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Tag: Simon Lalong

  • Senator inaugurates ICT centre/e-library to boost learning

    Senator inaugurates ICT centre/e-library to boost learning

    Sen. Nora Dadu’ut (APC/Plateau South) on Thursday inuagurated an Information Communications Technology (ICT) Centre/E-library in Namu, Quanpan Local Government, Plateau, to boost learning and socio-economic development in the area.

    Dadu’ut said that the education “is the fulcrum on which development revolves” and hence the reason why she took it as one of critical areas she had given her attention to.

    The lawmaker stated that the centre was meant to assist in facilitating JAMB, WAEC and NECO registration and examinations.
    She said that it would serve as a portal for online lectures, business connections, studies and training.

    “This transformation has manifested itself as we can see in the growth and world wide expansion of business and social network.

    “It provides great opportunities for anyone connected to the internet to better their lives through networking, which may ordinarily not to be possible in their local environment.

    “It is no longer acceptable for anyone to be left behind by not being connected, or having access to the globalised world society.

    “This is because ICT provides opportunities in different strata of our lives; be it education, health, business, communication and social-economic activities,” he said.

    Dadu’ut commended the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for listening to yearnings of her constituents.
    The senator also commended Gov. Simon Lalong in meeting the aspirations of the people of Plateau, especially in the area of ICT development.

    Gov. Simon Lalong who was represented at the by Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Gyang Musa, said that ICT play a critical role in industrialization and sustainable economic development globally.

    The governor challenged the youth to take advantage of the great opportunity given to them to make good use of this facility to better their lives, advising them against indulging into social vices.
    The Chairman, Quan Pan Local Government, Mr Ernest Da’a, represented by Supervisory Councillor for Social Services, Mrs Rita Buba, said that the project was the first of its kind in the area.

     

    A director with Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Ene Adikwu, said that initiative “is in tandem with UBEC mandate that all basic learners must acquire digital literacy.

    “UBEC has established 37 smart schools to ensure that our basic education learners benefit from ICT in line with global best practices”.

    Adikwu urged the community to thank the lawmaker for situating the centre in the community.

  • EXPOSED: How Plateau Gov plans to spend N73m tax payers money on summit/medical tourism in Dubai/ US

    EXPOSED: How Plateau Gov plans to spend N73m tax payers money on summit/medical tourism in Dubai/ US

    …Covid-19 tests for 12 persons to gulp N4.9m

    …flight tickets for gov and wife to cost N19.6m

    Despite excruciating pangs of hunger and lack in Nigeria, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong and his entourage are billed to visit Dubai and the United States which will cost NN73,686,340.00.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this is coming barely 48hours after newly sworn-in Governor of Anambra, Prof Charles Soludo revealed that his predecessor, Willie Obiano left a meagre N300million out of over $150m left in the state coffers by Peter Obi in March 2014.

    TNG recalls that Obi had in different fora told Nigerians about all the monies he left behind in different accounts running to over N75bn without owing any money only for his successor to leave behind over N100bn debts and liabilities. Could this too be loading in Plateau.

    To this end, here are details of Lalong latest Expenditure on summit and medical tourism.

    Lalong, his wife and 10 other key officers of the Plateau government are expected to attend the economic summit, thereafter the governor would embark on a medical tourism to Atalanta Georgia in the United States.

    Details of the travel scheduled for March 27 as contained in the SSG’s memo (Attached) dated March 18 revealed that the following expenses will be incured by the state government.

    FLIGHT TICKETS(RETURNED)
    i.
    His Excellency & Wife (1″ Class)
    @ N9,829,079 X 2 (Abj-Dub-All) =
    N19,658,158.00
    ii.
    Air Tickets for 2 Aides @
    N1,195,288 Each (Abj-Dub-Atl)
    (i.e. 2 Pers Assts))
    N2,390,576.00
    iii. Return Ticket for 8 Officials
    (Abj-Dub-Abj) @N937.225 each = N7,497.800.00
    iv.
    UAE Visa Fees @ N150,000 x 6
    N 900,000.00

    Miscellaneous Charges
    N250,000.00
    vi. COVID19 Tests for 12 persons
    N4.950,000.00
    Sub-Total = N35.646.534.00
    B.
    ESTACODE ALLOWANCES
    i. Estacode for 3 Commissioners &
    Chairman Econ. Council $600
    * N580x 10 days * 4persons
    N13,920,000.00
    ii. Two (2) Chief Executives of
    Parastatals (Chrys & Felix) @
    @ $500 * N580 x 10 days x 2 N5,800,000.00
    ii. Two Pers Assis. at $400 x 17 days
    * N580 x 2 persons (Dubai & USA)= N7,880,000.00
    Estacode for DOPPA at $400 x 10
    Days x N580 (Dubai Only)
    N2,320,000.00

