This week in Jos, Plateau State hosted the Commissioner for Information Technology for Kebbi State, Alhaji Abdullahi Magoro, on a working visit to study the Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) as a model organisation from which the north western state could leverage to create its own tech regulatory agency.
Magoro and Dan Manjang
Magoro had extensive discussions with senior officials that include the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Plateau State, Hon Dung Musa Gyang; Commissioner for Information, Plateau State, Hon Dan Manjang; and Director General for PICTDA, David Daser.
The Ministry of Information Technology is one of the newest ministries in Kebbi State created in recognition of the enormous potential that technology holds for development in the largely agrarian state with heavy dependence on federal allocation. The new ministry is saddled with the responsibilities of setting direction for ICT deployment and utilisation as well as building of expansive ICT capacity targeting young citizens in the state.
The ministry is to help drive economic diversification, provide a workable structure that would allow creativity and innovations to thrive.
Magoro said he was in Jos to explore all avenues including the setting up of an ICT regulatory agency that would make Kebbi State to achieve the mandate for which the ministry was set up. He said the state believes ICT could help in developing other sectors for which the state has potential including agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism.
Part of Kebbi’s plan through the young ministry is to explore possibilities of deploying smart agriculture, encourage innovative ways of reworking government’s operations through eGovernment and use ICT to address challenges as they exist in energy provisioning and fostering new skills that would make Kebbi youths to be more functional in the new, global economy.
He commended Governor Simon Lalong for seizing the initiative to statutorily establish and support an agency setting agenda for development in other spheres through ICT.
PICTDA’s mandate is enshrined in the ICT Policy and Strategic Plan recently approved by Governor Lalong to strengthen his plan to have a knowledge-driven ecosystem that will promote entrepreneurship and socially inclusive growth.
The ICT Policy and Strategic Plan provides the policy framework to foster a state-wide rapid deployment of ICT infrastructure, induce more gender participation in tech development and operations across the state, particularly the female gender.
The policy will help drive the use ICT to create an attractive environment for the promotion of investment and sustenance of a vibrant local economy across all sectors including agriculture, mining, transportation, health, education, tourism and creative arts, and fintech among others.
All of these are the reasons why Kebbi hopes to learn from Plateau State, said Magoro who expressed the willingness of his state to collaborate with the north central state. The two states had extensive discussions on the Plateau State ICT Policy and Strategic Plans and how workable projects could be fashioned round policy thrusts.

PRESS RELEASE

PLATEAU STATE PETITIONS GOD AT 5TH PLATEAU PRAYER DAY

In what could best be described as the presentation of its petition before God and intercession for peace, Christians in Plateau State on Monday 3rd February 2020 converged on the Government House Chapel in Jos for the 5th Plateau Prayer Day.
The annual event which was instituted by the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria in the State is meant to celebrate the day of the creation of Plateau State with prayers and thanks to God.
At the event, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong described Plateau State as God’s creation whose destiny can never be changed especially by the work of evil persons and groups who have perpetrated acts of violence against innocent citizens in recent years.
The Governor said ” Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the theme of this Prayer Day which is “His Grace” taken from the book of First Corinthians 15:10, aptly captures the kind of favour we have enjoyed as a State from God over the years. From the ashes of crises that almost turned our State to a place of pain and sorrow, we have been gradually regaining our God-given Status as a Home of Peace and Tourism, and a preferred destination for investment even for those who had reasons to run away in the past.
Lalong regretted that despite the efforts put in to restore normalcy in the State, some criminals are bent on creating havoc and destruction.
“While we talk about the progress we have made over the years, the recent attacks in Kulben, Mangu Local Government and Kwatas in Bokkos Local Government areas where innocent citizens of our State were murdered in cold blood while properties and homes were destroyed leaves a sour taste in our mouths. Indeed it remains clear that the evil ones are not happy with the peace we currently enjoy, and appear determined to cause havoc to our State at all costs. That is why as a government, we are more than determined to prove to them that their ambition is futile as we can never allow them to succeed” he said.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang said the theme of the 5th Prayer day which is “His Grace” was chosen to thank God for the State and ask for His grace in the face of difficulties that the State is passing through.
In his sermon, Bishop Tsav Timothy, Methodist Bishop of Jos said God’s divine grace is sufficient for his creation especially the people of Plateau State at difficult times like this when they have been traumatised by criminals.
He asked the people to learn from Paul who despite being a persecutor of the Church, turned out to be one of the greatest apostles who not only defended the Christian faith, but also preached the salvation of souls.
The Gwom Gwom Gwom Jos Jacob Gyang Buba called for more prayers and demonstration of love and forgiveness which is key to building peace and forgiveness.
The Prayer Day was attended by Anglican Bishop of Jos Benjamin Kwashi, Ecwa President Rev. Dr. Panya Baba, COCIN Vice President Rev. Dr. Obed Dashan, Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Plateau State Dr. Stephen Dangana, Polycarp Lubo, CAN Secretary, Plateau State and other men of God who all prayed for unity in the Church and asked God to heal Plateau State and put to shame the merchants of evil who take joy in shedding blood over issues that could be resolved through dialogue and understanding.
Prayers were offered for the Governor and his cabinet, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the civil service, military and all the administrative structures of the country.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
3rd February 2020.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST..

