Posted on — 1 Comment

Promphizy Blessed Teeclef with a versace shoe worth $100

You must not be too rich before you bless someone

Yesterday we witness an incident of kind gesture from one of Jos top notch trending artist who is well known with a remarkable commendation from fans in Jos, Abuja, Lagos and beyond.

Promphizy in the early hours of yesterday called one of Jos base fastest rising multi talented act, an artist and a blogger Teeclef to his house and gave him a brand new Shoe out of love and kindness for his efforts and persistence towards the music entertainment industry, this is no longer an artist to artist relationship but an artist to fan relationship.

Teeclef accept the offer with Joy and gladness as he appreciate Promphizy’s kind offer, TeeClef’s wardrobe gets a major boost after Promphizy gifts him a Versace Shoe worth $100.

The music star shared a photo on his social media on Sunday, According to him, the Versace Shoe cost him a lot and from our little investigation, he wasn’t lying.

“It hurt my account but I had to do it #DIRTY,” he captioned the photo.

From all indications,  Capri Holdings and its brand of shoe’s. Because this is not the first time Promphizy has spent a huge chunk of money on some of its expensive Versace Shoe’s.

Meanwhile Promphizy is the talk of the town right now as his recent release single “Dirty” is a song on every lips in town, the song have top chats in most of the states and is still trending on all platforms

Teeclef is an Artist and also a blogger, the Founder of eardrums.com.ng, his songs are coming to the air waves like a tsunami
Watch out…!

Posted on — Leave a comment

I started sleeping with my daughters about seven years ago says A 50-year-old father of six

I started sleeping with my daughters about seven years ago says A 50-year-old father of six

Peter Ayemoba, A 50-year-old father of six who was arrested for having carnal knowledge of his two daughters, says he started the illicit affair with them after the demise of his wife who is their mother and that they also gave their consent for him to have sex with them.

Peter was arrested by men of the Niger state police command this week after his daughters aged 22 and 20, reported him to a family member who invited the police.

When interrogated, Ayemoba told the police that he had been sleeping with his daughters since his first wife who is their mother died about seven years ago. 

“I started sleeping with my daughters about seven years ago when I lost my wife in 2013. The death of my wife got me so confused that I did not even know when I started sleeping with my daughters. In fact, I don’t know what has come over me.

The death of my wife devastated me to the point that I did not know what I was doing. I suspect that somebody placed a curse on me, because what I have done in the past seven years is not ordinary, frankly speaking.

“What I did after my wife’s death was to bond with my children and they became closer to me until gradually I started sleeping with the girls. Honestly, I cannot explain why I should do that to my own daughters. But there was a spirit that kept telling me that I would not be the first man to sleep with his daughter and at such, I should not worry too much about it.” he said

Speaking further, Peter said

“After my wife’s burial, I started having feelings for my daughters. I would go to their room and play with them until it metamorphosed to having sexual intercourse with them separately on a regular basis but with their consent. Whenever they rejected my sexual demand, I would tell them that I wanted to be closer to them since their mother was no more.

At times I would threaten to kill them and commit suicide if they did not allow me to sleep with them. One day, I had to refer them to the Bible about Lot who had sex with his daughters and was not punished by God. I told them that the intercourse between a father and his daughters was normal and it is written in the Bible.”

The father of six said his second wife had no knowledge of his sexual intercourse with his daughter neither did his four sons know about them. He said what transpired between him and his daughters wasn’t ”ordinary”.

“My daughters, after noticing that I was doing something abominable, forced me to get another wife that would satisfy my sexual urge. But despite the marriage, I still made love to them at the slightest opportunity my new wife was not in the house. Honestly, what is happening to me is not ordinary. I need to go out to sort myself out either physically or metaphysically so that I will have peace of mind.” he said

According to him, his daughters voluntarily and willingly had sex with him.

“They voluntarily, willingly accepted to be having sex with me any time I demanded it. What baffles me is that for the number of years we were having sex, we were happy. Then all of a sudden, they reported the incident to a family member who brought us to where we are (police station). I am still surprised at what they did.

But maybe my cup has filled to the brim, so let the law take its course, I am ready for any eventualities.” he said

The police say he will be charged to court soon. 

Source: Linda Ikeji

Posted on — Leave a comment

Alexander, BBNaija’s Khafi Kareem loses brother in London shootout

Khafi Kareem Ex Big Brother Naija house mate  has lost her younger brother, Alexander after he was shot during a shootout in London.

Alexander was reportedly shot at Askew Road in Shepherd’s Bush on Monday, June 8, 2020, by a yet-to-be-identified person after a trip to a convenience store.

According to the BBC, the 20-year-old died from gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen.

Detectives have said that a white Range Rover linked to Alexandra’s murder was found burnt out three miles away from the scene of the incident.

Police are yet to make any arrest but Insp. Wayne Jolly, who confirmed the incident said, Alexander was just 20 years old when his life came to an end in such a tragic way.

He said, “We are determined to bring those responsible for this unnecessary and terrifying violence to justice.

“His family are truly devastated and ask that their privacy is respected while they come to terms with their loss.”

In a shot video posted on her Instagram page, the ex-Big Brother Naija housemate thanked everyone and urged fans and followers to pray for her brother.

Watch the video below.

Earlier in this year, Khafi survived a nasty motor accident. She drove her car into the gutter on Friday, January 17 in Lagos. Sharing the news on the photosharing app, Instagram, Khafi mentioned that the event left her shaken.

