The State of Plateau

Nigerian polo enthusiasts and the lovers of the noble game of kings are in for a special treats with a billboard polo events lining up in Plateau state for what promises to be one of the grandest holiday seasons in years. The prestigious festival is being hosted by Governor Barrister Simon Bako Lalongand sponsored by Plateau State Government. As you are reading this, it is all hooting up in the Tin city with the Jos Winter Polo Tournament already upon us with many teams hitting town for this special end of year polo carnival. One of such teams that have already become the talk –of-the-town is the defending champions, Jos Malcomines who are eyeing another victory to extend their domination to three straight wins. Powered by one of  the youngest polo patrons in the country, Murtala Laushe, Jos Malcomines side are branding a winning stretch that puts them head and shoulders above others jostling for the event’s biggest prize, the Governor’s Cup. Laushe who played vital part in

DIRECTORATE OF PRESS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS, OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, PLATEAU STATE 2017 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has called on the Christian faithful in the State to celebrate the Christmas by reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas which is the demonstration of God’s love in his search for humanity. Governor Lalong who made the statement while felicitating with citizens at Christmas, said that the world would be a better place if the values and virtues reflected by the Holy birth of Christ, especially the love for one another are imbibed and practiced faithfully. The Governor stressed that, there was more to gain in a world of true love, peace, and forgiveness as demonstrated in the birth of Christ rather than the disharmony, intolerance and lack of brotherly love that has created crisis and conflicts in the world. He added that the virtues of love which is the essence of Christmas should be seen to ra

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Last Sunday, a week-long Governors Cup golf event played out at the Lamingo Golf Club in Jos. In its entire entirety, the event was sheer carnival. Two Governors, those of Edo, Godwin Obaseki and Bauchi, Barrister Muhammed Abubakar, and the powerful Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi joined the host and Plateau Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, to present a spectacle golf event that will stand out for a long time to come. Events occurred on fast pace. Over 100 professionals participated. When it was over, Minna based Professional, Martin Odoh, returning a 10-over score came out as winner with a stunning N850,000 to show for such sterling effort. Okpe, equally from Minna carded 12-over to come second while Agwon Emmanuel returned 16-over to finish third. It was believed that the trio were heading for a bountiful Christmas. But Governor Lalong was going to throw the trio a certain freebie. While showing deep appreciation at the huge turnout despite what he t

The Plateau State government is set to commercialize waste management, by which residents will be expected to pay a token for waste evacuation. The state government had last year constituted a committee for the privatization of waste management. The committee was charged with the responsibility of coming up with a sustainable way to a smooth take-off of a commercialized waste management system. The State Commissioner for Environment and Solid Mineral Development, Abdullahi Abbas said at a stakeholders meeting on waste commercialization yesterday that traditional and community leaders must create synergy with private owned companies to manage waste between Jos and Bukuru metropolis. Abbas said with the interest of the Simon Bako Lalong administration in managing refuse dumps, the process of commercialisation would gradually extend to other local government areas.

Date: 20 Dec 2017 By Nanmwa Golok Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Wednesday empowered over 3,000 women and youths in the state saying it is aimed at fighting poverty. Governor Lalong, who was represented by the Deputy governor Sonni Toyden also presented starter packs to some of the trainees that participated in the four-month Simon Lalong Entrepreneurship Scheme (SLES), skills training organised through Plateau State Microfinance and Development Agency, PLASMEDA. Lalong urged the beneficiaries to contribute their quota in growing the business industry in the state. Also speaking at the occasion, the Director General of Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency Haggai Gutap said under the Simon Lalong empowerment scheme, we have graduated over 3,000 trainees in the first phase of the scheme, 260 respectively in partnership with ITF and today 310 in partnership with Plateau Youth Council, 3. Pastoralist each of them was empowered with knowledge and starter p

The Governor of  Plateau State His Excellency Rt. Hon Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State last Thursday urged the 2017 pilgrims to Jerusalem to pray and be good ambassadors of Plateau and Nigeria as a chock-full while in the Holy Land.  According to him, government has resumed the funding of pilgrims to Israel following its suspension and enjoined them to reciprocate the gesture by praying for the concord and growth of the state. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Hon Rufus Bature, the Governor noted that it was in procession with government social welfare support that they were sponsoring pilgrims to the Holy Land so that it’s citizens would have ethical and sound minds which they in turn would impact to the younger generations. The departure rite which was held at the Church Of Christ In Nations (COCIN), Headquarters Church, Governor Lalong called on the pilgrims not to abscond saying that all necessary arrangements with the authori

