Plateau Exco Holds Last Session For 2020...

 Plateau Exco holds last session for 2020 

December 31,2020

Golok Nanmwa 

At its last Executive Council Meeting for the year 2020, Plateau State EXCO sat for about 4 hours to decide on a variety of issues.

The meeting held at the EXCO chambers of the new Government House Little Rayfield Jos and was presided over by Governor Simon Bako Lalong with some of its members joining virtually. 

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang together with his colleagues for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs Sylvanus Tapgun, Chrysanthus Ahmadu Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Regina Soemlat, Commissioner for Finance, and Engr. Sunday Hyat, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works gave highlights of the decisions reached at the meeting. 

They said EXCO was briefed on the upsurge in Covid-19 cases in the State and resolved that there shall henceforth be exercise of prosecution order to deal with violators of the guidelines for the pandemic. For the time being, there is no contemplation of lockdown of the State. Therfore, the denial of the existence of COVID-19 in Plateau State will henceforth be criminalised.

A statement signed by Simon Macham 

Director of Press and  Public Affairs to Lalong also said that EXCO also mandated the reawarding of contracts for some road projects earlier revoked. They include Tahoss/Ganawuri Road; Mangu bye-pass road; Shinkwan/ Tunkus/Shendam bye-pass as well as the rehabilitation of Kwande Biem-Biem road formally awarded to PW.

Also approved is the supply of official vehicles for various Government officials who have not been given official cars since they were appointed over one year ago. 

The council also gave approval for an Executive bill to be sent to the Plateau House of Assembly plateau State on the creation of the Plateau State Investment Promotion Council.

To facilitate better pursuance of the Rescue Mission, council also inaugurated sub-councils arising from the Executive retreat earlier held in the year which will henceforth 

deliberate on memos before being taken to EXCO. They include Shared services; Human capital; Economic and finance and Physical Infrastructural Development.

On the implementation of the new minimum wage at the Local Government level, Council frowned at the way Local Govt Staff have resorted to intimidating, blackmailing and threatening the State Government over the wages of another tier of Government. 

The Council reafirmed that it is the sole responsibility of the Local Governments to hire, fire, renumerate and discipline their employees based on their terms. 

The Council advised Local Government Chairmen to take responsibility of negotiating with their staff now that they are fully autonomous.

Council frowned at the manner the Local Government workers have taken for granted the magnanimity and benevolence of the Governor to intervene in the negotiations by not only turning down various options to resolve the matter, but going ahead to blackmail the Governor and other State Government officials.

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New Year- Lalong Vows To Work With Security Operatives To Tackle Insecurity...

 New year - Lalong vows to work with security operatives to tackle insecurity  

December 31,2020

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday  congratulated Plateau State citizens Nigerians for witnessing the year 2021.

The Governor in a message said despite the challenges of the outgone year, Nigerians should be optimistic and pray for recovery and progress. 

Lalong said the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19 and recession can only be overcome by deliberate synergy between the Government, private sector and citizens in pursuing set objectives that will create opportunities for recovery and growth. 

This was contained in a statement signed by  Simon Macham ,Director of Press and  Public Affairs to the Governor and made available to newsmen in Jos .

He said "We must all join hands together to overcome COVID-19 which adversely affected our economy last year remains a threat that could cause disruptions in the new year because of the second wave. While Government intensifies action in tackling the disease, the citizens must take personal responsibility for their health and and that of others by strictly observing COVID-19 protocols at all times. Government shall not hesitate to take serious measures that will ensure that we avoid another lockdown due to the pandemic".

On security, the Governor said with the training and deployment of the first batch of community police constables, his administration will invest more in intelligence gathering and preventive measures by fishing out criminals before they wreck havoc. 

He promised that the Government will continue to support the conventional security agencies to apprehend and prosecute criminals particularly on crimes relating to kidnapping, cultism, land grabbing and other violent crimes using the law that he recently signed to curb such occurrences. 

