Rallies in Jos, Bauchi in honour of Buhari

By

Balarabe Alkassim (Bauchi) & Bashir Liman (Jos)

Date: Aug 30 2017

The Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO), yesterday, led youths and women from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State on a solidarity march in honour of President Muhammad Buhari-led administration and Governor Simon Bako Lalong’s of Plateau State.

Daily Trust reports that the youths held the rally at the Polo Ground in Jos, where they carried banners with various inscriptions, including, ‘We Support President Muhammad Buhari’s Policies,’ ‘We Welcome You Back From Your Medical Trip,’ ‘Plateau Youths Are Solidly Behind You,’ ‘We Stand By Buhari And Lalong, 4+4 = 8’.

The Coordinator, North Central, BCO, Mr Yusuf Izam, who later spoke to journalists, explained that the aim of the rally was to register their support for President Buhari and Governor Lalong for the good work the APC-led government had been doing at the federal and state levels.

 

“The Plateau youths are in support of the anti-corruption war and fight against insecurity by President Buhari. He has achieved a lot within two years,” he said.

And in Bauchi, thousands of youths trooped through major roads in the state capital carrying placards with inscriptions supporting the president’s anti-corruption policies and prayers for his full recovery.‎

Conveners of the solidarity rally, Yakubu Shehu and Bappah Aliyu Misau, recalled that in all the elections he contested, President Muhammadu Buhari won in Bauchi State.

The rally ended at the Bauchi State Government House, where the crowd was addressed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mohammed Nadada Umar.

-dailytrust.com.ng

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FG launches one-stop shop for MSMEs in Jos

Date: Aug 30 2017

The Federal Government through the Office of the Vice President has launched a One Stop Shop for MSMEs in Jos, Plateau State, which will be housed by the Plateau State Micro-Finance Development Agency (PLASMEDA).

A statement by Technical Adviser on MSMEs, Mr. Tola Adekunle Johnson, who also represented the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at the launch, said that the one-stop shop was the first of several to be launched across various cities in different geo-political zones of the country this year.
He said that the One Stop Shop Programme was the 3rd phase of the Office of the Vice President’s on-going Nationwide Micro Small and Medium Enterprises clinics for Viable Enterprises (MSME Clinics) aimed at providing a platform for convenient, continuous and easy interaction between government and MSMEs whose businesses are based in Nigeria.

According to him, one-stop-shop destinations have been provided to accommodate representatives of key government agencies which would enable members of the public to visit the centres and engage them, make enquiries, lay complaints and receive information on key government policies and programmes.

Johnson said the centres would also provide information on access to finance, capacity building programmes, market linkages and various other technical support.

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Female Hostel at thePlateau State Polytechnic raze by fire

Date: Aug 29 2017

 

 

The female hostel of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos campus, was yesterday gutted by fire, destroying properties and certificates of students.

It was gathered that the fire began about 9:30am as a result of gas explosion from room 18, where a female student was trying to cook noodles.

It was also learnt that as soon as the gas exploded, the girl tried to quench it but couldn’t as the resulting fire caught the mattress in her room and eventually, razed down the whole building. Nobody was injured in the inferno, except the students’ properties that were destroyed.

An ND 2 student of Marketing Department, Comfort Silas, told said that her certificates and other properties got burnt in the fire.

“Many girls went for lectures and there were few people around at that time. Before many of the students could come back, the fire has already consumed their properties. Some people were able to rescue some things however, but majority of the students lost all their properties. I lost my certificates and other properties to the fire,” she said.

Another victim, an HND 1 student of Public Administration, Linda Edward, said she was coming back from weekend when she was called that the hostel was on fire, and upon arrival met the fire raging and the students wailing and running helter-skelter.

She said she lived in Kano and doesn’t have anyone in Jos, and therefore called on the school authority and the government to try and do something fast for them because they don’t know where to stay right now.

In her reaction, the Matron, Mrs Rita Gidado, said she thanked God that no life was lost, adding that she has calmed the students down and told them to live everything to God who is able to replenish whatever they have lost.

She said members of the state House of Assembly and government house have already visited, including many other people and they all promised to assist in one way or the other.