#ERA OF POSITIVE IMPACT.

Good day ladies and gentlemen.

With profound and utmost humility, I would love to declare my aspiration to you Fellow PLATEAU.

I *Muhammad Abdulkadir* declare my intention to contest for the post of #STATE CHAIRMAN, PLATEAU YOUTH COUNCIL of this esteemed and prestigious State.

Positive,inclusive and adequate leadership I shall ensure for the greater good of all Plateaunians. This can only be made possible by you; thus my emergence will be to the glory of you all.

As youths we should participate in matters that affects Us. We shouldn’t let ourselves be degraded Silence for the welfare and growth of youth, We are the voice of oppress and the Generation yet unborn.

Let’s get involved and bring forth the needed and desired change. Involved I have gotten, and the desired change I am willing and determined to bring.

Involved I am for the betterment of all PLATEAU.

Involved I am to inspire my likes, to be responsible and to show that we can.

Contesting I am to bring forth the desired change we’ve been denied.

So help me God.


God bless all PLATEAU STATE .
God bless PYC.

ITS NOW OR NEVER ,ERA OF POSITIVE IMPACT

February 3, 2020

Press statement

Nigeria Needs Atiku: PDP youths Tells Babachir Lawal

Youths on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), has lambasted the former SGF, Babachir Lawal, for saying that the former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the PDP is no longer relevant in politics.

The youths reminded Babachir Lawal to first of all clear his already soiled hands on the allegation of financial misappropriations and other misdemeanors during his time as SGF and allow Nigerians to decide for themselves who becomes the next President in 2023.

The youths says, Babachir Lawal has no power to determine the fate of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the coming election, but advised him to also stop campaigning for Tinubu, saying that Tinubu is a bad product and unmarketable.

They called on Nigerians to remember the good works of Atiku Abubakar, his entrepreneurial skills and his believe in one Nigeria and urge the people to continue to support him if he decides to contest in the forthcoming Presidential Election in 2023 because His Democratic credentials. His wealth of Experience.

Signed:

Hon. Nuru Shehu,
Secretary General (PDP) Northern New media.

A suspected suicide bomber has been arrested at a branch of Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church (also known as Winners Chapel).
The yet to be identified bomber was arrested by police at the Sabo branch of the church in Kaduna State on Sunday.
Tribune Online learnt that the suspect was arrested in the church’s toilet after he was exposed by the CCTV cameras.
The suspect was trying to detonate the device when he was arrested, it was gathered.
Another information had it that one of the worshippers was said to have informed security agents at the church who arrested the suspects.
Samuel Baba Abichele who narrated his sister’s experience to Tribune Online, while reacting the alleged suicide bomber’s arrest, said, “my younger sister said she was sitting next to one of them during the service when she noticed some sparkling from whatever he was struggling to fix beneath his dress.
“She, by instinct, hurried to tell one of the church leaders that there was something strange about whatever the guy was doing and she found it disturbing.
“That was how they ushered him outside and found a bomb on him. It was truly a miracle for my family and other family members during that service. God is faithful.”

