NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONDOLE KOGI GOVERNOR, YAHAYA BELLO OVER PASSING OF MUM
The Northern Governors Forum has commiserated with their colleague Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State over the death of his mother, Hajiya Hauwau Oziohu Bello, who passed away at the age of 101. Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement described the incident as sad, but asked the family to be comforted by the fact that she lived to long, fruitful and blessed life to see many generations of her family. Lalong said, “mama lived a life of testimony having persevered through the struggles of life and raising children that have become major contributors to the growth and development of not only Kogi State, but the nation as a whole. We can only celebrate her and pray that God almighty grants her soul eternal rest and comfort the family and her loved ones”.
Governor Lalong urged her children, grandchildren and great-grand children to emulate the virtures of their matriarch who during her life time demonstrated the fear of God, and promoted good moral values of honesty, charity, forgiveness, tolerance and harmony in her community, in line with her faith.
The Forum also offered their support and solidarity to Governor Yahaya Bello, the Government and people of Kogi State at this moment of brief, assuring them of their prayers and goodwill.
Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum March 15, 2020
The Nigerian army said its troops on counter-insurgency war and anti-banditry operations in the northeast and northwest parts of the country have made tremendous successes with the arrest, killing of several terrorists/bandits and other criminals and the recovery of various arms and ammunition from them.
Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, who made this known said armed bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups are now finding it difficult to operate across the country as soldiers have stepped up their anti-banditry operations across the north central and north west regions of the country.
Giving a breakdown of the successes of army operations across the country, Iliyasu, said scores of terrorists were killed, some captured, some surrendered while abducted persons in custody of the terrorists were rescued by the gallant soldiers.
Iliyasu in a statement containing the achievements of the army operations said “It could be recalled that on 11 March 2020, the gallant troops of Strong Response Area Gubio successfully repelled a Boko Haram criminals’ attack. During the encounter, troops dealt a decisive blow on the marauding criminals, neutralized 2 of them and captured one AK 47 Rifle. Subsequent exploitation by the troops along the withdrawal route of the insurgents in the early hours of 12 March 2020 led to the discovery of additional 5 Boko Haram criminals’ shattered bodies resulting from the encounter, one burnt Boko Haram terrorists Gun Truck, one PKT Machine Gun, 2 AK 47 Rifles, 3 AK 47 Rifle magazines and 67 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Furthermore, on the same 5 March 2020, 2 Boko Haram terrorists, Musa Mohammed (21 years) and Maina Liman (35 years) surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion deployed at Tashan Goto in Bama LGA of Borno State.
“The surrendered terrorists confessed that they worked for the Nakib (a Boko Haram Captain) at Bula Umar Village. The troops recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles, 2 AK 47 Rifle Magazines and 8 rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition from the surrendered terrorists. The surrendered criminals further revealed that a number of their erstwhile members were killed by troops in recent times while others are left wandering in the forest and willing to surrender to troops of the Nigerian Army as they are tired of life without meaning. They also regretted their involvement in the act of insurgency while calling on their former collaborators to also take the bold step to renounce and submit themselves to the authorities of the Nigerian Army. In a related development, on 8 March 2020, another Boko Haram Terrorist, Bulama Modu Zantaliye surrendered to troops of 151 Battalion deployed at Strong Response Area Banki Junction. Preliminary investigation reveals that the surrendered terrorist belongs to the Shekau faction. He also calls on his former colleagues to tow the path of sanity and surrender themselves to troops of the Nigerian Army as their safety and security are guaranteed.