Meanwhile, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Mr Dauda Gyemang, described the incident as shocking and a great loss to the institution.

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Lalong, Media Trust to improve reading culture through Teen Trust

By

Lami Sadiq

Date: Aug 28 2017

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong at the weekend agreed to partner with Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust and other titles to improve reading culture by introducing the company’s child friendly publication, Teen Trust into the state’s public and private schools.

Lalong gave the assurance when a delegation of Media Trust led by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Abhay Desai paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Jos where he proposed that public schools in the state be encouraged to contribute articles and subscribe to the publication.

Lalong, who expressed concern about the drop in reading culture in the state, stressed that he would involve the Commissioner of Education and the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to ensure that not only public schools but private schools participate in the publication.

The governor commended the idea behind the publication and stressed, “I don’t intend to stop with the public schools but also extend the idea to the private schools in the state because they go together. And I would want this to start as quickly as possible.”

Earlier, the company’s COO, Mr. Abhay Desai described Teen Trust publication as a way to encourage children to start reading early, adding that the main objective had been to get children involved by providing them with a platform to explore their writing abilities and improve their reading habit.

dailytrust.com.ng

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Plateau survive Rivers Utd scare as Enyimba wallop Wikki 4-0

Date: Aug 28 2017 

Plateau United

League leaders, Plateau United narrowly escaped home defeat yesterday after they came back from the dead to force Rivers United to 1-1 draw at the Rwam Pam stadium in Jos.

It took Peter Eneji’s 25-yard shot in the last minute of regulation time to cancel out Emeka Ogbugh’s 14th minute goal that had silenced the teeming supporters of Plateau United.

Following the 0-1 defeat suffered by MFM in Umuahia, Plateau United are still leading the table with 63 points with two matches left to play.

After walloping Wikki Tourists 4-0 in Calabar, with a goal each from Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Stephen Chukwude, Chionso Okonkwo and Stanley Dimgba, Enyimba also moved into fourth place on 57 points behind MFM who are in third on 59 points.

Akwa United who defeated Lobi Stars 2-1 on Friday in Uyo are in second place on 60 points and are in strong contention for one of the CAF Champions League tickets.

In Shagamu, a brace from Clement Bobby saw Rangers beating relegated Remo Stars 2-1. Remo Stars consolatory goal was scored by Akeem Taiwo in the 58th minute.

Another brace decided the match between Katsina United and Sunshine Stars as two spot kicks taken by Chinedu Udechukwu in the 12th and 55th minute handed a 2-0 victory to the home side.

It was another brace in Gombe where Musa Usman scored in the 15th from the spot before adding another in the 63rd minute to ensure 2-1 victory for Gombe United. ABS’ consolatory goal was scored by Wasiu Alalade in the 38th minute.

In Maiduhuri, relegation threatened 3SC got a lifeline after they forced El-Kanemi Warriors to 1-1 draw just as Hassan Adamu’s solitary goal in the 67th minute in Lafia was enough to hand Nasarawa United the maximum points against Kano Pillars.

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BOI disburses funds to over 1,000 Plateau women

 Date: Aug 28 2017 

The Bank of Industry (BoI) has disbursed loan facilities ranging from N10,000 to N50,000 to over 1,000 women entrepreneurs in Plateau State, under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).

Tagged the  MarketMoni Alert, the  initiative is one of the Federal Government’s social intervention programmes aimed at helping micro enterprise operators in the country bridge the gap in access to affordable credit identified as a major constraint to business growth.

The GEEP, which is being administered by BoI, seeks to provide non-interest loans raging from N10,000 to N100,000 to 1.6 million beneficiaries in the 774 local governments of the federation.

Speaking at the Plateau State edition of MarketMoni Alert initiative at the weekend, the BoI Managing Director, Mr. Olukayode Pitan, said the over 1000 beneficiaries would receive alert through their individual telephones.

Pitan, who was represented by the Executive Director of Micro Enterprise, Mrs Toyin Adeniji, underscored the significance of the scheme, saying that it would help to expand loan windows available to small enterprises in the country.

In his address, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon B. Lalong, commended  the Federal Government for the initiative and the openness and transparency of the Bank of Industry in administering the fund.

