these inmates who are now being productive in society.
3. He has supported the entertainment on the Plateau through his sponsorship of events and entertainment projects too numerous to mention.
4. He was a joint sponsor of Plateau United FC in the CAF confederation tournament which the team participated in after winning the NPFL.
5. He has consistently sponsored youths in their hundreds for skills acquisition programs which has transformed to their source of livelihood.
6. Chief Kefas has brought succour to over 2,000 widows that have been direct beneficiaries of his food support programme in the 3 states of plateau,taraba and benue where he was born.
7. Chief Kefas has about 15 adopted children in plateau, he has consistently played a fatherly role in their lives providing them food, clothes and shelter. All 15 foster children are presently receiving their secondary education in the prestigious TCNN Secondary school and we are proud to say one of the child adopted is the current headboy of the school.
8. Chief Kefas has consistently made financial and material Support to all the orphanages on the plateau with a message of hope and a reason to live till they fulfill their purpose in life. Infact he can be deacribe as the husband to the widows and father to the fatherless, his passion for humanity has been consistent, it is fair to say if you “Think humanity Think kefiano”.
For now,Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik will be the best candidate to chart a new course for Plateau State, his track record as a successful businessman at such an early stage in his life in a very volatile and highly competitive industry shows his capacity to create wealth. His trait of being a highly skilled leader who identifies talents and ensure they reach the apex of their God given talents has renewed our confidence in his ability to choose the right people to work with him in the quest to deliver good Governance to the people of Plateau State. Hence we will support this movement one hundred percent.
Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshak has always defended the interest of Plateau State citizens at every given opportunity, his support for his fellow compatriots both in the private and public sectors is second to none. Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik’s Philanthropic campaigns have successfully distributed through his foundation, The Kefiano Foundation food items, building materials, hospital equipments, provision of free healthcare, payment of hospital bills, school fees, provision of cars and many others worth hundreds of millions to both Muslims and Christians in Plateau State and beyond consistently for the past 13 years.
We the Plateau State Interreligious Youth Council have put in place strong mechanisms and internal structures around Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik to ensure his emergence not only at the Primaries but also at the General election come 2023, we are aware that this call may not be easy to agree upon taking cognisance to the fact that a successful business magnet may not want to leave the comfort of his private business to join the murky waters of politics however, we are full of optimism that Chief Wungak Ropshak will listen to the voice of the people which is the voice of God to accept this herculean but not impossible call to rescue our State and wipe our tears by agreeing to contest the number one seat on the Plateau. Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik has continually fought, struggled,defended and projected Plateau State to succeed in all ramifications.
We call on all patriotic citizens of Plateau State to help us plead with Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik to come and contest for Governor of Plateau State as having him as a governor will restore the hopes and participation of intelligent young people in Governance which will further boost the economy and peace of Plateau State as a Leader with all sterling Leadership qualities, highly knowledgeable on E-commerce, an ardent believer in global best practices, a peace builder, a unifier, a philanthropist and a lover of humanity.
We are confident that his background in the private sector has made him well equipped with the best strategies to get things done in Governance, if this young man can use his personal resources for the development of Plateau and its people we believe he will transform our natural God given resources to wealth creation for the State. We believe in his ability to create wealth for the state such that we do not have to depend on monthly allocation from the coffers of the Federal Government when we have what it takes to create wealth, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik has what it takes to create this wealth giving his over 2 decades experience and network in the private sector. The youths in Plateau State are calling with a very thunderous voice for Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik to contest for the office of the Governor of Plateau State in 2023.
PLEASE CHIEF KEFAS WUNGAK ROPSHIK COME AND TRANSFORM PLATEAU!
