PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES SPEAKER FEMI GBAJABIAMILA, CONDOLES HIM OVER LOSS OF MOTHER INLAW
 
Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong on Sunday 12th April 2020 received  Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila who was in Jos to condole with the family of his wife over the loss of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mildred Bisalla who died in Jos at the age of 83.
Governor Lalong who received the Speaker at the Government House Rayfield Jos, described the death of Mrs. Mildred Bisalla as a great loss to the Plateau State and Nigeria as she was an epitome of humility, service and godliness.
The Governor and Speaker later visited the residence of the deceased in Jos where they were received by her brother, Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, Anglican Bishop of Jos Diocese.
Governor Lalong consoled the family and urged them to accept the loss as part of life, taking joy in the fact that the deceased lived a life of love and served her generation in many ways, leaving behind worthy legacies.
He said, “Mama has gone to be with the Lord and we have to accept her call to glory. She left at a time when we are facing very serious challenges with Corona Virus and we need people like them to give us hope and consolation based on their experiences of things that happened before, but unfortunately she has gone to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. Ours is to look at what she has done to emulate her and do better. May her soul rest in peace and may we be consoled”.
He also consoled the speaker for the loss and appreciated his early visit to sympathize with his in-laws and the people of Plateau State on the departure of Mama, saying the people of the State appreciate the visit.
Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi while responding on behalf of the family thanked the Governor Simon Lalong and Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila for their words of comfort at this difficult time when they are working hard to overcome the corona virus pandemic which is ravaging the world.
He said “Your Excellency Governor Lalong, you have beaten all protocols to visit us at this time when we are all battling to overcome this corona virus pandemic. The family deeply appreciates this visit and we urge Nigerians to continue to support the Government.  I have the faith that somehow, the Lord will deliver us from the corona virus Pandemic. I was looking at the 1920 Spanish flu pandemic. It was reported that thousands died around neighbours of Jos, but the people were spared. God can still do this for us”.
He commended Speaker Gbajabiamila for standing up for the weak and urged him to continue to advocate the poor who are in majority. This he says is the only way Nigeria can be salvaged because God hearkens to the cries of the poor.
They later visited the mortuary at the Airforce Hospital Jos where the corpse of late Mildred Bisalla has been deposited.
A trained nurse, late Mrs. Mildred Bisalla was the wife late General Iliya Bisalla. She was Founding member of Plateau Nigerian Horticultural Society and a devout Christian who held various positions within the Anglican Church.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th April 2020.

ASSURANCE OF HOPE

Ordinarily, it may seem difficult to say Happy Easter Celebration at a season where there is a global lockdown due to ravaging effects of Covid-19 epidemic. Economic activities are crumbled, life seems static: people are home, majority without foods and basic amenities of life. Living seems difficult and tough. But amidst this, there is still reassuring grace that we are all going to come out stronger.

Our Lord Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation and emergence from the darkness of this world to his very marvelous light. And this is the assurance of our hope and that is what we should celebrate for without God we can by ourselves do nothing. As it is written: by strength shall no man prevail

I wish to stand on this foundation laid by our Lord God Almighty to wish you – my very good people, friends, colleagues, religious leaders, political mentors, kinsmen and family an amazing Easter celebration.

Its my prayer that the resurrection power of our Lord Jesus will quicken our mortal bodies unto perfect health and shield us from this pandemic.

As your friend, brother and representative at the State House of Assembly, I encourage you to observe the directives of the NCDC, stay safe and observe social distancing. By God’s special grace I am sure we shall all come out stronger as a people, a state and nation.

I am of high hope that our governments at all levels have learnt obvious lessons from this development of this epidemics and will assess our value needs in giving adequate attentions to matters of high ranking priority especially in health care delivery, security of life and property and education of our people.

Be assured I will contribute my quota in repositioning government and governance process for the mutual growth and development of our people and dear state.

Please stay safe.

Gwottson Dalyop Fom
Member, Jos South State Constituency

PRESS STATEMENT

The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) wish to felicitate with Christians on the occasion of the Easter celebration as it signifies one of the cardinal points of the Christian faith which is the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

This period calls for sober reflection as most Christians are forced to mark this 2020 Easter celebration indoors in an effort to curb the spread of COVID19 which has become a global Pandemic.

We want to use this opportunity to urge all Nigerians, especially Plateau citizens to remain thankful to God Almighty because the death and resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ has given us hope for eternity.

The coronavirus pandemic is a challenge to humanity as it has thrown the whole world to a state of confusion, but we urge all citizenry to continue in prayers while in adherence to government order and restrictions in other to help prevent the spread of COVID19 and turn down the curves in our Nation and the world at large.

