GOC 3DIVISION/ COMMANDER OPERATION SAFE HAVEN COMMENDS GARRISON COMMANDER FOR EXECUTING PROJECTS…..Urged officers to emulate the effort.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army/ Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN Maj Gen IS Ali commended the Commander 3 Division Garrison Brig Gen WM Dangana for executing laudable projects in his command.
Maj Gen IS Ali gave the commendation while commissioning the Garrison Headquarters Gate and Fence, the Quarter Guard and RSM office. The GOC charged senior officers at the event to emulate the Garrison Commander by using scarce resources to execute legacy projects at their respective formations and units.
While stressing the need to cherish and maintain the facilities, the GOC expressed the hope that the projects would spur officers and soldiers to perform better.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Comd 3 Division Garrison Brig Gen WM Dangana noted that on assumption of duty, he assessed the facilities and structures available and saw the need to improve them in line with the status of the Garrison to further the GOCs endstate. He appreciated the GOC for his guidance and support towards the completion of the projects.
“APC WILL SWEEP PLATEAU LG ELECTIONS”, GOVERNOR LALONG BOASTS AS HE FLAGS OFF APC LOCAL GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN
Ahead of the Local Government elections scheduled for 9th October 2021 in Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has flagged off the campaign for the All Progressives Congress which is fielding candidates for the 17 Local Governments.
While flagging of the campaign at the Shendam mini stadium, Governor Lalong said the APC has done a lot for the development of the State and attained greater acceptance which will guarantee its total victory during the elections.
He said the APC has steadily deepened its roots in Plateau State through his Government’s people-driven projects and programmes that have encompassed every part of the State.
Lalong said the APC has been attractive to the citizens of the State because of equity, fairness and inclusivity which has enhanced the peace and tranquility prevailing in the State, until the recent attacks which were clearly orchestrated by enemies of the people.
Governor Lalong while presenting flags to the candidates urged them to go to the polls with confidence as the people have seen and touched the performance of the APC which will spur them to choose the party during the ballot.
The Governor said “APC is the party of choice in Plateau State just as it is being embraced by people from other parties at the national level. I am very optimistic that we will sweep the elections because we don’t have opposition in Plateau State thanks to our performance. We have shown leadership that is centred on the peace and progress of the Plateau. We have completed projects that we inherited even from the other party because of their impact on the lives of the people. We also initiated and executed many of our own projects without concentrating on one section alone or showing preference for a particular group. That is the secret of our success and acceptability in Plateau State. The results will definitely manifest on 9th October when we sweep the polls”.
He urged members of the party and the entire people of the State to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the elections and not allow politicians cause a breach of the peace.
For the candidates, he asked them to carry along women and people living with disabilities in governance. Already he said, many of the local Government flag bearers have women as their Deputies.
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Idris Wase said the party has grown in the State because of the leadership style of Governor Lalong which is based on fairness, rule of law and the pursuance of peace.
He maintained that the State has derived a lot of dividends of democracy through the administration of Governor Lalong who has effectively collaborated with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government.
Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden urged the party faithfuls particularly the candidates to go into the elections with confidence and determination to serve the people. Similar confidence was given by the Deputy Speaker Plateau House of Assembly, Saleh Yipmong who said the party will emerge victorious.
Responding on behalf of the other flag bearers from the 17 Local Government areas, Miskoom Alex Naantuam of Shendam Local Government said they are ready to get down to business of mobilising the people at the grassroots in order to ensure victory.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th September 2021
POLITICAL PARTIES IN PLATEAU PAY VISIT TO HON LETEP DABANG. POLITICAL PARTIES IN PLATEAU PAY VISIT TO HON LETEP DABANG.
Political Parties under the auspices of the Inter Party Advisory Council,IPAC,Plateau State says suspended Chairman of the APC,Hon Letep Dabang remains a force to be reckoned with in Plateau’s political space and Nigeria.
They said the decision by his party asking him to step aside should not dampen his morale towards a politically strong and virile state.