Plateau State government on Friday rewarded performing teachers across the 17 local government areas with gift items including a star prize of Peugeot 406 Prestige salon car and a motorcycle for the 2nd best teacher in the state.  The ceremony, which was the first of its kind in the state was organised by the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as part of its 2017 end of the year prayer session. The other best teachers from the 17 local government areas and best staff from various departments of the board were presented with certificates and cash prizes.  Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, described the awards as timely adding that it will no doubt inspire and re-invigorate the teachers towards contributing to an effective educational system.

A petrol tanker on fire inside a Jos filling station has killed two persons razed four petrol tankers and four vehicles. Our reporter confirmed that the inferno started inside the filling station along Ring-Bauchi Road in Jos North local government at weekend around 10:pm when the filling station workers were transferring petrol from one tanker to another. A witness Zaharaddeen Mohammed whose his house is close to the filling station said that the incident started when the workers of the filling station were transferring petrol from one vehicle to another, and a generator was on. He explained that the sparks by the generator started the fire ending with killing two: the security man of the station known as Malam Isah, 50 and one of the workers. He said, "They were burnt beyond recognition. The security man,  Malam Isa was burnt inside his room, he wasn't able to come out from his room as a result of thick and dark smoke that clouded his room." Another witn

By By GolokNanmwa, Jos - December 16, 2017   Citizens of Plateau state on Friday expressed happiness over the ongoing road construction work in most local government areas of the state stressing that the Simon Lalong led administration is fulfilling his campaign promises. They also hailed the governor for completing some projects he inherited from the previous administration. A citizen of Plateau, AlhajiNageluGarba, who spoke to our Correspondent, said “we must commend Lalong led administration for the ongoing construction of the Tudun Wada /Domkat Bali / Maingo state low-cost road network in Jos South and Jos North, stressing that this would alleviate the suffering of the people as well as boost commercial activities. “We must commend the Lalong administration for also the award of over 21 road project which work is currently ongoing in the state. “We   expressed our gratitude to Governor Simon Lalong for this wonderful work and we are solidly behind him if he decides

As a child of destiny, Plateau State Governor, Rt Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, grew up with an Igbo man who was married to his aunt. At that time, the civil war broke out. At a point guns were booming, the Igbo in-law locked him in a room to ensure he was safe. When the guns died down, the door was opened for him to come out. When he came out, what he met on the ground left him with blinding tears of anguish. The Igbo in-law who locked him in the room so he could be safe was on the ground, cold, dead and covered with blood from booming guns of war. When Nigerians talk of repositioning, Lalong is always there to tell them to embrace peace since Nigeria is home for all. But this is the irony. When Lalong came to power, he discovered there were skirmishes of unrest among youths in the Plateau and he desired to arrest the situation at once. Being a man who governs entirely by tradition and an unwritten code of conduct, Lalong reached out to golf, a game he has been playing ever before h

Two former lawmakers in the Plateau State House of Assembly yesterday allegedly manhandled a journalist with Liberty TV at the Jos High court premises in Plateau state. The journalist, Buhari Bukar Bello, was at High Court 5 with colleagues to cover proceedings on a suit filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) against the former lawmakers and six of their colleagues over alleged corrupt practices amounting to N32 million. The defendants had informed the court that Bello was recording their faces and court proceedings with an electronic device, an allegation the journalist denied. Presiding Justice Christine Dabup ordered the confiscation of Bello’s camera and phone, which were later returned to him after the court proceedings. “The law allows for the recording of proceedings using pen and paper, not electronic devices of phones,” Justice Dabup said. But after the court proceedings, Bello told journalists that Hon Istifanus Mwansat, a former speaker ha

The Plateau State Government has said it hopes to renovate all its state-owned moribound hotels and hospitality outfits through Public Private Partnership (PPP). The Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Peter Mwankon, said such partnership was part of the Simon Bako Lalong administration’s efforts to reposition tourism to boost revenue generation and ensure the facilities meet international standards. Mwankon explained that a Memorandum of Understanding of about N140 million had been signed for the renovation of the Jos Plaza which is over 40 years old and facing dilapidation as well as the Pankshin Hotel with two private firms for 15 years. He said more hospitality outlets such as the Solomon Lar Amusement Park and Jos Wildlife Park would be leased out for optimal management, adding that one of the conditions in the MoU was to engage 75 per cent of Plateau indigenes as its workforce to curtail unemployment among youths.