“In the North Central region, on 9 March 2020, troops responded to an information from some locals confirming the presence of some bandits in the general area of Abinsi and Angbaye Islands in Guma LGA of Benue State. The troops subsequently mobilized and conducted a robust clearance operation along the axis. Troops discovered and destroyed 2 makeshift camps where the armed bandits used to hibernate on the Islands. The raid forced the armed bandits to flee the gen area. Nevertheless, troops pursued the bandits until contact was broken along the River line separating Benue and Nassarawa States. In the aftermath of the encounter, troops recovered one AK 47 magazine with 22 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
“In the Northwest region, on 8 March 2020, troops of 8 Division on Operation MESA acting on credible information on the activities of armed herdsmen in Tara Village of Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, fiercely mobilized to the area, made contact with the armed herdsmen and arrested 2 suspects, namely; Sule Sale and Umar Alhaji, while others fled abandoning 110 cattle. Also, same troops conducted a successful cordon and search operation at Banji Village of Bodinga LGA of Sokoto State, neutralized one notorious kidnap kingpin named Juliet. Additionally, in the early hours of 9 March 2020, Nigerian Army troops deployed in Kebe, Sokoto State while on clearance operation came in contact with some bandits at Jigawa Village. Following the encounter, 6 bandits were neutralized while 3 Dane guns and 4 motorcycles were captured by the troops. In the same vein 2 other motorcycles were destroyed due to troops’ high volume of fire on the criminals. Regrettably, one gallant soldier was wounded in action during the encounter. The wounded in action soldier has been evacuated to a military medical facility and is in stable condition.
“Relatedly, on 9 March 2020, troops of 1 Division Garrison, while on clearance operation to Maguzawa general area of Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, made contact with some bandits. Resulting from the brief encounter, one bandit was neutralized while others were believed to have fled with gunshot wounds as indicated by the trails of blood along their withdrawal route.
“Earlier on, in the early hours of 6 March 2020, troops of 8 Division deployed at Zurmi LGA of Sokoto State sprung a successful ambush against bandits at Gidan Jaja Village in the same LGA. In the aftermath of the encounter, one bandit was neutralised while troops captured one Rocket Propelled Gun Tube, one Rocket Propelled Gun bomb, one AK 47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle magazine loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and one motorcycle.
“Furthermore, on 10 March 2020, following the receipt of an information about armed bandits attack on locals at Kawaye Villave in Anka LGA of Zamfara State, troops of 8 Division deployed at Forward Operating Base Bagega swiftly mobilized to the scene and engaged the bandits forcing them to flee. As a result, troops rescued 4 kidnapped victims and recovered one cutlass alongside one motorcycle belonging to the bandits. Similarly, on same 10 March 2020, troops of 1 Division Garrison vigorously pursued some suspected kidnappers and rescued from them 2 kidnapped victims, Miss Rukaya Bello and her brother Abubakar Bello. The duo were kidnapped from Mahuta Village in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State. In another development, on 10 March 2020, troops of 223 Battalion while on a brief deployment at Forward Operations Base, Marafa in Gwandu LGA of Kebbi State neutralised one bandit while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds during a meeting engagement in the area.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai wishes to reassure the general public of the resolve of the Nigerian Army to continue to execute our constitutional mandate professionally and responsively for a better, safe and secure Nigeria. He also thanks all well-meaning Nigerians for their continued support, goodwill and understanding towards officers and men of the Nigerian Army.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says over 50 buildings were destroyed in the explosion that rocked Abule Ado, near the Trade Fair Complex on the Lagos-Badagry highway.
Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of NEMA, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
Farinloye said that the cause of the incident and casualty figure were currently unknown as “rescue operations are still going on in the affected area’’.
He said the resulting fire, from the explosion, later spread to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) oil pipeline passing through the area, although though the pipeline has been shut down as a precautionary measure.
According to him, a combined team of the Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and the Nigerian Navy Fire Tender are currently battling to put out the inferno.
NAN reports that the explosion, which occurred at about 9.00 a.m. on Sunday caused panic among Lagos residents after it shook many houses in Ijegun, Festac Town and other communities in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area up to Agege, near Lagos.
The above caption was the assertion of so many people this weekend as the vibrant and gallant political soldier of our time,Hon Manji B.D.Gontori drove down some rural areas no only to attend but witness and contribute immensely to the development of such communities.for me ,putting this down it’s not just political but sincerely telling the world what this ‘angel’ in human form has done and is doing for humanity. As we moved from one place to the other,many stood by the road side,some in groups under shades and all over the places ,chanting”Gontori,Gontori,Governor 2023″and so many other statements.one begin to wonder who is this man Gontori?why all these chants?what did the people see? If I will attempt to answer these questions and many others,I may not say much but will quickly point out that,good will always follow good people.whoever that has done well for his people deserve their applause.a good seed is always attractive and one can easily arrange and keep it for planting season.indeed,GONTORI is a seed waiting to be planted on the number one farm land of the plateau people(the Governor of plateau state come 2023).at times u don’t need to introduce a man,his character and qualities will tell about who the man is.one need not introduce this great philanthropist,a community mobilizer and nation builder ,Hon Manji B D.Gontori.
