Archbishop Kaigama gives Lalong, 31 others Papal Medals

By Peter Akpah

Archbishop Kaigama gives Lalong, 31 others Papal Medals

The official Investitures Ceremony of the 32 recipients of the Papal Knights of St. Gregory the Great(KSGG) Knights of St. Sylvester (KSS), Medal Benemerenti and Pro ecclesia et Pontifice medals holds.
The ceremony was performed by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese and the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama at the Divine Mercy Cathedral, Laminga,
It would be recalled that in November 2019 His Holiness, Pope Francis recognized the contributions of the 32 citizens of Plateau State to the development and enhancement of the Catholic faith with the awards.
Among the recipients are the Plateau State Governor. Rt. Hon.Barr Dr. Simon Bako Lalong, (Knight of St Gregory The Great (KSGG) .
Others recipients are, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, KSGG., Barr. Edward Pwajok KSGG.
Sir Joseph Ari, KSS, Sir Abel Pam Fom, KSS, Sir DD Auta, KSS
Sir Emma Ezeabikwa KSS and Sir Paul Nsofor KSS.

Governor Lalong who spoke unbehalf of the recipient thank the Archbishop and the Pope.
Lalong first of all thank the Lord Almighty for this great honour bestowed on me and other recipients of Papal Knights and Papal Medals.
We are indeed humbled by this recognition from the Catholic Church coming from the Holy See as bestowed on us by the Holy Father Pope Francis.
In receiving these Honours, we are most appreciative and count ourselves blessed to be the first Knights and Papal Medalists unveiled just when the new Catholic Archbishop of Jos and the Metropolitan of Jos Ecclesiastical Province, Bishop Matthew Ishaya Audu is stepping into the shoes of His Grace Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama who has since assumed duty as the Archbishop of Abuja.

The Bible in Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”.

That is exactly our feeling at this moment of receiving these Papal Honours, having been chosen out of the many Catholic faithful serving God in different areas.

As members of the Church who have received spiritual teachings that have guided us in our day-to- day living and enabled us to serve humanity in our different areas of calling, with this honour we assure of rededicating ourselves the service of the Church and to the glory of God.

We are aware that as Knights, we are expected to be true Ambassadors of Christ and help in the propagation of the gospel of salvation as well as encourage the faithful towards seeking knowledge of the doctrines and teachings of the Church.

This responsibility is also expected to provide us the opportunity help foster and develop Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life, and Holy Matrimony within the Church so as to ensure that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is propagated.

We also recognize that since the era of protecting the Church with sword was over, our major role today is to defend the heritage and doctrines of the Church in words and actions and act with love which is the heartbeat of God.

It is therefore incumbent on us to use these recognitions not only in trying our best within human limitations, but ensure furthering the influence of the Church and Christianity to our society, based on the fruits of the Spirit rather than mere religious rhetoric.

We also count on your prayers and counsel which will indeed go a long way to lighten the weight of responsibility placed upon our shoulders by this Knighthood.

Your Grace, Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, let me use this opportunity to raise one or two issues that relate to our faith and governance in our State and the nation at large.

First is the issue of tolerance, peace and forgiveness. We are all aware that our State has substantially emerged from the ashes of violence that engulfed us some years back.

Because some of the issues were given religious colouration and deepened sentiments that polarized us more, we need to be careful not to allow the gains that we have made to be lost.

People have been rebuilding confidence in our State and returning to invest and settle here. We have to do all that is within our power to create an atmosphere of peace for development to take place.

Similarly, the unfortunate developments relating to kidnappings and executions that have affected some of our citizens in the North East recently have been matters of great concern.

We are still mourning the latest ugly incident where a Student of the University of Maiduguri, Mr. Ropyil Daciya Dalep was murdered by terrorists calling themselves ISWAP.

Our sympathies go to the family of the deceased and all other faithful departed. We pray that the Lord will comfort them and indeed all of us over this tragedy.

Barely a week earlier, we had rejoiced over the rescue of another daughter of ours, Jennifer Ukambong Samuel who was equally kidnapped by the terrorists.

Although those who are involved in this heinous crime input religion as their motive and try to justify their evil acts as revenge on Christians or Citizens of Plateau State, we know from their antecedents that they are simply criminals who have sold themselves to evil and are bent on dividing us.

As painful as these issue are, I will like to appeal to all of us to unite in condemning their actions and also refusing to buy into their ploy to trigger hatred based on religion or State of origin.