As Bloggers and Online reporters, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to apt reportage devoid of fake news also commending the efforts of the State government led by Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong for the proactive measures as the state is yet to record any case of COVID19. The fumigation exercise is also highly commendable as we have monitored the exercise in 6 Local Government Areas thus far, we hope that it will go a long way in preventing any resurgence of coronavirus and other deadly diseases on the Plateau.

We urge the general public to stay informed as covid19 is real and doesn’t respect religion, ethnic, social, economic, race or political status.

Stay at home and Stay safe.
Happy Easter

Matthew Tegha
Vice Chairman
Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association
12th April 2020

PLATEAU STATE COMMISSIONER OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION PRAISES JOURNALISTS & FRONTLINE WORKERS ON COVID 19 CAMPAIGN.

The level of awareness on the coronavirus, COVID 19 compliance in Plateau State is attributed to the relentless effort of journalists, health workers, and the strategic mobilization of the Governor Simon Lalong led Rescue administration.

State Commissioner of Information and Communication Dan Manjang also appreciates Media organisations journalists in Plateau for deploying their resources and time in relaying Government and health experts advice on how to keep the disease at bay from the Plateau.

Not exempted from the commendation are bloggers and online publishers who have been up and doing in the race to keep Plateau state safe from the coronavirus pandemic.

Manjang said Government is happy with the role of traditional rulers and religious leaders who have suspended spiritual gatherings all in the bid to safe Plateau people from the pandemic.

He emphasized the contribution of volunteer quasi security agencies working with security organisations to ensure compliance.

The Commissioner said the oneness of purpose demonstrated by Plateau people in the containment of COVID 19 is the spirit that should bind the citizens now and always.

He assures that Governor Simon Lalong will continue to provide the enabling environment for unity of purpose and thank citizens for being foot soldiers of the COVID 19 campaign.

Manjang however warned that the battle is not yet over, stressing that citizens must remain vigilant.

Dan Manjang said Government is concerned about the health of Plateau citizens and the Rescue administration will do all it can to ensure the state remains free of the COVID 19 disease.

He noted that Government is not unmindful of the pain of the lockdown and assures the palliative promised by Governor Lalong will reach those who deserve them. He however implored citizens to, in the spirit of Easter reach out to those in need in their community.

Hon Dan Manjang
Commissioner
Ministry of Information & Communication
Plateau State.

Dr.HOSEA I.FINANGWAI URGES GWAMLAR COMMUNITY TO SHEATHE THEIR SWORD AND GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.

Following communal clash that broke out yesterday between Bakhamit and Gyam Clans in Gwamlar community.

Dr Hosea Istifanus Finangwai,the Hon. Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development in Plateau State urged the warring factions in Gwamlar community in Kanam Local Government area of Plateau to SHEATHE their sword and give peace a chance.

Dr.Hosea is greatly saddened by the news of the unfortunate violent clashes between Bakhamit and Gyam clans respectively which occurred yesterday and since liased with the Chairman of the council Hon.Abbas Wakdung and made arrangements for security intervention who acted swiftly to the called and intervened in the clash and warned that security agencies have been instructed to deal ruthlessly with those promotion the crises in the Community.

The Bakhamit and Gyam clans and infact the entire Gwamlar community have every reason to live together in peace as we all despite our clans belong to the same lineage and as a matter of fact “This is the time for peace and not for war” and stressed that “it is better to use our money and resources to train ourselves and children into production skills and Education than using same into into settling disputes in court thereby leaving us in poverty.Let us be wise.

The Hon.Commissioner is appealing to Leaders of the two Clans and the entire Gwamlar traditional rulers to play their part by prevailing on their people to drop their weapons and cooperate with the security agencies to ensure that peace is sustained among them.

I personally give all security agencies a well deserved thank you for your services.Thank you for your extremely prompt response to the incident. You were all very professional, courteous and kept us updated at every steps. This is an absolute credit to your profession.


I equally want to use this medium to appreciate and say a heartfelt thank you to our extremely nice stakeholders in Kanam and Gwamlar in particular who went above and beyond my expectations to make what could have been a disastrous and stressful situation into a relatively safe and calm one. If only all people behaved like this the world would be a much nicer and safer place.

Our youths off and on social media, thank you very much guys for dealing with this horrible situation with speed, empathy and suggestions where necessary using your devices despite your distances.You’ve clearly demonstrated that Gwamlar is safe in your hands in the future. May God bless us all.