For the weekend,it all started on Friday where my boss,the caterpillar himself drove down to Gyingkar community,popularly called ‘Forgwalng”in Seri village of Amper district ,Kanke LGA to identify with the people over the 2nd edition of their”pus Kang rot khi mat Gyingkar mwa”meaning the day of demonstrating love to each other by the people of the community and their neighbours.the people where overwhelmed,they were shouting and jubilating as he arrived the scene of the event.they could not say much,but said their prayers for this great man of our time.they told him not to fear,God has gone ahead of him and by God grace ,2023 Governorship seat of plateau state is for him because God has seen his heart and will liberate plateau by sending him there.in his usual way,he donate a huge sum to help the community. Saturday 14th march was another day.Hon Manji Gontori started his day at Langkang where “Vwang 2020” was been celebrate by Mupun nation(the annual cultural festival and the celebration of HRH Da Yusuf,the Mishkom Mupun over the upgrading of his traditional stool the the status of 2nd class chief by the Governor of plateau state.the giant arrived amidst cheers by the large population of men,women and youth who have gathered to witness the historic event. From Langkang,he move straight down to Nemel in Kanke LGA where the 32nd annual cultural day celebration of the people was been celebrated.beacuse Gontori cannot get to a place without the people knowing,the whole atmosphere changed when he step in at the event arena.many were chanting”zaki ya shigo”(a lion has arrived)”the people’s Governor ,plateau state 2023″and so many chanting.it was a joyful experience.Hon Gontori spoke amidst cheers.he said”God has brought us together to help one another ,build our communities and live in peace for the development of our land”he also said”education is the backbone of every society,hence the Nemel educational endowment fund.he also told the cheering crowd that by God grace come 2023,plateau will witness another historic change as he will be going for the Governorship seat of the state.he said,it’s God who gives power,and He gives to whomever he wants at the time he so desire.he said “getting into power has nothing to do with age,influence or money,but comes from God who use people to decide” He donated a large sum of money to support the educational endowment fund of the community.he was the chief fund raiser. His train move from there to Gochom community in Kabwir district of Kanke LGA where he was the chairman of the day.getting to the place that evening,an unprecedented crowd came out to welcome the plateau man who has come to identify with them.he spoke eloquently in ngas dialect to the admiration of the people.he said”we must continue to come together to build our nation”.he congratulated them on the unique celebration of their cultural day and apologise for coming in late because he has also been to other places.he donated a huge sum too to the community as his contribution to their development.
All I can say is,God has brought a man in our time to salvage our communities and that man is no other than the man HON MANJI B D GONTORI. GOD bless the Governor of plateau state come 2023.
Sign: Hon Titus Obadiah Gomam for Gontori movement 2023
Chris-Dashe Empowerment Initiative Empowers Less Privileged in Mikang LGA, Plateau State
In its commitment to reduce poverty and crime to minimum level, Chris-Dashe Empowerment Foundation today Saturday 14th March, 2020 made extraordinary stride to put smiles on the faces of about 50 widows, orphans and the less privileged in Mikang LGA of Plateau State by empowering them with items that will assist their them to enhance better and meaningful lives as well as in turn impact the society positively by assisting others.
Executive Director of Chris-Dashe Empowerment Initiative, Q.S Bitrus Na’angurum Christopher said he is more delighted than the beneficiaries being used of God to render assistance the less privileged in the society and charged others to be generous to the needy in order to reduce the rate of poverty and crime bedevilling the Nation.
He said he feel delighted and fulfilled impacting lives from what he earns as salary.
Mr. Christopher said the struggle to lift more citizens out of extreme poverty is an indictment on everyone who can afford three square meals a day. He posited that government is legally responsible, while everyone is morally responsible.
“We must look at this poverty situation with utmost priority and show concern no matter how little it maybe” he posited. He said Chris-Dashe Foundation Empowerment Initiative is committed to touch the lives of orphans, widows and the downtrodden in the society to give them a sense of belonging. He said he is aware of the challenges being faced by Orphans and widows being fatherless.