Chairman of IPAC in Plateau State,Alhaji Abubakar Dogara state this when he lead leaders of the various political parties under the group to visit Letep Dabang at his residence over the weekend.
He said the group enjoyed the leadership of Letep Dabang when he held sway twice as its Chairman thereby seeing to a well coordinated body of political activities in the state.
He said,as one of their own,they have come to encourage him to see this temporary setback as one of those sacrifices a leader would make at some point in time for the development of the polity.
Alhaji Abubakar Dogara who doubles as Chairman of the Social Democratic Party in the state told Letep Dabang to continuously embrace peaceful coexistence which had been one of his guiding principles as a leader.
Responding,Hon Letep Dabang thanked the Inter Party Advisory Council for such a visit saying the present challenges are a process towards strengthening democracy and he remains committed to the ideals of the APC in the state.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working for the party dispelling rumors that he was leaving the party saying “We brought the party and we are willing to ensure it stands.The party will continue to have my support as I remain a very strong member who will give in his all in all always”
Letep with nostalgia reminded IPAC when Fifty Two of its members openly declared support to support Governor Lalong at the 2019 general elections saying that remained a solid decision that was taken in the interest of the state and remains commendable.
He assured that his doors remain open for advice as the journey continues into a more prosperous future for the state and country.
Leaders of other political parties showered encomiums of Hon Letep with encouragement to stand firm in his believe and leadership decisions.
On the visit were also leaders of the ADC,AAC,AC,AA,LP,NRN,APGA,APM,GP,DP,YYP,NNDP AND ZLP.
THE MISDEMEANOR PERFORMED BY HON JOSEPH BALA SHWATSHAK, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF NDE VICTOR DIMKA AT KOR, BELNING WARD.
Hon. Joseph Bala Shwatshak who represented Nde David Victor Dimka fsi at the annual festival of Kor people “Tag Pus Kang Kor 2021” canvases support for Hon. Philip Peter Dasun for PKK 2023, Hon. Joseph Bala Shwatshak while addressing people at the event on behalf of DVD who was the father of the day said that Kor and Belning people should support their own in 2023, Bala further said that, Hon. Philip Peter Dasun is doing well therefore he need to go further, addressing the gathering immediately after the departure of Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi who built three class rooms and furnished it at GSS Kor and also the Chairman of the Occasion irk some Youths from Kor and Belning Ward as a whole who voice their anger that whoever did not vote Gagdi in 2023 will not be voted for, in their words, “wanda bai yi Gagdi ba, ba za mu yi shi ba” Vote Gagdi Again (VOGA) coordinator in Belning, Mr. Danjuma Kople frawn at Joseph Bala Shwatshak who publicly canvases support for Philip Peter Dasun against other candidates while his Boss, DVD is aspiring for the Governor of Plateau State? It’s highly unethical for Bala to say such a word. Full details of his display and comments doesn’t portray the image of an Ngas man nor does it show sportsmanship.
Some supporters of Nde David Victor Dimka fsi who are on ground also raised their voice in opposition to the unfortunate and anti political statements made by the ethnic cheuvenist who who they termed a green snake under green grass, they wondered how possible could it be that a supposed advocate of the DVD Movement who is at the event to represent Nde Victor Dimka go out of his mandate to campaign for someone else while delivering Nde Victor’s speech?? They further called on the Incoming governor Nde Victor to be very weary about such people, they asked that Mr Bala be called to order before he does an irreparable damage to the DVD movement.
The crowd was thrown into pandemonium as people kept wondering what kind of a politician Mr Bala is and his missions, the gloomy expression on people’s face shows their abject rejection to Mr Bala’s opinions. The despondence against Mr Bala made him left immediately, normalcy then soon returned and proceedings went on.
The people of Kor reiterated that they don’t engage in politics of bitterness nor ethnicity, they said that for time immemorial Kor has always identified with any candidate that identifies with them and shares their plight.
The event was colorful with displays by different cultural troupes and dance groups, it was dance dance dance till dawn fell.
