By Peter Akpah

The Northern Governors Forum has expressed heartfelt condolences to Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, over the demise of his mother, Janet Hauwa Kukah.

In a condolence message, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong said the death of Mama Janet Kukah is a great loss to the entire Kukah family, the people of Kaduna State and in particular to Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah.

Governor Lalong said “we share in this hour of grief over the departure of Mama Janet, who lived an exemplary life and also demonstrated the fear of God and respect for humanity throughout her life. She dedicated herself to raising children in the way of the Lord who have turned out to be major contributors to their immediate communities and the nation as a whole. She will surely be missed”.

Governor Lalong particularly extended the sympathies of the Northern Governors Forum to Bishop Kukah who he said has severally referred to his mother as a pillar of support and guidance towards his spiritual calling and passion for human rights, justice and peace building.

Lalong prays Almighty God to grant the soul of mama Janet, eternal rest and also comfort the family.

By Peter Akpah

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State on Tuesday 7th July 2020 witnessed the official assumption of office of Rev. Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).

Lalong congratulated Rev. Pam on his appointment and urged him do all that is possible in delivering on his mandate in service to the country.

Lalong said “this is a national assignment that requires you to be broad- minded, courageous and honest. The President has confidence in you, I have confidence in you and the people of Plateau State know your antecedents as a man of God and committed peace maker. This is the time for you to show the light in you and make the body of Christ proud. I appeal to you not to discriminate or be selective. Nigerian Christians are looking up to you to give them the pilgrimage experience that brings them closer to God and boosts their faith”.

Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers Jacob Gyang Buba, said the people of Plateau State and all Christians will support him with prayers and counsel to ensure that he succeeds.

President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle represented by ECWA President Rev. Panya Baba said the appointment of Rev. Pam is well recieved as he has a rich pedigree of promoting the gospel and promoting peaceful coexistence among different people and faiths.

Rev. Pam said he was humbled by the show of love and encouragement by all Nigerians particularly eminent sons and daughters of Plateau who have expressed tremendous support and goodwill since his appointment was announced.

He thanked Governor Lalong for standing by him and President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve the nation and pledged to do his best in the service of God.

By Peter Akpah The Northern Governors Forum says it is saddened by the death of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir who was a former member of the APC National Working Committee, and served as Vice Chairman, North West.Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in statement commiserated with family, friends and political associates of late Alhaji Inuwa, who served the nation with diligence, commitment and patriotism.Lalong said ” The late Alhaji Inuwa was a dependable and reliable politician who put the interests of the people above his personal pleasure. When he served the country as Minister of Sports and Youth Development, he did a lot to create opportunities for youth empowerment and development of sports particularly at the grassroots level. Indeed he contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria”.Governor Lalong also praised Alhaji Abdulkadir’s service to humanity and the demonstration of zeal for the development of the Northern Region through education, agriculture and the provision of social amenities.He prays that almighty God will give his family the fortitude to bear this great loss and grant him eternal rest.Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
July 7, 2020

By Peter Akpah

FAITH BASED AIDS AWARENESS INITATIVE CONGRATULATEs
REV YAKUBU PAM OVER HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE EXECUTIVE
SECRETARY OF NIGERIA CHRISTIAN PILGRIM COMMISSION
(NCPC)
The cheering news of your appointment as the overseer of the Nigeria
Christian Pilgrim Commission by His Excellency, President
Muhammadu Buhari gives us joy that you have been selected for this
honorable position. We thank God who has helped you to serve
successfully as the CAN president of the northern region and the
chairman of Plateau State Christian Pilgrim Board. We are confident
that the successful leadership you exhibited in those positions will be
repeated in this national office.
Sir, we join millions of Nigerians to felicitate with you and pray that the
Lord God who has promoted you to this exalted position of service will
give you wisdom, understanding and strength to succeed, in Jesus
name. The Lord will bestow upon you the grace to serve with
selflessness, justice and integrity and please the Almighty who has
appointed you. Your assignment will be a blessing to the body of Christ,
bring glory to God and earn you peace and joy.
Once more we congratulate you and look forward to seeing and hearing
the good things that will come to the body of Christ as a result of your
leadership of this body.
Signed:
Pastor Oloruntunde
CEO/Executive Director
Prof Rev Danny McCain
Chairman Board of Trustees
Africa office: Ministry of Agriculture workshop 1, KM 13 Abuja Expressway, Anguldi – Bukuru, by Fir e Service, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Mobile: 08035474963, 08021286664, 08037200660. Email:
International office: P.O. Box 12147, Overland park, KS 66282-2147, Phone: 1-913-962-442, Fax: 913- 962, Email:
fbaaiprogram@gmail.com
office@global-scolars.org

By Peter Akpah

AGAIN, GOVERNOR LALONG AND FAMILY TEST NEGATIVE TO COVID-19.