As a government, we will never allow anybody to target our citizens or threaten them simply because they are Christians or adherents of other faiths. Even if they have no religion, they have the God-given right to existence and should not be threatened by anybody. Being a citizen of Plateau State is not a crime.

Let me assure you that we are working with the President and security agencies to ensure that these incidences are addressed and our citizens under captivity by terrorists, kidnappers, bandits or any other criminals are released.

I appeal to us all to be vigilant, prayerful and guard our communities against merchants of evil who always want to exploit religion, tribe and politics for their crimes. Peace is all we need and we must continue working for it.

We should equally exercise retrain in responding to these sad developments so as not to inflame the situation and escalate it to unfortunate violent levels.

Finally, let me use this opportunity to also thank all our citizens for the goodwill, prayers and support over the Supreme Court verdict that validated the mandate given to us by the people of our dear State.

With your support and collaboration, we shall take Plateau State to the next level and leave behind lasting legacies.
The full names of recipients of the honour are as follows:

1. The Governor of Plateau
State, Barr. Simon Lalong, Knight of St. Gregory the Great.
2. Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Michael Danladi Atu,Knight of St. Gregory the Great,
3. Edward Pwojok, Knight of St
Gregory the Great,
4.Abel Fom, Knight of St Sylvester Pope,
5 Paul Nsofor, Knight of St Sylvester Pope
6. David Auta, Knight of St Sylvester Pope.
7. Joseph Ari, Knight of St. Sylvester Pope,
8 EmanuelEzeabikwa, Knight of St. Sylvester Pope,
9. Mrs. Anne Dakyen,
Cross Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
10. Rev. Sr. Florence Golam OLF,
Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
11. Prof. Simon Yiltok, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
12. Matthew Attah, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
13. Paul Gunat, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
14. David Gyang, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
15. Murphy Dogun,, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
16. Clement Bankat, Pro
ecclesia et Pontifice,
17. Cecilia Pinta, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice.
18. Prof. Longmas Wapmuk, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
19. Sir Clement Yilkoba, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
20. Augustine Davou, Pro ecclesia et Pontifice,
21. Jacob Usman, Medal Benemerenti,
22. Philomina Ikeasomba, Medal
Benemerenti,
23. Mary Gonsum, Medal Benemerenti,
24. Mary Pam,Medal Benemerenti,
25. James Rwang, Medal Benemerenti,
26. Mimido Uchendu, Medal Benemerenti,
27. Mrs Rosalyn Attah, Medal
Benemerenti.
28. Mrs. Sabina Dung, Medal Benemerenti
29. Felix Ukah, Medal Benemerenti
30. Simon Abbah, Medal Benemerenti
31. Theresa Avong, Medal Benemerenti
32.Samuel Choji, Medal Benemerenti

My Government is All Inclusive Let’s Think And Act Plateau Lalong charge plateau citizens

By Peter Akpah

Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong the executive governor of plateau state has on friday arrived jos at Yakubu Gowon airport jos, in company of the minister of women affairs and social development Dem Pauline Tallen, Hon Console, member representing Mikan Shendam Quanpa’an federal constituency and host of others, after the supreme judgement that affirmed him as the elected governor of plateau state by scoring the majority lawful votes, in an interview with journalist at his arrival at the airport lalong said the affirmation of his election victory by the supreme court has finally sealed and confirmed beyond further questioning the overwhelming mandate willingly bestowed on him by the good people of Plateau State the highest court in the land has stamped the mandate I was given and this means that our administration is now clear of litigation distractions.
Lalong said now is time to focus on governance and actualisation of our next level agenda encapsulated in our 3 point vision of peace, security and good governance; Infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth”.

The Governor while reacting to some question about the supreme court judgement said all along he was never in doubt as to the validity of his mandate as he did not only campaign and engaged all stakeholders, but also delivered on his campaign promises.

Governor Lalong also said his victory should mean alot to common man on the plateau as his 3 pilar policies will definitely touch the lives of a common man on the plateau, as he said during his first tenure which endeared the people to him. he said I again dedicate this victory to God and the people of Plateau State irrespective of their political, social, religious or ethnic affiliations.
Governor Lalong also call on all the political parties and said is not all about APC or PDP, or any other party is all about plateau so party differences should be put aside and think plateau is all about plateau and the citizens and how to move plateau forward, so those with ideas that can help to move plateau forward his doors are wide open to all.
Lalong further use the opportunity to say the Supreme Court judgement no Victor no vanquish, very body is a plateau man so why the differences he said as his slogan think plateau act plateau so no need to start any opposition, he also said he will bring everyone on deck and work with every body that has the interest of the state at heart.
The governor was recieved by his deputy, the party chairman Hon Latep Daban, Hon Yusuf Gagdi member representing Pankshin Kanke Kanam federal constituency, chairmen of local government, commissioners and other party leaders that cut across the various lacal government, a huge crowd was seen at the airport ready to welcome him.