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Plateau United’s Odafe wins 13th VAT Wonder Goal

Date: Aug 26 2017 

Emmanuel Odafe - Plateau United

Plateau United striker Emmanuel Odafe has beaten other contenders to emerge winner of VAT Wonder Goal number 14.

He is the first player from Plateau United to win the award since it was re-introduced by the League Management Company (LMC) at the start of the second stanza of the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

On the two voting platforms, Odafe had stiff contests with each of the other two nominees, narrowly defeating Raji with five votes on the twitter polls while on the website polls; he tied with El-Kanemi Warriors’ Tchoanfine Pade with 15 votes apiece.

The Plateau United forward polled combined votes of 77 to edge Raji who secured 66 votes and Pade whose combined total stood at 36.

The VAT Wonder Goal of Match Day 32 had all three nominated players scoring off headers.  Odafe connected a powerful header to a free kick in their match against Shooting Stars on the 15th minute. Raji in Bauchi had jumped highest to head in Shooting Star’s only goal in their 2-1 loss to hosts, Wikki Tourists while Pade headed in El-Kanemi’s solitary strike in their 1-0 defeat of Akwa United.

Odafe thus becomes the 13th VAT Wonder Goal award winner and with it, the N150,000 cash prize half of which will be donated to a Charity the player will nominate from within the state where the club is based.

The VAT Wonder Goal is awarded to the player whose goal is adjudged the most outstanding by fans who participate in online polls set up by the LMC on the NPFL website and twitter handle.

It is a social investment asset initiated to deepen club and community engagement through charity works. The award is supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) which adopts football as a platform to enlighten citizens on their civic obligations to pay tax.

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Plateau government employs 5,253 teachers to address shortage

Date: Aug 23 2017

The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB) has employed 5,253 teachers to address the acute shortage of teaching personnel in its primary and junior secondary schools.

Mr Michael Gowon, the board’s Director, Planning and Research, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos, while presenting SUBEB’s achievements under the chairmanship of Prof. Mathew Sule.
Sule assumed office in August 2015.
According to Gowon, the board opted to regularise the employment of 4,850 casual teachers and also absorbed 403 temporary teachers engaged under the Federal Teachers Scheme, instead of looking elsewhere for new hands.
“All the employments took effect last year; the measure has effectively addressed the shortage of teachers which had been our main headache for years,” he said.
He said that SUBEB had also procured 6,430 plastic chairs and tables for primary schools, while the Junior Secondary Schools had 3,750 shared to them.
Gowon said that the board had also renovated and constructed 293 schools, while a Unified General School Timetable was developed for primary schools to ease monitoring of teachers efficiency and students progress.
The official further said that instructional and sporting materials, 30 desktop computers, 11 laptops and many other items were distributed to boost teaching and learning in the state.
He listed other achievements to include the resuscitation of inter-school sports, debate and quiz competitions, as well as the completion of the lingering bio-metric capture of teachers inherited from the previous administration.
Prof. Sule, who also spoke at the briefing, attributed the successes to the freedom given to the board to order its priorities.
He urged SUBEB staff and other stakeholders to work together toward improving the quality of education in view of the sector’s relevance to societal growth and development
-thestateofplateau.blogspot.com.ng

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DIRECTORATE OF PRESS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, PLATEAU STATE.

Date: Aug 22 2017

PRESS RELEASE

H.E. Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong in company of Top Government functionaries undertook an Investment Visit to Alh Aliko Dangote GCON at the Corporate Headquarters of Dangote Group of Companies, Marble House, Ikoyi Lagos on 22nd of August, 2017.

The meeting was intended to woo the investment interest of the Billionaire Investor in core areas of Agriculture with emphasis on wheat, rice, tomato and Irish Potatoes on large scale production, solid mineral exploration and processing, the establishment of Agro Based Industries and Capital Injection on a Public Private Partnership into the revitalization of Ailing Industries in the State.

The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong in his remark informed Chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote that the Government was willing to do all on her part in terms of policy formulation, tax holidays, the provision of land and the guarantee of security to ensure the security of investment in any of the sector. He informed the Chairman that currently the Government of the State has secured the Federal Government Support to secure all mining sites in the State not under any subsisting lease from the encroachment of illegal Artisan Miners.

