SMEDAN holds management retreat in Jos

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) yesterday called for stronger collaboration with the Plateau State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (PLASMEDA) and other SME development agencies across the country for development in the sector.

Director General, SMEDAN, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda said during the agency’s management retreat and strategy session in Jos that this was the first time SMEDAN was partnering with any state MSME agency in organising such as an event, adding that it was necessary for the agency to chart a course for the rest of the year and the coming years if it must remain relevant within the Nigerian MSME’s sector and global MSME space.

He commended Plateau state for its approach to SME development, adding that, “Plateau state was one the few states to establish an agency for MSMEs development as soon as the governor came on board.

In his address, Governor Simon Bako Lalong said since the establishment of PLASMEDA, an enabling environment for several empowerment schemes had been provided, adding that the agency had been appointed by the Bank of Industry to serve as an agent for the disbursement of Market moni in which over 5000 MSMEs had benefitted.   

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Peace Perley: Organised by Taskforce bewtween Plateau Communities, Fulanis, in Plateau

Following the recent hostilities between Fulani and some communities in Plateau State that led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on monday organized a peace/mediation meeting between the Fulani and those communities.
The mediation was between the Fulani and the communities in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) on the one hand and the Fulani and Irigwe communities in Bassa LGA on the other hand.


The OPSH Commander, Major General Anthony Atolagbe, said the OPSH, which has the task of protecting Plateau, Bauchi and parts of Southern Kaduna, appealed to all the parties to bare their minds on their grievances and then forgive one another.

Speaking, the Secretary of Bokkos LGA, Chief Sylvanus Ayuba, said  all those perpetuating the violence must be identified and held responsible for their actions, as only justice would drastically reduce the problem.

In his remark, District Head of Miango (representing the Irigwe) admitted that their youths had sometimes done provocative things against the Fulani and they (Irigwe elders) had apologized when such happened, but that the Fulani had never admitted or apologized for any wrong done to them.
The North Central Zone Leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Danladi Chiroma, called on the Fulani herders to always maintain self-restraint and bear in mind that their cattle could be protected during grazing stray to people’s farms and infuriate owners of such farms. He called on farmers to show restraint whenever they felt aggrieved that cows trespassed their farms, stressing that rather than attacking such cows or the herders in charge, there were channels to follow in seeking redress with the owners of the cows and the herders union.

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Plateau 2018 Budget Signed into Law

Lalong signs 2018 budget into law, tagged budget of rescue and consolidation

30 Jan 2018

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has signed the 2018 budget into law. The budget which is tagged the budget of rescue and consolidation was signed today at the Plateau State Government House in the company of the Deputy Governor (Prof. Sunny Tyoden), the Speaker (Mr. Peter Azi), the Plateau APC Chairman (Mr Letep Dabang) and a host of the Plateau State House of Assembly Members.

The budget (appropriation bill) has a value of 146.3 billion (having been presented as 145.4 billion by Governor Simon Lalong, but revised upwards by the leadership of the Plateau House of Assembly).

From our analysis, N75. 8 billion of the budget (i.e., 52.13 per cent) goes to recurrent expenditure while N69.6 billion, representing 48.87 per cent is for capital expenditure.

It will be recalled that ViewPointNigeria reported of dissatisfaction from citizens who queries the fast passage of the bill in 9 days be the Plateau State House of Assembly. Many queried, whether they had time to really consider the document to the advantage of the electorate or were simply doing the bidding of the executive by speedily rubber stamping the document.

Culled from Viewpoint Nigeria.
Photo credit Josiah Envulu.

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I took an oath to protect the lives of citizens of Plateau State -Gov Lalong

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, yesterday, said he has surprised the PDP in the state by paying outstanding salaries left by the past administration.

He said the PDP was also surprised over his ability to complete most of the uncompleted projects left by ex-Governor Jonah Jang.

Lalong stated this at the opening ceremony of a three-day retreat and strategy session of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) in Jos.

“When we came into office, the first thing they said was that let’s see how they would pay arrears of salaries. But today we have paid all. They said we could not pay pension that was why one December, I hit seven months at the same time and they started calling me the alert governor.”

He said the opposition later accused him of leaving abandoned projects, but he said he had completed many so far.
The governor assured the people that he would do his best to accommodate everyone in the state, stressing that he took an oath to protect the lives of the people of the state which was why his government knew nothing about segregation.

“I took an oath to protect the lives of the citizens of Plateau State, not the lives of any ethnic group, not the lives of any religious group, and I stand to die for that…All are my own. At the same time, as the governor of the state, I have the right to deal with any criminal, whether you come from my tribe or you belong to another tribe,” he said.

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"Looted funds taken from Plateau shall be recovered" - Gov Lalong

By

Nanmwa Golok

Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong on today reiterated his administration’s determination to  recover looted funds from the state.

He also accused the  immediate past administration  of  the state of capitalising on the ongoing debate on cattle ranches and colonies to divert attention from the missing N2b Federal Government Intervention Fund released to the immediate past  government  by the then President Good luck Jonathan administration.

Lalong said at a 3-day retreat and strategy session of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) in Jos that, instead of focusing on how to get back the N2b fund which should have been used to set up an agency for the empowerment of the youths, the youths were being used by the former governor to divert attention from the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He challenged the Plateau state Youth Council  chairman, Dr. Fabong Yildam to ensure that youths in the state find out what happened to the missing fund adding that, “the same people who disappeared with the N2b because EFCC has now taken the challenge to investigate the matter are coming up with something to divert the attention of the youths. And that is why we are having theses unnecessary talks about cattle ranch, grazing reserves and cattle colony.”

“I want you to go back and I charge you before everybody. Invite the past administration and invite me to a live debate on television, let us explain what happened to the N2b and I assure you if I get N2b today I will turn around the fortune of the youths in Plateau state,” he said.

“EFCC has invited them to explain what they have done with the N2b that is why they are trying to divert attention.

“I came into office thinking of how to engage, how to empower youth unfortunately the first record I saw on my table was that the past administration gave N2b to Plateau state to set up an agency for the empowerment and employment of youths and I was told that the money had disappeared. I was worried, there was no agency, it meant the administration did not bother about employment, or youth engagement and empowerment. I took up the challenge and set up the agency.

He also vowed that his administration is determined to better the lives of citizens of the state.

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PRESS RELEASE

  29 January 2018

 POSITION OF THE PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL ON THE CATTLE RANCH AND COLONY DEBATES

The events of these days pasts on the Plateau particularly in Irigwe land, Bokkos and Riyom is yet again another demonstration  of the failure of government in its primary responsibility of securing lives and properties.

This carnage has continued unchecked and the impunity is so palpable like never before. This further reinforces our belief that our people had been marked for annihilation. Agreed the farmer/herder conflict represents an existential threat to our people, yet there seems to be no agreed upon policy to curb this impending doom.