For the second time, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, members of his family and immediate staff have tested negative to the Corona virus.
This follows another test conducted on the Governor and his household as a result of the recent cases recorded within his cabinet when a Commissioner and his Chief of Staff tested positive.
This necessitated the Governor and members of his family to subject themselves to another test on 4th July, 2020 having conducted the test in April 2020 which all turned out negative.
Reacting to the development, Governor Lalong said “I have continued to encourage people to subject themselves to Covid-19 test which is very important for us to determine the magnitude of the disease and level of the spread in order to curb further spread and treat people before they get to critical stages. Submitting myself and family to another test was therefore necessary as part of leadership by example and also responding to the recent cases of one of my Commissioners and Chief of Staff who were confirmed positive”.
The Governor who reiterated that Covid-19 is not a death sentence, advised the people to always take personal responsibility for their health and the health of others by adhering to the guidelines put in place to fight the disease such as the mandatory use of facemasks, social distancing, hand washing and the use of sanitizers.
He said so far, the testing capacity in Plateau State has increased as more people are being tested daily at the NVRI Laboratory in Vom and the TB Reference Laboratory at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Efforts are also being made to have the testing also conducted at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. As at 5th July 2020, about 6,000 people have been tested so far in the State.
In the meantime, the Governor has directed continued enforcement of compliance to Covid-19 guidelines particularly in public places as violators are sanctioned accordingly. He also Warns against stigmatizing infected persons, insisting that unless the disease is demystified, it will be difficult to overcome.

By Peter Akpah

COLLAPSED WASE-LANTANG BRIDGE; GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS MINISTER OF WORKS.

In furtherance of his recent visit to the collapsed Wase-Lantang bridge which was affected by heavy rains, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has met with the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola at the Ministry’s headquarters to seek for an immediate solution.
Lalong who visited the Minister at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi on Monday 6th July 2020, said the people of Wase, Langtang and others plying the road up to Taraba State are completely cut off as a result of the bridge collapse.

He said “I took a personal visit to the area to see things for myself last week and as you know, it is a Federal Road. From what I saw, it is something that needs the Federal financial might to fix. I have asked my people to provide boats as alternatives for now, but this cannot be sustained for a long time considering the economic activities that take place in the area. We need the quick intervention of the Federal Government which is why I decided to pay this visit to you”.
Lalong thanked the Federal Government for support in carrying out road projects in Plateau State, particularly the Longvel- Yelwa-Ajikamai-Ibi-Federal Road which is being constructed by the State Government with the hope of refund afterwards.
Responding, Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola sympathised with the people of Plateau State and the immediate local Governments of Wase, Lantang and other areas who have been negatively impacted by the bridge collapse.

He said already, the Federal Controller of Works in Plateau State has filed a report with a recommendation for the replacement of the bridge as the collapsed one is old. He said the Ministry has commenced design and costing of the new concrete bridge which will take two months to complete.
He directed that immediate palliative work should be carried out to restore temporary connection for people of the area while the permanent solution is being worked out.
The Minister and Governor agreed to set up a team on both sides to follow up on the intervention.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG ASSURES OF COMPLETING FRSC TRAINING SCHOOL IN SHENDAM, AS DCM FUOMSUK IS DECORATED.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has assured that his administration will continue to develop transport infrastructure as well as ensure the completion of the Federal Road Safety Training School in Shendam so as to ensure that the personnel have a conducive environment for manpower development.

Governor Lalong stated this when he visited the headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Abuja to witness the decoration of Hygenus Fuomsuk to his new rank of Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM).
Lalong who participated in decorating the new DCM said he was glad to witness the elevation of Fomsuk, whom he described as a committed officer that has served diligently over the years.