He underscored the essence of empowering widows as being key to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty in the Nigeria and reducing it to minimal level. “It is also important in helping the Widows overcome temptations from those men who want to take advantage of them”
“When Women prosper, everyone around them benefits and the community at large is positively impacted”
“Their children can also be able to get an education and contribute to their communities” Mr. Christopher said.
He said empowering skilled individuals especially Tailors and Barbers who are some of the beneficiaries has a lot of benefits to offer to the society. “Every single of us is unique and each person lives differently. Everyone has resources, everyone has skills, personality and experience that deserve to be discovered and nurtured” “We are gathered here today because we believe that every little effort can yield big. An individual effort can yield big hence our slogan, one man, many efforts”
“I call on all of us here to eschew selfishness and greed and imbibe the habit of generosity” he said.
He said they are giving the items from the bottom of their hearts with greater joy and fulfillment without any condition whatsoever attached to it. He charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items presented to them to better their lives, those of others around them and the society, discouraging them from selling the items which he said will defeat the objectives of the gesture.
He said the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Mr. Innocent Da’ang will lead a committee to monitor, assess and ensure proper and judicious use of the items by the Beneficiaries.
Chris-Dashe Empowerment Initiative has empowered 50 persons (Widows, Orphans and Downtrodden) in Qua’anpan LGA of Plateau State, drilled two hand pump boreholes in Kwande and Kwalla Districts all in Qua’anpan LGA, supported 30 Widows of SS Peter and Paul Parish in Abuja, supported Orphanage home in Kwa, Qua’anpan LGA and sponsored a local wrestling competition in Jepjan Namu, Qua’anpan LGA, Plateau State.
The Philanthropist said they will do similar empowerment in Shendam LGA, other LGA in Plateau State, the entire State, Niger State and all over Nigeria to touch and impact lives positively. He said he is emulating his late Dad, Mr. Chris Dashe who was a Philanthropist all his life.
Touched when a teenage Orphan, Miss Lapket Ntuat from Baltep Tunkus District came out to receive her item, the Executive Director gave her cash for her education and admonished her to take her studies seriously in order to add value to the society in the future.
Those who spoke in their separate remarks appreciated Chris-Dashe Empowerment Initiative for the laudable gesture and admonished him not to get tired in impacting humanity and the society.
They said many advantaged persons are not generous as the Executive Director who out of his earnings is empowering people to attain their full potentials.
Mikang LGC Chairman who was represented by Mr. Haruna John Tamah, Director of Research and Documentation of the Council commended the gesture and admonished those with the means to emulated Q. S Christopher in lifting the people out of poverty on order to live better, more productive and meaningful lives.
He called on the beneficiaries to make judicious and effective use of the items presented to them and remain peaceful and patriotic.
The Chairman of Mikang LGC said the Council will partner with the NGO to better the lives of the people.
The beneficiaries who couldn’t hide their joy appreciated the Philanthropist gesture and promised to put the items to good use to better their lives, others and the society. They prayed God to continue to open greater doors to the Donor so he can reach more people and impact humanity positively.
The event took place at Singapore Hall Tunkus Mikang LGA, Plateau State.
The Beneficiaries were drawn across the four (4) Districts in Mikang LGA: Tunkus, Piapung, Garkawa and Koenoem.
Items distributed to beneficiaries were Grinding Machines, Clippers, Generators and Grinding Machines.