Having come out from internal squabbles that rocked the Plateau Publishers Association, another one is fast brewing which might scatter the association due to external influence from the faction of the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which said the chairman of the association is partisan and an arch enemy of their party which if not stopped will cause serious havoc in 2023. Publicity Secretary of the PDP faction, John Akans, was seen inciting two members of the PPA Congress at a joint, telling them that the PPA chairman Shabul Mazadu has taken sides with the APC, and has corruptly given a Peace Award to Governor Lalong which is a clear omen that he will mobilize the PPA members who are so many on social media and print on hard copies for a fierce battle against the PDP in 2023. He challenged them to open their eyes and see the people they are paying courtesy calls to, how many of them are in the PDP? The PDP PPA members promised to pick up the challenge which they did and swung into action by winning two members of the EXCO, and an additional member of the Congress making five. Investigation have it that they are contacting other members to support their course which if they failed to remove the chairman, they will break the association into faction. Investigation also revealed that the Christmas, Easter, and Ramadan cards produced by the association were shared to both PDP and APC members, and also attempts by the PPA to pay courtesy call on some PDP stalwarts failed to materialise. So far, 80% of the PPA members are strongly behind the chairman. However, the question is, will the PDP members of the PPA win more to their side? If they fail to remove the chairman, will they truly break away? Only time will tell.
The Bible tells us ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God’. In peacemaking, truth telling and truth seeking are honored, integrity is valued, and trust is given because it is earned, and is a refuge, a safe haven from the incivility and nastiness of conflict. And so Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State clock 58 years on May 5, Lalong’s modesty, nature and humility keeps him away from hugging the limelight unlike his more aggressive and socially astute contemporaries. Governor Lalong has been tirelessly interfacing with relevant individuals, groups and institutions towards restoring the legacies of the founding fathers of the North particularly the legacies of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. Governor Lalong chairs the meeting of Northern Governors Forum in Kaduna. The election of Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State by his colleagues to succeed the former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, to chair the Nigerian Northern States Governors Forum, did not come to many as a surprise. This is because he has demonstrated leadership that is forward looking and seeks to unite people and resolve conflicts while pursuing development. His strides in Plateau state that saw the restoration of peace and accelerated development provided a very good example for the entire Northern States to put their trust in him to lead them. He has liaised seamlessly with President Muhammadu Buhari and other institutions of the Federal Government in pushing the interests of the Northern Region and spearheaded the development of new blueprint for economic revival of the Northern Region. As Chairman Northern State’s Governors Forum, he has pushed for adoption of community policing by the Northern States, he also spearheaded the adoption and implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme by the Federal Government and Northern states. Simon Lalong coordinated the Response of the Northern States in the fight against COVID-19, lobbied for the payment of entitlements of employees of New Nigerian Newspapers and mediated in many disputes between various interests and groups in the North, he also facilitated timely intervention and reconciliation among parties on national issues towards restoring confidence and understanding and spearheaded the final return of Almajiri children to their states of origin. Gov. Lalong, through the Northern Governors Forum, further assures Nigerians of all ethnic, religious and political persuasions of their constitutional rights to pursue their legitimate businesses wherever they choose within the region and appeal to the people to resist any attempt to lure them into any act that can threaten the peace and tranquility of the region and the nation at large. He has incessantly called on citizens to shun and jettison divisive polices, rhetoric and body language so as to ensure sustainable peace in the country. For the record, Simon Lalong temporarily suspended legal practice to join the political bandwagon in 1998. Under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he successfully contested the seat of the member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing his native Shendam Constituency. In October 2000, he became the speaker of the assembly, occupying that position till the year 2006, following a political storm within the House. The seven years he served as the Speaker of that assembly made him the longest serving speaker of the House in the history of Plateau State. During that period he was two times (2001–2002) elected as the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of the 36 states of Nigeria. In the year 2015, as the second tenure of the serving Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, neared its end, Lalong joined the contest to succeed Jang. This time, he did so under the All Progressive Congress (APC) political platform. His chances seemed narrow at the beginning, but the capricious nature of politics