His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong Today the the 13th of December, 2017 Received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Ambassador Paul Arkwright. The commissionner was on a courtesy call at the new Government House, little Rayfield, to explore and consolidate areas of business, economic and security cooperation with the state.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has promised to clear the entire gratuity and pension of the retirees across the state before next week to ease their plight during the Yuletide season. The Governor was represented by the Head of Service, Izang Azi at the 2017 Pensioners Day celebration in Plateau state. Lalong expressed confidence that the retirees are very dear to this administration so their welfare remains paramount to him. He commended them for the show of understanding saying, the government inherited challenges of arrears, gratuities of several months from the past government but now we have reduced it to the barest minimum. We have a backlog of files which they are currently working to clear all before crossing over to 2018, we give thanks to God. Pensioners have pushed for N25, 000 minimum wage to the Federal and state government to all the retirees across Nigeria, as many of them died before getting their gratuity and pension. State Chairman Mr. Morrice Daboer disc

The Governor's Cup started way back in the sixties, but could not continue since around 1998; however it was resuscitated by Governor Simon Lalong, when he became governor in 2015, and this is the third edition since its revival. "This year's event is spectacular in so many ways, as this is the first time on the Plateau that we are going to be having eighteen greens,as against the usual browns" said Daboet Governor Lalong promised golfers when they came a few years back, that the next time you come to Lamingo, you will be playing on eighteen greens, that is why this event is very significant". And today is a dream come true                                 Governor lalong said It is very significant, because the are going to be having professional golfers from outside the country, who are going to join the array of players that will be here. There are over 600 golfers to play in this very beautiful course, out of which about 150 will be

Abducted Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Damishi Sango has reunited with his family in Abuja after almost four days of captivity in the hands of kidnappers.  Sango, a former Minister of Sports was abducted by gunmen along with his son and three others last Wednesday in Jere, Kaduna state while on their way to attend the PDP national convention.  The kidnappers had earlier demanded N100 million but later settled for N40 million for the release of the four men.  Following their release on Sunday evening, the party’s state Publicity Secretary John Akans stated that no ransom had been paid but it was gathered from a respected elder in the state that intense negotiations had forced the abductors to further reduce the ransom to N15 million but were eventually paid N13 million.  The source said Sango and the other men were picked up by security agents around Jere-Kagoro area in Kaduna state and later handed over to family and associ

The two matches played on the opening day of the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Pre-Season Invitational in Kano yesterday ended draws, while the third match on the day between hosts Kano Pillars and the CHAN Eagles was shifted to today. In the opening game, league champions, Plateau United of Jos forced 10-man Enyimba FC of Aba to a 1-1 draw, and it was same scoreline in the second match between league runners up, MFM FC and AITEO Cup holders, Akwa United played under flood lights at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Adegboyega Adekunle opened scoring for MFM on 56th minute and 6 minutes later, Otegbeye Ajibola cancelled the lead from the penalty spot or Akwa United. The game between Enyimba and Plateau began on a very cautious note but a rush of hot blood from Uche John , the Enyimba defender led to the player being sent off on the 17th minute for a second bookable offence after he collected his first yellow card 10 minutes  earlier. Despite

Date: 11 Dec 2017 A 22-year-old man has been arrested by security agents for allegedly kidnapping and killing a five-year-old boy in Plateau State. The suspect was arrested through the combined effort of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wase Local Government Area of the state. The suspect after the boy’s father failed to deliver a N20 million ransom for his release and instead contacted security agents to help secure his son’s release. The suspect, identified only as Muazu, is said to be a family friend of the victim and often coached young boys in football around Wase town. A councillor in Wase, Shafi’i Sambo, that the boy, popularly called Baba is son to one Alhaji Ibrahim, a business man and went missing on Thursday evening. Sambo said when the family alerted the police, there was suspicion as to the involvement of Muazu who neighbours said had tried to