Following the recent demise of the senator representing Plateau South senatorial district at the National Assembly, Ignatius Longjan, underground scheming and maneuvering have commenced for his replacement. The senator died on February 10, 2020 after a brief illness and his funeral service/requiem mass took place at the St Louis Catholic Church in Jos, the Plateau State capital, while the interment held at his country home of Qua’anpan. The deceased was a senator on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who defeated the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Peter Dandam Kefas in the keenly contested 2019 election. He was the deputy chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism prior to his death
Longjan was also a chief of staff to a former governor of the state, Jonah Jang and later became deputy governor to Jang. Although the people of the senatorial district are still in mourning mood over the demise, it was, however, learnt that underground scheming and intrigues for his replacement has since begun among politicians, political parties and other stakeholders. For now, the two major contending parties strategising to occupy the seat include the ruling APC and the main opposition PDP. The body language of the other political parties does not suggest that they will field candidates. A candidate of the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN) in the 2019 election told our correspondent that they would have taken a shot at the contest to replace Longjan, but their party was among those de-registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Plateau South senatorial district, where a candidate is expected to emerge from, comprises six local government areas namely, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Qua’anpan, Shendam and Wase. For the APC, there are many interested persons jostling to replace the senator. Among the people speculated to be interested in the seat are Stephen Teel from Qua’anpan, Nanvel Nimfel from Wase, John Dafaan from Qua’anpan and Victor Lapang from Qua’anpan. Teel and Nimfel both contested the APC primaries with the late Longjan, while Dafaan was a chief of staff to Governor Lalong. Lapang, on his part, is the current commissioner for sports in Plateau State. Another person who contested the APC primaries with Longjan is the current Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, whom some said might be interested in the contest. Her case is likened to that of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, who was supposed to contest for a rerun election of Akwa Ibom North-West, which was cancelled. The election held in January, and Akpabio, who is of the APC, was supposed to run against his PDP opponent, Chris Ekpenyong, who earlier won the election in 2019. But Akpabio had already been made a minister and only half-heartedly participated in the rerun. His participation in the rerun was after the INEC blocked his intention to withdraw from the election or be replaced. The election went ahead while Akpabio still maintained his ministerial position. Ekpenyong won easily and went back to the Senate, while Akpabio remained in his position as minister. For Akpabio, there was nothing to lose. When contacted over Tallen’s intention, her personal assistant, Bala Baba Mohammed, said his boss was still mourning the death of her elder brother and that of Longjan, hence she was not talking politics. According to Mohammed, Tallen’s brother was buried last Saturday in Shendam, while burial of Longjan took place last Monday. “She is still deeply mourning and doesn’t quite have any position or willing to say anything about it for now,” he said. Meanwhile, it was learnt that there are some persons within the APC fold that are pushing the idea that the wife of the late senator, Maureen Longjan be considered as replacement for her husband. Those who belong to this school of thought and pushing for it have also been gaining ground lately. It was, however, gathered that Governor Lalong, Tallen and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is from Wase, Ahmed Idris Wase, will sit to bring out a consensus candidate. The said meeting, it was understood, would happen any moment from now. The essence of the meeting is to bring out a consensus candidate so as to avoid multiple number of aspirants from the party, who may become aggrieved if they lose and work against the party at the polls. In the case of the PDP, there are indications that the odds would favour Peter Kefas, who earlier contested against Longjan. He still appears to remain their best candidate because of the weight he pulled at the last election. Many PDP faithful believed they would have won the last election if not for alleged rigging by the ruling party. And since no known PDP member has yet openly shown interest in contesting, people are generally not looking at any other candidate except Kefas. But some officials of the party, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent that many party faithful, officials and constituents were rooting for George Daika, a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and former member of the House of Representatives for Mikang, Qua’anpan and Shendam constituency. They said those rooting for Daika were growing stronger and would likely spring a surprise eventually because of his antecedents when he was the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and a federal lawmaker. Commenting on the chances of his party at the polls, the public relations officer of the APC, Chindo Dafat, said the party was prepared and still confident of winning the seat. He cited their strength in the zone, as well as their high number of elected members in the state and federal legislature. He said Governor Lalong is from the zone (Shendam) and still commands good authority and enjoys the goodwill of the people. “That is an eloquent evidence that we will surely win back the seat,” he said. On party members aspiring for the position, he said no one had officially contacted the party about his or her ambition. He said the APC had no anointed candidate for now, adding, “This is democracy and everybody is free to contest”. He, however, said the party might sit down to discuss and urge others to either step down or come up with a consensus candidate because they do not want too many people coming out to contest for the position, so as to avoid complications. His PDP counterpart, John Akans, told our correspondent that unlike the APC, where some party members have already indicated interest to contest Longjan’s position, they in the PDP have not, as they are still mourning his demise because he was a statesman and an elder to all. Akans, however, said they were also prepared, and should INEC give them notice to that effect, they would spring into action and give all aspirants a level playing ground. He assured that the PDP would not have any problem in fielding a candidate because they would follow the party’s constitution and the electoral act. He, however, added that they would look at the advantages or disadvantages of everything before choosing a candidate. Akans said the PDP would win because people were dissatisfied with the APC-led government at all levels. On the issue of APC’s political strength in the southern zone due to the high number of elected political office holders there, Akans said they all got there through electoral manipulation, which he said was not the reality of things on ground. So, with political scheming and mourning at the same time, claims and counterclaims, as well as all the political intrigues, interesting days are surely ahead.