Governor Lalong further restated the commitment of his Rescue Administration in human capital development through training and empowerment of youths and women and other groups in various entrepreneurship schemes both initiated by the State and Federal Governments. 

Lalong wished the citizens a prosperous new and also pledged that his administration will continue with the construction of physical infrastructure including the Legacy Projects currently going on in the three Senatorial Districts.

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Governor Lalong's New Year Message...

Governor Lalong's New Year  Message...

December 31,2020

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Plateau State citizens Nigerians for witnessing the year 2021.

The Governor in a message said despite the challenges of the outgone year, Nigerians should be optimistic and pray for recovery and progress. 

Lalong said the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19 and recession can only be overcome by deliberate synergy between the Government, private sector and citizens in pursuing set objectives that will create opportunities for recovery and growth. 

He said "We must all join hands together to overcome COVID-19 which adversely affected our economy last year remains a threat that could cause disruptions in the new year because of the second wave. While Government intensifies action in tackling the disease, the citizens must take personal responsibility for their health and and that of others by strictly observing COVID-19 protocols at all times. Government shall not hesitate to take serious measures that will ensure that we avoid another lockdown due to the pandemic".

On security, the Governor said with the training and deployment of the first batch of community police constables, his administration will invest more in intelligence gathering and preventive measures by fishing out criminals before they wreck havoc. 

He promised that the Government will continue to support the conventional security agencies to apprehend and prosecute criminals particularly on crimes relating to kidnapping, cultism, land grabbing and other violent crimes using the law that he recently signed to curb such occurrences. 

Governor Lalong further restated the commitment of his Rescue Administration in human capital development through training and empowerment of youths and women and other groups in various entrepreneurship schemes both initiated by the State and Federal Governments. 

Lalong wished the citizens a prosperous new and also pledged that his administration will continue with the construction of physical infrastructure including the Legacy Projects currently going on in the three Senatorial Districts. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 

31st December 2020.

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Urhobo Youths Threaten To Shut Down East - West Road Over Appointment Of Sole Administrator On Jan 5,2020...

 Urhobo youths threaten to shut down East - West road over appointment of sole administrator on Jan 5 2020 

December 31,2020

 Foremost Urhobo Youths under the auspices of Urhobo Youth Leaders Council (UYLC), led by Comrade Lucky Emonefe have declared their readiness to shut down the East West Road and all access to Federal Govt Parastatal in the Region over the continued refusal of the Federal Government to put in place a substantive board for the commission.

The Urhobo Nation which is the fifth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria and an oil producing nation with her youths drawn from all the clans of the Urhobo Nation also  frowned at the politics ongoing within the  NDDC board and in the presidency at the detriment of the people of the Niger Delta and the Urhobos' in particular.

In a press release made available to newsmen in Jos  The National Coordinator  of the Urhobo Youth Leaders Council Comrade . Lucky Emonefe said , the foremost youth body warned that the planned showdown of the East West Road on 5th January, 2021 is to officially register the  body's displeasure over the recent appointment of a Sole Administration to manage the affairs of the Commission which is an aberration and deviating from the aims for which the commission was established.

 They further warned that until President Buhari corrects himself from the error in judgement and put in place a substantive board that will fast track development in the Niger Delta Region as enshrined in the NDDC Act; the shutdown is inevitable.

The statement reads that the“The Urhobo Youths have vowed to legitimately push for their right until the right thing is done.”

Furthermore, they advised “Mr. President to hearken to the demands of the region's stakeholders and Governors of the South South by putting in place a substantive NDDC board and not a sole administrator for NDDC.” Saying Niger Delta is too sensitive a region to gamble with.

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Gov Lalong Condoles Plateau Yoruba Community Over Demise Of Chief Toye Ogunsuyi...

 Gov Lalong condoles Plateau Yourba community over demise of Chief Toye Ogunsuyi 

December 30,2020

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

Governor Simon  Lalong on Wednesday commiserated with the Yoruba community and people of Plateau State over the demise of former President -General of the Yoruba Community in Plateau State, Chief Toye Ogunsuyi who died at the age of 88.