tipped the balance eventually, favoring him by a slim margin. He was sworn in as the new Governor of Plateau State on May 29, 2015. He was re-elected as the Governor of Plateau State on May 29, 2019. His swearing in 2015 as the 5th Executive Governor of Plateau State ushered in a new vista of hope and expectations considering the state of affairs in Plateau at that time. With a genuine need to change the narrative he remains one of those few modest Nigerian personalities quietly serving his country well and without fuss, in a country where the commonest rhetorical question revolves around self-recognition and self-propagation. In his first term, the Governor’s Rescue Mission operated under a 5-Pillar Policy Thrust, namely: Peace, Security and Good Governance; Human Capital Development and Social Welfare; Agriculture and Rural Development; Entrepreneurship and Industrialization; and Physical Infrastructure and Environment. After re-election in 2019, he streamlined the vision to Peace, Security and Good Governance; Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth. Venturing into partisan politics despite his enormous successes in profession and businesses had been largely informed by the desire to turn things around for his people. In 2019, the people of Plateau State were impressed with the first term performance and genuine efforts of the Lalong administration that they decided to overwhelmingly take the Rescue Mission to the Next Level by giving the Governor and his Deputy, another four years. Notwithstanding the fact that the Lalong administration inherited so many problems and amidst limited resources, high expectations and competing demands, the government settled down for business under the purposeful leadership of Governor Lalong. Lalong believes and sees politics as call to serve and not to be served. He has a strong view that power should be used for the transformation of the society and development of the people. His view for seeking power is consistent and relentless search for transformational ideas and policies that will transform the lives of the people. He has touched the lives of his people positively by bringing to them the dividends of democracy. A man who always thinks much about Nigeria and less of self, Simon Lalong tries as much as possible to impact his wealth, both physical and human, to touch lives. He has used all means available to him to help the needy, the State and the country at large. He does not discriminate based on religion, sex or tribe. A bridge builder and a grass root politician who has the capacity to build consensus in the political process and is viewed as a charismatic and strategic leader. No matter what detractors may want to say, Lalong is a gentleman to the core. His love for the masses is extraordinary, for he is a noble, detribalized and humane Nigerian who worked endlessly for the transition to democracy. Little wonder other opinions have described him as a behemoth bestriding the political landscape of Nigeria like a colossus. If within this short time as Governor he has etched indelible imprints in the sands of time to the admiration of his legion of fans and supporters, and become a voice to be reckoned with, then we can rest assured that the future would be greater. Lalong is convinced that service and passionate desire to positively affect lives are also party of the motivating factors for him joining politics. Love him or hate him, Simon Lalong has no doubt added colour and sophistication to the celebration of people of quality, achievement, distinction and honour. Thus, without an iota of doubt, we call on Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders like Gov. Simon Lalong as they tackle the various challenges facing the nation.
Makut Simon Macham, PhD. is the Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
In the past six years, Plateau State under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong who clocks 58 today has been enthralled by purposeful driven governance, developmental projects under a serene and placid atmosphere. In all ramifications, his 58th birthday is a worthy and fulfilled milestone which should be commemorated with pomp and wide jubilations.
The reasons are instructive and obvious. For more than two decades in politics, Lalong has been playing active roles in the development of Plateau State. His stint in politics right from 1999 when he was elected into the Plateau State House of Assembly and later became the longest serving speaker in the State, up to 2015 when he was elected the Governor, have been trailed by amazing footprints and legacies.
Governor Lalong exudes uncommon attributes and leadership skills which include humility, discipline, forthrightness and tolerance. He abhors bigotry under any guise. His passion for peace has even been misunderstood by some as a weakness whlie the discerning praise him as a bridge builder and Apostle of peace. He took over Plateau State in 2015 when there were religious and ethnic tensions especially in Jos as a result of ethno-religious crises. But today as a result of his non-partisan and forthright approach to issues, the tension and apprehension has since been diffused and many of the old barriers dismantled.
To tame the orgy of violence inherited, Governor Lalong established Plateau Peace Building Agency to promote the culture of dialogue, forgiveness and conflict prevention that has gingered peace and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethno-religious groups in the state. Presently, there is clear evidence that the situation has improved tremendously over the last five years with better community relations and less tension and fear. Plateau State is again the melting pot of Nigeria and the Home of Peace and Tourism.