He further assured the Chairman of Dangote Group that the State had concluded arrangement to reacquire the former BARC Farms which has a wide expanse of about 5000 hectares of land and to also open up the Bokkos Farm Project with its existing 3000 hectares for investment in Agriculture, this is beside the potentials the State has to acquire other arable lands within the State for cultivation.

On his part, the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote commended the Governor for the steady return of peace. He said the violent conflicts that engulfed Plateau State in the past had hindered investors from looking in the direction of the State. He said with the return of peace openings surely exist because of the weather of Plateau State for large scale cultivation of wheat, rice, vegetables and fruits. This he said his company is interested in exploring immediately.

He thanked the State Governor for keying into the new global trend of employment creation and revenue generation through private sector participation.

He assured the Governor and his team of his readiness to send in consultants to engage with Government and explore key areas of interest outlined.



Signed


Samuel Emmanuel Nanle
Director, Press & Public Affairs
22nd August, 2017

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ABS slow down Plateau United, as Okpotu hits El-Kanemi 3 times.

Date: Aug 21 2017 

Table toppers, Plateau United were pegged back yesterday when they lost 0-2 to relegation threatened ABS in Ilorin but in Makurdi, Lobi Stars leading goal scorer, Tony Okpotu was on fire as he scored his third hat-trick of the season to hand his side a 3-2 win over El-Kanemi Warriors.

Despite the defeat in Ilorin, Plateau United still lead the table with 62 points even as their closest rivals, MFM won 1-0 against Gombe United to reach 59 points.

In Enugu, Chibuzor Madu and Christian Madu scored a goal each to hand Rangers a hard fought 2-1 victory over Katsina United. Timothy Danladi scored from the spot in the 45th minute to reduce the tally for the ‘Chanji boys’.

Wikki Tourists also eased their relegation worries with a 2-0 victory over Remo Stars in Bauchi just as another relegation threatened side, Sunshine Stars also beat Niger Tornadoes 2-1 to brighten their chances of surviving the drop.

Fatai Amoo’s 3SC also turned back Nasarawa United 2-0 in Ibadan with Sunday Faleye and Abayomi Adebayo as goal scorers.

In Kano, man of the moment, Rabiu Ali’s goal for Kano Pillars in the 27th minute ensured the ‘masu gida’ boys defeated Abia Warriors 2-0.  Nyima Nwagua had put the former champions ahead in the 25th minute.

And in Nnewi, FC IfeanyiUbah also returned to winning ways with a slim 1-0 win over ten man Akwa United just as Rivers United defeated Enyimba 2-1 in Port-Harcourt.

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4000 Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau to get BoI, Oxfam’s N200m loan

Date: Aug 20 2017

The Bank of Industry (BoI) under the Federal Government of Nigeria‘s Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP) has signed an agreement with the OXFAM Nigeria to disburse N200m to OXFAM’s Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLA) in Nassarawa, Benue and Plateau states.
The Deputy Country Director Oxfam Nigeria Mr. Constant Tchona said that the development was aimed at strengthening the livelihoods capacity and resilience of poor households in rural communities.
“The partnership was borne out of the need to target the most marginalized and hard to reach in the rural communities in line with the objectives of the Federal Government Social Intervention policy.
“The funds tagged “GEEP MarketMoni” is the first batch of the loans meant to expand the activities of about 500 farmer groups in some communities in the three states. BoI is executing the Federal Government of Nigeria’s microcredit initiative, the GEEP,” Tchona said.
According to him OXFAM implementing partners, Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), and Cocin Community Development Program (CCDP) will be responsible for monitoring and supporting the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the funds in Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau states respectively.
Apart from the primary goal of increasing access to credit to the ‘unbanked’ at the bottom of the pyramid, the scheme has significantly improved community cohesion and active citizenship in communities where the project is being implemented while building the resilience of rural farmers towards saving for unforeseen circumstances.