Former minister of sports and Plateau state PDP chairman, Damishi Sango, has regained freedom following his release by his abductors. Sango and four others, who were on their way to Abuja for the just concluded national convention of the opposition PDP, were abducted by gunmen along Jere-Abuja road, in Jere local government area of Kaduna state Confirming his release to LEADERSHIP yesterday on Phone, Mr. John Akans, the Plateau state PDP publicity secretary said, ‘ Yes the state chairman and four others were release by their abductors this evening hail and hearty to the warm embrace of their family.” The PDP spokesman was silent on  whether a ransom was paid to securetheir release from their abductors. According to him, “We shall give details to you journalist tomorrow by the grace of God.” The Kaduna state Commissioner of Police, Mr Agyole Abbeh, who also confirmed the release of the abductees said “Righ

BREAKING: Sango and other victims released . Details coming soon.

An early morning fire yesterday claimed five members of the same family in Bukuru metropolis of Jos-South Local Government Area in Plateau State. The deceased include 35-year-old Adam, his wife Maryam and their three kids; Abdul, Ibrahim and Fatima. The couple’s first child, Amina, who has been living with her grandparents is the only surviving member of the family. An eyewitness said neighbours were alerted about the fire around 3:30am from the poorly constructed wooden kitchen of their one-bedroom apartment. The fire had extended to a neighbour’s house. Another neighbour, Yusuf Abubakar, said they were finally able to put out the fire around 4am but the family had already been consumed. Plateau State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Tyopev Terna, confirmed the incident and said the deceased had been buried according to Islamic rites.

The Plateau State governor Simon Lalong said he is committed to  the welfare of the traditional institution in the state and has reviewed the salary and wages of all traditional rulers awaiting implemention. Gov. Lalong made this assertion  in Doemak, Quan Pan LGA during the installation ceremony and presentation of staff of office to the third Long Pan, HRH Nda Emmanuel Dabang (JP). The Gov. said the traditional institution should ensure sustainability of the peace being enjoyed on the plateau so as to enhance even development. Earlier, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, urged all ethnic nationalities to dispense with all litigations pertaining to traditional stools by resorting to alternative dispute resolution so as to create a conducive platform for peace and unity. The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, government functionaries and well wishers from all over the state.

The athletes won two gold two silver and two bronze in 10,000 meters & 5,000meters events The trio of  Rose akuso, rotkang James and Onan Sale,won the laurels for the state. Another  gold medal in weight lifting was won by Bose Sunday.  Rose mary and Sunday Mangu also won a bronze each in walk race & pole vault. Meanwhile Plateau state have been selected to host the camping of athletes for the long and middle distance race preparatory to the Commonwealth games. The decision was arrived at during the closing of the trials for the games in Abuja. This development is coming at the hills of the third edition of plateau state governor's cup golf tournament billed for 11th to 17th December, 2017 at Lamingo golf club Jos. Seven professional golfers from the plateau state sports council will represent the state at the tournament. The likes of Habu Mohammed, Atang Ishaya,Dung Chuwang,Azi Ajang,Ayuba Izang and Emmanuel Agwom,will be on parade for the state in the

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State. Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has said that the Plateau and Kaduna State Governments are working round the clock with security operatives to have the Plateau PDP Chairman, Chief Damishi Sango, released.   Sango, a former Minister of Sports, and four others were abducted by unknown persons on Wednesday evening at Jere-Kaduna on their way to Abuja from Jos. Lalong, in a statement signed by his Director of Press, Mr Emmanuel Nanle, on Friday said that the state governments were working for their unconditional release without delay. “I received with deep concern the news of the abduction of Hon. Damishi T. Sango, Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Plateau State and four others at Jere, Kaduna State on their way to Abuja. “To say the least I am most saddened by this act of inhumanity to man that must be condemned totally,” he said. Lalong while sympathising with members of the families of the kidnap victims and the PDP

PRESS RELEASE The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, has received with deep concern the news of the abduction of Hon. Damishi T. Sango, Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Plateau State and four (4) others at Jere, Kaduna State while on their way to Abuja from Jos. The Governor to say the least is most saddened by this act of inhumanity to man which he condemns totally. Governor Lalong while sympathising with members of their families and the Peoples Democratic Party over this traumatizing experience, calls for calm and assures that the Plateau and  Kaduna State Governments are  working round the clock to ensure that Security Operatives secure their release without delay and unconditionally. He assures citizens travelling between Plateau-Kaduna and Abuja routes, that the Federal and States Government are not resting on their oars in ensuring that the roads are safe and completely free from the criminal acts of Armed Robbers and kidnappers.