It is strongly believed that at 58, Lalong’s leadership skills have similarities with those of the global acclaimed visionary leaders such as Nelson Madela who strongly believed in peace as a tool for development. Lalong has been exploring all plausible avenues to consolidate on the prevailing peace. Apart from supporting security agencies, Operation Rainbow, a hybrid force established by the state government was strengthened by his administration with a clear mandate for intelligence gathering and response to pave the way for community policing.
The Governor’s regular consultation with stakeholders in the state including members of the State House of Assembly has led to many positive developments. For instance, the passing of the anti-land grabbing law which criminalises forceful occupation of land by some unscrupulous elements, has since stemmed the tide of land grabbing in the state especially in the Northern zone of Plateau State.
To some people, an ideal leader looks like a superhero –strong and brimming with confidence. But humility holds greater power, albeit silently. Studies on humility in leadership have posited that humble leaders make the best leaders and easily disarm even their opponents. One of the virtues you cannot take away from Governor Lalong is humility. In spite of his position, his sense of humility is not only attractive but infectious. He treats everyone with respect regardless of their position, role or title, making him a quintessential leader who gives his all to a course he believes in.
The Governor has continued to demonstrate his affection for his people, task after task, no matter the cost. In spite of the economic crunch in the country, his administration since coming on board decided to complete all the abandoned projects inherited from his predecessors. Governor Lalong equally initiated and completed many projects with others still ongoing such as the mega projects dubbed “Lalong Legacy Project” which are mostly in health and educational sectors in the 17 local government areas of the state. The Governor recently assured of completing the projects when he said “Having inherited quite a number of abandoned project and completed many of them, I don’t intend to leave any project uncompleted. The legacy projects will be completed before the end of my tenure God willing.”
Governor Lalong’s Rescue Mission is fundamentally about service and fairness in distribution of scarce resources and development projects across the three geo-political zones of the State. Above all, his cognate experience and exposure as the longest serving Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly; Chairman, Conference of Speakers Executive; Lawyer and Activist; Community Development Specialist among others prepared him for governance early.
To set his administration apart from the previous ones, the 1990 law graduate of the prestigious Ahmadu Bell University Zaria created an ICT Agency christened “Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency” PICTDA. He recently declared thus: “Our goal is that before we leave office, we would like to have most, if not all our governance processes driven by information and Communication technologies”.
The prevailing industrial harmony on the Plateau is as a result of cordial relationship with the state civil servants. In the past six years, workers have been receiving their entitlements as and when due. When it comes to payment of salaries, pension, gratuity and other emoluments, Governor Lalong stands out nationwide. This has earned him the indelible name of “Governor Alert” bestowed on him by no other than the state civil servants. The Governor recently told the civil servants that his administration was working towards acquiring land in all local government areas of the state to build affordable housing for them.
The vision of the governor to transform Plateau State into an industrial hub is manifested in the high number of MoUs his administration signed with both local and foreign partners to resuscitate moribund government owned industries such Jos International Brewery, BARC Farms, Highland bottling Company among other which have been lying comatose for a very long time.
Another main thrust of Governor Lalong’s administration is the provision of qualitative education for its citizenry. In the tertiary section, he injected life into the State owned University, Plateau State University Bokkos which was gasping for breath before his election as the governor of the State due to sheer neglect and reckless abandonment driven by politics. Apart from this, other tertiary institutions such Plateau State Polytechnic, College of Education Gindiri among other were also given a new lease of life.
It comes as no surprise that in the course of his service and purposeful leadership over the years, his colleagues in the 19 Northern States unanimously elected him to be their Chairman. Since his election, Lalong has been providing purposeful leadership, championing the cause of the North and intervening in critical national issues. Apart from this, Lalong had won several laurels, received commendations and got a pat on the back for excellent performance both at home and abroad.
