By Peter Akpah

The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Plateau state, Hon. Noel Donjur has tested negative to Corona virus after undergoing treatment. It will be recalled that some weeks back, Hon. Donjur tested positive to the virus which led him to go into isolation for treatment in line with protocols outlined by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

This cheering news which was broken in the earlier hours of today by the Hon. Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nimkong Ndam Lar, said Hon. Donjur remained asymptomatic throughout the period of his treatment. The government of Plateau State hereby wishes the Chief of Staff sustainable good health and gives God the glory for his recovery.

At this juncture, let me reiterate that COVID-19 is real and is not a death sentence. Therefore I want to use this medium to appeal to the public to avail themselves for the test which is being conducted at various levels. They should avail themselves of government benevolence which apart from conducting the test, takes over the bills and treatment of those whose test positive.

Furthermore, government frowns at those stigmatizing persons that have been infected and warns them to desist from such act. Rather we should be our brothers’ keepers by standing by them.

Finally, government calls on its workers to make themselves available for this test as reports indicate that some are not cooperating for the exercise.

The Head of Service has been directed to deal with the matter administratively.

Dan Manjang.
Hon. Commissioner,
Information and Communication
Plateau State.

17th July, 2020

By Peter Akpah

A Public Affair Analyst, Security Expert and Senior Research at the Centre for Peace & Security Studies MATUTECH Yola, Adamawa State, Dr. Chris Kwaja has advocated for the immortalization of the first Nigeria Female Combat Helicopter Pilot, Ms. Tolulope Arotile who died in an accident at Nigerian Air Force Base Kaduna State.

Dr. Kwaja posited that considering her impact and immense contributions to the fight against insurgency thereby putting her life on the line for the unity, safety and security of Nigeria she should be honored.

He opined that the Flying Officer deserves national honour and immortalization.

“On account of her patriotism and commitment to protecting our territorial integrity as well as rid the Nation of insurgents, I am making a case for the Nigerian Airforce to engrave her name on one of the helicopters she flew” Dr. Kwaja said.

He said the deceased Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile was role model to the younger generation by demonstrating that age is never a barrier in making impact to the Society and Nation.

“She was a symbol of true patriotism, diligence in service and contributed hugely to national development within her short period in service”

“She has written her name in gold, the world is celebrating her and she deserve to be immortalized”

“At her age, she demonstrated uncommon zeal, passion enthusiasm, commitment and unflinching patriotism towards our Nation”
“The present crop of youths must borrow a leaf from her disposition and emulate her” Dr. Kwaja concluded.

Tolulope Arotile had just come back from Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State, where she was deployed in the fight to rid the North-central states of armed bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions.

She was targeted severally by the bandits who shot repeatedly at her aircraft but the dogged fighter engaged her combat skills and evaded them, while successfully carrying out what she was deployed for.

By Peter Akpah

Chairman Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics and member, Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Senator Hezekiah A Dimka was on ground Thursday, July 16, 2020 to welcome Plateau State delegation to the committee hearing on compensation of the host community of Police Staff College, Jos.

Hon Yakubu Dati, who is Plateau State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning led the Plateau State Government delegation to the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

This followed the petition presented on the floor of the Senate by the Senator representing Plateau North, Senator I D Gyang on the allegation of non payment of compensation to the host community of Police Staff College, Jos,
Plateau State.

Senator Hezekiah Dimka, who is a member of the committee had before the commencement of the hearing interacted frightfully with the state’s leader of the delegation, Hon Yakubu Dati.

He expressed delight at their coming and prayed that something tangible would come out of the hearing.

The amiable Senator who represents Plateau Central Zone was to later join his colleagues in the screening of Ambassadorial nominees, which were recently sent by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Makut Alfred Mashat
SSA New Media
To Distinguished Senator Hezekiah Dimka.

By Peter Akpah

The Northern Governors Forum says it is shocked by the sudden and tragic death of Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile who was killed in a car accident in Kaduna.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong described the late Tolulope as a promising officer, who had demonstrated high sense of loyalty, patriotism and diligence in her service to Nigeria particularly in maintaining peace and security.

Lalong said the testimony of the officer’s bravery in the field of combat, especially towards stopping bandits and terrorists from inflicting more harm on Nigerians will remain indelible in the history of the Nigerian Airforce as well as in the minds of Nigerians.

Governor Lalong on behalf of his colleagues consoled with Arotile’s family, the Nigerian Air Force, the Government and people of Kogi State and the entire Northern Region over this sad incident, while praying that God will receive her soul and grant her eternal rest.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDOLES HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER, GAGDI OVER DEATH OF FATHER.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has condoled Member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi over the death of his father, Mallam Adamu Yusuf Gagdi, who died on Thursday 16th July 2020.