    Estacode for Pers. Physician at
    $400 x 10 Days x N580 (Dubai only)= N2,320,000.00
    vi. Trips & Accommodation for 3
    Cmms & Chairman State Econ
    Council in Abuja @ N500,000
    each
    N2,000,000.00
    vii. Trips & Accomm. For 2 Chief Exec
    of Parastatals in Abuja @ N300,000= N600,000.00
    Each
    viil. Trips and Accommodation for
    4 Aides in Abuja at N300,000 each= N1.200,000.00
    SUB-TOTAL= N36,040,000.00
    C. Contingency
    N2,000,000.00
    GRAND TOTAL =
    N73,686,340.00

  • Plateau PDP takes swipe at Gov Lalong over alleged non performance

    Plateau PDP takes swipe at Gov Lalong over alleged non performance

    …says proposed foundation laying ceremony an insult to collective sensibilities of Plateau citizens

    … advises Lalong to stop inviting Gen Gowon to such spurious events

    The Plateau chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed Governor Simon Lalong over poor performance in infrastructural development of the State.

    The PDP specifically mentioned the ground breaking foundation laying ceremony of the contentious British American flyover.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Plateau PDP in a statement stating that:

    “The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) read with concern a press release credited to Hon Pam Botmang, Commissioner for Works Plateau State dated 10th day of March 2022 inviting members of the public including an elder statesman Gen Yakubu Gowon and Governors to witness the foundation laying of the contentious British American Flyover.

    “This invitation is not only an abuse of responsibility but an embarrassment to the entirety of Plateau people. This is a failure of leadership that lacks a compelling vision and values for the State.

    “It is unfortunate that when Governor Lalong’s colleagues like Gov Wike of Rivers state, Gov Okowa of Delta State, etc, are busy inviting elder statesmen to commission uncountable projects in their various states, Lalong is shamelessly disturbing our well-respected elder statesman, to come and witness a foundation-laying project.

    “Lalong would have done us proud if all these dignitaries were invited for a commissioning ceremony of Jos main market, which he has refused to rebuild, roads construction he has abandoned, and his so-called legacy project full of controversy, Is it that Governor Lalong and the entire government officials and the ruling political party lack wisdom to display this kind of deceit and propaganda to these top leaders who know nothing about Lalongs poor performance and total failure?

    “We advise Governor Lalong and the APC to stop using our highly valued elder statesman (Gen Gowon) to cover up their nonperformance.

    Read full statement below:

    *LALONG AND THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF DECEIT AND LIES*

    *What 7 Years Could Not Do*…..

    The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) read with concern a press release credited to Hon Pam Botmang, Commissioner for Works Plateau State dated 10th day of March 2022 inviting members of the public including an elder statesman Gen Yakubu Gowon and Governors to witness the foundation laying of the contentious British American Flyover.

    This invitation is not only an abuse of responsibility but an embarrassment to the entirety of Plateau people. This is a failure of leadership that lacks a compelling vision and values for the State.

    It is unfortunate that when Governor Lalong’s colleagues like Gov Wike of Rivers state, Gov Okowa of Delta State, etc, are busy inviting elder statesmen to commission uncountable projects in their various states, Lalong is shamelessly disturbing our well-respected elder statesman, to come and witness a foundation-laying project.

    Lalong would have done us proud if all these dignitaries were invited for a commissioning ceremony of Jos main market, which he has refused to rebuild, roads construction he has abandoned, and his so called legacy project full of controversy, Is it that Governor Lalong and the entire government officials and the ruling political party lack wisdom to display this kind of deceit and propaganda to these top leaders who know nothing about Lalongs poor performance and total failure?

    We advise Governor Lalong and the APC to stop using our highly valued elder statesman (Gen Gowon) to cover up their non-performance.

    The Peoples Democratic Party will be doing a great disservice to Plateau People if we fail to alert and properly inform the people by exposing APC’s worthlessness and deceit

    1. This same project was awarded since December last year (2021)which 50% of the total sum was paid to the contractor *(CRENEBURG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED*) through access bank with the state government as surety. This was for the commencement of the work but 4 months after the advance payment, the APC Government is celebrating groundbreaking as an achievement when the same government has abandoned it’s own projects and those inherited from PDP which were at 80% completion such as
    A) The National library abattoir flyover road.
    B) The new Government House road linking Cheng o pieng express road.
    C) Corona link road bukuru.
    D) It’s own so-called legacy projects that cost a whooping sum of 59 billion Naira.
    E) Rebuilding of Jos main market with demolition cost of 3 billion Naira.
    F) Mbar Kawai road with a spur to Syken.