Governor Lalong in a condolence message signed by Simon Macham ,his director of press and public affairs said the octogenarian’s death was a great loss to the people of Plateau State, particularly the Yoruba community which he served and led for many years. 

Lalong said Chief Toye Ogunsuyi is one of the leaders that consistently fought for peace, justice and harmony in Plateau State by galvanising people of different tribes, faiths and political persuations to respect one another and live in peace.

The Governor said Baba, who was one time Deputy President General of Yoruba in the North played a key role in diffusing tension during the period of crises in Jos and also ensured that the process of reconciliation, forgiveness and confidence-building was consolidated.

Lalong also said Chief Ogunsuyi worked hard to ensure that the culture of entrepreneurship, hardwork and honesty remained paramount among the Yoruba community as well as the entire people of the State particularly the youths whom he always encouraged to shun idleness, laziness and violence. 

While commiserating with his immediate family, Governor Lalong urged the Yoruba community in Plateau State to uphold his legacies by carrying on from where he stopped in making Plateau State a great place and home to all.

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Ex President- General Of Yoruba Community In Plateau Chief Toye Ogunsuyi Is dead...

 Ex  President-General of  Yoruba Community in Plateau  Chief Toye Ogunsuyi is dead 

December 28,2020

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

Former President-General of the Yoruba Community in Plateau State, Chief Toye Ogunsuyi is dead .

Our correspondent gathered from a family source that he   died on Monday   at the age of  88 in Jos .

The family source confirmed the octogenarian’s death to journalists in Jos .

He said: “The 88-year-old has gone to rest. We will miss him  dearly.”

More details later

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Gen Bali Was An Epitome Of Integrity- Gov Lalong..

 Gen Bali was an epitome of integrity - Gov Lalong 

December 28,2020

Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

Plateau State Governor Simon  Lalong  on Monday described the late Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff General Domkat Yah Bali as an epitome of humility, courage and integrity. 

Governor Lalong said this at the funeral service for the late General held at the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Jos. 

Lalong said throughout his lifetime, Gen. Bali demonstrated discipline, commitment, diligence and valour in his duties where he rose to the peak of his career retiring as a four-star General. 

He emphasized that Gen. Bali's most cherished virtue which he always displayed even at the last moments was integrity. 

"He was a man who had a lot of opportunities in life but was never arrogant or haughty. He remained principled, steadfast and truthful in his dealings. Indeed he brought pride to Plateau State as a worthy son who accomplished a lot in his service to the nation. The State will miss him" the Governor said. 

Chief of General Staff Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin said the nation and its Armed Forces are grateful for the service of Gen. Bali who gave his best to protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria. 

Widow of Gen. Bali, Esther and her children paid tribute to the late General whom they described as a friend, mentor, father and husband who sacrificed so much for the family and the nation as a whole. 

In a sermon, COCIN Vice President Rev. Dr. Obed Dashan said the life of the late General should motivate those still living to submit their lives to Jesus Christ in order to gain eternity just as late Bali did when he accepted salvation. 

He also reminded the congregation to always prepare for death which is inevitable and can come at the time least expected.

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Plateau Speaker ,Rt Hon Abok Ayuba Lauds Deputy Speaker Saleh Yipmong On His Birthday...

 Plateau speaker,Rt Hon Abok lauds deputy Speaker Saleh Yipmong on his birthday...

 

December 27,2020

Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Abok Ayuba, has joined family members, Associates and well-wishers to celebrate with the Deputy Speaker, Saleh Yipmong  on his forty Seventh birthday. 

Abok, in a message of felicitation said it's heartwarming to celebrates an outstanding achiever and astute politician of repute, whose contribution, vibrancy and passion to move the State to another level of development is gaining momentum. 

The Speaker, through his Press Secretary, Bulus Atang, described Surviyor Yipmong, as an  Effective  and Resilient legislator, who use his office as the Deputy Speaker to promote robust legislative business of the house towards achieving the set goals.