The Plateau State Youth Council has in recent times, also observed with dismay the rather unfortunate development on the Plateau social media space. These ugly turn of events border around discussions on the so called cattle colonies.

While we acknowledge and understand the sensitivity of this issue and the emotions that it evokes in our people, the  dangerous and in many instances, false statements and misrepresentation of facts that characterized the debates is quite troubling.

We have also been inundated with calls from certain quarters to comment on the matter but We have delayed until now because as a responsible Council that represents all Plateau Youths, we do not comment on rumours and fallacies.

We at the Plateau State Youth Council have had reasons to make enquiries from government pertaining the issue and the government has come out to state in clear and categorical terms that there was never a time that the government or any of its agents subscribed to the proposed cattle colony policy of the federal government.

It is in this light that we wish to call on all well meaning Plateau people especially our youths to ignore all unfounded rumours and falsehood being peddled to the effect that areas of the state have been earmarked for the creation of cattle colonies, as they are not true.

We also wish to state that our position on the matter of farmer herder conflicts in Plateau State has not changed from that which we articulated in a communique we released after our consultative dialogue with the Plateau Peace Building Agency about a fortnight ago.

For the avoidance of doubt,  the Plateau State Youth Council is strongly opposed to the creation of grazing reserves, grazing routes and cattle colonies in any part of Plateau state. We are however, in support of multilevel dialogues with wide ranging critical stakeholders with a view to evolve a robust homegrown  ranching policy that will serve as a panacea for the ultimate prohibition of open cattle grazing in the state.

This is a demonstration of our believe that any good policy should be subject to public debate and scrutiny.
We therefore urge the government to do more to sensitize the people of Plateau State about its proposed ranching policy, as only through so doing can misconceptions be mitigated.

We seize this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to expedite action and consider the creation of State Police to enhance the capacity of governors to effectively carry out their activities as Chief Security Officers to serve the purpose of government in the place of protection of lives and properties.

We also appeal to the State government to look at the limitations of the Operation Rainbow, and as a matter of urgency remove those limitations and empower them to carry out their functions effectively.

We also plead with mischief makers whose stock in trade is peddling of falsehoods  propaganda and sensationalism to desist from their nefarious activities and turn a new leaf. This is because only through sincerity of purpose and a genuine commitment to the Plateau project can we build the Plateau of our dreams.

We also appreciate the continuous support of non state actors such as the Civil Society Organizations, religious bodies, the community and cultural associations in advancing the post c

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Plateau stakeholders express pleasure at Gov Lalong's rejection of cattle colonies

By Nanmwa Golok

Following the clarification made by the office of the governor of Plateau State to the effect that Governor Simon Bako Lalong has no plans whatsoever to cede any part of the State for cattle colony as planned by the federal government, the people of the State in a town hall meeting held on Saturday in Jos, have commended the governor for coming out quickly enough to douse the growing apprehension among the people who had earlier sworn to resist such moves.

Those who spoke at the town hall meeting said cattle colonies are a strange concept to the people of the state and that rather than reduce the incessant attacks on farmers and destruction of their farm produce by herdsmen, it has the unmitigated tendency of escalating tension in the state.

In a statement released to newsmen at the end of the meeting, and signed by two of the conveners of the town hall meeting, Mr. Fidelis Shainaan and Mrs. Esther Domshak, they said the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Plateau State as a result of the many initiatives of the Lalong-led administration would be ruptured with the proposed cattle colonies.

“We are already living in peace with one another, the herdsmen and the farmers, the different ethnic groups, Christians and Muslims etc. This is as a result of Governor Lalong’s deliberate and well thought out policies which have been tailored to suit the unique nature and environment of our great State, and those policies are working.

“There are mechanisms for the early detection of potential crisis anywhere already put in place in the state; there is also the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Bureau created by this government, first of its kind in any state in Nigeria, and this bureau helps to implement the robust agenda of the Plateau State government in the areas of peace and conflict resolution.

“So we became worried and apprehensive when rumours started filtering in that our state governor has agreed to cede some parts of our state for the cattle colonies as proposed by the federal government. But with the recent clarification, it is clear that governor Lalong is one man who considers the interest of Plateau people above every other interest that is in unhelpful for our already existing peaceful coexistence.

“Our meeting today is to assure him of our continued support. He has proved to be the right man for the job, and he will continue to enjoy our blessings even beyond 2019”, the statement concluded.

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PRESS RELEASE

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


The attention of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has been drawn to the news making the rounds, particularly in the Social Media that “parts of Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas have been carved out for the creation of colonies for cattle, in fulfilment of his promises to the Fulani who have pressured him, to either cede those areas or he faces the other side of their viciousness which may cost his aspirations”.

The Governor herein after state unequivocally that this thinking is not only the figment of the imagination of its authors, who want to make political capital out of it, but false, malicious and highly mischievous.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has and does not contemplate such action and he further call on all good citizens of Plateau to bury such imagination of these elements bent on throwing the State into confusion. Cattle colonies are not in the imagination of Governor Lalong.

Consequently, the Governor urge all peace loving citizens of Plateau State to discountenance such mischievous information but to gravitate towards issues that unite us rather than those that divide us.

Signed

Dan Manjang
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity
26th January, 201

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PRESS RELEASE

The Plateau State Government has once again been drawn to the fore by elements of mischief who seek to undermine every of its move and action but like a focussed leader, His Excellency Rt. Hon. S.B Lalong will not be derailed by their antics.

All peace loving and progress deserving people of Plateau State and beyond are advised to discredit any claim from faceless groups and anonymous sources trying to blackmail Government that is has mapped out portions of #BarkinLadi #Bokkos and #Riyom Local Governments as part of a Cattle Colony.

This assertion is nothing but the advancement of false rhetoric in order to undermine genuine efforts of Government in continuously finding working solutions to our peace model which has not only served us in these 3 years but has also become a model copied by other States.
We urge all men and women of goodwill to always engage Government directly when in doubt of any information.

The Governor is accessible on all major social media platforms ( Facebook : RtHonSBLalong,  Twitter : @RtHonSBLalong and IG: @SBLalong) and he takes time regularly to interact with his people.

The RESCUE administration has a pact with the people are we are firmly focussed on doing just this.
Thank you and God bless.

Dan Manjang
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity

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3 Killed in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

Three people have been killed in Josho village of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was reported that the killings followed a clash between the Ron locals and FulanI herdsmen two days after attacks and counter attacks between Fulani and Irigwe youths in Bassa local government area claimed five people.  

Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the taskforce proving security in Plateau State, confirmed the deaths yesterday. The Media and Information Officer of the taskforce, Major Adam Umar, said the Attacks between the Locals and Fulani in Bokkos had claimed two men and a woman.