    This clearly shows that the APC led administration in the State has nothing to offer than groundbreaking ceremony of deceit, just like the cock, who needed to crow so that Plateau people don’t forget its carcass of leadership is still in place. 2. We, therefore, call on the commissioner of works to explain to Plateau people as he did on groundbreaking ceremony of British American Flyover what happened to other abandoned projects especially those contracts that were paid and abandoned by Governor Lalong’s administration such as:

    *1, Construction of lankang Dyis – kagu -Sihin Road (24km) to mould Nig Ltd at the cost #2,086,006,570.06*.

    *2, Construction of kuba-Tanti- manguna Road (66.2km), to mould Nig Ltd @ the cost of # 2,581,648,782.77*

    *3, Construction of Tahoss- Ganawuri Road with Spur to Dahreng (27km) to PW @ the cost of #1,249,436,742.29*

    *4, Construction of Bet- lobiring Doruwa-mazat- kuba Road with a spur to Vom vet Bet lobiring – Doruwa (20.8km) to Griffin NIG Ltd @#869,484,016.40 Doruwa-mazat -kuba (18.013km)to Bindigari construction. Ltd,@ #721,778,874.50*

    *5,construction of fobur-naton -fursa-maijuju-zandi road (46km), a,fobur -naton-fursa-maijuju (27.6km)to mould Nig Ltd @#1,846,249,184.58 b,maijuju-zandi (18.4km) to Dux project Nig Ltd @#1,069,524,641.18**

    *6,Construction of Wase -kadarko -Dadin kowa- mabudi road (65.4km) to EEC international Ltd @#4,420,192,938.40*

    *7,Construction of Dengi-kwalmiya Dugub-Gagdi Road (41.78km) to Rick Rock const Nig Ltd @#3,059,404,700.63*

    *8, Construction of mangu bye pass (13km) to PW Nig Ltd @#2,581,648,782.77*
    *9,Construction of Domkat Bali -Tudu wada (4.5 km); Jethro Akun road kufang -itf zonal office (1.1km) spur from mango by multi purpose Hall,behind Custom Barracks (1.65km)@ the cost of #2,798,804,424.79.*

    These are some of the projects out of 22 roads awarded since 22nd February 2017, which through the appropriate State ministry requested Plateau State House of Assembly for permission to award the contract for 22No roads projects pending a supplementary Budget to be presented, and this was so approved.

    *In view of the above direct approval was given for the advance payment of the roads project on Wednesday, August 30th 2017 the total sum of thirty -seven billion, two hundred and seventy -five million, two hundred and fifty -eight thousand, one hundred and fifteen naira, twenty kobo, (#37,275,258,115,20) was paid by ministry of finance as directed to immediately pay the corresponding 20%advance to the successful contractors with respect to the various values in the certificate of “No Objection”* but up to this moment these roads are still lying in their bad conditions without any sign of construction, the contractors have since left the sites after similar groundbreaking ceremonies without completion of these roads, people can take an example with Jethro Akun road and behind Custom barracks no construction has taken place in these areas yet money was paid to the contractor.

    In the same vein Thursday, September 14th 2017 the State Executive Council approved the loan facility of fifty Million Dollars(USD50M) from Board of Directors of French Development Agency to finance the development of water infrastructure within Jos Bukuru Metropolis, which to this moment no work of such has been carried out by water board or ministry of water resources while our people have been subjected to poor water supply.

    This explains why the PDP is concerned that this ceremony of ground breaking should not be a replica of the above as it’s a tradition of the APC. What they have not achieved in 7years they want it done in 1 year.

    What a government!

    Signed.
    John T Akans, ksm fica JP.
    State Publicity secretary PDP.

  • Gowon appeals to Plateau residents to coexist in peace

    Gowon appeals to Plateau residents to coexist in peace

    Elder statesman and former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has appealed to Plateau residents on peaceful coexistence to stimulate development.

    Gowon made the call while unveiling the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913 on Saturday in Jos.

    He said that Plateau people and Nigerians should explore all neccesary measures in the pursue of peace, while respecting the sanctity of life at all times.

    The former head of state expressed sadness on the determination of a few criminal minded people and groups’ resolution to terrorise the country.