PRESS STATEMENT NORTHERN GOVERNOR’S FORUM CONGRATULATES NEW AREWA CONSULTATIVE FORUM LEADERSHIP The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated the new leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) led by Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Chief Audu Ogbeh. The Northern Governor’s Forum in a statement by its Chairman and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong expressed delight that the ACF conducted a smooth transition of electing a new leadership to pilot its affairs. Lalong said ” The Arewa Consultative Forum as a Northern socio-cultural pressure group has played both intervention and reconciliatory roles in addressing many issues affecting the region and the Country by advancing solutions and advice to relevant authorities”. He charged the new leadership to work in synergy with the Northern Governors Forum in addressing critical issues confronting the region such as insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and the Almajiri phenomenon. Lalong also appealed to the ACF not to relent in deploying its influential members to assist in reconciling various communities in the North and the nation as a whole with a view to promoting peace, harmony and tolerance which is necessary for development. He said the unity of the north is paramount and as such, all stakeholders must put the interests of the people above personal considerations. It will be recalled that the ACF recently elected a new leadership with Former Minister of Agriculture Chief Audu Ogbeh as Chairman, with others which include: Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Ambassador Shehu Malami; former Minister of State for Power, Murtala Aliyu Secretary General among others. Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 14th March 2020.
The Deputy Speaker House of Representatives,His Excellency,Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase was conferred with the fellowship Award of the College of Education Gindri on Friday 13th March 2020.
The conferment was performed by the Acting Provost of the College, Prof Cletus Tanimu Gotan during the combined 28th-33rd convocation for the award of certificate and prizes to the graduands in Gindri.
The first indigenous Provost of the College Mr. John Maigari and Mrs Rose Adamu, proprietress of Alama Private School Jos,where amongst the recipients while late Dr Chief Solomon Daushep lar and His Royal Highness late Mato Dakat the late Paramount Ruler of Pyem Chiefdom also received the fellowship award (post humours)
In his address,the visitor to the College and the Executive Governor of Plateau State,His Excellency, Rt.Hon Simon Bako Lalong congratulated the recipients and charged them to use the recognition to do more for education and Humanity. He said their ultimate goal must remain their commitment to peace and development.
In his remark the Deputy Speaker,represented by his Special Assistant on documentations,Alh Shehu Sule Nyalun (Tafidan Nyalun) appreciated the honor done to him by the College and promise to open discussion to do more for the College in his continuous quest for the advancement of Education in the State and Nigeria at large
In the entourage of the Deputy Speaker were prominent sons of Plateau amongst whom include the Former Commissioner of Information Plateau State, who is the Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker,Hon Abubakar Muhammad Badu(Dan Malikin Wase)
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AND VISITOR TO THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GINDIRI, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG AT THE 28TH – 33RD COMBINED CONVOCATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE PERMANENT CAMPUS, ON THE 13TH MARCH 2020.
PROTOCOLS
It is a great delight to be present at this memorable occasion, which is the 28th to 33rd combined convocation ceremony of this great institution.
As visitor to this College, I consider this convocation ceremony very significant and long overdue, because many graduands who successfully completed their studies some years ago have been anxiously looking forward to this day.
Now that the day is finally here, I congratulate you all and urge you to relish the moment, which validates the long hours of learning and research you invested. However, I hope that subsequent convocations will not be delayed again.
From the number of graduands being awarded certificates today, it is clear that a lot of investment has gone into preparing them for the task of transferring knowledge to other students, particularly at early learning stages.
The College of Education Gindiri is one Institution that our Rescue Administration considers very crucial. This is because it is saddled with the huge task of training teachers who are to shape and mould the minds of our children.