Also the Executive Director of the Microenterprise Directorate in BOI Mrs. Toyin Adeniji said “This is part of the Federal Government ’s mandate to BoI to achieve, among others, financial inclusion and access to credit for 1.6 million beneficiaries across target segments - market women and traders, artisans, enterprising youths, agricultural workers, agro-allied processors and other MSME categories in furtherance of the attainment of poverty eradication, employment generation, growth and development of Micro Enterprises.”
Tchona added that the disbursement of the funds is a good development for Oxfam as it demonstrates the facts that the government is responding to the needs of the rural farmers who produce what the citizens eat but have been lacking financial support for improvement.

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Plateau resumes hajj sponsorship with 229 for 2017

Date: Aug 18 2017 

The Plateau State Government has sponsored 229 persons to perform this year’s Hajj two years after Governor Simon Bako Lalong announced that he had suspended sponsorship of pilgrims due to paucity of funds.
The state government only sponsored the pilgrim officials last year, but Lalong during a farewell ceremony for Plateau State pilgrims yesterday noted that out of the 1,118 pilgrims for this year, 502 persons had been sponsored privately while the state had sponsored 229 and the remaining 387 were those who were deferred by the immediate past government.
Lalong who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonie Tyoden, said the payment for the 387 persons deferred had increased the cost of sponsorship and limited the number of those “who by official recognition of their spiritual responsibilities would have been sponsored by government.”

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Federal Gov not to tolerate illegal mining sites

Date: Aug 15 2017

The federal government has warned that it will no longer tolerate any act of sabotage on the nation's economy

Minister of mines & steel development, kayode Fayemi,gave the warning when he led the national security adviser, general Babagana Monguno & governor Simon Lalong on a fact finding visit to illegal mining sites at Campania zurak in wase local government area.

The minister and the national security adviser, directed for the immediate closure of all the mining sites while staff of the mining company including Chinese nationals where apprehended & taking to Abuja for interrogation.

Governor, Simon Lalong, said the measure marks the beginning of the fight against illegal mining on the plateau.

Member representing Wase federal constituency, Idris Maje,alleged that the illegal has persisted for almost a decade with aid of some security agents.

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Plateau beat MFM 1-0 as Enyimba, Rivers Utd maul opponents

Date: Aug 14 2017

Plateau United yesterday took a bold step towards their first NPFL title as they beat closest rivals MFM of Lagos 1-0 to extend their lead just as Enyimba ran riot in Calabar where they defeated ABS 3-0.

Ibeh Johnson’s goal in the 3rd minute of the highly contested top of the table clash in Jos was enough to give Plateau United victory which took their points to 62.

In Calabar, Enyimba FC dazzled against ABS with Stanley Dimgba, Eric Frimpong and Mustapha Ibrahim scoring a goal each.

However, the best performance yesterday no doubt came from Rivers United who recorded a convincing 3-1 win over relegated Remo Stars in Shagamu.

Bernard Ovoke opened scoring for Rivers United in 15th minute before Emeka Ogbuh made it two for the ‘Pride of Rivers’ in the 34th minute.

 Esosa Igbinoba put the match beyond Remo Stars when he scored the third in the 65th minute but Salefu Ochowechi scored Remo’s consolatory goal in the 88th minute.

In Umuahia, it ended 2-0 in favour of Abia Warriors. Ndifereke Effiong scored Warriors opener in the 13th minute before 3SC’s Alaba Osawe turned Ndifereke’s cross into his own net the 43rd minute to make it two for the host. 

Akwa United also recorded a massive win against Niger Tornadoes as they recorded a convincing 3-0 win with Cyril Olisema, Gabriel Okechukwu and Akakatang as the goal scorers.

In Katsina, it ended 2-0 in favour of host Katsina United as Chinedu Udechukwu and Destiny Ashadi scored in the 6th and 31st minute against Wikki Tourists.

For Lobi Stars, it was another sad day as Buhari Jafar’s goal in additional time denied them a draw against neighbours Nasarawa United.

Gombe United also returned to winning ways with 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars in Gombe just as Rangers also managed a slim 1-0m victory over Sunshine Stars in Enugu.

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Council to support credible youths for Plateau LG polls

Date: Aug 14 2017

The Plateau State Youth Council (PYC) has said it will support credible youths in the upcoming local government election.

