PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP).PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, 20/2 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS PLATEAU STATE.

11th DAY OF APRIL 2020.

EASTER FELICITATION TO PLATEAU CITIZENS.

As Holy Easter is to us all as a people,The people’s Democratic party(PDP) wishes you all a happy Easter celebration despite the difficult situation the world is facing and particularly as our dear state is in total lockdown during this significant festival of commemorating the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ as a result of this invisible dreaded pandemic.

This year’s celebration is indeed different because of the circumstances we find ourselves in which will hinder us from usual merriment of the season where we come together to celebrate as a body of Christ and hosting family &: friends in our homes.
It is our believe as a party, that things will soon return to normalcy. Therefore, let us use this occasion for self atonement especially at this trying time,as we are engaged in a battle like never before with this invisible enemy. This is indeed the reflection of bad sign of the moment, therefore do not despair, this too will pass away through the help of Almighty God.

The PDP on the plateau wishes to use this moment to acknowledge efforts being put in place by our medical personnels who are at the front line of this situation, we appreciate what they are doing despite the unfavorable & deplorable conditions in the health sector, particularly here on the Plateau. We lack the necessary facilities, equipments,manpower & preparedness to handle this pandemic in case of an outbreak apart from the ongoing skies and roads commercial show of fumigation without appropriately enlightening the public on the type & class of the fumigant used and assuring those with health challenges(asma etc)to take precaution.

We must also thank our traditional rulers, religious leaders,and the good people of plateau for their prayers and support as we all together navigate this global pandemic.

As a party, with democratic ideals, we implore you all to cooperate with the government by observing the rules of social distancing and regular washing of hands not minding the non observance of social distancing by governments itself which Violet its own directives of not more than 50 people in a gathering as was seen during the wedding of SGS’s daughter and also yesterday’s street fumigation at Ahmadu Bello way. We call on all to adhere strictly to the practice of safety guidelines and good personal hygiene, by so doing our state will not witness any casualty of this virus at the end we will all rejoice and glorify God for His Mercies over us and life will return to normal.

Finally, let us not lose sight that no tomb in the world could contain the Lord Jesus for long. His death on the cross purchased our redemption and His triumph over the grave on Easter defeated death. His resurrection rekindles hope; that just as he rose from the dead we too, will rise again with him in eternity.

May the Mystery of Easter deepen our faith, hope and love for one another.

Happy Easter…..

Signed…

J .T. Akans,ksm, FICA,JP.
State publicity Secretary (PDP). Plateau state.

GOOD FRIDAY MESSAGE FROM HON.DR.HOSEA ISTIFANUS FINANGWAI.PLATEAU STATE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Thank God we are alive to celebrate this year’s good Friday despite coronavirus treat around the world…

May the death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ, bring about the total salvation of mankind, and also bring about the death of this global pandemic, Coranavirus AKA Covid-19 .all this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

The lock down we know will cause untold hardship, but it is a sacrifice worth it.
It is in the collective interest of all. Be patient with government decision, while we hope to come out of it soonest as we do our part of the bargain.
Government need to attack this Pandemic with all the arsenal we have and the first line of attack is to stay and work from home for as long as is necessary to fight this.
Fumigation excercise was flagged off by the Governor today, and to be continued among many arrangements.

We will defeat Covid-19 by the grace of God.

Happy Good Friday and may we celebrate more and more of it in good health.Stay safe.

May God bless us all

Seventeen new cases of #COVID19 have been reported as follows: ‬

‪8 in Lagos‬
‪3 in Katsina‬
‪2 in FCT‬
‪1 in Niger‬
‪1 in Kaduna‬
‪1 in Anambra‬
‪1 in Ondo‬

‪As at 09:30 pm 10th April there are 305 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. 58 have been discharged with 7 deaths

As at 09:30 pm 10th April, there are‬
‪ ‬
‪305 confirmed cases‬
‪51 discharged‬
‪7 deaths‬

‪For more info-‬
‪covid19.ncdc.gov.ng‬

‪Lagos- 163‬
‪FCT- 56‬
‪Osun- 20‬
‪Edo- 12‬
‪Oyo- 11‬
‪Bauchi- 6‬
‪Akwa Ibom- 5‬
‪Ogun- 7‬
‪Kaduna- 5‬
‪Enugu- 2‬
‪Ekiti- 2‬
‪Rivers-2‬
‪Kwara- 2‬
‪Delta- 2‬
‪Benue- 1‬
‪Ondo- 2‬
‪Katsina-4‬
‪Niger- 1‬
‪Anambra- 1