The birth of ‘DVD Movement’ in Plateau State took everyone by surprise. A philosophy conceptualized by people of like minds few years before the retirement of the principal behind the movement, was an idea which time has come. Shortly before his retirement after years of service to the nation, friends and admirers who are witnesses to his tremendous contributions to the socio-economic development of the country began to harvest ideas on how such meritorious service could be extended to his home State, Plateau after retirement. And giving a shot at the governorship slot became a ready opportunity and option to actualize this ambition. Consequently, the emergence of this movement heralded the collective thinking that represent the voices of advocates who for long have been yearning for a people-centered governance leadership in Plateau State. A movement that is today seen as a pressure group set out to convince the man behind the scenes to aspire for the topmost leadership position in the State. The David Victor Dimka (DVD) Movement has today become a slogan and sing son that drives the aspiration and thinking of a personality called David Victor Dimka. The retired Comptroller of Customs who after a meritorious service in the Nigeria Customs Services decided to respond to this clarion call by seeking the mandate of Plateau people both at home and in the diaspora to extend the same selfless service which had placed him in an enviable position while in service. Therefore, his journey into the political landscape is a conscious step informed by his unequalled pedigree which has endeared him to so many people both within and outside Plateau State. His footprints in the Nigeria Customs Service as an excellent administrator and a dogged fighter against human rights violations speak volume. This is in addition to his humane attitude which earned him so much admiration and respect from people who cut across different strata of the Nigerian society. His contribution to the national economy while in service has remained a case study for officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service. Indeed, he left an indelible mark which till date, has become a reference point for the command and structure of the service as a self-made personality within the service with high level of due diligence and administrative capacity. These attributes were the secret behind the robust relationship he was able to establish with the low and mighty drawn from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds in Nigeria. Through their goodwill, his foray into the Nigerian political landscape came with much ease, placing him above the mire. His support to humanity and building blogs of relationships across the country have remained legendary to them. A critical analysis has revealed that the emergence of DVD Movement on the Plateau has broken barriers of ethnicity and religion, and has continued to build bridges of commonalities and collective interest among the people of Plateau State and the nation at large. Today, the wind is fast blowing and sweeping across the nooks and crannies of the State with a high intensity of buying-in of elders, men and women, youth, tribal and religious groups, professional, development and market associations. The expression of support by these groups and individuals have continued to soar and remain uncommon to the admiration of so many well wishers in and outside the State. Unravelling the secret behind this enviable status, one is quick to attribute it to the standards set by his late father who himself was a politician of high repute and a religious believer. The late D.D Dimka (of blessed memory) even though rose to the highest pinnacle of the Nigerian politics, he also contributed immensely to the growth of the Church in Plateau State having served the Church of Christ in Nigeria (now Church of Christ in Nations) in various capacities before he passed on. Such virtues helped built the character and mindset of the leader of the DVD Movement (David Victor Dimka) who today remains a household name in community development and service to humanity. Principles of equity, fairness, justice, and service to humanity have remained his guiding principles in dealing with people and he does that with utmost precision and diligence such that one often wonders how his inner mind works in such a quick succession. As we move towards 2023, it is our collective prayers and hope that the people of Plateau State will see in David Victor Dimka (DVD) the dynamism that is required of a leader, the zeal and willingness to serve, and a man ready to restore its past glory and move Plateau State beyond the present status of an enviable State.
NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi CONDOLES THE FAMILY OF BABA CAPTAIN DIN RTD
Nde David Victor Dimka fsi received with shock the news of the death of elder statesman Baba Captain Joseph Din rtd who passed on recently at the age of 84.
Nde David Victor Dimka fsi said, “the demise of Baba is a personal loss to me as he has been a great pillar of support to my family and I.” “Baba was an accomplished soldier who fought for the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria during the civil war with great valour. After retirement he distinguished himself as a great businessman, community leader who was the Mishkagham Dakyil of the Mwaghavul Nation. Baba was passionate about the Plateau Project and was a consummate politician whose Kalwa House was synonymous with politics in Plateau State. He believed in the unity, peace and progress of not only Plateau but Nigeria as a whole and stood tall in the defence of the cause of justice all his life.”
“On behalf of my family, the DVD Movement in Plateau State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Din family, the entire Mwaghavul nation, the Government and people of Plateau State and Nigerians at large over this irreparable loss.
“Baba has paid his dues and excelled in different spheres of human endeavor, leaving indelible footprints in the sands of time. We shall miss his fatherly advice as the Chairman of Plateau APC Elders Forum.”
Nde David Victor Dimka fsi prays for God to grant his soul eternal rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all of us.
NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi APPLAUDED PLASIEC FOR CONDUCTING PEACEFUL, CREDIBLE, AND FAIR ELECTIONS
Nde David Victor Dimka fsi a retired Comptroller of Customs hinted that he is pleased and impressed with the conduct of the elections and applauded PLASIEC for ensuring that the polls are peaceful, credible and fair. He stated this while casting his vote at Kabwir Pada polling unit in Kabwir District of Kanke Local Government Area.
He commended the impressive turnout which he said was indication that the Chairmanship and Councillorship Candidates are popular and loved by the people.
The retired Comptroller of Customs and 2023 Plateau State Governorship Aspirant lauded the orderliness of the people.
“Democracy begins with the locals at the grassroot levels and the people are being involved in the elections of those who will govern them” he hinted. He expressed delight that people at the grassroot are beginning to know their rights and duties as citizens.