Governor Lalong in a condolence message described the death of Mallam Adamu, a renowned and respectable Islamic scholar and the Imam of Gum-Gagdi Mosque, Kanam LGA of Plateau State, as a great loss to his immediate family, community and Plateau State as a whole.

He said “Late Mallam Adamu was a rallying point in his community as he used his position as an Islamic cleric to not only teach virtues of love, peace, tolerance and hardwork, but also engaged in mentoring the youths to value humility above undue search for quick glory”.

Lalong particularly recognised his contributions towards fostering dialogue and understanding among people of different tribes, religions and socio-political persuasions which has contributed to restoring peace on the Plateau.

Lalong said the State shares the pain with members of his family, particularly the Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, and urged them to continue to honour his memory by ensuring that his legacies are sustained in the service of humanity.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
16th July 2020.

By Peter Akpah

Plateau State has again demonstrated its prowess as the home of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria when another of its illustrious sons Mr. Mafeng Iliya Yohanna, CEO of Mafeng Woodcraft located at Gut, Rayfield Jos, won the award for Woodworks and Furniture Category at the 2020 National MSME Awards held virtually.

Mafeng beat contestants from all parts of the country to emerge winner following his submission to the selection board which assessed the quality of his furniture products and the use of locally sourced raw materials. He was awarded one million naira.

In his remarks at the awards, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong said he was again honoured to have another entrepreneur and innovator who is putting the State on the national stage once again as far as small and medium enterprises development is concerned.
Lalong said “I am not surprised by the achievement of Mafeng Woodcraft which is following in the footsteps of previous winners starting from Mr. Jerry Mallo who was the overall winner of the maiden edition in 2018 with a tractor; as well as Mr. Luka Zaka Zang Bot who in 2019 won an award in the technology innovation category by producing a computer mouse for people living with disabilities. Ours is to continue to provide a conducive environment for our people to showcase their talents in order to create jobs and prosperity”.
He appreciated the hardwork of the Management and Staff of the Plateau State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLAMEDA) for fishing out talents, training them and also facilitating the process of establishing their business.
He also thanked partners such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for their support to innovators and entrepreneurs which has seen many ideas being transformed into jobs and employment opportunities.
Mr. Mafeng Yohanna while responding to the award said he was delighted to be chosen as the winner in the Woodworks and Furniture Category of the 2020 National MSME Awards.
He appreciated Governor Lalong for creating the right environment for the small businesses to thrive by not only ensuring that they are given the right training and incentives, but by also ensuring that there is peace in the State which has continued to make businesses to flourish.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo congratulated all the winners and nominees for their industry, creativity, ideas and innovation that have stimulated the creation of jobs and provision of employment.
He recognized the progress made by innovators and past winners such as Merry Mallo whose Company Bennie Agro has continued to grow and churn out various products after the maiden Awards in 2018.
He said the Federal Government is making available more funds worth billions that will be accessed by deserving MSMEs to enable them produce for domestic consumption and export.
Director General of the Industrial Training Fund Sir Joseph Ari and DG PLASMEDA who participated in the virtual awards assured that their organisations will continue to offer opportunities to those who want to break away from the shackles of poverty by suing their skills for productivity.
Mafeng woodcraft started in 2005, and is into the production of all kinds of woodworks and furniture for interior and exterior purposes such as Home chairs, Room Beds, kitchen cabinets, office table and chairs, school furniture among others.

By Peter Akpah

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of Dr. Boniface Bakshuet Gwotbit as the new General Manager of the Plateau Publishing Corporation, publishers of The Nigerian Standard Newspapers.
Until his appointment, Dr. Gwotbit was the Director Marketing of the Corporation, and has served in the organisation for 32 years.
He has a Ph.D degree in Business Administration from Barmenda International University Cameroon and was one time Management Committee Chairman of Mikang Local Government.
Governor Lalong charges the new Managing Director to leverage on his experience and work assiduously towards repositioning the Corporation in consonance with the dream of its founding fathers and the realities of today’s competitive and dynamic publishing industry.
In particular, Governor Lalong wants the Nigerian Standard Newspapers to be revived and sustained to take its rightful place as one of the most vibrant newspapers in the country, as well as compete favourably in the media space.
He wants the new leadership to also focus on the commercial prosperity of the Corporation for self-sustenance.
The Acting Managing Director is to hand over to Dr. Gwotbit immediately and revert to her parent Ministry for further directives.
The Governor thanks her for her services during her period of acting.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
15th July 2020.