Umar said after the attacks on locals a man was killed when they saw him excavating clay to mould blocks on a contentious land. “The land has been in contention between the Fulani and the locals and when the two people saw him, instead of alerting security agents, they killed him. The Fulanis also mobilised and came out to challenge the locals and they killed a woman and a man,” he said.  

He said it was unfortunate that the Ron locals and Fulani herd youths had resorted to self-help, adding, “Our men have moved into the area and we are dominating the place to prevent any breakdown of law and order.”

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Plateau partners with NCX to develop commodity sector.

The Plateau State government is to collaborate with Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) to develop the state’s commodities sector as a means of enhancing its local economy.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs. Linda Barau, said this at the opening ceremony of a 3-day capacity building workshop on product development for solid minerals in Nigeria, organised for NCX’s staff in Jos recently.

The commissioner, who extended the appreciation of the state governor, Mr. Solomon Lalong, to the NCX for hosting the workshop in the state, announced that stakeholders in the commodities trading sector in the state would be mobilised to partner with the Exchange in achieving the objective of providing an efficient and transparent commodities trading platform in the area.

Earlier in their remarks at the occasion, Mr Emmanuel James Dakas, Chairman of the Environment & Solid Minerals Committee of the Plateau State House of Assembly and his counterpart for the Public Accounts Committee, Mr. Peter Ibrahim Gyendeng, had promised to initiate the passage of relevant laws to support the development of formal trading of the numerous solid minerals and agricultural commodities that abound in the state.

They commended the NCX’s management for hosting the workshop in Jos, noting that “the decision is apt in view of the fact that Plateau State is the home of solid minerals in Nigeria.”

In her address, the NCX’s Managing Director, Mrs. Zaheera Baba-Ari, maintained that the decision to hold the capacity building exercise for the trading of solid minerals in the state was to support the Federal Government’s decision to develop the non-oil sector of the Nigerian economy.

Mrs Baba-Ari said the workshop was the first step in the effort to develop a contract for trading of solid minerals products on the Exchange, adding that the exercise would also serve to enhance the capacity of staff in handling solid minerals trading on a formal marketing platform.

The resource persons included Prof. Stephen Mallo, Prof. Uriah Lar as well as other lecturers from the Department of Geology and Mining of University of Jos, while participants were drawn from relevant departments of Nigeria Commodity Exchange

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Farmers/herdsmen clashes: Police Sue for peace in Plateau.

The Police Command in Plateau has pledged to do its best to address the lingering clashes between farmers and herdsmen in some parts of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Undie Adie, made the pledge in Jos on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting on ways to address the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

herdsmen

Adie said the meeting was mainly to seek ways of ending the persistent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state.

The commissioner said the clashes between the two groups had been a serious threat to peace in the state.

He said that the state was beginning to regain its lost glory after the conflicts.

“We are not here today to apportion blames or call each other names, but I called this meeting for us to fashion out ways that will lead to lasting peace in the state.

“We cannot continue like this; we cannot continue to kill and destroy each other’s farm lands, houses and other property.

“We have come together as a people to work out ways that will take us back to those old good times where we were all living as brothers and sisters,” he said.

The commissioner urged the people not to take laws into their hands, but report any incidence to the nearest police station or any security outfit nearest to them.

“When you take laws into your hands, it fuels more crises, but when something happens, your duty is to report to us and we will take it up from there and do the needful,” he said.

Alhaji Sanusi Ajiya, the National Vice Chairman of Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC), said peace was the only key that would drive the state to part of development.

He said that the police alone could not bring the needed peace in the society, so it was incumbent on everybody to develop ways and agree to work towards lasting peace in the state and Nigeria in general.

“This is why I commend the commissioner of police for this laudable initiative aimed at bringing peace to our dear state,” he commended.

The meeting had in attendance traditional rulers, community and religious leaders from Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bassa Local Government Areas of the state.

NAN

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N10.8billion revenue generated in 2017 by Plateau State Government

The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), on Wednesday, said it generated N10.8 billion as Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) from January to December 2017.

Mr Dashe Arlat, the chairman of the service, made this disclosure in Jos while briefing journalists on the activities of the agency in 2017.

Arlat, however, said that the figure fell short of the IGR target of N23 billion for the year.

He said the service had a target of N12 billion but only realised N8.8 billion, while the MDA’s were given a target of N11 billion but only generated two billion naira, bringing the total to N10.8 billion.

The PSIRS chairman said that the agency had been proactive in the discharge of its duties to ensure that it surpassed its target for 2018.

Arlat said that its personnel had started the implementation of certain policies that would help enhance the IGR of the state.

He said that the personnel of the PSIRS had been deployed to the nooks and crannies of the state to carry out proper assessment and collection of all taxes and levies due to government.

The chairman said that the agency had also intensified its campaign to educate and mobilise the people on tax matters.

He further said that the PSIRS was monitoring and ensuring strict compliance with the process by MDAs with payments through government approved automation channels to avoid revenue leakages.

Arlat lauded the state governor for signing into law the Plateau State Internal Revenue Harmonized Law, which would enable an effective, efficient and performance driven tax administration system in the state.

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Police raid Criminal hideout in Plateau

Three people sustained gunshot injuries when men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) stormed Dorawa community in Jos south local government area of Plateau State Monday night in an attempt to arrest hoodlums.

Locals said security agents who went there to make arrest, brutalized innocent residents at a beer parlour and shot at others elsewhere. 

However, Plateau state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Tyopev Terna, told  said that the raid which took place at 8:30pm was at a notorious jungle around Dorowa village where hoodlums were found smoking weed suspected to be Indian hemp.

ASP Terna stated, “On the point of arrest, there was an exchange of gunfire between the FSARS operatives and the hoodlums. As a result, three of the hoodlums were injured and taken to Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos by FSARS men. Two were treated and discharged while one is still on admission.”

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FAAC: FG, States, LGs share N655.17bn in January

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) on Tuesday shared N655.17 billion to the three tiers of government as revenue for January.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that the N655.17 billion was distributed under four distributable sub-heads.

“The total statutory revenue for the month is N540.44 billion.

“It was made up as follows: NNPC contributed N104.3 billion, DPR, N77.61 billion, FIRS collection from the oil sector is N88.37 billion and N116.9 billion from the non-oil sector.

“We also generated N51.98 billion from the Nigerian Customs Service. There was also a refund of some excess bank charges to the tune of N1.93 billion.

“There was a deduction of seven per cent cost of collection to the customs, four per cent to the FIRS and another four per cent to DPR.

“There was also a provision for FIRS tax refund of N2 billion and another refund by Customs to the tune of N8 billion.

“So the distributable revenue for the month is 655.17 billion, which includes VAT of N83.96 billion and N30.76 billion from the Forex Equalisation Account,” she said.

Adeosun said that oil revenue continued to be impacted negatively due to the continued sabotage of oil pipelines in the Nigeri-Delta region and the declaration of Force Majeure at Bonny Terminal.