The Governor again repeated his call to the opposition to join hands with him in developing the State and pursuing projects and programs that will promote lasting legacies for the people.
He asked the people to intensify prayers for the peace and stability of the State which will enable rapid development to take place.

SIP trains Facilitators on Core Responsibilities, To Reduce Child Mortality

By Peter Akpah

The Chairman of SIP Facilitator, and head of training Lydia Selba speaking to journalist on the training said that the 2 day training programme was for the facilitators to enhanced their capacity on Hard Co responsibility. “The training is aimed at enhancing the capacity of Facilitators for a further stepdown of the knowledge to beneficiaries of the soft components on access to healthcare services such as; pre-natal, post – natal and immunization as well as monitoring them to see how they are complying with these activities with the aim of reducing mother and child mortality rate in Plateau state”,

Selba, the head of programs and training series of training for the facilitators has also been done to enhance their performance and carry out their responsibilities also use the opportunity to thank the federal government for the support, because althrough the payment of the cash transfer founds have been made available and is a laudable achievement by the government, and also commended the executive assistant to the governor on SIP Dr Sumaye Hamza for her efforts to made sure more additional local government are added,
The head of training said the programme is one of the most transparent in terms of selection of beneficiaries because the mode of selection is community based devoid of sentiments, be it political, ethnic or religious adding that it was exactly how they generated and processed the Data they are using for the activity.
The desk officer of Lantang North Mr miri jangkan appreciated the serious and sincere commitment of Government towards the program as it has never defaulted in the payment of stipends to beneficiaries,

He also call on the Local Government Chairmen to support the good work the federal government is doing because they are the direct beneficiaries the grass root the people under them are benefiting.

He advised that sensitization training should also be organized for the Council Chairmen for them to know the significant of this activity. And if the Chairmen can contribute 0.5 per cent of their time to this programme, it would greatly enhanced the success achieved so far of bridging the gap between the rich and the poor which is the main target

Rachael Afe Sule, the Desk Officer Jos East said the training was rewarding because it has improved her capacity saying that she would surely stepped it down to beneficiaries of the soft activities in her locality and she call on the public to take advantage of the program to improve their lives, she further said the cooperation is encouraging and the selection process is also done in great way and the communities do and bring the beneficiaries themselves.

Lalong Condemns The Execution of Ropvil Daciya Dalep

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG SADDANED BY EXECUTION OF PLATEAU STUDENT BY BOKO HARAM

Plateau State Governor has again expressed deep sadness over the distressing video allegedly released by the Islamic State West Africa Province showing the purported execution of a student hostage from Plateau State, Mr. Ropvil Daciya Dalep.
The Governor expressed outrage over the alleged murder of Daciya, 22, a student of Biology Education in University of Maiduguri who was said to have been abducted on Thursday January 9, 2020 near the Borno State capital.
Governor Lalong in message reacting to the distressing video of Mr. Daciya’s alleged execution, described the heinous act as one that is aimed at provoking sentiments and leading to perceived hatred for people based on religion and origin.
Lalong said the narrative of the terrorists must never be allowed to fester and cause disharmony among Nigerians as the doctrine of the infamous group is not only misplaced but clearly a merchandise of evil.
Governor Lalong commiserated with the family of Daciya and assured them of the support of the State Government in this time of great distress.
He said the notion being conveyed by the terrorists that Christians and citizens of Plateau State are being targeted is most unfortunate and must be condemned as it is another ploy by the group to legitimise their evil enterprise.
He said the State Government will continue to work with security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure that those still under captivity are released while those behind this mayhem are brought to judgement.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
22nd January 2020