The Speaker urges him to continue to exhibit diligence, excellence and patriotism in all his dealings. 

The Speaker while rejoicing with the celebrant wished him long life,good health and prosperity.

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NASCO 2020 Jos Annual Polo Tournament Kicks Off

 Nasco 2020  Jos annual Polo tournament kicks off

December 27,2020

Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

To  consolidate on the peace in Plateau State,  the NASCO Group Nigeria has again sponsored a Polo Tournament in Jos the State capital .

The eight days tournament  has participants drawn from Polo teams across Nigeria and is taking place at the Hassan Katsina Polo field in Jos.

Also teams from Abuja, Kaduna, Yola, Zaria, Minna, Argungu, Maiduguri, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Abuja and Keffi with enough  goal players are on hand for the eight days contest.

Tournament Manager and Secretary of the Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) Murtala Laushi who spoke at the opening ceremony  assured tourists and polo enthusiasts that the club will host the best winter polo fiesta that will surpass previous editions in every respect in years.

Laushi, who is also the President of Jos Polo assured that with the full backing of the Plateau State Government, NASCO  and other stakeholders, the organizers will deliver 2020 fiesta in grand style.

“Whatever challenges there are, we will overcome because Plateau people are peace-loving polo enthusiasts who would participate in their droves throughout the weeklong festival.”

 The teams contesting in the Tournament includes  Jos-based Malcomines polo team  , Abuja Lintex and Keffi Ponys  from  Nassarawa State amongst other team .

Our correspondent also gathered that NASCO Group views the Annual Jos Polo Tournament as one of those important planks through which its corporate values and timeless worldview of Oneness, Inclusion, Hard work, Resilience, Excellence and Fair play, can be best mainstreamed into the lives and consciousness of the youth. NASCO’s almost half a century dedication in supporting sports, and the game of Polo in Jos Plateau State and across Nigeria, is thus aimed to amplify the values of love, togetherness and devotion to the bring out the best of our shared humanity, particularly amongst our young people. "

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Plateau State Commissioner Of Works,Hon Pam Bot-Mang Donates Library To Jos South Community....

 Plateau State Commissioner of Works, Hon. Pam Bot-Mang Donates Library to Jos South Community

December 26,2020

Zawan Community was filled with joy today as the business tycoon turned politician, Hon. Pam Bot-Mang, the Plateau State Commissioner of Works donated a Library worth millions of Naira he completed and furnished to Zawan Community Secondary School, Jos South LGA.

In his remarks, Hon. Pam posited that the gesture is to contribute his quota to educational development and advancement.

He admonished students to take their studies seriously and called on parents to support their Wards to secure good education to be useful to themselves and the society.

He said education plays vital role in Nation building and enhances development of Countries.

He challenged the youths by saying to say Education is important is an understatement. He posited that education is a weapon to improve one’s life, as it is probably the most important tool to change one’s life.

He told parents that the best legacy they can bequeath to their children is sound and quality education.

He admonished the Students to make proper use of the Library.

The Gwom Rwey of Za’ang, HRH Da Sir Christopher S. Mancha commended the Commissioner for identifying with the Community and contributing to improve the learning condition of the Students.

He described him as a visionary, focused and worthy Son whose contributions are transforming Plateau State and lives. He urged him to continue contributing to the human and societal transformations.

Others who spoke were the President of Zawan Advanced Level Student Association (ZALSA), Zawan Youth President and the School Principal all lauded Hon. Pam Bot-Mang for the project and said they will ensure it is put to effective use to produce the desired result. They said Hon. Pam is building the Nation by the project which will build the capacities of many.

They called on other well spirited individuals to emulate the gesture of the Commissioner.

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary Plateau State Ministry of Works, Hon. Engr. Sunday Hyat mni, Mr. Johnson the Representative of the Plateau State Commissioner for Secondary Education, illustrious Sons and Daughters of the Area, Students, Youths, Women etc.

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Governor Lalong Tests Negative To Covid-19...