“The decrease in crude oil exports sales by 0.59 million barrels resulted in decreased revenue from export sales of 11.65 million dollars.

“However, the average price of crude oil increased from 52.07 dollars to 56.83 dollars per barrel during the period under review.

“There were also marginal increases in revenues from Petroleum Profit Tax and VAT, while Import Duty and Oil Royalty recorded decreases,” she said.

To this end, Adeosun said that federal government received N252.5 billion, states, N150.1 billion and the local government, N98.7 billion.

She also said that N47.7 billion was also shared among the oil producing states, representing 13 per cent of the oil revenue generated in the month of December and shared in January.

Adeosun said that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) still remained 2.31 billion dollars. (NAN)

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Traders in Jos main market jubilates over reconstruction bid

Traders in Jos main market have been jubilating since the news broke that the Plateau State Government has opened bid for the reconstruction of the market.

The main market got burnt in 2002 and since then efforts to reconstruct it had been futile, but last week the state government made good its promise to reconstruct the market by opening a bidding process for it, with two companies: MM Attat Construction Limited and Edil Belmonte Limited submitting bids.

Speaking to the state of plateau on their joy about the government’s concrete moves to reconstruct the market, the Chairman of the traders union of the market, Abdulrahaman Jimoh Yusuf, said he never thought the project would come to fruition again because of the past disappointments and the inherent realities of the politicization of the market’s reconstruction.

The chairman said when the market was reconstructed it would improve the lives of the traders, give residents better shopping experiences and boost the state’s economy.

He thanked Governor Simon Lalong for ‘out-growing partisan and inconsequential politics’ and implementing projects for the benefit of the ordinary people.

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Philanthropist help 43 inmates regain freedom in overcrowded Jos prison.

Mr Kefas Ropshik, Chairman/CEO Kefiano Global Concept has helped 43 inmates of overcroweded Jos Prison to regain their freedom.


Ropshik, a philanthropist paid the fines and compensation of the convicts who were wallowing in overstreched prison facility for their inability to pay the fines.


The fines totaled about N1 million.


Speaking at the event, Ropshik said that he was moved to give back to the society by assisting the needy.


He said that he have passion to help people who are helpless like widows, the sick and less previledged.


Ropshik said that it is human to give people a second chance by helping them as some of them were led into situation by different reasons.


"And as a Christian I am moved by what the bible admnoshed us to do; to assist the needy and visit those in prison.


"I want those who are previldged like government appointees to step in and assist because you must not be a millionaire and a billionaire before you can do charity work,".


To the inmates, Ropshik advised them not to see their inceration as punishment but correction.


"The prison is meant to be a correction centre and not a punishment centre and believe some of you made corrections within the period that you have been here.


"I believe you will not repeat whatever took you here, because I am going to be happier if you leave today and become better people in the society.


"This is the second time in six months that I have helped inmates regain their freedom. The last time about 67 were freed and today 43 of you will be going home.



"I want to promise here that those inmates who have acquired skills while here I will give them materials to start up their businesses in the next set that will be freed,".


He said that such would help them not to go back to their crimes and also help them not be a nuisance to the society.


Ropshik also promise to pay the registration fees for inmates that may be writing Senior Secondary School Examinations (SSCE) as a way of encouraging them.


Mr Daniel Naanlong, Member representing Mikang Constituency in the Plateau House Assembly appreciated Ropshik for the gesture.


Naanlong appealed to the freed inmates not to indulge in criminal acts that will bring them back to the prison.


"We will be happy to see you someday remind us that I am one of those that was freed by the philanthropist.


"We will be happy to see you doing well in the soceity," he added.


Mr Noel Ailewon, Comptroller Jos prison thanked Kefas Ropshik for the gesture and called on well meaning Nigerians to emulate him.


Ailewon who was represented by the Welfare Officer of Jos Prison, Mr Pius Pokyes said that the prison was dire need of such assistance as government alone cannot do it.


"In this prison we have over 1080 inmates, 236 of the condemned criminals and 36 of them life imprisonment.


"We spend about N15,000 a day for drinking water alone and as I speak some of the inmates sleep on he bare floor because we don't have beds for them," he said.

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Jos Carnival queen pageantry audition holds Today

Audition for the queen pageantry for Jos Carnival where 20 participants are to be selected will hold on Sunday, the Committee Chairman, Mr Henry Goyang has said.

Goyang in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos, Plateau State said assured that the carnival competition would not upset the culture and morals of the Plateau people.

“The queen must be intelligent, single and beautiful, among other criteria,” he said about the eligibility.

He also said the contestants would also be empowered through skills acquisition training.

“We would train them on making some handcrafts such as making bags, hats, liquid soap and air fresheners among others,” he said.

He said selected 20 contestants would be groomed at a boot camp for three days before the final completion on January 28.

“The contestants who must be from ages 18 to 26 years would be groomed for poise, educated on the tourism sites and potentials of Plateau, its food and culture amongst others.

“The Queen who must be a resident of Plateau irrespective of her place of origin must be of good character and passionate to promote the Jos carnival both on local and international platforms,” Goyang noted

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Plateau Hospital Board Generates N144m in 2017- CMD

20th January, 2018

Dr Velle Lohdip, the Acting Chief Medical Director, Plateau State Hospitals Management Board, said on Friday that the board generated N144 million revenue in 2017.

Lohdip gave the figure at the defence of the board’s 2018 budget, before the state House of Assembly Standing Committee on Health in Jos.

According to him, the amount was generated from fees and levies accruing from the ambulance, mortuary, antenatal bookings and other services.

He said: “In 2017, we were able to generate N144 million as revenue, which represents 52 per cent of the total amount proposed for us to generate.”
The CMD, who described the revenue performance as below expectations, called on the state government to meet certain needs of the board, to ensure optimal performance.

Lohdip attributed the low revenue figure on manpower shortage in the hospitals, noting that the board has 1,155 members of staff manning the 15 hospitals under its supervision.

He said that bookings for antenatal had been low lately due to the harsh economic situation.

The CMD was optimistic of improved revenue in 2018 as plans would be put in place to introduce the Health Insurance Scheme for all civil servants in the state.

Simon Kudu, Chairman of the committee, pledged its support to the board to enable it to perform better in 2018.

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Gov Lalong fullfilling electioneering promises says Plateau Group

19th January, 2018


By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Plateau Regeneration Group has commended the State governor Simon Lalong, for his efforts at revamping the health sector in Plateau State .

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its National President Nagelu Garba and secretary Pius Hommen and made available to newsmen in Jos on Friday .

We must commend the state government for signing  a memorandum of understanding (MOU )with a coy ,Hospital Assist Nigeria Ltd to improve the health services of the Plateau specialist Hospital and also to rescue the health sector of the state .

