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Chris Dashe Empower Less Previlage in Mikang

By Peter Akpah

Chris-Dashe Empowerment Initiative Empowers Less Privileged in Mikang LGA, Plateau State

In its commitment to reduce poverty and crime to minimum level, Chris-Dashe Empowerment Foundation today Saturday 14th March, 2020 made extraordinary stride to put smiles on the faces of about 50 widows, orphans and the less privileged in Mikang LGA of Plateau State by empowering them with items that will assist their them to enhance better and meaningful lives as well as in turn impact the society positively by assisting others.

Executive Director of Chris-Dashe Empowerment Initiative, Q.S Bitrus Na’angurum Christopher said he is more delighted than the beneficiaries being used of God to render assistance the less privileged in the society and charged others to be generous to the needy in order to reduce the rate of poverty and crime bedevilling the Nation.

He said he feel delighted and fulfilled impacting lives from what he earns as salary.

Mr. Christopher said the struggle to lift more citizens out of extreme poverty is an indictment on everyone who can afford three square meals a day.
He posited that government is legally responsible, while everyone is morally responsible.

“We must look at this poverty situation with utmost priority and show concern no matter how little it maybe” he posited.
He said Chris-Dashe Foundation Empowerment Initiative is committed to touch the lives of orphans, widows and the downtrodden in the society to give them a sense of belonging.
He said he is aware of the challenges being faced by Orphans and widows being fatherless.

He underscored the essence of empowering widows as being key to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty in the Nigeria and reducing it to minimal level.
“It is also important in helping the Widows overcome temptations from those men who want to take advantage of them”

“When Women prosper, everyone around them benefits and the community at large is positively impacted”

“Their children can also be able to get an education and contribute to their communities” Mr. Christopher said.

He said empowering skilled individuals especially Tailors and Barbers who are some of the beneficiaries has a lot of benefits to offer to the society.
“Every single of us is unique and each person lives differently. Everyone has resources, everyone has skills, personality and experience that deserve to be discovered and nurtured”
“We are gathered here today because we believe that every little effort can yield big. An individual effort can yield big hence our slogan, one man, many efforts”

“I call on all of us here to eschew selfishness and greed and imbibe the habit of generosity” he said.

He said they are giving the items from the bottom of their hearts with greater joy and fulfillment without any condition whatsoever attached to it.
He charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items presented to them to better their lives, those of others around them and the society, discouraging them from selling the items which he said will defeat the objectives of the gesture.

He said the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Mr. Innocent Da’ang will lead a committee to monitor, assess and ensure proper and judicious use of the items by the Beneficiaries.

Chris-Dashe Empowerment Initiative has empowered 50 persons (Widows, Orphans and Downtrodden) in Qua’anpan LGA of Plateau State, drilled two hand pump boreholes in Kwande and Kwalla Districts all in Qua’anpan LGA, supported 30 Widows of SS Peter and Paul Parish in Abuja, supported Orphanage home in Kwa, Qua’anpan LGA and sponsored a local wrestling competition in Jepjan Namu, Qua’anpan LGA, Plateau State.

The Philanthropist said they will do similar empowerment in Shendam LGA, other LGA in Plateau State, the entire State, Niger State and all over Nigeria to touch and impact lives positively. He said he is emulating his late Dad, Mr. Chris Dashe who was a Philanthropist all his life.

Touched when a teenage Orphan, Miss Lapket Ntuat from Baltep Tunkus District came out to receive her item, the Executive Director gave her cash for her education and admonished her to take her studies seriously in order to add value to the society in the future.

Those who spoke in their separate remarks appreciated Chris-Dashe Empowerment Initiative for the laudable gesture and admonished him not to get tired in impacting humanity and the society.

They said many advantaged persons are not generous as the Executive Director who out of his earnings is empowering people to attain their full potentials.

Mikang LGC Chairman who was represented by Mr. Haruna John Tamah, Director of Research and Documentation of the Council commended the gesture and admonished those with the means to emulated Q. S Christopher in lifting the people out of poverty on order to live better, more productive and meaningful lives.

He called on the beneficiaries to make judicious and effective use of the items presented to them and remain peaceful and patriotic.

The Chairman of Mikang LGC said the Council will partner with the NGO to better the lives of the people.

The beneficiaries who couldn’t hide their joy appreciated the Philanthropist gesture and promised to put the items to good use to better their lives, others and the society. They prayed God to continue to open greater doors to the Donor so he can reach more people and impact humanity positively.

The event took place at Singapore Hall Tunkus Mikang LGA, Plateau State.

The Beneficiaries were drawn across the four (4) Districts in Mikang LGA: Tunkus, Piapung, Garkawa and Koenoem.