 December 24,2020

Lalong test negative to COVID 19 

Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

One week after Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong tested positive to Corona virus, the Governor is now free of the disease after his latest test returned negative. 

This was contained in a statement signed by Simon Macham ,his director of press and public affairs and made available to newsmen in Jos .

It reads  that The Governor's negative status was communicated to him on Wednesday night.

Lalong who has been on isolation since 17th December 2020 appreciated God for healing him of the virus and also thanked the people of Plateau State, his friends and associates all over the country for praying for him.

He again called on the citizens of Plateau State to take the pandemic very seriously by observing all protocols for prevention of infection and transmission. 

On stigmatisation, the Governor said "having contacted the virus and undergone treatment myself, I wish to reiterate that COVID-19 is not a death sentence as early detection helps to address it and reduce chances of death. We should not stigmatise against anyone who tests positive or is suspected of having the disease. Rather, such people should serve as motivation for others to voluntarily test in order to improve the safety of all".

Only yesterday, the Governor convened a stakeholders meeting presided over by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu where far reaching decisions were reached on combating the virus during the the yuletide and beyond.

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Plateau State APC Chairman ,Latep Dabang Test Positive To Covid-19,Goes Into Isolation....

 PLATEAU STATE APC CHAIRMAN, LETEP DABANG TESTS POSITIVE TO COVID-19.

December 24,2020

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State,Hon Letep Dabang has tested positive to the corona virus.

Disclosing his status Letep Dabang said the results of the test he underwent a couple of days back returned yesterday and it is positive.

Though at an asymptomatic stage,the APC Chairman has already gone into self isolation while treatment has also commenced on him in line with all COVID-19 protocols.

A close family source said though the party Chairman looks healthy,there is the need to pray for his speedy recovery even as samples of his family members have also been carried and results expected.

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Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi Distributes Christmas Packages Worth N28Million To Christians In Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam(PKk)...

 GAGDI DISTRIBUTES CHRISTMAS PACKAGES WORTH N28 Million TO CHRISTIANS IN PANKSHIN/KANKE/KANAM (PKK)...

December 23,2020

The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, is set to distribute 2,600 bags of rice with 21 cows to Christian brethren within his constituency as package for the 2020 Christmas celebration.

The two-trailer load of rice consists of 50kg and  25kg set for distribution today, 23rd December, 2020 at Hon. Shuaibu Gyanggyang residence in Dogon Karfe, Jos by 2pm.

The distribution will be under the Chairmanship of Rev Father Polycap Lubo, CAN Chairman Plateau State, with Nde Paul Juryt, Elder John Gobak, Elder Nanle Gujor, Hon Iliya Datong and the Cordinators of GAGDI Campaign in PKK, who are to serve as Members.

The lawmaker maintains that the spirit of the yuletide entails sharing with loved ones, and the best way to reach out to his beloved constituents is to distribute food items to facilitate a joyous celebration.

The distribution list is a reflection of all Christian groups and political topnotch in the constituency, as well as pressure groups within the three local government areas that sum up the constituency.

The state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria and his local government Chairmen from Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam, as well as COCIN PCC Kabwir Chairman with Anglican and Catholic Bishops of Pankshin are to take two bags of rice each for their personal Christmas celebration.

Meanwhile, CAN executives in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam as well as youth and Women wing executives in the three local government areas will share 135, 120 and 110 bags of 25kg rice respectively.

Chairmen of COCIN Regional Church Councils and Catholic Parishes in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam are given 95 bags of rice for onward distribution amongst themselves. State CAN exco will take 30 bags respectively.

Bible Schools within PKK are to receive 75 bags of the  rice, while District Heads and other traditional rulers in the three local government areas will get 120 bags for their Christmas celebration.

Christian politicians, including Ward executives of the All Progressives Congress in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam will get 247, 227 and 150 bags of 25kg rice in that order.

Pressure groups, comprising NUT, NULGE Health Workers NURTW, Persons with disabilities, retirees and APC online forum will be shared 335 bags of 25kg rice.