Lalong Condemns The Execution of Daciya Dalep By Boko Haram

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG SADDANED BY EXECUTION OF PLATEAU STUDENT BY BOKO HARAMPlateau State Governor has again expressed deep sadness over the distressing video allegedly released by the Islamic State West Africa Province showing the purported execution of a student hostage from Plateau State, Mr. Ropvil Daciya Dalep.
The Governor expressed outrage over the alleged murder of Daciya, 22, a student of Biology Education in University of Maiduguri who was said to have been abducted on Thursday January 9, 2020 near the Borno State capital.
Governor Lalong in message reacting to the distressing video of Mr. Daciya’s alleged execution, described the heinous act as one that is aimed at provoking sentiments and leading to perceived hatred for people based on religion and origin.
Lalong said the narrative of the terrorists must never be allowed to fester and cause disharmony among Nigerians as the doctrine of the infamous group is not only misplaced but clearly a merchandise of evil.
Governor Lalong commiserated with the family of Daciya and assured them of the support of the State Government in this time of great distress.
He said the notion being conveyed by the terrorists that Christians and citizens of Plateau State are being targeted is most unfortunate and must be condemned as it is another ploy by the group to legitimise their evil enterprise.
He said the State Government will continue to work with security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure that those still under captivity are released while those behind this mayhem are brought to judgement.Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
22nd January 2020

Lalong Saddaned By The Execution of Plateau Student By Boko Haram

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG SADDANED BY EXECUTION OF PLATEAU STUDENT BY BOKO HARAMPlateau State Governor has again expressed deep sadness over the distressing video allegedly released by the Islamic State West Africa Province showing the purported execution of a student hostage from Plateau State, Mr. Ropvil Daciya Dalep.
The Governor expressed outrage over the alleged murder of Daciya, 22, a student of Biology Education in University of Maiduguri who was said to have been abducted on Thursday January 9, 2020 near the Borno State capital.
Governor Lalong in message reacting to the distressing video of Mr. Daciya’s alleged execution, described the heinous act as one that is aimed at provoking sentiments and leading to perceived hatred for people based on religion and origin.
Lalong said the narrative of the terrorists must never be allowed to fester and cause disharmony among Nigerians as the doctrine of the infamous group is not only misplaced but clearly a merchandise of evil.
Governor Lalong commiserated with the family of Daciya and assured them of the support of the State Government in this time of great distress.
He said the notion being conveyed by the terrorists that Christians and citizens of Plateau State are being targeted is most unfortunate and must be condemned as it is another ploy by the group to legitimise their evil enterprise.
He said the State Government will continue to work with security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure that those still under captivity are released while those behind this mayhem are brought to judgement.Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
22nd January 2020

HON MAREN, CONDEMNS BRUTAL MURDER OF PLATEAU STUDENT, ROPVIL DACIYA DALEP.

By Peter Akpah HON. ENGR SOLOMON BULUS MAREN, FNSE CONDEMNS BRUTAL MURDER OF PLATEAU STUDENT, ROPVIL DACIYA DALEP.Today we received with deep shocked in our hearts, the second most brutal and execution of a young and vibrant plateau boy with a great future, Mr. ROPVIL DACIYA DALEP, by the dreaded group Boko Haram terrorists.Late Daciya, 22 years, a student of Biology Education, in the University of Maiduguri was kidnapped on Thursday, 9th January 2020 along with 20 years-old Lilian Daniel Gyang, a 100 Level Student of Zoology, from Unimaid who hails from Foron District, B/Ladi LGA, Plateau State.One other hostage kidnapped along with these innocent children of Plateau was released leaving our Lilian and late Daciya in captivityWhile we were still celebrating the release of our miss Jennifer Ukambong and brother George Danbaba from Bokkos and Kanke respectively. We received another shocking video from this heneous group.This video of the killings of late DACIYA is condemnable, barbaric, inhumane and high level of wickedness against humanity.My heart bleeds and tears ran down my cheeks when I saw the video clip of a teenage boy killing his fellow brother.What pains more, is that, last year October 2019 we watched the execution video of our beloved brothers; Mr. Lawrence Duna Dacighir and Godfrey Ali Shikagham, both carpenters from Mangu LGA, the terrorists clearly stated why they are targeting Plateau people, when the citizens of Plateau have long resolved their differences and are leaving peacefully together.I call on the federal Government and security agencies to brace up to their obligation to prevent further lost of lives which cannot be tolerated.This heneous group called Boko Haram are still not decimated as claimed by the FG but active in carrying out their evil agenda against the Nigerian people.On this note, I strongly demand the unconditional quick release of Miss Lilian Gyang and Abdulhamid Bashir from Kanam, who were abducted in November 2019.I want to use this medium to commiserate with the family of the late, ROPVIL DACIYA, the mupun Nation, pankshin local government and all those who lost their loved ones to such dastardly act including our CAN chairman REV. LAWAN ANDIMI of Michika Local Government of Adamawa State.
May their souls rest in peace with the Lord amen
May God heal our broken hearts and unite us again.God bless NigeriaSigned
Solomon Maren, Member Representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, NASS, Abuja