Chairman of the council, Dr. Fabong Jemchang Yildam, at the weekend, told journalists that the council would encourage youths to contest in the election and stand behind those who demonstrated the quality to deliver irrespective of their political parties.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong had last week signed the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) bill into law, and gave the commission the go ahead to conduct local government election.

PLASEIC had hinted that elections into the third tier of government would be conducted before the end of the year.

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Plateau United donate foodstuffs to orphans

Date: Aug 12 2017 

Some of the food items donated by the team to the Aisha Manna Orphanage Home in Jos yesterday Photo: Bashir Liman

The Management, technical crew and players of Nigeria Professional Football League, Plateau United of Jos have paid a visit to the Aisha Manna Orphanage Home and donated assorted food items such as bags of rice, cartons of indomies, soft drinks, detergents, clothing and an undisclosed amount of money for the upkeep of the orphans.
The Head coach of the team, Kennedy Boboye while giving the good items in Jos recently pointed out that the gesture is aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the inmates and giving them a sense of belonging.
The former coach of Abia Warriors also tasked government, companies, NGOs and individuals to assist less privileged, orphans, widows and physically challenged people.
Boboye also charged his players to give him excellent performance during their match against MFM FC in Jos on Sunday.
Plateau United will meet the ‘Olukoya boys’ in a winner takes all clash at the Rwang Pam Stadium Jos.
The Officer in charge of the Aisha Manna Orphanage Home, Victoria Chikak appreciated the love and kindness showered on the children by putting smiles on their faces.
Plateau United are still topping the Nigeria Professional Football League table with 59 points from 33 matches and with five matches remaining they are hot favourites to win title.
They brightened their chance of winning the title for the first time when they went to Kano and were forced to 1-1 draw by former champions Kano Pillars.
Interestingly,their closest rivals MFM were forced to 0-0 draw by Enyimba at the Agege township stadium Lagos.
The draw certainly reduced the pressure on Plateau United who need victory on Sunday to move further away from the chasing pack

copied

-dailytrust.com.ng

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Plateau govt, sacked councilors disagree over N1. 5bn allowances

Date: Aug 11 2017

The counsel to Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Garba Pwul (SAN), has debunked the claim by sacked councilors that the government is to pay them severance allowances of N1.57 billion as a result of a court judgment.

The lawyer representing the councilors, Gyang Zi, had earlier said the Plateau Government was to pay the sum as severance allowance to the sacked councilors in the 17 local government areas of the state, following a court judgment which faulted their dissolution in 2015.

Zi had told newsmen, “By the judgment of the High Court last Friday, my clients, 271 of them, are entitled to N1.57 billion, as their severance allowance from the state government and the 17 local government councils. As we speak, we are already preparing our letter demanding the payment as their entitlements for the remaining nine months in their two-year tenure as elected representatives of their people.”

But Pwul in his reaction said Zi was only being mischievous by claiming that the sacked councilors were entitle to severance allowances because the court judgement never stipulated such.

“It is not true because after careful study of the judgement issued by the State High Court III presided by Justice David Mann, there is no mention or any order for any payment of severance,” he said, stressing that the judge had specifically said he would not make any consequential order.

Governor Lalong had on June 15, 2015 sacked the elected council officials comprising chairmen and councilors and replaced them with Interim Management Committees (IMCs).

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Gov. Lalong signs electoral commission, revenue bills.

Date: Aug 10 2017

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong yesterday signed into law the long awaited Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) bill which seeks to regulate the conduct of local government elections and other related matters.

Lalong said after signing the bill at the Little Rayfield Government House that with the law now in place, it was up to the commission to execute her primary mandate in line with the provisions by conducting local government election.

The governor also signed the Plateau State Revenue Consolidated law which would provide for the reinforcement of the state’s revenue collection system through a functional administrative structure as well as harmonize the various rates, levies and taxes collected by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as by the LG councils.

“The PLASIEC law will not only regulate the conduct of elections and the structure and functions of local councils, it will also provide for the creation and administration of development areas, in keeping with the yearnings of our people. We are prepared as a government to conduct election into the third tier of government which will be largely participatory, free, fair and credible,” Lalong said.