Speakers at a launch of a book on Disaster and Conflict in Abuja recently showered accolades on Governor Lalong for his peace efforts that have restored confidence and mitigated human disasters associated with violence and conflicts in Plateau State. The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties Senator George Akume at the occasion said Governor Lalong has proven to be one of the few examples of leaders in Nigeria who can be relied upon to galvanise people to live in peace and harmony in spite of their diversity and differences of faith, ethnic and political differences.
While felicitating with the governor on the occasion of his 58th birthday and wishing him many more years of selfless service to Nigeria and humanity, it goes without saying that this humble visionary achiever, peace Ambassador, dependable ally, compassionate personality and fearless intercessor is set for greater impact in Nigeria in the years ahead. For remaining steadfast and relentless in the pursuit of happiness for the entire people of Plateau State and the Northern region, he has demonstrated his love for country and capacity to devote his life for a better Nigeria.
As you deservedly celebrate this glorious day, may God Almighty who has richly prospered you and ordered your every step in this past half century, continue to bless you with good health, wisdome and knowledge to serve and fulfill the purpose for which you were created.
Congratulations to Governor Alert!
Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D, is the Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau.
Sometime in January 1984, I met for the first time 2Lt Satty Davies Gogwim. It was not a pleasant meeting or so I thought. He had accompanied the corpse of WOII Timon Bako, his wife, Margaret’s cousin who was killed on duty at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. For those of you who may recall, the coup that overthrew President Shagari was staged on December 1983,; he was one of the victims. I remember the white resplendent kaftan he wore that day. Before the corpse was taken into the church, I heard him recommend to one of the deceased uncles that he needed to see where the fatal bullet had hit him. For me, he had an aura that drew people to him. Indeed, it took time before people began to know that his roots were from Dawaki in Kanke LGA. As early way back in time, Satty had a huge dream, only he knew the direction he was heading to. Before long, the various areas of interest had started to surface particularly for the good of the community and the people. Significantly, all the areas became for many young people an area of entertainment and means of livelihood. Gradually, he became for me; and indeed many others a point of reference in a number of ways. His house in Panshin, located opposite the Water Board was always a beehive of activities anytime he came home on a visit. But it was the establishment of Nenpin Nite Club and Lodging on April 5, 1985 that opened the eyes of many to the realization of the person of Senator Satty Davies Gogwim; and what he will later represent in the lives of multitudes and communities in the state. The nite club became in many respects a rendezvous for various events. Even if you don’t believe in the idea of a nite club, it no doubt drew people from various corners of the nation to Pankshin. The concept was so enormous that many saw Pankshin as the ultimate place to visit at weekends. No wonder, it was common for young men and women in those days to want to beat their friends to be at Nenpin; while those who have not had the opportunity were eager to be told what it was to experience it. Truth be told, if you thought you liked night clubbing and had not danced in its hall; you spoke in hush voice with those who were privileged to have. If Nenpin was an idea whose time was ripe; it was Manji Football Club that put the icing on the cake of several of his business concerns in1987. Pankshin has always been a football-loving town. Even though it took long before a stadium was built, the pitch at Government Secondary School, Bet, served as the most popular ground where young men and women assembled to be entertained every day. He brought in fresh legs from various places to ply their trade in Pankshin. Even though there was Kor Rocks established by Nde John Kumben in the same town, it was Manji FC that established the presence of new faces from various towns who were eager and willing to showcase their talents. It paid off in many respects, as young men came all over the state to be signed to play for the club. It increased keen and healthy rivalry in the competition between clubs in Pankshin, even as many who hitherto didn’t see football as a money spinning industry gradually started to love the game and the talents of the young boys that always entertained them. Those pioneering efforts by him created a willing industry to accept many more that were eager to be absorbed into the big leagues. Little wonder, there is a plethora of youthful coaches spread around in Pankshin and Kanke; thanks indeed to such pioneering efforts where communities were encouraged with the abundance of talents to start new football outfits. Those in the hotel industry know what efforts they put to run and maintain one. While