“Lalong is fulfilling his campaign promises as one of the five policy thrust of the Simon Lalong led administration is to provide qualitative health services to the people of the state ”

“With this development our governor Simon Lalong  has proven that his administration is determined to upgrade the Plateau specialist hospital and other state owned hospitals in the state. ”

“it could be recall that  the state government had on Thursday  signed a MOU with Hospital Assist Nigeria Ltd  to upgrade the Plateau specialist hospital, the  terms   covers that Hospital Assist Nigeria Ltd  would renovate, upgrade and equip the Radiology department of the Plateau specialist hospital.

“The group also commended the  Simon Lalong led administration for its plans to rebuild the Jos Main market.

“We also commend Plateau state government   for  opening the   bid for the redevelopment  and enhancing of the Jos main market as this  is a milestone towards rebuilding the Jos Main market,this is a practical effort to rebuilding the main market ”

“The market is so dear to Plateau people and the Simon Lalong led administration is determined to rebuild the market. ”

“We call on the people of the state to continue to support the Simon Lalong led administration at all times ”

The statement further reads that Gov Simon Lalong  has done excellently well and is keying into the mandate of the All Progressive Congress APC which is to better the lives of citizens of the country .”

“Lalong has  initiated development projects across the 17 local government areas .” Gov Lalong has reinvented governance in Plateau state in a manner that has astounded even his opponents ” Lalong has re-engineered a relieving pace of peace and tranquillity on the Plateau “.

“We commend our governor for this good works as he has proven that he is a man of the people .”

The statement also reads that “To change the fortunes of Plateau State citizenry, Lalong had on assumption of office in May, 2015 unveiled his ‘’rescue mission’’ agenda anchored on five policy pillars.” “Our governor identified the five issues as tackling the issues of peace, security and good governance; human capital development and social welfare; entrepreneurship and industrialization; physical infrastructure and environment “.

“As a group we commend our governor for restructuring the civil service to help actualise the vision of the state government and also for facilitating the promotion of over 7,000 senior staff who had not been promoted for many years due to the embargo placed on such exercise by the last administration.” “Apart from rehabilitation and construction of roads, many projects were executed in the last two years in the state by the Lalong administration .”

In the Justice Ministry, over “82 criminal cases were received from different justice sectors of which legal advice has been proffered, 75 criminal cases were filed within the period, 150 cases have been disposed of and 40 convictions obtained and in the area of civil litigation, 38 cases have been disposed of and 778 are pending in various courts.”

” “In the area of Commerce and Industry, the Simon Lalong led administration has entered into partnership with various firms to “resuscitate the burnt Jos main market, the Jos International Breweries, JIB, the Kabong market, Highland Bot

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Gov Lalong Visit Benue Over the unfortunate conflict

GOVERNOR SIMON BAKO LALONG VISTS BENUE STATE OVER THE UNFORTUNATE CONFLICT THAT OCCURRED.

20th January, 2018.


Governor  Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State alongside the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Kashim Shettima (Borno), Mal. Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Grace Titilayo Tomori  were in Makurdi today the Benue State capital to condole and show solidarity with Governor Samuel Ortom and the good people of Benue State over the sad conflicts that claimed the lives of about 71 persons in the State.

They also used the occasion to sue for peaceful coexistence and tolerance.

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CCAPAD de-redicalises 15 youths in Jos

19 Jan 2018

15 youth from Jos north local government area of Plateau state have graduated from a de-radicalisation project following weeks of transformation training and skills acquisition.

The training which was organised by the Centre for Community Actions for Peace and Development (CCAPAD), an interfaith organisation, in collaboration with Mennonite Central Committee was aimed at sensitizing potential radicals from flashpoint communities against religious fanaticism and making them productive members of their communities.

The Executive Director of CCAPAD, Ahmed Salihu told journalists at the graduation that after series of research, it was discovered that splinters of Boko Haram insurgents were growing in many parts of the country adding that, “Jos is not an exception.”

He said, “We trained them for two weeks and introduced a mentorship programme for another two weeks. We made sure that they stepped down the training on their mentees by assigning them to go back to their local communities and see the potential trouble makers therein.

“So each of them selected two and stepped down whatever he acquired in the de-radicalization processes to that indirect beneficiary,” he said.

He noted that beyond the transformation, the youth were asked to choose skills and they were sent to the best trainers in the city and now we are giving them start up equipment and the communities would have the responsibility of monitoring their progress,” he said.

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plateau opens bid for redevelopment of Jos main market

19 Jan 2018


Plateau opens bid for redevelopment of Jos main market

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Plateau state government on Thursday opened   bid for the redevelopment  and enhancing of the Jos main market .

Speaking at the occasion the commissioner of commerce in Plateau Eziekel Daju who was represented by the Permanent secretary of the ministry Mr Samuel Ngomar, said” today is a milestone towards rebuilding the Jos Main market,this is a practical effort to rebuilding the main market ”

“The market is so dear to Plateau people and the Simon Lalong led administration is determined to rebuild the market. ”

Our Correspondent reports that Plateau State Government had in 2016  signed a N230 million worth Memorandum of Understanding with a UK based company; the Roughton International London Limited in collaboration with Cynergy Associates Consortium to commence the first phase of redevelopment and enhancement of the burnt Jos Main market which was gutted by fire 16 years ago.

Ezekiel Daju  further  said the market popularly called Terminus market, remains a critical project to the development of the state :

Our governor Simon Lalong has said that he is determined to boost economic activities in our state and I am calling on the  citizens  of the state  to support him at all times.

He  commended Governor Simon Lalong for his determination to re-build the market which he described as a onetime economic hub for not only the State but the country and West Africa.

Assistant Project Manager of  Roughton International Engr. Chiedu  Ojidoh , assured the state government that the company would carry out the exercise with diligence and the bidding would be done on the basis of professionalism and competence of the bidders

Our Correspondent reports that The two bidders are MM Attat construction Limited represented by Henry Duamyim and Edil Belmonte Limited represented by Mustapha Abbas.

Professional bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association ,Traders and other bodies all witnessed the occasion

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Plateau State to construct 16 Rural roads to boost accessibility

Mr Pam Dongs, the Plateau Commissioner for Works and Transport, says the state government has embarked on the construction of  16  rural roads to boost accessibility.

The commissioner disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos  when he led other staff of the ministry to defend the 2018 budget before the House of Assembly  Committee on Works and Transport.

He said  the project tagged,  “Rural Accessibility Project, ’’ was aimed at changing the face of the state from its  rural outlook.

Mr Pam Dongs, the Plateau Commissioner for Works and Transport, says the state government has embarked on the construction of  16  rural roads to boost accessibility.

The commissioner disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos  when he led other staff of the ministry to defend the 2018 budget before the House of Assembly  Committee on Works and Transport.

He said  the project tagged,  “Rural Accessibility Project, ’’ was aimed at changing the face of the state from its  rural outlook.