This therefore means that if they fail to get the right quality of education, then they may not only pose serious danger to the younger generation, but eventually put the whole society in jeopardy by transferring half-knowledge and corrupted ideas.
We are all witnesses to the high proliferation of schools, particularly private ones in our country today. Sadly, the number of qualified teachers is not commensurate to the growing number schools, hence the engagement of quack teachers to the detriment of the society.
That is why I am excited that we are graduating many trained teachers here today and releasing them into the teaching profession to take over from those are not sufficiently qualified to be in the classroom as Teachers.
Therefore, as ambassadors of this great College, you should not see this occasion as a mere certification ritual. The future of our education in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole depends on you. You must not fail to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.
As you go into the teaching profession, you must remember that the moral and academic standards instilled in you are virtues you should exhibit at all times. After all, the award of certificates to you by the College is because you have been found worthy in character and in learning.
You should therefore go out there determined to make a difference in the teaching profession by distinguishing yourselves in your various fields of calling. Let me admonish you that as you graduate and leave the four corners of this institution, excellence, self-discipline and dedication must be your watchword at all times.
You should also not see the certificates you are receiving today as the end of learning. Rather, consider this as the stepping-stone for you to seek further knowledge by upgrading your qualifications in order to remain relevant in the profession, and indeed a fast changing society.
Our Rescue Administration has continued to provide training opportunities for teachers at all levels and also granted study leave and grants for teachers to undertake further studies in various institutions.
Additionally, we are rehabilitating decayed school infrastructure that we inherited as well as constructing model schools with international standards under our Legacy Projects. This is to ensure that both the students and teachers operate under a conducive environment.
I have noted the challenges enumerated by the Acting Provost about issues relating to infrastructure, security, funding among others. Government will look into the demands and address them within available resources and in the context of our resolve to complete all abandoned projects we inherited.
Now that the College has been granted permission to begin Degree programmes, the imperative for more infrastructure is eminent and we shall do our best to improve the facilities for both students and lecturers.
While Government extends this gesture to the College, it is also expected that the Management of the School will think of other sources of generating revenue using various windows such as entrepreneurship and consultancy.
Your capacity to pursue ground-breaking research and other needful community services will also earn you grants from industries, donor agencies and other international organisations. These will go a long way in closing the gap because government cannot do everything.
On security, we shall make the necessary contact with the Police and relevant security agencies to facilitate the citing of a Police Outpost close to the College premises to help in curbing the incidences of crime in and around the school campus.
Similarly, Government frowns at the reports of encroachment into land belonging to the College by land grabbers. I therefore direct the Commissioner for Higher Education to immediately liaise with the Commissioner for Lands and Management of the College to address the situation.
While that is going on, government will ensure the completion of the fencing of the College to deter further encroachment. We do not want the situation with the encroachment of land belonging to the University of Jos to repeat itself here.
Let me warn all land grabbers to desist from such acts because Government will not fold its arms and watch lawlessness being perpetrated. The State Executive Council has already forwarded a bill to the House of Assembly against land grabbing, and once it is passed into law, offenders will be prosecuted and jailed.
To the students who are still in the school, it is important for you to concentrate on your studies and shun acts of cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, riots and unnecessary agitations. You have to maintain peace and follow proper channels to ventilate any grievances you may have.
I congratulate all the awardees from our Late father Chief Dr. Solomon Daushep Lar; The late Sum Pyem, Mato Dakat; Rt. Hon. Idris Maje, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Mr. John Maigari, Pioneer indigenous Provost of the College; and Mrs. Rose Adamu, Educationist and School Proprietress. They have done a lot to our State and we thank them.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, a hundred miles journey starts with a giant step. Given the historical evolution of the College of Education, Gindiri, I pay special tributes to all past Visitors, Provosts, Management, Academic and Administrative Staff and indeed the host community for their significant contributions in the growth and development of this great institution.
Finally, I sincerely appreciate the Acting Provost MSGR. Rev Prof. Cletus Tanimu Gotan, a clergy and seasoned administrator who accepted the challenge to work towards rebuilding the College and putting it on a new trajectory of hope.
Thank you for your attention.
Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong Executive Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum 13th March 2020.
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