    While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel for their gallant efforts in dealing with criminals across the country, he urged Nigerians to support security agencies through exposing their activities .

    The elder statesman expressed delight on the progress of Golf in Plateau and Nigeria, commending Lalong for his efforts in developing the game in the state.

    “I commend Lalong for his passion for the game and also redeveloping the Rayfield Golf Course which is now comparable to any standard course in Nigeria,” he said .

    In his remarks, Lalong thanked Gowon for honouring the state to unveil the redesigned Rayfield Golf Course, saying its historic significance must be cherished and economic potential in sports harnnesed.

    Lalong said that his efforts to foster peace and expose criminal activities and crisis merchants had helped in building the confidence of people to visit the State.

    Gowon and Lalong later perfomed symbolic shots to commemorate the event.

  • Lalong appoints new Govt. House Chaplain

    Lalong appoints new Govt. House Chaplain

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, has approved the appointment of Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep as the new Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Jos.

    This is is contained in a statement issued by Dr. Makut Macham Lalong’s, Director of Press and Public Affairs, on Saturday in Jos, which said the approval is with immediate effect.

    According to the statement, the cleric who is currently the Priest in Charge of St Finbarr’s Parish, Rayfield Jos, is to fill the vacuum created by the departure of Rev. David Ajang.

    Ajang was appointed by Pope Francis as the Bishop of Lafia Diocese.

    The new Chaplain, born in 1982, was ordained a Catholic Priest on Oct. 15 2011 at the then Holy Cross Parish Pankshin now Holy Cross Cathedral Pankshin.

    He had served as assistant parish priest, St Jarlath Bukuru; and St. John Vianney Seminary Barkin Ladi, among others.

  • Banditry: Deployment of Super Tucano fighter jets excites Northern governors

    Banditry: Deployment of Super Tucano fighter jets excites Northern governors

    Governors of the 19 Northern States of the federation have lauded the Federal Government for approving the deployment of the newly acquired Super Tucano fighter jets to rout the bandits in some parts of the country.

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, made the commendation when he addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday in Abuja.

    He expressed the happiness of the Northern states over the recent declaration of bandits as terrorists by the government.

    He said: “Well, in terms of security, we are already beginning to see progress on some of the issues we raised with the President last year; you recall that we have been very eager to see the use of the Tucano helicopters so that we can have massive engagement with all the bandits.

    “Part of the problem was also the status of the bandits and already you can see that the Nigerian government has declared them as a terrorist group.

    “So, the military is now going to do full engagement and we are also getting prepared in the North for such actions.

    “That is what we are expecting so if we are going to take action, let it be massive and such that will ensure that within the first quarter of this year people will have hope of their security and peaceful living in all parts of the North.”

    The governor stressed the need for drastic measures against the bandits and other criminals, saying such actions had become imperative in order to ensure conducive environment for farmers to boost food production across the states.

    “We are expecting this action before the next rainy season. You recall we mentioned that we are an agrarian society so, we want our people to go back to farm and in most cases it is this insecurity that is keeping them away from the farms,” he added.

    He reiterated that the governors would continue to collaborate with traditional rulers and local vigilantes to safeguard their domains.

    On the purported crisis facing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Lalong assured members of the APC that the storm would soon be over.

    He announced that the party would hold its convention next month and expressed optimism that the exercise would be successful.

    He said: “I agree that all the times there are meetings, especially taking final decisions on the party. I’m always part of it and part of it was also why I visited the president and the president still stands committed that there must be an immediate convention.

    “You know, when a convention is coming there are fears here and there, some people will tell you it will work, it will not work.

    “I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but the visit to the President has already assured us and you know that there is already a notice that all the governors are meeting on Sunday. By Sunday we will tell you when we’re doing the convention.

    “We’ve taken a date already. I think our first date before Christmas we said we’re going to do a convention in February and we are still working for the convention, as far as I’m concerned, except things change from another angle. But as far as I’m concerned, we’re working for our convention in February.

    “These are things that the President was raising his fears about, but we’ve already given him assurances that nothing will stop us from having a very peaceful election.

    “Some parties have done their own, the PDP did their own, nothing will stop APC from doing their own.”

    On the impending litigation that might mar the holding of the proposed convention and chances of the party, Lalong dismissed such fears.

    “There are procedures for holding court processes. Many of the court processes were there when we set up the caretaker committee, but up to this moment, if you go to take a census of some of the court proceedings, you will realise that a lot of them have been resolved out of court.

    “So, it’s still the duty of the party, it’s still part of the functions of the party to resolve.