RETURN FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN BACK TO ASO ROCK IN 2023 OR ZONE THE PRESIDENCY TO SOUTH EAST.

A Jos based Legal Luminary has called on Nigerians to return President Goodluck Jonathan back to Aso Rock in 2023 if they are interested in maintaining the Unity and Prosperity of the Country.

The Human Rights Lawyer premised his position on the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has the best interest of Nigeria at heart and he is the perfect definition of a true Leader and a Democrat owing to the robust Policies he had while in office and his respect for the Rule of Law.

Gyang Zi also highlighted on the fact that Goodluck Jonathan was not a sectional Leader looking at his pattern of appoinment of persons into Government offices, Infrastructural Development and his general attitude towards the Country.

He further opined that Goodluk Jonathan belief so much in Nigeria and that was his major reason for conceeding Power in 2015.

He comended the former President for achieving the following while in office.

1. Nigeria was listed among the fastest growing economy in the world.
2. Diversification of the economy by developing the agricultural and mining sectors.
3. Introduction of the BVN and Single Treasury Account as a systematic way of fighting corruption.
4. Educational reforms including esterblishment of Additional Universities, Granting licences to private persons and bodies to esterblish private Universities and other Institutions, esterblishment of Almajiri Schools in the North etc.
5. Strict adherance to the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Obedience to Judgements and Orders of Court as well as Respect to the Rule of Law.
6. Non interference with other arms of Government especially the Judiciary.
7. His effort toward fighting insecurity despite extreme sabotage by opposition and refusal to sell arms to Nigeria by the USA and International Community.
8. Conducting a free and fair election as well as relinquishing Power in order to safe the lives and Properties of Nigerians.

He concluded by suggesting that if Nigerians are not returning Goodluck Jonathan to Aso Rock in 2023, then the position of the President should be zoned to the Igbos who have been sidelined from the Presidency and yet to be given the opportunity to Lead the Country since after the Civil War.

PRESS RELEASE

PLATEAU KILLINGS: NIGERIAN GOVERNORS FORUM PAY SOLIDARITY VISIT TO PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR.

Saddened by the recent killings in Kulben village of Mangu Local Government and Kwatas ward of Bokkos Local Government area of Plateau State, the Nigerian Governors Forum on Saturday, 1st February 2020 paid a solidarity visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong to commiserate with him and the entire people of the State.
The delegation led by Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu included the Governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed and Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Badaru Mohammed who met Governor Lolong at Government House Rayfield Jos.
They condemned the killings and expressed their willingness to work with the Governor in ensuring that the peace being enjoyed in Plateau is never taken away by criminals.
According to Governor Bagudu ” we are here on behalf of the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Northern Governors Forum which you chair, to commiserate with you and the entire people of the State over this unfortunate incident. Plateau State has been enjoying peace under your purposeful leadership and we remember that in 2018, both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were in Plateau State and were pleased with the steps you adopted in ensuring that peace is back to Plateau. We are not happy with this recent development and that is why we are here to show you our support. Whatever you think we can do individually or collectively to support you, we shall do. At the moment, we support the steps you have taken to deal with the situation”.
Bagudu urged the people of Plateau State to rally round Governor Lalong whom he described as a man of peace and a visionary leader that has attracted goodwill of many across Nigeria hence his election as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and a very strong member of the Nigerian Governors Forum.
While responding, Governor Lalong thanked his colleagues for the visit and solidarity which he said will help him deal with the situation.
He said “we had done a lot to ensure that people live in peace. We set up the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, we have the Operation Safe Haven, the Operation Rainbow, Early Warning Signals and also created avenues for dialogue and forgiveness. This recent development wants to take us back to the dark days, but we will never allow it. That is why I told the community leaders and ardos that they cannot say they dont know those who are causing trouble. They must assist the security agencies to fish them out or become suspects themselves, since it is their domain”.
Lalong expressed hope that the ongoing investigation by the security agencies will unravel those behind the killings and also lead to their prosecution, hoping that this will be the last of such ugly incidents in the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
1st February 2020.