In the caption, Khafi revealed that her driving lessons were going well until the incident occurred. Thankfully, she came away from the scene unscathed.

VIDEO CREDIT

Posted on — Leave a comment

Gov. Uzodinma to raise IGR to N5bn monthly, approves minimum wage effective July

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo said his government would raise the state’s monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) to N5 billion in the next few years.

Uzodinma, who made the promise at the maiden stakeholders’ forum held on Friday, June 12, in Owerri to mark Democracy Day said the state currently generates N1.2 billion monthly.

He also approved the payment of the new minimum wage for Imo workers with effect from July.

The governor said that he met an internal monthly revenue of N600 million when he came on board; but had so far moved it to N1.2 billion.

He said his government had worked out the framework to achieve the new monthly target without increasing taxes or introducing new ones.

According to him, a combination of creative interventions and prudent warehousing of government receipts and inflows will do the magic.

Uzodinma said his government had abolished all forms of consultancy so that every kobo belonging to the state would go straight into the IGR coffers without passing through a middle man christened ‘consultant’.

“I can also proudly announce that we have managed to save an average of N2 billion every month from this exercise.

“We have plugged leakages in the civil service, public service and the pension payrolls.

“This will increase as the months go by and heads of various ministries, departments and agencies imbibe the new culture of transparency and probity.

“We have also established a digital template, which ensures that all payments, into and out of government coffers must be automated.

“This is to ensure proper accountability,’’ he said.

Uzodinma said that his government had equally taken proactive measures to safeguard the health of Imo people in the face of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.

“We have taken immediate steps to prevent and control the spread of the virus in the state.

“We provided 30 ambulances, one for each Local Government Area and three for the state capital.

“Each of the ambulances is connected to the call centre so that any emergency development reported to the call centre is handled with dispatch.’’

He noted that the government has not relented in carrying out aggressive public awareness campaigns on safety protocols for COVID-19.

Posted on — Leave a comment

You are Highly Blessed, Governor Lalong to Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem @63

JUSTICE MONICA DONGBAN-MENSEM @ 63: YOU ARE HIGHLY BLESSED, SAYS GOVERNOR LALONG.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem on the occasion of her 63rd birthday, 13th June, 2020.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described Justice Monica as a highly blessed woman who has devoted all her life to the service of humanity and promotion of justice, peace and progress.

He said ” This is a special moment in your life where you need to reflect on the mercies of God and thank him for not only sustaining you and your family, but also lifting you to the position of the President, Court of Appeal. As you add more years, we pray that God will give you wisdom, patience and boldness to serve the Nation with diligence, sincerity and fairness”.

The Governor observed that over the years, Justice Dongban-Mensem has left the legacy of excellence and humility in all the places she has worked as well as a positive impression on the people she has had dealings with.

Lalong assured her that Nigerians and in particular the people of Plateau State will continue to pray for her as she carries on this new responsibility which demands absolute commitment and faith.

He also reminded her of the need to continue her humanitarian services and also seek God’s direction at all times.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
13th June 2020.

Posted on — Leave a comment

STATE BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, PLATEAU STATE, DURING THE COMMEMORATION OF FIVE YEARS IN OFFICE AND 2020 DEMOCRACY DAY

STATE BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, PLATEAU STATE, DURING THE COMMEMORATION OF FIVE YEARS IN OFFICE AND 2020 DEMOCRACY DAY ON JUNE 12, 2020.
PROTOCOLS