    “But we must not wait to resolve all court processes before you go to the convention. I don’t think so, because there are also machineries for resolving court processes, even after convention.

    “I had a court process in my state that did not stop me from going on and at the end of the day, we resolved the court process and we’re still going on, preparing and waiting for the convention.

    “Well, I’m not the chairman of the convention committee, but I want to assure you that we’ve called a meeting for Sunday and if there is a meeting on Sunday, and you’re thinking about next Friday.

    “Just wait and see what will happen before next Friday. I don’t want to draw a conclusion now,” he added.

  • Plateau Assembly confirms Lalong’s PLASIEC nominees

    Plateau Assembly confirms Lalong’s PLASIEC nominees

    The Plateau State House of Assembly has confirmed the nominees for Chairman and members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) earlier submitted to it by Gov. Simon Lalong.

    A statement by the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Sabastine Homuk, said that the confirmation was done at an executive session of the assembly on Nov. 15.

    The resolution indicated that, given the bad state of the PLHA chamber and with no alternative facility yet provided for purposes of the house’s sittings, the executive session became imperative.

    The statement said that the confirmation followed a communication from Gov. Lalong dated 12th November, 2021 requesting for their confirmation by the house.

    The governor had in the communication said that the tenure of PLASIEC chairman and members would expire on Nov. 15, 2021.

    Lalong said that the reappointment of the commission’s members was in line with Section 4 (5) of the law establishing the body.

    According to him, the request become necessary as the commission had just concluded local governments elections and that the experience of the members was needed to handle the legal issues that followed.

    Those confirmed include; Mr Fabian Ntung- Chairman, Lamindi Kaiwani, Joshua Ndom Partrick Mamgin, Hafsat Amin, Peter Danbenji and James Dashan as members.

    The statement added that the confirmation had since been forwarded to the governor for further necessary action.

  • BREAKING: Lalong dissolves local government councils

    BREAKING: Lalong dissolves local government councils

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has dissolved the 17 Local Government Councils in the state, following expiration of their tenure.

    Lalong directed that they should hand over affairs of the Councils to their Directors of Personnel Management by Friday.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Press & Public Affairs to the governor of Plateau state, Mr Simon Macham.

    Lalong in the statement appreciated the chairmen and councillors for serving the people meritoriously and doing their best to improve the lives of the citizens at the grassroots.

    While wishing them the best in their future endeavours, he urged them to continue to offer their services to the socio-political development of the State.

    Lalong thanked them for their support and collaboration toward ensuring the success of his administration through many projects and programmes cited in their various local governments.

    The governor in the statement called on citizens to ensure that the elections scheduled for Saturday were conducted freely and without any incident.

  • Plateau Massacre: Gov Lalong Imposes 24 hour Curfew in Jos North LGA

    Plateau Massacre: Gov Lalong Imposes 24 hour Curfew in Jos North LGA

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, has imposed a 24-hour Curfew on Jos North Local Government, following Saturday’s attack on commuters around Jos North Local Government.

    A total of 23 persons were reportedly killed and 23 injured.

    Lalong in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs , Dr Makut Macham, on Sunday in Jos, said the action was to forestall further security threat in the area.

    The Governor had on Saturday, announced that Jos North, Jos South and Bassa Local Government areas shall observe curfew from 6p.m to 6a.m.

    “From 2p.m of today, Sunday 15th August 2021, a 24-hour curfew will come into effect in Jos North Local Government Area.

    “This is necessitated by security reports, which indicate rising threats to the safety of lives and properties within the Local Government,” he said .

    He urged Plateau people to comply with the directive, to allow security agencies maintain law and order and deal with those bent on causing chaos.

    Lalong stressed that the 24-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government would be operational until further notice.

  • Gov. Lalong mourns death of Senator Gogwim

    Gov. Lalong mourns death of Senator Gogwim

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has expressed sadness over the death of a former Senator representing Plateau Central, Sati Gogwim, who died at the age of 71.

    Lalong, in a condolence message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, in Jos on Wednesday, described the deceased as a patriot.

    He said Gogwim, who represented Plateau Central in the Senate between 2007-2011, gave the nation and Plateau State his best in all his duties.

    He eulogised the senator, saying he retired from the army with records of achievements and was diligent in politics, business, community service and philanthropy.

    Lalong said the senator would be missed for his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Plateau, particularly during its challenging moments where his counsel facilitated engagements and resolutions that helped in addressing many issues.

    While commiserating with his family, friends and associates, the governor urged them to take solace in the legacies he left behind and build on it to honour his memory.