Items distributed to beneficiaries were Grinding Machines, Clippers, Generators and Grinding Machines.

Northern Governors Condole Yahaya Bello Over Death of Mum

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONDOLE KOGI GOVERNOR, YAHAYA BELLO OVER PASSING OF MUM

The Northern Governors Forum has commiserated with their colleague Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State over the death of his mother, Hajiya Hauwau Oziohu Bello, who passed away at the age of 101.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement described the incident as sad, but asked the family to be comforted by the fact that she lived to long, fruitful and blessed life to see many generations of her family.
Lalong said, “mama lived a life of testimony having persevered through the struggles of life and raising children that have become major contributors to the growth and development of not only Kogi State, but the nation as a whole. We can only celebrate her and pray that God almighty grants her soul eternal rest and comfort the family and her loved ones”.

Governor Lalong urged her children, grandchildren and great-grand children to emulate the virtures of their matriarch who during her life time demonstrated the fear of God, and promoted good moral values of honesty, charity, forgiveness, tolerance and harmony in her community, in line with her faith.

The Forum also offered their support and solidarity to Governor Yahaya Bello, the Government and people of Kogi State at this moment of brief, assuring them of their prayers and goodwill.

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
March 15, 2020

Northern Governors Forum Congratulates The newly Elected Leadership of AREWA consultative Forum.

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNOR’S FORUM CONGRATULATES NEW AREWA CONSULTATIVE FORUM LEADERSHIP

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated the new leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) led by Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Chief Audu Ogbeh.
The Northern Governor’s Forum in a statement by its Chairman and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong expressed delight that the ACF conducted a smooth transition of electing a new leadership to pilot its affairs.
Lalong said ” The Arewa Consultative Forum as a Northern socio-cultural pressure group has played both intervention and reconciliatory roles in addressing many issues affecting the region and the Country by advancing solutions and advice to relevant authorities”.
He charged the new leadership to work in synergy with the Northern Governors Forum in addressing critical issues confronting the region such as insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and the Almajiri phenomenon.
Lalong also appealed to the ACF not to relent in deploying its influential members to assist in reconciling various communities in the North and the nation as a whole with a view to promoting peace, harmony and tolerance which is necessary for development.
He said the unity of the north is paramount and as such, all stakeholders must put the interests of the people above personal considerations.
It will be recalled that the ACF recently elected a new leadership with Former Minister of Agriculture Chief Audu Ogbeh as Chairman, with others which include: Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Ambassador Shehu Malami; former Minister of State for Power, Murtala Aliyu Secretary General among others.

Lalong Charge Graduans of College of Education Gindiri to be of Good Morals

By Peter Akpah

Lalong charge graduans of college of education Gindiri to be of Good moral and academic standards instilled in them are virtues they should exhibit at all times. After all, the award of certificates is them.

Acting Provost College of Education Gindiri MSGR. Rev Prof. Cletus Tanimu Gotan, in his opening remarks appreciate the effort of the governor toward Making the institution with the state of art structures and always supporting the institution, he also commended the lecturers and the students to keep up with good behavior and shorn any act of violence and cultism and pursue their education with great focus, he described the join convocations as a great one reason being with all the challenge the institution went through it still stand, and he also call on the government to keep on Supporting the institution to achieve their goals.

The executive governor of plateau state Simon Bako Lalong who was a special guest in the occasion said is a great delight to be present at this memorable occasion, which is the 28th to 33rd combined convocation ceremony of this great institution.

visitor to this College, I consider this convocation ceremony very significant and long overdue, because many graduands who successfully completed their studies some years ago have been anxiously looking forward to this day.

Now that the day is finally here, I congratulate you all and urge you to relish the moment, which validates the long hours of learning and research you invested. However, I hope that subsequent convocations will not be delayed again.

From the number of graduands being awarded certificates today, it is clear that a lot of investment has gone into preparing them for the task of transferring knowledge to other students, particularly at early learning stages.

The College of Education Gindiri is one Institution that our Rescue Administration considers very crucial. This is because it is saddled with the huge task of training teachers who are to shape and mould the minds of our children.

This therefore means that if they fail to get the right quality of education, then they may not only pose serious danger to the younger generation, but eventually put the whole society in jeopardy by transferring half-knowledge and corrupted ideas.

We are all witnesses to the high proliferation of schools, particularly private ones in our country today. Sadly, the number of qualified teachers is not commensurate to the growing number schools, hence the engagement of quack teachers to the detriment of the society.

That is why I am excited that we are graduating many trained teachers here today and releasing them into the teaching profession to take over from those are not sufficiently qualified to be in the classroom as Teachers.