*NOTE

Three cases previously included as Lagos state cases have been transferred to Ogun state‬. The three cases live in satellite towns in Ogun close to Lagos

‪Therefore, Lagos has reported 163 confirmed cases while Ogun has reported 7 confirmed cases

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE FOCAL PERSON/EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR ON SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME,
PLATEAU STATE
We wish to enlighten the public on the N20,000.00 payment to the
poorest of the poor HouseHolds which commenced on 6th April 2020 in
Plateau State. The beneficiaries were paid for the months of January to
April as what they are entitled to have because their names are already
on the Social Register. The intervention which has been going on in the
state for the past two years, targets the poor and vulnerable that were
selected through a very transparent and participatory process. The
beneficiaries totaling 61,000 HouseHolds across the 17 LGAs, were
selected through community targeting process which is a global best
practice. The Community Based Targeting Team are credible staff and
representatives of the communities. After the selection of beneficiaries
using technology with GPS that records place of capture, the
beneficiaries were subjected to Proxy Mean Test [PMT] and validated by
the World Bank to ensure that the right people are on the Social
Register. A robust technology driven database of the poor and
vulnerable HouseHolds is developed for effective utilization
subsequently.The programme called the Conditional Cash Transfer, is implemented as
one of the components of the Social Investment Programmes. The
public are assured that Government will continue to touch the lives of the
poor and vulnerable in the state and the nation. We should give
maximum cooperation to government all the time so that more rewarding
interventions will reach our communities.
Let me reiterate that people should avoid disclosing their personal
information to unknown person on the premise that money is going to be
shared to them. The process of selecting the poor and vulnerable is
technology driven and not a disorganized paper and pen selection.
Please stay safe.
Signed:
Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza (PhD)
Executive Assistant to the Governor/Focal Person
Social Investment Programme. Plateau State

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S 2020 EASTER MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS

I rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters as well as all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Easter.
This year’s commemoration of Easter comes amid the grip with which Covid-19 has held the entire world.

Unprecedented in living memory, majority of Christians have found themselves marking Easter in a subdued manner, away from the usual congregation in churches. This is unusual and very unfortunate.

However, I wish to enjoin our Christian compatriots to rekindle their faith in Christ who overcame persecution, sufferings and displayed endurance, steadfastness and above all piety.

Jesus Christ represented man’s ability to withstand temporary pains in the hope of everlasting glory.

I urge you to imbibe and live the values of humility, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth.

There is no better opportunity than now for all Christians in particular, and Nigerians in general, to remain faithful and hopeful that with intensified prayers backed by personal and collective responsibility, the nation shall pull through this most difficult trial.

I have no doubt that if all stakeholders – individuals and groups – play their part to the fullest as advised by our scientists and medical experts in confronting Covid-19, the inherent resilience and determination of our people will enable us to pull through.

As I stated in my national broadcast on Sunday, March 29, 2020, since there is currently no known vaccine against the virus, “the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygiene and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.”

May I use this opportunity to commend the encouraging containment and ameliorating strategies put in place by members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.

I am very much aware of the personal and collective inconveniences suffered by our people due to measures such as restriction of movements and closure of business premises. Being “a matter of life and death,” these sacrifices are in everybody’s interest to save our country from calamity.

The welfare of our people is paramount. Accordingly, the most economically vulnerable in our communities will continue to be uppermost in our plans, and efforts will be made to supply them with basic means of survival.

While we see the Covid-19 pandemic as a global challenge, this administration is not oblivious of the constant threat posed to our national security by terrorists and insurgents. They may take this opportunity to perpetrate attacks. But our armed forces and other security and intelligence services will remain vigilant and continue to contain these threats and consolidate efforts to eradicate them completely.

As we mark this year’s Easter, whatever the circumstances, I encourage you to make the most of the situation, and to keep safe.

I wish you all a Happy Easter.

Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
April 10, 2020

EASTER MESSAGE FROM REP. SIMON MWADKWON, PH.D MEMBER REPRESENTING BARKIN LADI/RIYOM FEDERAL CONSTITIENCY

One of the very last words uttered by Jesus Christ on the cross, “It is finished” in John 19:30, (which means paid in full) is one of the most important and poignant. Jesus’ crucifixion signifies that death has been put to dead. Salvation has come to the world

On behalf of my family and good people of Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, I write to felicitate with Christians across the World on the occasion of Easter celebration commemorating the crucifixion and and most importantly resurrection of Christ which is the central truth of the Christian faith. The importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ cannot be overemphasized. Without the resurrection there is no Christianity.