appreciating anyone who is effectively running such, we must not forget the fact that efforts like that have boosted the tourism industry with its services. Hotels play significant roles in advancing tourism; and it is in the realization of this that he has to his credit two wonderful outfits: Green Valley Suites and Dimples Lounge and Suites. Apart from the numerous services they offer, many young men and women are given employment; thus greatly helping government and families find relevance and sustainability. The dream gave him courage to sustain, what for him counts in the lives of people and the community. Perhaps one of the things that counted for him even in old age was his knack for knowledge. What he did not get in his youthful years, he recovered same by pursuing education as one in a hurry to cover the space of what he had missed. Had he the opportunity God gave him much later, he would have taken as many degrees as possible, as he did later in life. Ordinarily, as a military man, one would have expected him to have chosen to be a security consultant on retirement on December 31, 2001 as a Major; rather he elected to read law starting from a diploma before he left the army in 2000. He followed it with a degree in the same discipline in 2008; and before long, he was in the lecture rooms for a masters in law in 2012. He was called to the Bar on November 28, 2013. Not done with studies; even when his businesses and family demanded more of his time, he quickly enrolled for a PhD, and was on course when death came knocking on his doors. The power of education must have opened new vistas of doing things by him. Is it not so that his activities in later life were more consummate and result oriented? Either way, old age didn’t stopped him from pursuing educating and still impacting positively in the lives of various people. What perhaps further brought him to limelight was his entrance into politics. The opportunity that presented itself for him to contest came in 2007. It was at that contest to represent Plateau Central Senatorial Zone in the National Assembly that he proved bookmakers wrong. That feat sent the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Nasiru Ibrahim Mantu packing to be the new occupant in the 6th Senate of 2007-2011. I recall what my elder brother, Hon Josiah Y Gobum, himself having served in the Federal House of Representatives told him after he had clinched the coveted prize: Unite the people, give them a sense of belonging and the future will be ours. The expectations of his constituents largely came from what the former occupant had achieved. They reasoned that if there was anything they expected; they wanted a replication of Senator Mantu’s feat while representing his people. Even though he was misunderstood at his entrance point, events later were to prove what he stood for the people. Whether he succeeded as a senator or not is not in our purview to judge him. History will however, be kind to him on several fronts as a man who showed the seed of goodness in the lives of other people. I am aware of several people who are on record of having been sponsored by him to go to school, run a business. He remained largely under-reported, as there are scores of things done that the world is not aware. He has always considered the man on the street as one to be encouraged and motivated to realize God’s given potential in him. Since leaving the 6th Senate, he has concentrated his time and energy in running his businesses and building them to where they are now. But the time given to those businesses, he did not take his legs off the pedals of commitment to community work and philanthropy. It was for this reason that he was committed to see a united Ngas people working with other tribes to build a more cohesive Plateau State. No wonder, even when he had left the senate it was a common place to hear him meeting with groups and individuals. Even if the outcome was not made public, no one has returned to say he met with them to undermine certain interests; they were in the main, targeted at building bridges and maintaining solidarity with those groups and individuals for the good of Plateau. Senator Satty Davies Gogwim will be buried April 23, 2021 at Dawaki in Kanke LGA after a funeral service at St Christopher’s Anglican Church Mai Adiko Rayfield, Jos. He died on April 6, 2021. He was survived by two wives: Mrs. Margaret Gogwim and Mrs. Eno Gogwim, who between them gave birth to: Nenfort E Gogwim, Bunmi Atafo nee Gogwim, Lawade Gogwim, Belinda Oshofisan nee Gogwim, Vanessa Omoyola nee Gogwim, Nentawe Gogwim, and Melissa Gogwim. A good man has departed our shores. Those who have been beneficiaries of his benevolence have a responsibility to keep his good memories incandescent. He deserves much more having denied himself severally of what God has blessed him for others’ benefit.