  1. My fellow citizens of Plateau State, it is with great sense of joy and fulfillment that I address you today as we commemorate our fifth year in office and marking yet another democracy day.
  2. Let me first give glory to God for the privilege he has given me and my Deputy, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, and indeed all other elected and appointed office holders to serve the people of Plateau at this time of our history.
  3. In the same vein, I express my deep appreciation to the people of Plateau State for reposing their confidence in us and our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both the 2015 and 2019 general elections. We remain grateful to you.
  4. The journey has no doubt been challenging and tasking, but with your support, prayers and advice, we have done a lot in fulfilling our campaign promises and implementing the Rescue Agenda of our administration.
  5. You will recall that in 2015, we began the implementation of our Rescue Mission under a 5-Pillar Policy Thrust, namely: Peace, Security and Good Governance; Human Capital Development and Social Welfare; Agriculture and Rural Development; Entrepreneurship and Industrialization; and Physical Infrastructure and Environment.
  6. These areas that propelled the vision of our Rescue Mission were designed to restore confidence in a State that had been polarized and fractured by ethno-religious crises, political apathy, as well as despondency among workers and pensioners.
  7. This is why we remained committed to completing inherited projects, many of which were abandoned and scattered across the State as well as initiating new ones for the benefit of our people.
  8. The details are well captured and documented in our compendium on Landmark achievements for 2015-2019 which is accessible from the Directorate of Research, Strategic Planning & Documentation as well as the Ministry of Information and Communication.
  9. When I addressed you on June 12, 2019 – two weeks after being sworn in for a second term, I stressed that our resolve for the next four years will be to consolidate on the gains we made in the first term as well as expanding on critical areas of development for the benefit of our people.
  10. I then unveiled the Vision of our Administration for the second term tagged: “PLATEAU STATE IN THE NEXT LEVEL: RESCUE AGENDA PHASE 2” which was anchored on a three-point (3) policy thrust framework namely:
  11. PEACE, SECURITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
  12. PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT and
  13. SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC RE-BIRTH.
  14. The three policy thrust emanated from the review of the 5-pillar focus of the first term in order to enable us concentrate our limited resources in achieving much with less in service delivery. We equally ensured that all the critical sectors of the Plateau economy were articulated for the future of our dear State.
  15. Based on the three-pillar policy thrust, we have achieved the following in the last 12 months.
    PEACE, SECURITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
    PEACE & SECURITY
  16. Under this pillar, we have continued to work assiduously towards consolidating on the security and peace of our dear State, as well as entrenching good governance that is key to sustaining public confidence, transparency, accountability and productivity.
  17. Through the Peace Building Agency which we created on assuming office, we engaged various stakeholders particularly in previously volatile areas where we fostered understanding, reconciliation, forgiveness and synergy in dispute resolution.
  18. At the moment, they are assiduously working with communities vulnerable to conflict and attacks such as Kulben in Mangu, Kwatas in Bokkos, Miango in Bassa among others for successful post conflict life.
  19. Apart from reinvigorating the Operation Rainbow and strengthening intelligence gathering using the community driven approach and early warning systems, we adopted a new strategy of holding accountable community and traditional rulers who fail to expose criminals or shield them within their domains.
  20. Earlier today, we commissioned the pilot phase of the Operation Rainbow Surveillance Centre at Dutse Uku (Jos Jarawa) equipped with surveillance equipment and a watchtower for early detection and response to any threat to peace and security. We shall replicate same in strategic flashpoints across the State.
  21. In addition, we embarked on the implementation of Community Policing in line with our desire for a bottom – up approach in security management and the adoption of community policing which is a concept that Governors of the Northern States embraced.
  22. To ensure that we realise this dream, we set up a Technical Committee to work out the modalities of implementing Community Policing headed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
  23. While they were carrying out their assignment, the Federal Government through the Office of the Inspector General of Police constituted the Community Policing Advisory Committee Co-chaired by His Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba and the Commissioner of Police which I inaugurated last month.
  24. We also harmonized the operations of all community watch groups, vigilante associations, hunters and similar bodies by bringing them under one roof for easy coordination, training and possible utilization in our community policing initiative.
  25. All these efforts are in addition to our support and collaboration with the statutory security agencies such as the Police, Operation Safe Haven, State Security Service, Civil Defence and other para-military organisations which we have continued to support with logistics and equipment to enable them respond to security challenges in the State.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