PLATEAU APC CALLS FOR SECURITY AGENCIES TO PUT PDP LEADERSHIP ON RED ALERT Plateau APC calls for security agencies to put PDP leadership on red alert
The Ruling All Progressive Congress APC in Plateau State, has call the security agencies to placed the leadership of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on red alert in the event there is any break of law and order before, during and after the conduct of the forthcoming October, 9, 2021 Plateau State Local Government Councils election.
The APC made the call in a statement made available to this medium and was signed by Malam Bashir Musa Sati, State acting Secretary caretaker extraordinary committee and it reads as follows:
4th October,2022.
Press releases
The All Progressives Congress, has keenly noticed the state bewelderness and despitation in which the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have found themselves having lost in the High Court, whose judgement ordered for their non participation in the forthcoming Local Government Councils elections in the State.
We are not bothered about their internal wranglings that have in November 2020, led to the High Court judgement that nullified their State executives, thereby discarding any of their process leading to fielding candidates in an election.
However, we are suprised that while the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEIC), acted within the confine of the law, the PDP is now blaming the State Government and APC for its woes.
Our expectations is for the PDP to be civil in it’s approach to issues considering the lawful means at which it was ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
That the PDP is now saying it will, “use all it’s might to fight..,” and it must participate or, “no election will hold,” is a clear indication that it is instigating it’s people to go against the court Judgements and violently cause trouble in the state.
Therefore the APC deemed it necessary calling the attention of all Security agencies to be watchful and calls the PDP leadership under Chris Hassan to order. The PDP should also be held responsible for any eventual breach of peace and order in the State.
We call on all good people of Plateau State and in particular all APC members and supporters not to panic, remain peaceful and law abiding in all our doings.
Signed.
Malam Bashir Musa Sati, State acting Secretary caretaker extraordinary committee.
*COMMANDER OPSH PARLEY STAKEHOLDERS IN SOUTHERN KADUNA, CALLS FOR END TO HOSTILITIES*
The Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has met with the good people of Southern Kaduna, as part of his strategic engagement with critical stakeholders, where he called on all to put an end to all forms of hostility in the area. The meeting which had in attendance traditional rulers, religious and community leaders called for the need to give peace a chance.
While making his remarks, the Commander urged the stakeholders to come up with workable frameworks that will bring about lasting peace in the area. He further added that no meaningful development will take place without peace and security, urging all stakeholders to propagate peace so that socio-economic activities will thrive.
General Ali also used to medium to emphasize the importance of tolerance as stated in the religious books, stressing that this is necessary given our diversity as a people. “You must live together as brothers and sisters and work together to fight the common enemies of the society” he said. This he retorted is important for the common good of the society.
He urged stakeholders to educate their subjects on the importance of peace, adding that OPSH will continually discharge its constitutional responsibility with utmost respect for the sensitivity of the local environment. He further urged them to sustain the cooperation with OPSH, while discouraging tendencies like hate speech and disinformation that are capable of exacerbating crises in the society.
Speaking in their seperate remarks, the Mag Rafi Atyap, Deacon Simon Saddi, Rep of Emir of Jamaa, Imam Mohammed Kabir, Rep of Emir of Kagoro, Mr David Peter, Leader of the Hausa Community Zango Urban, Mr Yakubu Bature and others agreed on the need to continue to cooperate with the military for the restoration of peace in their communities. They also called on religious bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) and Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI) to prevail on their religious leaders not to incite their followers against one another.
The stakeholders also cautioned that until all the tribes in the area cooperate with security agencies by exposing criminal elements in their communities, it will be difficult for the desired end-state to be achieved. They had a consensus on the need to support the military by exposing the bad eggs amongst them.
You are please requested to disseminate this information to the general public through your medium.
*ISHAKU TAKWA* Major Military Information Officer 5 October 2021
GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES RELIEF MATERIALS FOR VICTIMS OF PLATEAU ATTACKS FROM FG
The visit of Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong to President Muhammadu Buhari in search of Federal Government intervention following the recent attacks in some parts of the State has continued to pay off with the delivery of relief materials for the victims.
Minister Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk who presented the relief materials to the Governor on behalf of the Federal Government said the materials were in fulfilment of the commitment made to the Governor when he visited the President and sought assistance for victims of the unfortunate incidents.
She said though the Federal Government is not happy about the loss of lives and properties occasioned by the attacks, it cannot fail to intervene in the lives of the people who have been put under serious jeopardy as a result of the attacks.
Sadiya commended Governor Lalong for working hard to restore normalcy as well as continue working for peace and security while going after criminals to ensure that they face justice.
She said the items worth almost 100 million naira consist of food and non-food items such as roofing sheets, nails, cement, rice, maize, beans beverages, soap and mattresses among others, are meant to assist the people get back to their feet.