The road projects are outlined below:

Construction of Mararaban Demshin-Demshin-Shimankar road with spur to Shargang-Angwan Rina-Angwan Dadi – Kalong – Nyak road

Rehabilitation of Dokan Tofa – Ba’ap – Kurgwi road with spurs to Lardang – Bwal Kwoor and Tim

Construction of Tenzet – Tunkus (Shendam by-pass) road

Construction of Wase – Kardarko – Dadin Kowa road

Construction of Dengi – Bashar – Gajin Bashar road

Construction of Dengi – Kwalmiya – Dugub – Gagdi road

Construction of Dawaki – Gyanggyang – Seri – Amper Road

Construction of Lankan – Dyis – Kagu – Sihin Road

Construction of Mangu by-pass road

Construction of Kuba – Tenti – Muanga – Daffo road

Construction of Kpaso – Chakarum – Kogom – Vwang road with spur at Vom Vet

Construction of Bet – Lobiring – Dorowa – Mazat – Kuba Road with spur to Nding

Construction of Fobor – Nation – Fursa – Maijuju – Zandi Road

Construction of Tahoss – Ganawuri road with spur at Dahreng

Construction of Wase – Mavo – Gimbi road

Construction of Lohmak – Gazum with spur at Kwankum

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Plateau signs MoU with Company to revamp Specialist Hospital

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Plateau state government on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU )with a company, Hospital Assist Nigeria Ltd to improve the health services of the Plateau specialist Hospital and also to rescue the health sector of the state.

Speaking while signing the agreement, the commissioner of health in Plateau Dr . Kuden Kamshak, said “one of the five policy thrust of the Simon Lalong led administration is to provide qualitative health services to the people of the state”.

Kamshak said the Lalong led administration is determined to upgrade the Plateau specialist hospital and other state owned hospitals in the state.

“The MOU terms   covers that Hospital Assist Nigeria Ltd  would renovate, upgrade and equip the Radiology department of the Plateau specialist hospital.

“Plateau would also benefit from manpower development as the coy would also train staff of the hospital. ”

Kamshak who lamented the high cost of radiologist services in some hospital in the state said Plateau State government is determined to reduce to the barest minimum the services in the state with the revamping of the Plateau specialist hospital .

He said when revamped, the state specialist hospital radiology department would offer 24 hours services at an affordable rate for all citizens of the state.

He also said the total cost is 850 million Naira with Plateau State government  contributing 30 percent of funds.

Chief Executive officer of Hospital Assist Nigeria Ltd Dr Wale Alabi, thanked the state government for the agreement and pledged to deliver in six months.

Gov Simon Lalong who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the state Rufus Bature, said Health is wealth and Plateau cannot be left behind in providing qualitative health care services to the people .

He lamented the deplorable state of the Plateau specialist hospital before the   coming in of the All Progressive Congress led administration in Plateau said the Lalong led administration would continue to better the lives of citizens of the state.

The Lalong led administration is determined to upgrade the health sector in the state in order to discourage medical toursim  and to also Carter for the needs of the downtrodden in the state , he added.

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EFCC Grills Plateau State ex-governor, Jonah Jang

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16^th of January quizzed a former governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah David Jang over allegations of fraud while he was governor.

Jang arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 10 am and was questioned and released around 8pm.

An EFCC source said Jang honoured an invitation to respond to allegations of fraud contained in petitions against him, when he was governor from 2007 to 2015.

The source said he was alleged to have siphoned funds released to the state by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“It was alleged that N2 billion was released by CBN for Small and Medium Enterprises just a month before the expiration of his tenure in April 2015, but the funds suddenly went missing,” the source said.

The EFCC is investigating contract for computerisation of the Ministry of Finance to a firm, Nix Technologies, for N97.9 million by the ministry.

He was alleged to have gotten N6.1bn from the State Universal Basic Education Board, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

It was also alleged that, “Jang collected N982, 526451.02 from the Plateau State Government using a front company, Darmatist Consult, for purported, non-existent recovery of N7.56bn from Nasarawa State. The money was paid to Darmatist as a consultancy fee.”

Jang yesterday denied the allegations against him; a statement in Jos by his Senior Legislative Aide, Olivia Dazyam, said Jang honoured the EFCC invitation to give account of his stewardship.

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Gov Lalong Inspects Ongoing Road Projects in Jos

16th January, 2018.

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon.  Simon Bako Lalong, on the 16th of  January, 2018 carried out on the spot inspection of road projects stretching from Old Airport road, Domkat Bali Road, British American junction and all the way to Mararaba Jamai'a.

He assured citizens of the commitment of his Government towards completing the road constructions and others around the State.

Photo credit by Josiah Envulu.

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Fire destroys 4,500 palm, cashew trees in Plateau

Fire has gutted down the 10-hectare Daje Palm Oil Farm in Sabon-Gida, Langtang South Local Government, Plateau State, licking up more than 4,000 palm trees.

Also burnt by the weekend fire were 500 cashew trees, 200 improved varieties of mango trees, among other plants.

A correspondent, who visited the 10-year-old farm owned by former Chief Medical Director of Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Nandul Durfa, found that most of the plants had been totally destroyed by the inferno.

Also destroyed were new palm oil seedlings being packaged for fresh planting to expand the farm

Durfa, who described the fire disaster as “devastating”, said that he had lost hundreds of millions to the inferno.

“Palm trees are resilient; if you water the burnt trees, they could come back to life, but this year’s proceeds are gone.

“There are also new seedlings that we have been treating for the past five years which have been consumed. Each seedling was purchased at N350 and we bought more than 4,000.

“We spend a minimum of N40,000 every month to treat and maintain the new seedlings. It is very devastating, really. It is difficult to quantify the financial loss and the psychological trauma,” he said.

Durfa, who purchased the palm trees from Nigeria Institute for Palm Oil Research, Benin, blamed the fire on rat hunters and the carelessness of the security men guarding the farm.

“The fire strayed into the farm from the nearby bush, but the security men and managers were not around to put it out.

“The fire was vicious and raged on for hours, aided by the dry leaves and the wind; by the time it was noticed, it had destroyed every part of the farm,” he said.

Durfa appealed to the government to support him to acquire new palm oil seedlings.

“My personal efforts have been greatly damaged. With the renewed attention to the agriculture sector, government and related agencies should support me to revive the farm because of its massive potential.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture should also assist in mowing the plantation to ensure that no grass grows beyond three inches,” he said.

He also urged the Plateau government to assist his efforts to expand the farm in view of its potential to improve the economy of the state.

“Government should show more interest in helping people ready to invest in the agricultural sector. It will not be fair for government to ignore such efforts only to send its men to collect dues when the efforts become successful,” he said.

(NAN)

   

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About 400 cattle rustled in Bassa LGA of Plateau State

About 400 cattle belonging to herders were on Monday rustled in Miango, Bassa local government area of Plateau State.