  1. In terms of Good Governance, the Rescue Administration has continued to embrace sound financial policies to harness and deploy the lean financial resources available for the good of all its citizens. In doing so, we have remained committed to ensuring prudence, transparency and accountability in funds management.
  2. The State’s Accounting System has been reinvigorated with the implementation of the State Fiscal, Transparency Accountability and Sustainability Program (SFTAS).
    This has enhanced our revenue generation, accountability, Transparency and control of resources by blocking all leakages.
  3. The Procurement Agency earlier established by this administration to promote due process in the award of Government Contracts has continued to reduce wastages and promote service delivery in governance.
  4. Government constituted the Liquidity Management Committee to cope with the paucity of funds regime. The committee has continued to prioritize government spending within the purview of its articulated policies particularly those that are revenue generating.
  5. Similarly, we established the Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit with a clear mandate to ensure diligent tracking of Projects and Programmes implementation by all the MDAs to realise the objectives of the five year strategic development plan of the administration.
  6. Government has continued to look inwards to jerk up its Internally Generated Revenue from about six hundred million naira in 2015 to about nine hundred million in 2019. However, with the emergence of COVID-19 Pandemic, this has drastically gone down.
  7. Notwithstanding the impact of the Corona Virus pandemic, we are determined to generate more revenue as we have engaged a reputable firm of tax consultants, to conduct an in-depth Assessment of the Current Internally Generated Revenue environment in the State and transit from the current template, to a Harmonized IGR collection system that can significantly boost the State’s collection to a Monthly IGR of about Three Billion Naira.
  8. In carrying out its functions, the Efficiency Unit located in the Office of the Governor has saved the Government about 2.5 billion naira arising from requests for release of funds from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies within the past one year.
  9. Little wonder, the 2nd Corruption Survey Report released by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2019 ranked Plateau State as the second least corrupt State in Nigeria. The Government intends to do more until it becomes the least corrupt State in Nigeria.
  10. The State Government has completed the raising of funds from the Capital Market in the sum of N15.6 Billion for the Lalong Legacy Projects which are on-going across the three Senatorial Zones of the State.
  11. In furtherance of our pledge, Government has kept faith with regular and timely payment of Salaries to workers which has boosted the morale of civil Servants for optimal productivity. But for the Corona Virus, pandemic, we would have commenced the implementation of the New Minimum Wage. We shall implement it as soon as the economy of the State improves.
  12. In the same vein, we have continued the regular payment of pension and placement of new retirees on the pension roll. We have also commenced monthly part Payment of funds into the Gratuity Account with the State Pension Board to reduce the burden of our retirees.
  13. However, in order to find a lasting solution to the issue of pension, a draft bill will soon be sent to the House of Assembly for the establishment of the Plateau State Contribution Pension Scheme.
  14. In line with the yearnings of the people for the restoration of Chiefdoms and Districts that were erroneously and illegally scrapped by the previous administration, and in a bid to restore people’s confidence through justice, equity and peaceful coexistence, the Rescue Administration restored the traditional stools and created new ones. These include 2 First Class; 6 Second class; and 10 Third Class Stools.
  15. In terms of the Autonomy for the Legislature and Judiciary, the Executive arm of Government is awaiting the outcome of the engagement between the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Conference of Speakers for the next step in the implementation.
    PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
  16. My fellow compatriots, one of the important promises we made to you was to ensure that we provide high quality physical infrastructure that will drive economic activities and also stimulate the prosperity of our State.
  17. That is why we initiated some strategic projects in critical sectors of the economy and also sustained our commitment to continue and complete inherited projects which were abandoned at various stages despite the huge monies sunk into them.
    WORKS
  18. Under road construction and rehabilitation, Government has injected huge sums of money totaling over 40 billion naira in the last five years. These include payment for the completion of inherited projects, rehabilitation of township roads, and on-going road construction across the three senatorial zones of the State.
  19. Faced with challenges of insecurity in the State and the need to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, we awarded the project for the installation of streetlights within Jos and Bukuru metropolis under the “Operation Light up Plateau” at the cost of about 3.2 billion naira to cover a distance of 90km.
    WATER AND SANITATION
  20. On water provision, we are currently working on the Resuscitation and Rehabilitation of Shendam Water Treatment Plant which has been under 20% installed capacity for many years. Work has reached 75% at the moment and it will soon be completed and put to use.
  21. Similarly, the Rehabilitation of Yelwa Water Works is at 80% completion while the Construction of a new Water Treatment Plant and Distribution Network system in Riyom, Tahoss and Rahoss is ongoing at 60% completion.
  22. Under the Plateau Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PRUWASSA), we have provided over 128 Hand Pump Boreholes as well as rehabilitated 34 others and 14 Solar Panel Boreholes across various communities in the State.
  23. Work is also on-going on the construction of mini treatment plants and supply of 5.5KVA generator and minimal reticulation with water kiosks in Kalong, Shimankar, Demshin, Bakin Kogi, Fang, Sopp, Tom Gangare, Tse as well as transmission of water pipeline from Yelwa to Ajikamai.
  24. To further deepen reform of the water sector, Government has unbundled the existing water management structure for better efficiency, service delivery and access.
  25. Consequently, we signed into law and gazetted the Plateau State Water Sector Law which gave rise to four agencies. These include Jos Water Services Corporation; Plateau State Municipal Water Supply Agency; Plateau State Water Regulatory Commission; and the Plateau Rural Water Supply Agency.
  26. We have also passed and gazetted the Plateau State Energy Corporation Law to establish an agency to harvest investment into the energy sector of the State especially in the rural areas.
    EDUCATION
  27. Education remains a top priority for our Rescue Administration and we have continued to invest resources in improving infrastructure, training of teachers and generally improving the standard for learning in our schools.
  28. Our investment at the primary school level has been driven by the target of providing infrastructure that motivates both pupils and teachers. We have so far constructed 639 Primary and Junior Secondary school classrooms across the 17 Local Governments at the cost of N3.6 billion naira.
  29. Similarly, we have completed the renovation of 724 classrooms at the cost of N2.2 billion naira as well as fenced 6 schools. We have also renovated Eleven Examination Halls while 84 toilets have been constructed and rehabilitated to improve sanitation and hygiene in our schools.
  30. Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) procured and distributed 55,985 Tables and Chairs for Primary and Junior Secondary schools at a total cost of over N1.2 billion naira.
  31. In order to inject more qualified hands into our secondary schools, we conducted interviews for the recruitment of One Thousand additional secondary school teachers whose engagement has been delayed by the negotiation for the new minimum wage and now corona virus. We shall complete the process very soon.
  32. We also awarded contract for the purchase of equipment and tools for the installation of a basic scientific Glass-blowing Centre in Government Technical College, Bukuru as we resuscitate the school and make it relevant to modern technology.
  33. At the College of Education Gindiri, we were able to achieve 100% accreditation of courses for the first time in 15 years and organised a Combined Convocation for six sets of students. Diploma programmes which were earlier scrapped at the College of Arts, Science, and Technology Kurgwi, were restored.
  34. Since our administration restored academic activities at the Plateau State University Bokkos, many courses were successfully accredited and new courses established. New faculties and departments were equally created.