Northern Governors Forum Condemns The Murder of CAN Chairman

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CONDEMNS THE MURDER OF CAN CHAIRMAN BY TERRORISTS IN ADAMAWA STATE

The Northern Governors Forum has condemned the alleged gruesome murder of Reverend Lawan Andimi, who was the Local Council Chapter Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and also a pastor with the Church of the Brethren (EYN) at the District Church Council of Michika Adamawa State by terrorist group.
In a statement, Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong described the act as yet another sad tale of the inhuman activities of the terrorist group which is bent on unleashing sorrow in the hearts of Nigerians.
While commiserating with the family of the late clergyman, the Church and people of Adamawa State, Lalong urged them not to allow the ugly incident affect their faith in God and love for humanity as the death of the late Clergyman cannot be a catalyst for hatred among Nigerians who are disgusted by the cruelty of the terrorist organisation.
He said the Northern Governors Forum remains United in their support for security agencies to continue to rise up to not only terrorist groups, but all forms of criminality that seek to divide the country along ethnic, religious or political lines.
Governor Lalong emphasized that the Northern Governors Forum stands shoulder to shoulder with the President Muhammadu Buhari as he rallies the world towards defeating terror groups and their sponsors as well as the purveyors of their bizarre ideology which propagates sorrow, hatred and pain on innocent persons in the name of religion and others claims.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum
22nd January 2020

Northern Governors Forum Condemns The Murder Of CAN Chairman

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CONDEMNS THE MURDER OF CAN CHAIRMAN BY TERRORISTS IN ADAMAWA STATE

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governor’s forum

Governor Lalong Seeks Assistance For IDPs in Plateau State

By Peter Akpah

A DAY AFTER SUPREME COURT ELECTION VERDICT, GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFAIRS, SEEKS ASSISTANCE FOR IDPS IN PLATEAU STATE.

Barely 24 hours after the Supreme Court affirmed his election as Governor of Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 21st January 2020 paid a visit to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Faruk at the Ministry’s Headquarters at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.
Governor Lalong told the Minister that he was in her office to seek the support of the Ministry in the rehabilitation and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons in Plateau State who are being returned to their ancestral homes.
He said since the symbolic closure of all IDP camps in the State in December 2020, the State Government has been doing a lot to enable them rebuild their homes and start life again.
He said materials for reconstruction were provided to facilitate reconstruction of destroyed homesteads.
He said “we are committed to ensuring that the peace we have restored to Plateau is consolidated. Peace cannot be fully consolidated without taking care of those that were displaced and disoriented. We want to see that they are comfortable in their original abodes and have means of livelihood so that they can forget the trauma of the past as they heal”.
Lalong said the State Government cannot bear the huge financial cost of resettling the returnee IDPs hence the appeal for the assistance of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
He said so far, the State has benefitted a lot from the Social Investment Programmes of the Federal Government and is also doing its best to provide empowerment opportunities for the youths in the State through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA). This he said has contributed immensely to the restoration of peace as many youths are now engaged with less tendency for crime.
Responding, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruk thanked Governor Lalong for making her Ministry the first port of call after his election victory which testifies to his passion for the less privileged and vulnerable persons in the society such as the IDPs who need special attention.
She said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will assist Plateau State in not only ensuring that IDPs are returned to their ancestral lands, but will also ensure that they are empowered and given opportunities to be productive and live with dignity.
She said “I am not surprised that Plateau State now enjoys peace because you are a man of peace and have always advocated harmonious living. You are my big brother and I will do everything possible to support you. Already, we have received your request which the Permanent Secretary is working on. Very soon, the team will come to Plateau State to ensure that we are on the same page”.
She commended the Governor for absorbing many youths into various social programmes and giving special attention to the persons living with disability in Plateau State by creating the Disability Rights Commission which is one of the first in the country.
“Very soon I am going to come looking for the Head of your Disability Commission to join us here at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to help us coordinate the aspects of people with disabilities in Nigeria. We have heard that he is doing a great job. Your Excellency, please start looking for a replacement” the Minister said.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Nuhu Abok Ayuba, Secretary to the Government Prof. Danladi Atu, Chairman of APC in Plateau State Letep Dabang and the Commissioner of Information Dan Manjang.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Pleteau State.