However, it was gathered that while security agents have recovered 32 of the cattle, the carcass of 25 have been discovered.

Plateau state Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Nura Muhammad told journalists that additional six cattle have been recovered alive but severely injured.

Muhammad explained that, “the incident occurred Monday evening. The attackers assaulted the herders, but they escaped alive while the attackers left with the cattle.

"We immediately reported to Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in the area and they deployed their men to go after the assailants, that was when they found the dead cattle and recovered some. Security agents are still out there trying to track the attackers.”

OPSH Media and Information Officer, Major Adam Umar did not respond to phone calls or a text sent to his phone at the time of filing this report.

Bassa, a community that has enjoyed peace in the past was in October and November plunged into crisis following attacks and counterattacks between the local and herders. 

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Gov Lalong commemorate the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

His Excellency, Governor Simon Bako Lalong was the  Special Guest of Honor at the Laying of Wreaths to commemorate the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration today 15th January 2018 at the JD  Gomwalk Secretariat.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2018 was held in spectacular style in Jos, Plateau State. The Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon Simon Lalong Inspected a guard of honour before later placing wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Top government officials also took turns to lay wreaths for the fallen heroes.  Some included the Commander operation Safe Haven, Speaker Of the House of Plateau State House of Assembly, Peter A. Azi, representative of the GOC 3 division, Leader Of the Nigerian Legion in Plateau State Col. Rwang Dung Rtd, Chairperson Of The Ex Military Service Men Wife’s Association Amongst others

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Plateau United, Tornadoes open NPFL with away wins

Last season’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title winners Plateau United Football Club and Niger Tornadoes, yesterday opened their 2017/2018 league season account with victories away from home.

While the defending champions piped hosts Nasarawa United FC 1-0 at the Lafia Township Stadium, Tornadoes on their part defeated new comers Kwara United 2-0 at the Kwara Sports Stadium in Ilorin.

Plateau United’s new boy Raphael Ayagwa stunned the home crowd with a last-gasp winner in the 87th minute.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tightly-contested affair saw both sides displaying good football artistry, but it was Plateau United who were more impressive in terms of possession.

The result meant Plateau United became the first title-holders to win their opening match day since 2013.

None of the champions since 2013 had won their opening game of the season, since Kano Pillars defeated Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Bauchi.

Kano Pillars (in 2014 and 2015), Enyimba (in 2016) and Rangers (in 2017) all failed to win their first games of the season.

The best result of the lot was Kano Pillars’ 1-1 draw at Giwa FC of Jos in 2014.

Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes’ 2-0 win over hosts Kwara United FC in Ilorin means the Minna side move top of the standing, though with the same goals difference as Abia Warriors FC who defeated visiting MFM FC of Lagos 2-0 in Umuahia after a brace from Ndifreke Effiong.

Akwa United are joint leaders after beating Rangers International FC of Enugu 2-0 in Uyo, after goals from Kelly Oahimijie and Denis Nyi in the 37th and 66th minutes respectively.

FC IfeanyiUbah of Nnewi beat newcomers Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu 2-1 to be fourth on the log.

Rivers United are joint fifth with Plateau United after beating visiting El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri 1-0.

Guy Keumian’s 67th minute goal at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt gave the hosts the win.

Wikki Tourists are also in fifth with Rivers United and Plateau United after beating Go Round FC of Port Harcourt 1-0 in Bauchi.

In joint eighth place are Katsina United and Kano Pillars who had drawn 2-2 in Katsina on Saturday, while Lobi Stars and Enyimba International of Aba drew 1-1 in Makurdi to be joint 10th.

Heartland FC of Owerri drew goalless at home in Owerri with Sunshine Stars of Akure to be joint 12th.

The league continues with Match Day 2 fixtures on Wednesday.

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Benue Killings: I'm profusely sorry for my comments- Gov Lalong

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong,  has tendered his unreserved apologies to the people of Benue State and Nigerians over the comments he made following the murder of over 60 people by herdsmen in two local government areas.

Lalong had told newsmen that he warned Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue against passing the anti-grazing law which was believed to have caused the deadly killings by the herdsmen.

The governor’s statement was widely criticised as highly insensitive and suggestive of justifying the killings and grave injuries inflicted on the villagers by the unidentified herdsmen.

However,  Lalong, at the weekend in Abuja,  told newsmen that his comments would not in any way help in the resolution of the crisis.

While expressing his belief in the sanctity of human lives,  the governor said Plateau State has a strong affinity with all states in the Middle Belt, especially Benue which was carved out of Plateau State, noting that his initial comments were misconstrued and misinterpreted.

He said: “I am here to comment on my statement concerning the lingering issue. That is my comment after the presidential visit in respect of the crisis in Benue State.

“Once again, let me use this opportunity extend my deepest sympathies and extend our condolences to the people of  Benue State over this great loss. My prayer is that God will continue to give them and every Nigerian the fortitude to bear the loss.

“I must say that I humbly apologise for my comments because I have seen that it was really misconceived and misinterpreted. That generated a lot of social media writeup here and there about the issue. I apologise for that because neither the argument for or against helps the matter because it involves lives.

“I have great respect for the sanctity of human lives and the unity of the Middle Belt. I would not say Plateau is fighting Benue State at all. We are brothers and sisters. Benue was created out of Plateau. Nasarawa was created out of Pleteau.

“We still remain brothers and sisters. So I extend my prayers to all of them and I pray that God Almighty will give them the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.

“This is to tell those who are for and against  that there is need, especially at this time when lives are involved, for all of us to join hands to ensure that we work towards  the resolution of the matter and helping in ensuring peace not only in Benue, but in Nigeria.”

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PRESS RELEASE

DIRECTORATE OF PRESS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
==============
PRESS RELEASE.

BENUE KILLINGS: LET NIGERIANS NOT SPIT ON THE GRAVE OF THE VICTIMS.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong has expressed serious displeasure at the manner in which reports making the rounds on social media and some broadcast stations, concerning the interview he granted to members of the Press, after his meeting with President Mohammadu Buhari at the Aso villa Abuja of Thursday the 11th of January 2018.
The Executive Governor in his clarification on the statement credited to him, in which he was quoted as having said  he warned Governor Ortom of Benue state  not to implement the anti open grazing law,  said it is sad that his expression which bothered on the plateau situation, in which he said he was waiting for the provision of the  ranching alternative ahead of the total ban on open grazing in the State, was taken out of context and completely misquoted when his response on peer review of policies with his Counterparts from neighboring state was responded to in the affirmative.
The Governor berated those who have taken to the social media to make negative statements and draw political capital out of the unfortunate situation in Benue, while the pains in the grieving hearts of the victims where still fresh. The Governor added that those whose unrestrained and  uncensored penchant for quick shares of negative news, has become an attitude of their new age media engagements, to know that to  make a mockery of the pains of the people of Benue by spitting and dancing on the Graves of those killed in cold blood will draw the wrath of God.
The Governor in a show of solidarity and shared grief with the people of Benue and indeed all Nigerians of conscience  committed to finding a lasting solution to the Herders and farmers conflict in Nigeria, expressed his deepest sympathy in a phone conversation with Governor Ortom.
He gave assurances of the prayers of the people of Plateau state for God's Comfort to the  bereaved families,  and for the repose of the souls of all those killed in the wake of the attack.
Governor Lalong wishes to assure the people of Plateau State and indeed all Nigerians, that  Dialogue around all the options for peaceful coexistence amongst all citizens, remain the best solution to any situation that is a threat to peace in the country. He advised  all to explore the benefits in the ranching and cattle Colonies proposed by the Federal Government as an alternative to open grazing, which will certainly be banned as part of the solution to the incessant farmers and herdsmen conflict all around the country.