  35. Accordingly, three new faculties have been established and work is steadily going on at the various sites. These include Faculty of Medical Sciences, Law and Environmental Sciences.
  36. Government has equally approved a teaching hospital for the University at Shendam where work is going on at the moment.
    LALONG LEGACY PROJECTS
  37. In order to strengthen the health and educational sub-sectors, Government is constructing world class primary and secondary schools as well as hospitals across the three senatorial zones. These comprise of 8 primary schools, 6 secondary schools, and 6 hospitals at an initial sum of 59 billion naira.
  38. However, in view of the paucity of funds on account of COVID-19, Government has been forced to re-scope the project. Accordingly, the Ministry of Budget and Planning is working on this.
    TRANSPORT
  39. In view of the significance of transportation in the movement of goods and people within and outside the State, Government took several steps to enhance the transport sector.
  40. The Government through the Ministry has gone far in discussions with the private sector for the supply of 100 Buses on special purpose vehicle for the Plateau Express Services Limited so as to reinvigorate and make it more efficient and profitable.
  41. Government also facilitated the accessing of a 50% percent grant by the Plateau State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for the procurement of 80 Units of Ford Galaxy Buses which were commissioned on the 28 February 2020 as part of support to the private sector.
  42. The Government also purchased the Bus Terminal at Tafawa Belewa Street Jos from Nasarawa State Government which will be upgraded and put to use for better revenue generation and efficient transport services. This is in addition to the establishment of Plateau State Road Traffic Administration and Vehicle Inspection Authority which is in progress.
    HEALTH
  43. The health sector continued to receive significant attention in the year under review in order to achieve a healthy and productive State.
    We continued work on the Trauma Hospital in Riyom, and the General Hospitals in Kwal in Kanke Local Government and Mabudi in Lantang to ensure that these inherited projects are finally completed. In the coming days, we shall be commissioning the Riyom General Hospital after about 13 years since it was abandoned.
  44. We established the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency which took off in September of 2019 after the appointment of a Director-General for the Agency. In the same vein, we signed into law the bill establishing Plateau State Specialist Hospital and are working on upgrading structures, Equipment and Manpower to meet up to its highest Status as a Specialist hospital.
  45. Through collaboration with the private sector and faith based organisations, we acquired automated Elisa Blood Screening Machine for the National Blood Transfusion Service as well as an ICU Centre.
  46. We also purchased Ultra Sound Machines for the Cottage Hospitals in Bassa, and Bokkos as well as X-Ray materials for the General Hospitals at Mangu, Pankshin and Shendam.
  47. A well-equipped 20-bed capacity Isolation Ward was also inaugurated at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital to cater for patients with highly infectious diseases such as Ebola, Lassa Fever and COVID-19. This is in addition to the restructuring and equipping of an Isolation Ward to cater for patients infected with COVID-19 virus.
  48. Primary Healthcare remains very crucial to our healthcare delivery programme. Under our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we have constructed and equipped 17 Primary Health Centres across the State and also supplied medical equipment, drugs and consumables.
  49. In managing COVID-19 pandemic, we set up quarantine centres in Heipang, Shendam, Mangu and Pankshin to be able to identify those suspected, and attend to them. We purchased 6 Ventilators and distributed to the three tertiary hospitals in the State which include JUTH, Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  1. With information and communication technology driving engagements in today’s world, the Rescue Administration has recognized the need to embrace the use of e-Governance in improving efficiency, transparency and reducing cost and waste,
  2. This is why we have come up with technology based solutions through various programmes initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Plateau State Information Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) where various MDAs are deploying ICT solutions for their services.
  3. Plateau State Government through the Plateau State ICT Development Agency has initiated the Code Plateau programme as a platform for re-skilling youths who are interested in kick-starting their careers in IT and preparing them for the Job Market.
  4. Over five hundred trainees were trained in digital skills and software development where some were later placed on paid internships across the State and beyond to further expose them to the technology industry as a way of increasing the number of innovators in Plateau State.
  5. This explains why we deployed Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) in 7 border points of the State to monitor real-time activities during the closure of our boundary routes for COVID-19. We intend to consolidate on this by enhancing surveillance and security monitoring as we begin the implementation of Community Policing.
    SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC RE-BIRTH
    AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
  6. Being an agrarian State, we have continued to devote significant attention to agriculture which is one of our three areas of comparative advantage.
    As a result, we took various steps to ensure that farmers are encouraged not only to produce, but be empowered to engage in mechanised and large scale farming.
  7. For the 2020 farming season, Government has procured and subsidized several farm inputs to the tune of Four hundred Million Naira.
  8. To consolidate our position as the number one producer of potatoes in Nigeria, we continued our partnership with the African Development Bank to increase farmers’ capacity and yield, provide quality seed, teach modern production methods, and provide infrastructural and value chain support.
  9. In furtherance to that, the Potato Tissue Culture Laboratory in Mangu has been completed to facilitate the production of high quality potato variety. Under this project, we carried out an adaptability test in 8 Local Governments that before now were thought to be unsuitable for potato production. The outcome proved that today, we can produce potato in all the 17 LGAs of the State.
  10. We procured 1,500 irrigation Water Pumps which were distributed to farmers in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State to facilitate irrigation farming of potato and vegetables during the dry season.
  11. We also facilitated wheat and barley research in Plateau State which shows that we can cultivate 18 varieties. In line with this, we profiled and empowered 150 farmers to commence wheat and barley production in Plateau State.
    RE-ACQUIZITION OF BARC FARMS AT ZALLAKI, BASSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
  12. My dear citizens, you will recall that BARC farms including the Pioneer Milling Company in Zallaki was not only a major source of employment in the State, but a huge economic investment for the promotion of mechanised agriculture which went into oblivion and was subsequently sold out in the 90s.
  13. This Government took the bold step in the face of dwindling financial resources to re-acquire the shares worth 1.5 billion naira. I am glad to inform Plateau citizens that it is now our commonwealth.
  14. In consonance with this development, we are beginning the symbolic allocation of portions of the farm on a rent basis for a period of 6 months to interested civil servants, pensioners, farmers association, the host community, political office holders and PIPC within the 1,000 hectres that has been set aside for that purpose.
    AGRICULTURAL SERVICES AND TRAINING CENTRE LTD. (ASTC).
  15. Similarly, we have put in place the relevant machinery for the repositioning of the ASTC with the injection of 900 million naira. It is hoped that with this huge investment, the ASTC should contribute significantly to not only the food basket of Plateau State, but Nigeria as a whole.
  16. Due to the potential of our grazing reserve in the Southern Zone and our commitment to stop the herder-farmer conflict, Plateau State has been successfully enlisted in the Livestock Productivity, Resilience and Support Project (L-PRES) – a World Bank funded project.
  17. In line with the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) of the Federal Government, we have keyed into the State Livestock Transformation Programme (SLTP) and have also signed an MOU with International Dairy Production Firms (Integrated Dairy Limited and Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria) for implementation of the pilot phase of the programme in Wase and Kanam Grazing Reserves.