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is full of praises and admiration to security personnel for their swift response that thwarted the attempted kidnap of four students at the Plateau State University, Bokkos. The attempted kidnap was said to have occurred on Monday night when gunmen stormed the off-campus student residences at Ndar Community near the University campus and attempted to kidnap four students. On receiving the distress call, officers of Operation Safe Haven, Operation Rainbow, Nigeria Police, University Security and Community Watch Group mobilised and went after the kidnappers who had taken four students. Facing apparent capture, the criminals aborted their mission and ran away leading to the safe recovery of the students. Governor Lalong who commended the security agencies for rising up to the occasion and being proactive directed the immediate establishment of a police post within the host community of the University in order to forestall any future reoccurrence. The Governor also directed that security is tightened in all other schools across the State to guarantee the safety and security of students. It would be recalled that the Governor had last year directed the University Management to improve security of the institution which led to the installation of CCTV surveillance and early warning systems all over the campus as well as the preparation for fencing of the entire campus. The Governor has assured the students that all necessary measures will continue to be employed to ensure that they learn and dwell under a peaceful, secure and conducive environment. Meanwhile, the Governor has again appealed to the citizens to assist security agencies with relevant intelligence that will lead to not only the arrest of the fleeing kidnappers, but to the apprehension of all criminal elements that are bent on disrupting the peace of the State. He also commends the Local Government Chairman Yusuf Machen for sustaining synergy with the security agencies and the University community which is key to achieving peace and security in the area. He wants this tempo sustained as traditional and community leaders as well as the newly deployed community police constables to be carried along to frustrate the plans criminals.
BELNING WARD APC STAKEHOLDERS MEETS: GAGDI AND OTHERS DECLARED INTENTIONS TO CONTEST ELECTIONS IN 2023 IN THE GREEN CHAMBERS.
Kor, the Belning Ward Headquarters was agog today as APC stakeholders met to deliberate on the progress of the party and to discuss most important issues that need urgent attention by the party at the Ward level. The Ward Chairman of the party, Hon. Nde Yakubu Yilji, in his welcome address thanked the party EXCO and stakeholders for believing in the party leadership at the Ward level and doing all it could to have come thus far. He equally read the achievements the party led officials had successfuly achieved, which includes : -The successful registration/revalidation of old and new party members at the Ward, -The continues fellowship of the party to its members and the ward as a discreet united entity of the people -Maintaining sanity and respect to the party -Projecting the party as the symbol of national impact and value to the people at the ward Level. He also apologized on behalf of the Ward officials, for wherever they failed to live up to the expectations of the people. Stakeholders took time to speak on various factors that can enhence the progress of the party sort out issues and most importantly maintain the leadership of the country, state, constituency local government and the ward, among them are: the Honorable Councilor Representing the good people of Belning Ward at the Local Government Council, Hon. Hosea Dunka took time to inform stakeholders on his activities as the Councilor of the Ward which includes: The construction of three class rooms and office at Hikmuram amongst others. Prince Rotdunna Sekat who is the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi took his time to explain clearly the activities of his boss, informing the house by reiteration, the construction of Three Classrooms with complete furnishings at GSS Kor, the empowerment of more than a hundred people from the Ward including party officials, he announced to the stakeholders of the intention of Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to construct Boreholes at each polling unit in the Ward and the plan to showcase the mother of all empowerments that will come up soon in PKK . Thus, which will take on a sphere of five people from each polling unit to be empowered. Prince Rotdunna Sekat also informed the Ward stakeholders that Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (his boss) is set to contest for PKK for the second time in 2023. Engolved with his desire to bring best and more the devidence that the constituency has long been swept off unpatriotically. Hon. Philip Peter Dasun took time to present his scorecards to the stakeholders, amongst his achievements, Dasun reiterated to the stakeholders the attraction of the construction of Gung-Koplok Road, took over from community the construction of PHC Clinic, Hikmuram, renovated some classrooms at LGEA Primary School Tayin which the painting work will be completed on or before Friday to be handed over to the School,among other projects that will soon be flagged off in the Ward. Hon. Philip Peter Dasun informed Belning Ward stakeholders that this year’s Constituency Project will be fertilizer supply, therefore, he will make sure that his home, Belning Ward gets the chunk of it which is going to be free, at the end of his speech, he informed stakeholders of his intentions to contest for PKK comes 2023.
Plateau Reporters 