Over 600 golfers are expected to grace the 2017 Governor's Cup Golf tournament, bill for Jos the Plateau state capital, organisers have said. This was disclosed by the Captain of Lamingo Golf Club, Mr Tang Dapoet, while briefing sports journalists in Jos Dapoet said, the Governor's Cup started way back in the sixties, but could not continue since around 1998; however it was resuscitated by Governor Simon Lalong, when he became governor in 2015, and this is the third edition since its revival. "This year's event is spectacular in so many ways, as this is the first time on the Plateau that we are going to be having eighteen greens,as against the usual browns. "The Governor Lalong promised golfers when they came a few years back, that the next time you come to Lamingo, you will be playing on eighteen greens, that is why this event is very significant. "It is very significant because we are going to be having professional golfers from outside the

Plateau State is set to hold its first edition of the globally curated talks, TEDx.    The event themed ‘Shifting Paradigms,’ will take place at the Jos Business School, Rayfield, Jos on December According to the conveners in a release, the event is a movement pushing an aligning narrative that calls for a forward mental, physical, economic and social shift in the state, and in turn, the country at large.   “Our most important objective is to further the cause of Peace Building as a Panacea for Economic Development in Plateau State and Nigeria in general,” it read. In view of this objective, Phillip Shuaibu, an Accountant, activist, Deputy Governor of Edo State, and former NANS President will be speaking on the topic ‘Not Too Young To Run - Why we need more young people in politics.’ Imam Muhammed Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye are a team with a profound story of reconciliation and peace building. Ezekiel Gomos OFR, Director General of th

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong ensured the payment of counterpart fund of World Bank to all rural communities willing to partner with Community and Social Development Agency ( CSDA) and made sure they were adequately funded irrespective of political inclination. General Manager of CSDA, Mrs Gurumyen  while handing over checks to Yangang, Shishiri and Zamgwar communities of Langtang North LGA today, stres s that the communities are expected to reciprocate government’s gesture by making judicious use of funds given to them. She enjoined all communities that have not keyed into the program to do so, saying government alone cannot do it due to the complex nature of development that is why they created the Community Driven Development (CDD) program. In his address, the Management Committee Chairman of Langtang North, Hon Brian Dadi thanked CSDA and Gov Lalong for ensuring that development projects get to all nooks and crannies of the state. He charged the communit

The Executive Director, Plateau Aids Control Agency (PLACA), Dr. Sunday Koka  has disclosed that the Plateau state government has spent the sum of N90 million counterpart fund for HIV/AIDS development programmes. Dr. Koka made the disclosure in a speech to mark the 2017 World Aids Day at the Plateau state Ministry of Health in Jos. He explained that the state has an objective of reducing the incidence of HIV and AIDS through interventions in designated thematic areas. "These areas included behavioural challenge, preventing new infection and care and support for persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS institution architecture." He said. In his remarks, the Plateau state Commissioner for  Health, Dr Kuden Deyin Kamshak has said that the state has been involved in nationwide HIV/AIDS Sentinel Sero-Prevalence Survey conducted by both Federal Ministry of Health and Plateau state Ministry of Health.

Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State, Fully represented by his SSA on Media, Hon. Dan Manjang yesterday been  2nd December, 2017 at the ZUMA festival of the Nigerian Film Corporation at Abuja yesterday. ZUMA Film Festival, Nigeria’s foremost film festival is under the auspices of the Nigerian Film Corporation. The first edition of the festival, known then as Nigerian National Film Festival was held in 1999, at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. However, the name of the festival was changed to ZUMA Film Festival in 2006 and subsequently moved to Abuja, the nation’s capital. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/gowon-backs-zuma-filmfest-2017/ ZUMA Film Festival, Nigeria’s foremost film festival is under the auspices of the Nigerian Film Corporation. The first edition of the festival, known then as Nigerian National Film Festival was held in 1999, at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. However, the name of the festival was changed to ZUMA Fil