POVERTY REDUCTION, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND INNOVATION

  1. Through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLASMEDA) we have continued to address youth unemployment, poverty reduction, entrepreneurship development, skills acquisition and promoting financial literacy.
  2. In the year under review, we trained over 30,000 youths in various skills and provided technical support to enable them start various Small and Medium Enterprises that today are changing the narrative
  3. We also partnered with the German International Corporation (GIZ) who deployed a technical partner from Germany to work with PLASMEDA and the partnership has led to the training of over 300 SMEs on the Plateau on the implementation of SME start-ups. A similar partnership with ITF has also provided skills to 200 beneficiaries.
  4. I have directed PLASMEDA to embark on an online capacity building for SMEs to deepen access of our people to the CBN Targeted Credit Facility of N50 billion naira launched as stimulus fund. We are also working on the Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Program to strengthen the MSME sub sector as a post COVID-19 intervention by the World Bank.
  5. The program Implementation has been domesticated in PLASMEDA and the Director General of the agency is to serve as the State focal person for the implementation. I have approved that 8,500 people be trained on the initiative and the targeted Credit Facility to enhance access by our citizens to the fund.
  6. Initiatives such as these have enabled us continue our dominance in the MSMEs National Award, where another Plateau son, Luka Pam Bot won the award for Technology Innovation in last year’s edition in Abuja.
  7. We also continued our support for young innovators and entrepreneurs such as Jerry Mallo through his Company, Bennie Agro Machinery & Automobile, where we organised a show in Abuja to promote his Sports Car named BENNIE PURRIE and other products. We also supported him to produce a ventilator and sanitizing machine for COVID-19 which are being utilised.
  8. To encourage investment into the State and eliminate setbacks to business, we keyed into the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business Initiative and have established the One Stop Shop to facilitate the establishment of businesses which will soon be commissioned during the coming Plateau Economic and Investment Summit.
  9. The Corona Virus Pandemic has disrupted economic activities and affected a substantial amount of resources available to us as a State. However, we are also looking inwards to identify opportunities that will assist the economic recovery of Plateau State from the negative impact of the pandemic.
  10. Accordingly, apart from reviewing the 2020 budget, we are preparing Ministries, Departments and Agencies to identify and play their roles in keying into policy direction and initiatives of the Federal Government, World Bank and other Development partners that will assist the State Economy rebound in a short time.
    SPORTS
  11. In sports and youth development, we have continued to make significant progress. As you are aware, Plateau United won the Nigerian Premier League for the first time shortly when we came into office and today, it is at the top of the league and on the way to becoming champions again – a record that has never been achieved.
  12. We have continued to fund and motivate the players and technical crew with the necessary tools to succeed. Only recently, we procured another bus to enhance their comfort of movement.
  13. Because of the challenges of funds occasioned by the Corona virus pandemic, we are putting the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in place to enable Plateau United play their continental engagements at home while we continue to work on the Zaria road Stadium.
  14. We have continued to develop other sports such as golf where we have hosted the Governor’s Cup for the last five years. Last year alone, the Governor’s Golf Tournament recorded over 400 entries of golfers both professionals and amateurs, from within and outside the country. This has further boosted the tourism potentials of the State and enhanced its economy.
  15. Our administration continues to carry the youth along in governance which explains why we brought back the Plateau Youth Council and are working with them for a smooth transition after Covid-19.
  16. Plateau State is currently the defending champion in handball while our athletes continue to dominate long distance races in the country.
  17. Dear citizens, we are determined to ensure that we leave behind a legacy of hope, prosperity and peace for this generation and generations to come. That is why we continue to solicit the cooperation of all citizens irrespective of any differences.
  18. At a time when we are contending with the Corona Virus pandemic, there is need for us to work together in forging ahead in order to overcome all the setbacks caused by the disease particularly on the economy.
  19. Let me reiterate my call to all citizens to abide by the guidelines for preventing the disease and take personal responsibility for their health, as experts have indicated that we may have to live with the virus for a while. This is even more crucial as we have relaxed the lockdown and returned to normalcy.
  20. As we commemorate the 2020 Democracy Day which marks 21 years of the return to democratic governance, I wish to appeal to all citizens of Plateau State to put the interest of the peace and stability of our land above personal, religious and political sentiments. We have to build a society that promotes freedom, justice, tolerance and reconciliation.
  21. We all have to bear in mind that we have a role to play in not only sustaining the democratic culture, but also standing up for good governance and politics that seeks to serve rather than be served. Those of us in one position of authority or the other must serve with the fear of God and accountability to the people we serve.
  22. We have to work together in overcoming poverty, insecurity, religious fanatism, ethnic bigotry, lawlessness, political rascality and corruption which are major threats to our democracy and national cohesion.
  23. Only when democracy translates into better living standards for the people and promotes human dignity that we shall claim to have achieved progress. Until then, we have to continue to play our part in ensuring that nothing overshadows our quest for a better society.
    PREROGATIVE OF MERCY AND STATE PARDON.
  24. Finally, in the spirit of the 2020 Democracy Day and in thanksgiving to God for guiding us through the last five years, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me as Governor in Section 212 of the Constitution of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), after due consultation with The State Advisory Council On Prerogative Of Mercy, I have granted absolute pardon to seven (7) Prisoners.
  25. All these pardons are granted for reasons of good conduct, with effect from the different dates of sentences. The concerned persons are:
  26. VICTOR BAKYIL,
  27. YAKUBU YOHANA,
  28. DASHE OBADIAH,
  29. REV. DAVID KIM PAM,
  30. FEMI COLE OYAJIDE,
  31. YAKUBU MUSA CHAI, and
  32. RABO ZUBAIRU
  33. Long Live Plateau State! Long Live The Federal Republic of Nigeria!
    Thank you and God bless us all.
    Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG,
    Executive Governor.
    Friday, 12th June 2020.
Posted on — Leave a comment

Member representing Jos South/Jos East, Dachung Musa Bagos appreciates Constituents for unalloyed support

The member representing Jos South/Jos East in the National Assembly, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos is appreciating the good people of his Constituency, and the good people of Plateau State who have shown commitment and faith in his mandate.