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Plateau State University to get additional hostels, clinic soon – VC

Date: Aug 8 2017

The Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos, Professor Doknan Sheni, yesterday said as soon as resources were made available, the school would construct more hostels, a clinic and stadium for the students. 

Sheni said while interacting with the new leadership of the Students Union Government (SUG) that the architectural designs for the buildings had been completed but stressed that the major constraint was the lack of funds but assured that the buildings would be made a priority as soon as funds are made available. 

He urged the new EXCO of SUG to remain focused and avoid corrupt tendencies while assuring students that rumours that the university had increased fees by 50 percent was false and that the institution had no such plans.

  

In their separate remarks, the SUG President and Speaker of the Students’ Parliament, Comrades Izang Ajik Dogo and Ladan Sambo respectively commended the VC and staff for their sacrifices to the institution which they said were already yielding fruits in areas of accreditation and physical projects.

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Plateau Utd draw 1-1 with Pillars to stay top

Date: Aug 7 2017 

Plateau United’s Peter Eneji controls the ball during the match against 3SC in Jos

...as Abia Warriors wallop Lobi Stars 4-2 in Makurdi
Table toppers, Plateau United were yesterday forced to 1-1 draw by Pillars in Kano just as Abia Warriors walloped Lobi Stars 4-2 at the Aper Aku stadium Makurdi to end the Benue State team’s 80-game unbeaten run at home.
At the Sani Abacha stadium, inform Johnson Ibeh had given Plateau United the lead in the 17th minute before Hamza Abba Tiya saved Pillars from another home defeat with the equaliser in the 52nd minute.

Plateau United now with 59 points are closer to their first league title as their closest rivals, MFM FC played out 0-0 draw against Enyimba at the Agege township stadium.

However, it was a sad day for Lobi Stars and their teeming supporters as they were torn into shreds by visiting Abia Warriors who white-washed them in Makurdi to end their home invincibility.
Although Lobi Stars took the lead early in the match through CHAN Eagles invitee Kingsley Eduwo, it was the visitors who laughed last.

Abia Warriors leading goalscorer, Sunday Adetunji equalised for his team in the 36th minute before Anthony Okemiri made it two in the 61st minute. Adetunji would score his brace in the 68th minute before Chineye Agoha put the match beyond Lobi Stars by scoring the fourth in the third minute of the additional minutes.
Eduwo however managed to reduce the tally in the last minute of the additional minutes to make it 2-4.

It was a day of own- goals in Bauchi where defending champions, Enugu Rangers forced Wikki Tourists to a 1-1 draw.While Bright Silas shot was deflected in for Rangers goal in the 15th minute, Chinedu Onyelonu shot was equally deflected by the visitors into their net for Wikki’s equaliser in 31st minute.

In other venues, ABS compounded Remo Stars woes with a 2-0 win, 3Sc defeated Gombe United 2-1 in Ibadan, Niger Tornadoes edged El-Kanemi Warriors, FC IfeanyiUbah beat Nasarawa United 1-0 just as Sunshine Stars piped title contenders, Akwa United 1-0 in Ijebu-Ode.
Rivers United will this afternoon take on Katsina United at the Gowon Yakubu stadium Port-Harcourt in the remaining fixture of week 33.

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Capture peace corps in 2018 budget, Plateau speaker tells FG

Date: Aug 4 2017

Following the passing of the bill establishing the Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) as a para-military outfit, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Peter Azi, has said the House will give the corps legislative support needed to excel in the state.

Speaking when the officers and men of the corps visited the House in appreciation of the National Assembly’s adoption of the bill, Azi called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be quick in signing it.

The speaker who also called on the Federal Government to capture the Peace Corps in the 2018 budget, charged the corps to eschew corrupt tendencies.

In his remark, Chairman House committee on Security, Hon Daniel Dem, said the Peace Corps would contribute to the positive development of Nigerian youths.

The Plateau State Commandant of the corps, Sunday Joseph, said their duties as peace corps was to compliment the efforts of other security agencies in schools, churches, mosques, and market places and to mediate for peaceful resolution amongst warring communities across the country.