Security outfits operating within PKK, comprising the police, DSS, Vigilante STF NDLEA and other checkpoints will be shared 123 bags of 25kg rice.

Appointees of the lawmaker comprising Central Coordinators, LGA coordinators and Ward Coordinators will get 66 bags of 25kg rice, while party stakeholders in the constituency will be shared 90 bags.

The total bags of rice indicated above sums up to 2117 bags of both 50kg and 25kg to be shared later today, while the balance of 483 bags are shared to Christian relations and friends of the lawmaker with some getting 3, 2 and 1 bag, depending on the size of the family. 

Meanwhile, 20 of the 21 cows will equally be shared today with the State Exco of CAN and CAN Chairman getting 1 each.

The COCIN President, Catholic and Anglican Arch Bishops of Jos as well as the Catholic and Anglican Bishops of Pankshin, with COCIN PCC Kabwir Chairman getting one cow each.

CAN exco in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam are getting one cows each. The State APC Chairman is to get one cow, while party exco in PKK get one cow per local government.

Central Blue Print Committee and Local Government Committee, with Elder Gobak will get 1 cow each, while aides of the lawmaker will share one cow.

The Mishkom Mupun and Acting Chairman of Pankshin/Kanke Joint Traditional Council gets one cow, while District Heads.

Party Chaimen in the 3 local government areas will receive the package for politicians in their respective areas, while CAN Chairmen in the 3 local government areas will receive packages meant forChristian groups in their respective local government areas.

Logistics for onward distribution of the items from Jos to the three local government areas are borne by the lawmaker. 

The 21 cows cost the lawmaker #3.5 Million. Summing up the cost of the rice, cows and transportation of the items to the people of PKK to over #30 million. 

Similar amount was expended by Hon. Gagdi last year to provide Christmas packages to his constituents. 

We at Gagdi Media Team can only pray for our principal to sustain the gesture and pray for him to do even more in coming years. 

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

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Jos South Legislator,Hon Fom Gwottson Distributes Empowerment Items To Over 800 Constituents..

 Jos South Legislator, Hon. Fom Gwottson Distributes Empowerment Items to Over 800 Constituents 

December 23,2020

In his bid to ensure the people are economically empowered and financially stable, the Member representing Jos South Constituency at the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Fom Gwottson Dalyop "Banga by Nature" has distributed empowerment Items to his Constituents, mostly Women & Youths.

While handing over the empowerment tools which included  Sewing Machines, Water Pumps, Dryers, Generation, Pumps for Artisan Miners, Grinding Machines and cash to 800 beneficiaries, Hon. Fom Gwottson hinted that the gesture is one of the empowerment projects for his people.

The Lawmaker described empowerment as panacea to poverty and will continue to do his best to ensure his people are empowered in order to to financially stable and economically sound.

He said the gesture was to create serial entrepreneurs that would create employment opportunities for his constituents and provide them with reliable streams of incomes.

He said the empowerment project is part of his campaign promises to better the lives of his Constituents. 

"We looked at the times and how revenues of families are falling, the earning powers of families diminishing and the capacity of the families to make ends meet is in the decline, so we thought it wise to empower them" he said.

The Legislator said he is committed to providing quality and credible representation and attracting people-oriented projects to his Constituency. 

Hon. Gwottson posited that he will continue to do his best in fighting poverty through sound and beneficial empowerment programmes.

Those who spoke at the event and the officials of the  Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) commended the Lawmaker for the laudable empowerment initiative and for identifying with the less privileged and providing them with items that will sustain them financially.

They described the Lawmaker as a Performer and a true Representative of the people.

They charged the Beneficiaries not to sell the materials given them but put them to effective use to improve their present living condition.

One of the Beneficiaries, Miss Mary Dung a Tailor from Gyel District, Jos South LGA who could not hide her joy commended the Lawmaker for considering the less privileged and putting smiles on their faces with the empowerment. She said this is the first time she is benefiting from such kind gesture and prayed God to open greater door to the Legislator so he can reach out to more people.

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