Reacting to his one year in office, the legislator recalls with nostalgia the consolidated support which his
constituents showed before, during and after the elections.

He further reiterates that with such outpour of love and support, he pledged his commitment to improve and impact more on the lives of the next generation so as to make Nigeria a better nation; Plateau State, a more profound society and his Constituency, a more prosperous community.

The member further enjoins all citizens to pray for him; other leaders both at the State and National levels to also work hard and have their hands on deck so as to make the State and the nation at large, an abode for all to stay.

On the security challenges in the country, the member asked citizens in the state and especially within his Constituency, to be vigilant and report suspicious activities of criminal elements to the authorities. He’s also applauds his constituents on how they’ve conducted themselves during the lockdown period and further encourages them to continue to support Government to bring the pandemic to an end.

Danja Dafwam Yakubu

Posted on — Leave a comment

NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON DEMOCRACY DAY, JUNE 12TH 2020

Fellow Nigerians,

  1. The 2020 celebration of Democracy Day marks 21 years of uninterrupted civil administration in our dear country. This day provides us an opportunity to reflect on our journey as a nation, our achievements and struggles.
  2. It is a day to honour our founding fathers who toiled to establish our republic and every Nigerian who has worked tirelessly to sustain it.
  3. We are celebrating this year’s Democracy Day despite the COVID-19 pandemic which afflicts our nation and the whole world.
  4. It is indeed a very difficult time for everyone especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus and those whose sources of livelihood have been severely constrained by the stringent measures we introduced at every level of government to contain the virus and save lives.
  5. The dedication of our health and other essential services staff towards containing this virus is a testament of our courage and resilience as a people and as a great nation, and I use this opportunity to say thank you to all of you for your service to the nation.
  6. Sustaining our democracy thus far has been a collective struggle, and I congratulate all Nigerians and particularly leaders of our democratic institutions on their resilience and determination to ensure that Nigeria remains a shining example of democracy.
  7. In my 2019 Democracy Day address, I promised to frontally address the nation’s daunting challenges, especially insecurity, economy and corruption. I therefore find it necessary to give an account of my stewardship on this day.
  8. We have recorded notable achievements in the course of implementing our nine priority objectives and are establishing a solid foundation for future success.
  9. On the economic front, our objectives have remained to stabilize the macroeconomy, achieve agricultural and food security, ensure energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, develop infrastructure, fight corruption and improve governance.
  10. We have witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth since exiting recession. The GDP grew from 1.91% in 2018 to 2.27% in 2019 but declined to 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the decline in global economic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  11. Every single economy in the world has suffered a decline. Ours has been relatively moderate.
  12. In order to stabilize the economy, the Monetary Authority took steps to build the external reserves which resulted in improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market. The external reserves grew from $33.42 billion on April 29th 2020 to about $36.00 billion in May, 2020 which is enough to finance seven months of import commitments.
  13. Agriculture remains the key to our economic diversification strategy. The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative programme continues to deliver significant quantities of affordable and high-quality fertilizers to our farmers. This initiative has also revived 31 blending plants and created a significant number of direct and indirect jobs across the value chain.
  14. Government is also revamping the cotton, textile and garment sector via a CBN Textile Revival Intervention Fund that would considerably reduce foreign exchange spent on cotton and other textile imports.
  15. Through the food security initiative, we are promoting “Grow What We Eat” and “Eat What We Grow”. I am also delighted that more and more Nigerians are taking advantage of the opportunities in the agriculture and agri-business sector. I assure you that government will continue to support the Agriculture sector through the CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme and similar schemes.
  16. To protect our farming investments, we have deployed 5,000 Agro-Rangers and employed 30,289 in our para-military agencies.
  17. We are also integrating rural communities to the formal economy by extending access to credit and inputs to rural farmers and building feeder roads.
  18. Our efforts on growing non-oil exports have started to yield some results. For instance, in the past year, our revenue from Cocoa and Sesame Seed increased by $79.4 million and $153 million.
  19. Africa presents a huge opportunity for our export base diversification and we are developing our strategy to grow intra-Africa trade through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
  20. Nigeria has risen by 25 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking from 146th to 131st and is now rated as one of the top ten reforming countries.
  21. This development is due to the Visa on Arrival policy, consistent promotion of initiatives that expand facilities available to Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, robust electronic registration and payment system, seamless processing of business registration and reduction of cost of registering business by 50%. We are confident that on-going efforts would result in further improvement of this rating.
  22. We remain committed to expanding our mining sector. To this end, I have directed the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant based on Government-to-Government financing and a Public-Private Sector financing.
  23. With foreign and domestic investments and the participation of Small Scale Miners, we are harnessing the supply value chain in gold production.
  24. We would also be launching a fully digitized mineral rights management platform for quick processing of mineral rights application, digitization of records and plugging revenue leakages.
  25. The Power Sector remains very critical to meeting our industrial development aspirations and we are tackling the challenges that still exist in the delivery of power through different strategies.
  26. We are executing some critical projects through the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme including the:

a. Alaoji to Onitsha, Delta Power Station to Benin and Kaduna to Kano;

b. 330kv DC 62km line between Birnin Kebbi and Kamba;

c. Lagos/Ogun Transmission Infrastructure Project;

d. Abuja Transmission Ring Scheme; and

e. Northern Corridor Transmission Project.