By Peter Akpah

Members of the House of Representatives have called on President Buhari to instruct the Ministry of Education to partially re-open schools for students in graduating classes to sit for the 2020 West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.

This call came days after the House Committee on Basic Education and Services issued a statement rejecting the decision of the Ministry of Education to rescind on its earlier decision to re-open schools for students in graduating classes to carry out revision work and also write their examinations.

Recall that the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, had on July 6 announced that the examination, which was earlier scheduled for April this year but postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, will now hold from August 4 to September 5.

However, after the virtual Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, July 8, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, announced a reversal of that decision. He said Nigerian schools will not reopen any time soon “until it is safe to do so because of the COVID-19 pandemic”. According to him, final year students preparing for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) will not be allowed to return to school contrary to the earlier announcement. The Minister added that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) cannot determine the resumption date of schools for Nigeria.

The House during plenary today urged President Buhari to instruct the Ministry of Education to partially re-open schools for students so they can write their examination.

On Monday, July 13, the Ministry of Education released guidelines for schools to re-open but was however silent on the date of resumption.

Schools in Nigeria have been closed since March following the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus.

By Peter Akpah

Abuja – The House of Representatives Tuesday passed through second reading a bill for the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Zandi in Plateau State.

The bill, which was unanimously endorsed at the plenary presided over by Speaker Femi Gbajabimila was sponsored by Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos (PDP, Plateau).

Leading debate on the bill, Bagos who represents Jos South/Jos East Federal constituency said my respected Colleagues, the essence of establishing a Federal Polytechnic at Zandi was “to ensure equity and access to tertiary education in the country”

He said the purpose was also to “make comprehensive provision for its management and administration with restricted programmes, limited and focused Departments to aid the educational development and improvement of technical manpower in medium and small scale enterprises in Plateau State”

The lawmaker noted that Plateau State as at present has no single Federal Polytechnic. “The once known Federal Polytechnic the State had was situated in Nasarawa as at the time Nasarawa State was part of Plateau State, before its creation on 1st October,1996, thus, the then Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Plateau State became Federal Polytechnic Nassawara, Nasarawa State.

” Thus, there is need for the Establishment of Federal Polytechnic in Plateau State”

He said the objectives of the Polytechnic shall be “to encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction the opportunity of acquiring a higher liberal education.

“Provide technical courses of instruction and other facilities for the pursuit of learning in all its branches, and to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from them;

“Encourage and promote scholarship and conduct research in all fields of learning with emphasis on technical education, and

“Undertake any other activities appropriate for a Polytechnic of the highest standard, provide courses of instruction and other facilities for the pursuit of learning in all its branches, and to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from them”.

According to him, “The Polytechnic when established shall have powers to – establish such campuses, departments, institutes, schools, extra-mural departments and other teaching and research units within the Polytechnic as may, from time to time, seem necessary or desirable, subject to the approval of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“Institute chief lectureships, readerships and associate Chief Lectureships, lectureships and other posts and offices and to make appointments thereto;

and award fellowships, scholarships, exhibitions, bursaries, medals, prizes and other titles, distinctions, awards and forms of assistance;

“Provide for the residence, discipline and welfare of members of the Polytechnic and hold public lectures and undertake printing, publishing and book selling;

“Hold examinations and award degrees, diplomas, certificates and other distinctions to persons who have pursued a course of study approved by the Polytechnic and have satisfied such other requirements as the Polytechnic may lay down; and also award honorary degrees, fellowships or academic titles ;

“Demand and receive from any student or any other person attending the Polytechnic for the purpose of instruction such fees as the Polytechnic may, from time to time determine, subject to the overall directives of the appropriate authority”

The bill was unanimously passed and referred to the committee on tertiary education for further legislative actions.

By Peter Akpah

The Honorable Member representing Jos South/Jos East in the Federal House of Representatives, Dachung Musa Bagos has added to his many caps as he again won the award for the Plateau Social Media Awards (PSMA) 2.0. “Social Media Political Influencer of the year, 2020”

The award which is the second in its series saw the member displacing four other contenders to clinch the top spot for the award.

The member who was very elated about the Award charged the youths which he also represents being a youth too to stay focused and use the social media positively to attract the world’s attention to Plateau State. He said “my motto which is to Equip the Next Generation of Leaders will be lost if the youths don’t engage positively in gainful ventures.”

Ably represented by Hon. George Chuwang Pwajok, the member thanked the organizers of the Awards charging them to continue with the good work and lead the pack in changing the narrative on the social media space while advancing the course of the youths and indeed, Plateau State.

Signed:
Danja Yaks Dafwam
For: Rep.Dachung Musa Bagos
#BagosMediaTeam