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Women go topless in Bisichi, Foron to protest grazing on their farmlands

Date: Aug 05 2017

Berom women took to the streets around Bisichi in Foron  District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State yesterday to protest against what they described as “illegal grazing” by herders on their farmlands.

The protesters dressed in black clothes blocked cattle routes, preventing herders from gaining access which prompted the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Commander, Major General Rogers Nicholas, to visit the area and appeal for calm.

OPSH Media and Information Officer, Captain Umar Adam, told our correspondent that the women had complained that they were tired of illegal grazing on their farmlands but that the commander assured them that the state government would address their grievances.

Capt. Adam told our correspondent that as at 1pm, the area was calm and the women had returned to their homes.

Heads of security agencies in Plateau State, leaders of Berom and Fulani communities had three weeks ago met and drawn up a six-point declaration in Barkin Ladi that required all grazing routes to remain open while cattle owners are to pay for damages done to farmlands by their cattle.  The agreement banned night grazing and assault on herders or their cattle.

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Plateau, BlackPace sign $65m MoU to increase potato production

Date:

BlackPace Africa, an Africa-focused investment management and advisory firm, and the Plateau State government have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) towards a joint development arrangement to upscale potato production in the state and set up a potato processing facility in Jos, the state caapital.
The facility will produce French fries, potato flakes and potato crisps within the next eight months.
This agreement was executed recently, after several meetings with the state executives, including the Governor of Plateau State Simon Lalong, commissioner of agriculture and rural development, Lynda Barau, and commissioner for commerce and industry, Ezekiel Daju.

According to Governor Lalong, “We are willing to provide the enabling environment to support this laudable project based on the fact that Plateau State accounts for over 90 percent of potatoes produced in Nigeria. In addition we believe the projects (potato production and processing) are capable of boosting the state’s economy and provide job opportunities especially to the teeming population of our youths.”
The joint project is supported by leading global institutions like KfW Ipex Bank, EKN of Sweden, Elof Hansson International AB, Rosenqvists Food Technologies AB and Afrexim Bank. The processing facility, which will be of world-class state of the art standard, will process 60,000 tons annually of Irish potatoes into French fries, flakes and crisps. This will provide a boost to the economy of the state and increase jobs creation.
Potato production in Plateau State currently accounts for up to 90 percent of potato production in Nigeria. The need to increase production capacity from current 800,000 metric tons to 3 million tons is achievable within the next four to five years.
Bringing in new seed varieties and farming equipment to support local farmers are essential ingredients to achieving this goal. We are putting strategic framework in place while discussing with local partners, ASTC and GIZ to provide both technical and training support to out-growers.

“Plateau State is keen to increase its potato production and its value chain to further create more jobs and boost its economy”. The current economic situation in Nigeria calls for a complete shift of focus to agriculture. Our potato project will attract an additional $1 billion to the Plateau state economy in 5 years by increasing the potato output to 2 million tons of high quality potatoes and processing potatoes into French fries, potato flakes and crisps,” the governor said.
Olusegun Paul Andrew, executive chairman of BlackPace, said: “We are pleased to advance this project with the Plateau State government and would sincerely thank His Excellency Governor Simon Lalong for his foresight and strong determination to improve on the local economy of Plateau State with this project. Our potato project will certainly create close to 3,000 jobs whilst working with out-growers and will also create 300 immediate jobs once the processing facility resumes operation.”
Culled from Business day.

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ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS COMMITTEE ON RESTRUCTURING HOLDS ITS MEETING.
 

4th August, 2017.


The All Progressive Congress (APC) Committee on Restructuring held it's meeting today in Abuja the 4th of August 2017.

The meeting was chaired by Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of Kaduna State who is the chairman of the committee.

Also in attendance was  His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State and other members of the committee.

It will be recalled that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had last month set-up a 10-man committee to articulate the Party’s position on Nigeria’s restructuring.

The Committee held their first meeting on Thursday, the 20th of July and agreed to focus its work in the following areas:

i) Devolution of Power.

ii) Review of Revenue Allocation Formula.

iii) Citizenship.

iv) Review of the 2005 and 2014 National Conferences.      

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