He said “an elevation like this is an opportunity to serve Nigeria and be patriotic. Although your appointment is to represent the North Central Zone in the FRSC, you should look beyond that zone to serve with dignity and treat everyone with respect irrespective of where they come from. Nigeria is your first constituency”.
He also used the opportunity to call on the Federal Road Safety Corps to continue to work hard in assisting the fight against COVID-19 by enforcing transportation guidelines.
Earlier, the Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi said the promotion of DCM Fuomsuk and others were well deserved and merited because of their track record of loyalty and dedication to duty.
He appreciated Governor Lalong for the support he has continued to give the FRSC, particularly his recent intervention towards the completion of the FRSC Training School in Shendam which he said will be completed before the end of the year.
Also decorated at the brief event was DCM Samule Obayomi from Kogi State who is proceeding on retirement leave.

By Peter Akpah

The CEO and the entire staff of JOLEX construction company, wishes Mr Noel Donjur the chief of staff to the governor of plateau state a quick recovery and pray for God healling and protection over him, and also all persons infected by the virus including the commissioner for commerce and industry a very quick recovery, Chief chinedu disclose this in an interactions with sourcenews24 and other journalists over the covid-19 that has ravaged the nation and the world at large, Chief chinedu who louded the efforts put in place by the governor in the fight against the virus and also express sadness over how some people are violating the safety measures and none adherence of the restrictions and 2metres distancing, he also use the opportunity to call on the good people of plateau state to adhere strictly to the government and health authorities safty measures and people should stop spreading rumors that covid-19 is not real and people should stop politicising the pandemic as covid-19 is real and people should take advantage of the mass testing the government of plateau state has provided in various testing centres across the state and get tested as covid-19 is not a death sentence as knowing your status will help in reducing the Spread.

By Peter Akpah

Plateau Regeneration Group PRG on Wednesday commended the Speaker of the Plateau state house of assembly Hon. Abok Ayuba, and other members of the house over the suspension of two local government chairmen of the state for insubordination.

The group in a statement signed by the Public relations officer Pam Datiri , said the two sacked LGA chairmen are not bigger than the Plateau house of assembly .

“We commend the speaker of the state house of assembly Abok for carrying out his legistative functions perfectly.

He said that the face of legislature in Plateau has changed for the better and the people are now feeling the positive impact of the Speaker since he took over office in June 2019 .

The several legislative interventions made by the Assembly under Speaker Abok has proved very important in the lives of the people. The collaboration between the executive and the legislature in this era has been of immense benefit to the people as Plateau keeps enjoying peace and progress, The evidence abound!

The 9th assembly under the able leadership of Honourable Abok has prioritize the interest of the people and development of the State above their individual or political parties’ interest through giving needed support to the executive arm.

The group, however urged the speaker and members of the legislative to avoid distraction, remain united, peaceful and Continue to provide more dividends of democarcy to their constituents.

It could be recalled that the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, suspended the Local Government Councils Chairmen of Kanam Hon. Wukdong Abbas, and his counterpart Hon. Isaac Kwalu of Quanpan LGA for a period of three months.

Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Abok Ayuba ,who stated this at plenary said that the duo were invited to appear before the house regarding some illegalities in their respective Councils but failed to appear.

Ayuba said: “As lawmakers we can’t give instructions and it would not be adhered to, so in this regard the two Council Chairmen stands suspended for three months.”

Pam said , ” I call on the people of the state to support their lawmakers at all times .

By Peter Akpah

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed members of the State Executive Council to undergo test for COVID-19 and thereafter isolate beginning today, 1st July, 2020.

This follows the fact that a member of the State Executive Council and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Abe Aku tested positive for the virus after he carried out the test.

Based on the Governor’s directive specimens of the Commisioners are to be taken and forwarded to the COVID-19 Laboratory at The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom for testing.

During the period and pending the outcome of the results members of the public are advised to be guided by unnecessary visits to members of the State Executive Council while they isolate.

This action is to not only prevent possible spread of the disease, but also show leadership by example.
It could be recalled that Governor Lalong and his family carried out the test earlier where all of them tested negative.

The Governor has also continued to speak against stigmatization saying that COVID-19 is not a death sentence and only continuous testing will reveal the rate of infection and facilitate treatment to save lives.

The Governor hopes that by this act, members of the public will be more encouraged to make themselves available for testing, while at the same time obeying the COVID-19 protocols of wearing face masks, social distancing, hand washing and the use of alcohol based sanitizers.

Government also uses this opportunity to remind the public that the enforcement of orders issued by the Governor will continue and those found violating will be arrested and prosecuted.