Last week, terrible ordeal that left all of us on the PKK federal constituency, central zone and Plateau State shocked and dumbfounded couldn’t permit me to write on the purposeful, pragmatic leadership style of the young man(Danmalikin Kanam) that has appeared to be hope for the ‘abandoned’ constituency for decades.
Truly, we wore sadness like necklaces and the cardinal point of the perpetrators were to incite and set us against ourselves but we thank God we are stronger and will continue to be more United than ever.verily I tell you, there is an end to every evil plan. I’m convinced with the uniform submissions at the National Assembly ( particularly that of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi) on insecurity challenges, the nation will be better.
The matter again
In page 9 article 7 under kanke LGA of the Legislative Blueprint of the good people of PKK, the provision of solar powered electricity in Amper town was mentioned but as at last week, not only on pages of papers, it was fully fulfilled and accomplished. The solar lights were strategically placed on spots well deserved and it will continue until the whole Streets are fully lighted.
Similarly, the highest camaraderie shown to his constituents at the point of desperate need is no better than the House to House condolences of key stakeholders who lost their relations and prayed with them. The settling of medical bills of all patients on admition at the Pankshin General Hospital is something to behold. To me, and all rational beings is that such acts can help one to entertain Angels unknowingly.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.(ML king)
Keep pushing, keep the promise we are with you on a just course till the end of times.

Nde Hon Manji B D Gontori has received with utter shock the sad news of the demise of one of the illustrious son of ngas land Brig.Gen Friday Dimlong.in his words,Hon Manji Gontori said “the sudden demise of our dear brother Gen Dimlong is shocking and unbelievable.it is a colossal lost to the ngas nation,plateau and Nigeria as a whole”. He said this is coming at a time that plateau and the entire nation is facing a serious security threat and his wealth of experience and an intelligent army general will be needed.the death of our brother has created a vacuum that will be hard to fill.
Hon Manji Gontori while praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased condole with his immediate family,the joint traditional council of pankshin/kanke LGAs,the president of Ngas Development Association,nde Gonen Gofwen,ngas elders ,the Governor of plateau state and the entire nation over this irreparable loss.may the good lord comfort us all in Jesus name.
Accept my heartfelt condolence please.

Sign
HON MANJI B D GONTORI

Plateau State has approved an enhanced Plateau Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy and Strategic Plan to drive its vision of improving quality of life of Plateau citizens by ensuring affordable, universal access to high grade ICT facilities and services within Plateau State. The state is targeting to become among the best Three ICT Hubs in West Africa by 2025
and plans zero cost on Right of Way (RoW) that should attract broadband connectivity companies like MainOne and Phase3 to help expand the frontiers for cheap internet access.
A statutory ICT regulatory agency: Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) has the mandate to manage its ICT goals to promote “a globally competitive modern ICT enabled economy and knowledge-based Information Society where strong, efficient and sustainable improvements in social, economic, cultural, good governance and regional integration are achieved through the deployment and effective use of ICT.”
In over a year , PICTDA has sought to create awareness, encourage synergy on tech integration among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) within the state; and also build capacity through several policy-windows designed to improve ICT penetration and usage in Plateau State.
The newly approved ICT Policy and Strategic Plan will strengthen the resolve of Governor Simon Lalong to have a knowledge-driven ecosystem, able to leverage entrepreneurship and promote socially inclusive growth.
Plateau State has a population of around 3.5 million people and more than half that figure are
below 30 in age making it imperative for the state to leverage ICT to build new skillsets in its huge population of young people..
It is envisaged that the new policy will encourage a state-wide rapid deployment of ICT infrastructure, induce more gender participation in tech development and operations across the state, particularly the female gender; and use ICT to create a conducive environment for the promotion of investment and sustenance of a vibrant local economy across all sectors including agriculture, mining, transportation, health, education, tourism and creative arts, and fintech among others.
Since 2018, Plateau State has quietly led a policy and regulatory revolution in getting states more involved in ICT beginning with its establishment of PICTDA through an Act of Parliament. No state of the federation has achieved that so far.