SIGNED
Samuel Emmanuel Nanle (Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State)

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His Excellency Gov. Simon Bako Lalong Pays a Charity visit to Plateau State Orphanage Home.

His Excellency Gov. Simon Bako Lalong pays a charity visit to Plateau State. Orphanage Home Formerly.

Among the orphanage he visited where Aisha Manna Orphanage Along Zaria Road and Zambiri/Nentapmwa Outreach and Child Care Centre Owned by Mrs Gloria Kwashi, Wife of the Anglican Archbishop of Jos, Benjamin Kwashi. Yesterday the 9 January 2018.

The Governor assured the orphans that his administration will support their welfare and upbringing of less previlege in the state including all orphanage.

The Gov encourage the orphans to take the educational career choices so serious as to enable them become future leaders of tomorrow.

He visited their dometries and also play with the kids, offering relief materials to encourage the orphanage home on thier go work to the society.

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Buhari Orders Inspector-General of Police to move to Benue in regards of recent Killings

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris to move to Benue, to restore law and order, prevent further loss of lives and forestall the crisis from escalating.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that herdsmen on New Year day had attacked and killed 50 persons in Logo and Guma Local Government Areas of Benue.

A statement by the Force spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, said the order followed the recent unfortunate killings of innocent people in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of the State.

Moshood said that in compliance with the presidential order, the I-G is moving with additional five Units of Police Mobile Force making a total of 10 Units deployed to the State.

“More Units of the Police Special Forces, Counter Terrorism Units, and Conventional Policemen are already being deployed to the State as at this time today to comply in totality with the Presidential order,” he said.

He said that other units of the force already deployed to the state would carry on un-relentlessly with the patrols and crime prevention activities in the affected areas to sustain the normalcy that have been restored.

The spokesman warned that the Force would not hesitate to deal decisively with trouble makers, groups or individuals for conduct likely to instigate the escalation of the crisis.

“The full weight of the law will be applied on anyone arrested for being responsible for the mayhem in the affected areas in the State,” he said.

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N218 Million Compensation to be paid for roads, Kabong-Tudun Wada Urged Gov Lalong

The Ikkukumung Development Association (IDA) and Jolex Construction Company Nig. Ltd have asked Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State to pay N218 million compensation for the 35 houses affected by the construction of Kabong-Ikkukumung-Tudun-Wada Road in Jos North Local Government Area.

The work of the road which covers 6.9 kms and was awarded to Jolex Construction Company last year has been moving slowly owing to non-payment of compensation to affected people.

The Chairman of the association, Mr. Fidelis Ngwan, said, “The contractor has tried his best. What we want is for government to release more funds to him, so that he can settle the compensation and continue his good work.”

The Project Engineer of the Jolex Construction Company, Mark Ajobe, said, “In the assessment we have done with the Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, we marked 35 houses to be demolished and estate valuers estimated N300 million as compensation, which was later cut down to N218 million. The funds haven’t been released by government, which makes our work move at a snail’s pace.”

The Governor assures the affected communities to remain calm, as the compensation plan has been fully captured in the 2018 budget which will be released as soon as possible. He assured all communities to remain resolute to the rescue administration campaign promises as the government will not leave behind any uncompleted project before 2019.

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4,000 Plateau, Gombe, and Other Youths train by NDE on Cosmetology

About 2,000 youths selected from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State have started apprenticeship training as part of efforts by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to make them self-reliant.

Similarly, the directorate said it had commenced training of 2, 000 young women and men on cosmetology and other vocational skills in Gombe State.

We gathered 2,000 youths in Plateau State are part of 76,400 people selected from across the country by the NDE to benefit from its special Basic National Open Apprenticeship Scheme.

Plateau State NDE Coordinator, Mark Mato said that out of the 2,000 slots allocated to the state, 1,400 youths were undergoing training in cosmetology which consists of learning to make liquid soap, air fresheners, body creams and others.

“The remaining 600 are undergoing training in computer repairs and application, welding, barbing, carpentry and others. While the training in cosmetology is expected to last two weeks, the remaining 600 will be trained for three months,” he explained, adding, “This time, we are taking a large number at a go, so this will make a lot of impact because the trainings are taking place in all the LGAs of the state.”

In Gombe the state coordinator of NDE, Malam Ibrahim Faisal Audu, said selected 1,400 women would undergo two weeks empowerment training on cosmetics production.

Audu said that 600 unskilled male youths would also undergo three months training on wielding, GSM repairing and computer processing.

The coordinator said the beneficiaries would be given an allowance during the training and a take-off grant at the end of the training to start the trade they learnt.

 He urged the beneficiaries whom he said were drawn from the 11 local government areas of the state, to make judicious use of the opportunity given to them.

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400 Widows, Physically challenged get lifeline in Plateau

Over 400 women and physically challenged people in Kanke local government area of Plateau Friday 5th January benefited from several food items and clothing distributed by the state Commissioner of Finance, Tamwakat Weli.

The beneficiaries were given bags of rice, clothing materials, shoes, bags, liquid soaps and other items at the Ekan Primary School Tuwan in Kabwir District of Kanke.    

While presenting the items, Weli assured the people that the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong was determined to better their lives as well as ensure that youths, women and vulnerable children were well trained.

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Gov Lalong to play active role in President Buhari's 2019 re-election campaign

President Muhammadu Buhari has given a bold hint that he will seek re-election next year by naming former Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport, as the Director-General (DG) of his campaign. The appointment was made at a meeting this week, sources have told our reporters.

It was disclosed that Mr. Amaechi, was picked over Mr. Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo State, who was said to have actively sought the position.

Mr. Amaechi held the position in 2015, when President Buhari won the presidential election.

Also named as members of the team are Mr. Simon Lalong, Plateau State governor;  Mr. Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State governor; Mr. Tanko Almakura, governor of Nasarawa State and Mr. Mala Buni, National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress  (APC).

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