This period is one of sober reflection appreciating and honoring God for His redemptive work and love towards mankind.

Despite the global coronavirus pandemic, may our lives be true reflection of Jesus Christ who came and died for mankind.

This is wishing us a hitch free celebration in love and total obedience to God and adherence to the preventive measures and directives put in place to stem the tide of COVID-19.

Stay safe, avoid spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

Cmr. Friday Bako
Director, Media & Publicity to Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D

PRESS STATEMENT

NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREET CHRISTIANS AT EASTER

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Christians as they mark another Easter.

Governor Lalong in a message on behalf of the Forum described Easter as a special event that marks the salvation of mankind through the suffering of Jesus and His crucifixion to redeem humanity.

Lalong said “this year’s Easter provides us a special opportunity to connect with the Lord Jesus Christ and seek his face as we contain the Corona Virus pandemic which is ravaging the world. The unusual interruption in the celebration of Easter this year which has seen many people confined to their homes and many others battling for survival, calls for more prayers and repentance”.

Despite this difficult period, the Northern Governors Forum Chairman called on Christians to use the period and reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, love, tolerance and respect for sanctity of life which Jesus Christ demonstrated through his death and resurrection.

Governor Simon Lalong also appealed to citizens to support the Federal Government as well as Governments of the various States as they make difficult decisions that may not be popular in an attempt to protect the lives of people.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director, Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
10th April 2020.

TALKING POINTS FOR HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG,  EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT THE FLAG-OFF OF FUMIGATION EXERCISE OF THE ENTIRE STATE, HELD AT THE TERMINUS ROUND ABOUT, JOS ON 10TH APRIL 2020.
PROTOCOLS
1.  We are gathered here in continuation of our efforts at fighting the Corona Virus Pandemic that is ravaging the world and continues to spread in Nigeria.
 
2.  Our mission here is to begin the fumigation of the entire State against the Corona Virus Disease.
 
3.  Since the outbreak of the disease, our Government has taken several steps aimed at ensuring that the disease does not come into the State.
 
4.  We have also been preparing in the unfortunate event if any case is recorded in Plateau State so that we can respond appropriately.
 
5.  Although no case has been recorded yet in Plateau State as at today, we cannot relax. We have to remain vigilant and proactive.
 
6.  That is why we announced a total lockdown of the State, which began some hours ago.
 
7.  During this period, the entire State will be fumigated. [All Public places such as markets, Streets, Office Premises among others will be fumigated]
 
8.  I call on all our citizens to stay at home in line with the directive we have issued in order to achieve the aim of this exercise.
 
9.  In addition to the fumigation, the lockdown will also help us reduce any tendency for inter-State transfer of the disease and enable us respond appropriately to any suspected case and contact tracing.
 
10.                We shall be getting a Testing Centre here in Plateau State in the coming days, which will also boost our capacity to identify any case faster.
11.                These are difficult and unusual times for not only Plateau State, but also the world at large.
 
12.                Ordinarily, we should not be doing an event like this on a Good Friday, but the times warrant this and we continue to appeal for the patience and understanding of our citizens.
 
13.                For our Christian brothers and sisters, let us use this Solemn Easter Friday to cry unto God within our homes to show us mercy and remove this pandemic.
 
14.                Like Archbishop Jose Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said, “Our Churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined and his Gospel is not in chains. Even though we cannot worship together, each of us can seek God in the tabernacles of our hearts”.
 
15.                Similarly, our Muslim brethren should also use this day to offer solemn Zuhur Prayers in their homes for God to intervene and save us from this calamity.
 
16.                I wish to thank our Religious, Traditional, Political and Community Leaders and their followers for their cooperation and understanding during these difficult times.
17.                Let me again appeal to all citizens to abide by the lockdown directive in order to make the work of law enforcement officers easier. We do not want to hear of ugly cases of harsh enforcement.
 
18.                With God on our side, this situation will not last long and very soon, we shall bounce back and resume normal life. All we need is patience and prayers.
 
19.                Government will soon roll out palliative measures to assist the weak and vulnerable amongst us.
 
20.                On this Special Good Friday, may the Lord answer our prayers and reveal the essence of His sacrifice for mankind.
 
21.                On this note, I have the honour to officially flag off the fumigation of Plateau State to the glory of God and for the defeat of Covid-19 and good health of the citizens of Plateau State.
 
22.                Thank You.
Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State.
10th April 2020.