Receiving the items, Governor Lalong said though the gesture is highly appreciated, the circumstances leading to the current situation make the occasion a solemn one because of the loss of lives and properties.
He however said the State is grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari both for his intervention in deployment of security forces and the humanitarian assistance which he said will go a long way in mitigating the sufferings of the people.
He thanked the Minister for giving prompt attention to the directive of the President and procuring the materials through NEMA for distribution to those affected.
Lalong said the Plateau State government is also looking forward to greater help from the Federal Government particularly in the area of relocation of IDPs. He said the State is anxiously awaiting the promise of ten Billion naira from the Federal Government which was made by the Vice President during the visit to the State after the Gashish attacks.
Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden who is the Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency said the items will be distributed directly to the victims who have been identified and also recieved the items earlier procured by the State.
NEMA DG, Ahmed Habib disclosed that on recieving the directive for intervention, the agency carried out enumeration which revealed that there are 15 thousand affected persons in 5 Local Government Areas of Jos North, Bassa, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom who need various forms of assistance.
The Ujah of Anaguta HRM Johnson Jauro Magaji thanked the Federal Government for the support and said the steps taken by Governor Lalong have so far yielded positive results as the people are gradually putting the sad incidents behind them and looking ahead for peaceful life.
The Minister had earlier visited the Obasanjo Model Primary School Jos where a computer centre established under the Social Investment Programme was inspected equipped with 40 laptops. Both the Minister and Governor Lalong described the gesture as laudable and asked the students and teachers to put it into good use.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th October 2021
Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of 11 Special Advisers. They are:
Arch. Pam Dung Gyang
Nde Ezekiel Gomos (Honourary)
Justice Philomina Lot (Rtd)
Barr. Burki Gofwan
Barr. Jonathan Mawiyau
Mrs. Felicia Yakzum
Hon. Diket Plang
Hon. Danladi Mann
Hon. Talatu Apini
Chief Michael Makwal (Honourary)
Barr. Kwamkur Samuel Vondip The Special Advisers who are expected to add impetus to the Rescue Administration and the governance of the State will be sworn in at a date to be announced and assigned portfolios.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th October 2021.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has reaffirmed his commitment towards enhancing the dignity of teachers in Plateau State through sustaining the constant payment of salaries and allowances; improving school infrastructure; and ensuring that standard of education continues to rise.
Governor Lalong was speaking at an event to mark the 2021 Teachers Day at the Ministry of Education, Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat Jos.
Lalong who presented awards and cash gifts to teachers from various schools who were selected for their performance said his administration prioritises education and believes that it is the best way to address the challenges of the nation.
He said “I am aware that despite our efforts to address the decay and neglect of the past which we inherited, there is so much that still needs to be done to provide the conducive atmosphere for our teachers to perform optimally. Your resilience and hardwork is a great motivation to our administration in ensuring that we do everything possible to make our schools better. Apart from improving the school infrastructure, we have taken other deliberate steps to revamp the education sector here on the Plateau. You will recall the last employment exercise where about 2,000 teachers were employed and posted to the seventeen Local Government Areas”.
Lalong revealed that he has used his position as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum to ensure that Plateau State was selected as one of the beneficiaries of the World Bank program known as Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Environment Project (AGILE), where about 1,000 academic and 1,000 non-academic staff will be recruited to add to the already existing teachers in the State.
On the Lalong Legacy Projects which has many schools, the Governor said “I was highly disappointed by the contractor who did not perform according to the agreement and timelines given to him. That is why we had to terminate the engagement and thankfully, the court has given us judgement. We are going ahead to complete the work and ensure that our people have world standard schools and hospitals. Nobody can stop us from completing these Legacy Projects.”
Commissioner for Education Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk said this year’s theme for the World Teachers’ Day which is “Teachers at the heart of Education recovery” is timely and provides hope to the future generation.
She said there is a huge task ahead and teachers must be proactive to make a lasting impact in regaining lost ground and ensuring that the lives of children are not jeorpadised. She said teachers must use education to overcome the pandemic and also teach students to be resilient and work towards finding solutions to future challenges.
She paid glowing tributes to Governor Lalong for ensuring that the lost glory in the educational sector is recovered. According to her so far, a lot of progress has been made as the State has recorded improved the performance of its students in national and international examinations.
Wapmuk said with seasoned educational technocrats in the Ministry of Education, the State has injected the use of ICT in enhancing learning and teaching with tremendous results.
Mr. John Ushaku Jobdi, a teacher from Plateau State is among those that will receive National Teachers Presidential Award for emerging best teachers in the Country at an event holding in Abuja on 5th October 2021.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 4th October 2021.
Plateau Reporters 