Therefore, as ambassadors of this great College, you should not see this occasion as a mere certification ritual. The future of our education in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole depends on you. You must not fail to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

As you go into the teaching profession, you must remember that the moral and academic standards instilled in you are virtues you should exhibit at all times. After all, the award of certificates to you by the College is because you have been found worthy in character and in learning.

You should therefore go out there determined to make a difference in the teaching profession by distinguishing yourselves in your various fields of calling. Let me admonish you that as you graduate and leave the four corners of this institution, excellence, self-discipline and dedication must be your watchword at all times.

You should also not see the certificates you are receiving today as the end of learning. Rather, consider this as the stepping-stone for you to seek further knowledge by upgrading your qualifications in order to remain relevant in the profession, and indeed a fast changing society.

Our Rescue Administration has continued to provide training opportunities for teachers at all levels and also granted study leave and grants for teachers to undertake further studies in various institutions.

Additionally, we are rehabilitating decayed school infrastructure that we inherited as well as constructing model schools with international standards under our Legacy Projects. This is to ensure that both the students and teachers operate under a conducive environment.

I have noted the challenges enumerated by the Acting Provost about issues relating to infrastructure, security, funding among others. Government will look into the demands and address them within available resources and in the context of our resolve to complete all abandoned projects we inherited.

Now that the College has been granted permission to begin Degree programmes, the imperative for more infrastructure is eminent and we shall do our best to improve the facilities for both students and lecturers.

While Government extends this gesture to the College, it is also expected that the Management of the School will think of other sources of generating revenue using various windows such as entrepreneurship and consultancy.

Your capacity to pursue ground-breaking research and other needful community services will also earn you grants from industries, donor agencies and other international organisations. These will go a long way in closing the gap because government cannot do everything.

On security, we shall make the necessary contact with the Police and relevant security agencies to facilitate the citing of a Police Outpost close to the College premises to help in curbing the incidences of crime in and around the school campus.

Similarly, Government frowns at the reports of encroachment into land belonging to the College by land grabbers. I therefore direct the Commissioner for Higher Education to immediately liaise with the Commissioner for Lands and Management of the College to address the situation.

While that is going on, government will ensure the completion of the fencing of the College to deter further encroachment. We do not want the situation with the encroachment of land belonging to the University of Jos to repeat itself here.

Let me warn all land grabbers to desist from such acts because Government will not fold its arms and watch lawlessness being perpetrated. The State Executive Council has already forwarded a bill to the House of Assembly against land grabbing, and once it is passed into law, offenders will be prosecuted and jailed.

To the students who are still in the school, it is important for you to concentrate on your studies and shun acts of cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, riots and unnecessary agitations. You have to maintain peace and follow proper channels to ventilate any grievances you may have.

I congratulate all the awardees from our Late father Chief Dr. Solomon Daushep Lar; The late Sum Pyem, Mato Dakat; Rt. Hon. Idris Maje, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Mr. John Maigari, Pioneer indigenous Provost of the College; and Mrs. Rose Adamu, Educationist and School Proprietress. They have done a lot to our State and we thank them.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, a hundred miles journey starts with a giant step. Given the historical evolution of the College of Education, Gindiri, I pay special tributes to all past Visitors, Provosts, Management, Academic and Administrative Staff and indeed the host community for their significant contributions in the growth and development of this great institution.

Finally, I sincerely appreciate the Acting Provost MSGR. Rev Prof. Cletus Tanimu Gotan, a clergy and seasoned administrator who accepted the challenge to work towards rebuilding the College and putting it on a new trajectory of hope.

Northern Governors Forum Felicitates With Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo @ 63

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CONGRATULATES VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT 63

The Northern Governors Forum has sent warm felicitations to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as he marks his 63rd birthday (8th March 2020).
The Forum in a message through its Chairman and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a unique gift to Nigeria as he has been tenacious and patriotic in his service to the country and the upliftment of it’s people.
Lalong said “as Chairman of the National Economic Council, Prof. Osinbajo has shown his deep knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing the Nigerian economy as well as deployed his versatility, team spirit and mobilization skills in advancing practical solutions to its improvement”.
He added that” the vice President has shown total loyalty not only to President Muhammadu Buhari, but to the nation by giving reliable counsel and carrying out his assignments with excellence”.
The Chairman also highlighted the Vice President’s deep passion for the liberation of the poor through strategic empowerment programmes that have created jobs for many Nigerians and increased the quantity, quality and capacity of Micro-Medium and Small Scale Enterprises.
Lalong also said that the Northern Governors Forum in particular has enjoyed cordial working relationship with the Vice President as he has supported efforts at reducing poverty, tackling the challenges of Almajiri System, improving agricultural development, tackling insecurity as well as ending the farmer herder clashes.
While praying for God to continue to grant the Vice President many more years of peace, good health and prosperity, Governor Lalong asked him to continue to offer his wisdom and knowledge to the growth of Nigeria’s democracy and the enhancement of Nigeria’s ruling party, the APC.