Finally, I would like to wish those who as a result of the clash were injured and been hospitalized a very quick recovery.

Finally, let us come together to build Gwamlar from the current level to where we want it to be.

God bless us all.

Audu Bappidak Sambo
(Personal Assistant to the Hon.Commissioner)

EASTER MESSAGE FROM HON LETEP DABANG, APC CHAIRMAN PLATEAU STATE.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress,APC in Plateau State,Letep Dabang wants Christians to submit themselves totally to God and pray for the survival of Plateau, Nigeria and the entire world at this time.

In an Easter felicitation to Christians the world over, the APC Chairman said the pains Christ experienced during this moment is a lesson for us to believe in the power of his resurrection and to persevere as we pass through the temporary difficulties of the moment.

Letep Dabang has called on the Christian faithful to continuously uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ which should form the basis of our faith.

According to him the APC in Plateau state rejoices with Christians on this Easter that is being celebrated in another special way considering the need to stay safe as a result of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic ravaging the entire world.

He called on Christians to use the Easter moment and pray for and end to the pandemic and further protect mankind from any form.of affliction that may arise.

The APC Chairman enjoined Christians to while at home pray for the leadership of the state under Governor Simon Lalong for God’s continuous wisdom and direction.

Letep Dabang then wished all a happy Easter celebration and good tidings ahead.

The member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal constituency in the Green Chamber and Chairman House COMMITTEE on Nigerian Navy, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi wishes to felicitate with Christians world over as they celebrate Easter, an event which marks a very important tradition in the Christian faith.

As you celebrate the season, may good tidings abide in us and may the lessons of this period never depart from you.

In the same vein, the member wishes to enjoin the good people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam to be law abiding and to respect all constituted authorities as called upon by the Holy books. Again, as already demonstrated by Plateau people, the strict adherence to the Lock down and total restriction to movement is worth applauding.

Finally, the member wishes to commend the efforts of the State government and the captain of the rescue team, Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong for the stringent measures put in place to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus that has ravaged the world at large. The fumigation exerscise is one amongst the many important steps taken that will go a long way in preventing the Resurgence of the dreaded Virus on the Plateau and Environs .

While we continue to pray for the flattening and down turn of the curves in our Nation and the world at large , we also pray for the quick recovery of all those already Infected with the disease while also saluting the courage and dexterity of all our Medical Personnel in the front line helping to manage the situation.
Ensure you play your part by Staying Safe.

Thank you.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

COVID-19: PRESIDENT BUHARI APPEALS TO NIGERIANS TO STAY AT HOME, ASSURES OF MORE INTERVENTIONS

President Muhammadu Buhari wholeheartedly thanks all Nigerians for their patience, resolve and strong determination to defeat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

The President said:

“We realize that today, there will be sons and daughters unable to visit their parents, and elders that are isolated from young ones. And there will be those who live day-to-day, eating as they earn, who face real and present suffering.

“No elected government could ask more of the citizens of the country that elected them than today we ask of you. But we must ask you – once more – to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers: stay home, wash your hands, save lives.

“The freedoms we ask you to willingly forsake today will only last as long as our scientific advisers declare they are necessary. But they are essential – world over – to halt and defeat the spread of this virus.

“For those who suffer most egregiously, the Government has announced multiple measures to assist: 70,000 tonnes of grain is being released from the National Strategic Grain Reserves for distribution to those in most need; distribution of small cash payments are also being made, and will continue to be made by the federal government in the states and local government areas.

“We ask you to listen and follow public announcements via the mass media for instructions as to how to receive this government support – and learn of more public assistance in the coming days.

“All that the Government is asking you to endure is because nowhere in the world today is there any known way of defeating this pandemic. There is no vaccine. And that means there are choices to be made: between continuing as usual, or accepting the restrictions even when they come with unintended consequences.

“But at this darkest hour, it remains our duty to offer you the full and unvarnished truth: This is a global pandemic. 210 countries and territories across the globe are affected. We cannot expect others to come to our assistance. No one is coming to defeat this virus for us.

“Instead, the defeat of the virus in our country will be in our hands, alone. We cannot wait for others. We can only depend on ourselves now. And so we must – and we will – end this outbreak ourselves as Nigerians, together”.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 11, 2020

Kano State on Saturday recorded a confirmed COVID-19 case. Commissioner of Health, Dr Aminu Ibrahim TSANYAWA Confirmed the report to Galaxy TV via a phone call, that the patient is a retired diplomat who returned from Lagos.
Presently, the state governor is in a meeting with health officials so as to inform the public officially.