The Northern Governors Forum Congratulates Vice President Osinbajo @63

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CONGRATULATES VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT 63

Lalong Congratulates Acting President of The Court of Appeal Justice M. B Dongban-Mebsem

By Peter Akpah GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL JUSTICE M.B. DONGBAN-MENSEMPlateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem over her appointment as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.
Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described her appointment as well deserved because of her impeccable record of performance in the Judiciary over many years.
Lalong said he has no doubt that justice Dongban will discharge her new responsibility with the highest decorum, professionalism, diligence and patriotism so as to add value to the second highest court in the land.
He said “We in Plateau State are extremely proud of this feat by one of our daughters who has given her best in the service of Nigeria and in the dispensing justice to all manner of people without fear or favour. We have no doubt that she will excel in this huge responsibility and demonstrate the true Plateau spirit of honesty, fairness and fear of God. We shall uphold her in prayers”.
The Governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief Justice of Nigeria for their recommendation and approval in line with constitutional provisions and judicial tradition.
It will be recalled that President Buhari approved the appointment of Justice Dongban for an initial period of three months, with effect from March 6, 2020, when the incumbent President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, CFR, would statutorily retire from service.
Justice Dongban-Mensem, who is the next most senior Judge of the Court of Appeal, will be acting pending when a substantive appointment to the position of the President of the Court of Appeal may be made by President Buhari subject to the confirmation of the Senate.
The President’s approval of the appointment of Justice Dongban-Mensem, followed the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria in line with the provisions of Section 238(4) & (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Northern Governors Forum Felicitates With Former President Olusegun Obasanjo @ 83

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM FELICITATE WITH FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO @ 83

Members of the Northern Governors Forum have extended their warm felicitations to Nigeria’s former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on his 83rd birthday, (March 5, 2020).
In a congratulatory message to the former President, Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong praised Chief Obasanjo for his visionary and patriotic service to Nigeria, the African Continent, and the world at large.
Lalong described Chief Obasanjo as a leader who has given his best to the nation and humanity in the various positions of responsibility he has occupied over the years.
The Northern Governors Forum particularly praised his commitment to the growth of democracy, good governance and human rights which he has pursued in and out of office and under different platforms across the globe.
They urged the former President not to relent in offering his weath of wisdom and experience to the present leadership at all levels, particularly as Nigeria continues its march towards consolidating democracy, fight against corruption and insecurity.
The forum wished him more years of good health, God’s divine wisdom and protection as he keeps serving Nigeria, the African continent, and the world.

Lalong Salutes COCIN president Rev Datiri @ 61

By Peter Akpah

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR SALUTES COCIN PRESIDENT, REV. DATIRI AT 61

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has rejoiced with President, Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri on the occasion of his birthday.
The Governor in a congratulatory message to the clergyman, described him as a man of God who has devoted his energy, talent and time to the service of God and humanity.
He noted that “Rev. Dr. Datiri has played a major role in the propagation of the gospel and promoting religious freedom and tolerance among the citizens of Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole. He has expressed deep faith in boldly responding to the challenges of members of his congregation and the Christian community on the Plateau and beyond through his preachings and interventions”.
Lalong while thanking the COCIN President for enhancing the contributions of the Church to the development of Plateau State in various sectors such as health, education agriculture and many more, urged him not to relent in strengthening members of his congregation to continue to support the Government as it delivers on its mandate.
Governor Lalong also encouraged Rev. Dr. Datiri to continue to work towards uniting the body of Christ in the State and the nation by offering his wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
He wished him more years of peace, joy and divine health.

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
4th March 2020.

Lalong Condoles Jang Over Loss of Personal Assistant

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDOLES FORMER GOVERNOR JANG OVER LOSS OF PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed shock over the death of Mr. Samuel Dung, Personal Assistant to the former Governor of Plateau State Jonah Jang.
Governor Lalong in a statement described as saddening the sudden death of Mr. Dung which occured on Monday 2nd March.
While consoling the family of the deceased and the former Governor Jang, Lalong described the death as painful and a huge loss to the people of Plateau State giving his services to the State.
He said ” the deceased served with passion and commitment leaving no one in doubt that he was a dependable father and husband as well as a worthy assistant to his principal. Such a loss is deeply hurting especially looking at the vacuum created by his demise”.
Governor Lalong however asked the family and former Governor Jang to be comforted by the record of impeccable service the late Dung offered to his principal and the entire State in loyalty, honesty and selflessness.
Lalong also prayed that God will grant his soul eternal rest and give the family the grace to bear the loss.

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
3rd March 2020.