  1. Our agreement with Siemens will transmit and distribute a total of 11,000 Megawatts by 2023, to serve our electricity needs.
  2. On transportation, another critical sector to improving our economic competitiveness, we are growing the stock and quality of our road, rail, air and water transport infrastructure.
  3. Through the SUKUK-Funded Road Projects, a total of 412km of the targeted 643km road projects have been completed, representing 64%.
  4. The Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund projects are also progressing very well. On the 2nd Niger Bridge, piling work has been completed and the approach roads are being constructed. 48% of work on this bridge has been achieved. We have constructed 102km of the 376km Abuja – Kaduna – Kano Road, representing 38%, and the 42.9km Obajana – Kabba Road is 87.03% complete.
  5. Furthermore, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency has completed routine maintenance on over 4,000km of federal roads out of the 5,000km targeted.
  6. We are extending and upgrading our railway network too. We are introducing more locomotives, coaches and wagons for the Abuja-Kaduna Rail Line. The Central Ajaokuta – Itakpe – Warri Line has been completed and is being extended from Itakpe to Abuja on one end and from Warri Town to Warri Port on the other.
  7. The Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line is 90% completed and would be extended to the Lagos Port which would help address the long-standing grid-lock at the Apapa port.
  8. The Kano – Maradi Single Track Standard Gauge Railway, Coastal Railway Project and Port Harcourt – Maiduguri Standard Gauge Railway, with its associated branch lines running through the South Eastern and Gombe States, industrial park and Bonny Deep Sea Port are all ready for concessioning.
  9. Government continues to make investments in the Aviation sector to position it as a travel and trade hub in West Africa and the wider African continent.
  10. Airport Terminals in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt are being expanded, while the rehabilitation of the Enugu Airport is almost completed. All our airports are being raised to international standards with the provision of necessary equipment, especially navigational aids, to guarantee world class safety standards.
  11. For the first time in over ten years, Nigeria is conducting bidding process for 57 Marginal Oil Fields to increase revenue and increase the participation of Nigerian companies in oil and exploration and production business.
  12. We continue to grow local content in other areas of the oil and gas sector with the disbursement of funds from the $200 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund to indigenous manufacturers and service providers.
  13. With sustained engagement of youths, opinion leaders and other stakeholders, we have restored peace in the Niger Delta Region and maintained our oil production levels.
  14. The Head office of the Niger Delta Development Commission will be commissioned shortly. The Funding of sections I–IV of the East-West Road shall be pursued with a view to completing the project by the end of 2021.
  15. Furthermore, I am determined to ensure that development meant for the people of the Niger Delta get to them so I have authorised a Forensic Audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
  16. Digital Economy continues to play an important role in our development agenda as we move into the age of Artificial Intelligence.
  17. Since the creation of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy has been launched. Steps have been taken to achieve a reduction of connectivity cluster gaps from 207 to 114 as well as increase the level of 4G coverage by 30%.
  18. Nigeria remains committed to expanding access to quality education to enhance the productivity of its citizens and would continue to pursue the enforcement of free and compulsory basic education for the first 9 years of schooling.
  19. In pursuit of this, we have launched the Better Education Service Delivery for All in 17 states, established additional 6 Federal Science and Technical Colleges and currently executing a pro-active Teacher Training Plan with all states of the Federation.
  20. In our revision of the operations of specialized education funds and to implement reforms that would optimize their benefits to the sector, we have adopted a Public-Private Sector Partnership for provision of infrastructure and also collaborate with the private sector to create jobs.
  21. Our pursuit of affordable housing for the low and middle-income earners has received a boost with the delivery of 1,200 housing units, provision of 520 service plots with infrastructure through a Public Private Sector partnership and the issuance of 868 mortgages totaling N7.7 Billion. Similarly, Home Renovation Loans totaling N16.2 Billion have been granted to 19,210 people.
  22. To enable sustainable access to safe and sufficient water to meet the social, cultural, environmental and economic development needs of all Nigerians, we continue to expand our water supply, irrigation and dam facilities.
  23. The Completion of Amauzari, Amla Otukpo and other 42 Earth Dams with combined job creation of about 43,354 direct jobs and 71,172 indirect jobs, would provide more support for irrigation agriculture and water supply.
  24. To further institutionalize our effort in this regard, I signed the Executive Order 009 on Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria.
  25. In order to improve our forest cover and in fulfilment of my commitment at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, we have commenced the planting of 25 million trees. This initiative will also contribute to our effort to mitigate the effect of climate change.
  26. In the area of security, we remain unshaken in our resolve to protect our national infrastructure including on-shore and off-shore oil installations, secure our territorial waters and end piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
  27. Ending insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation is being accorded appropriate priorities and the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have considerably downgraded such threats across all geo-political zones.
  28. All the Local Governments that were taken over by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have long been recovered and are now occupied by indigenes of these areas who were hitherto forced to seek a living in areas far from their ancestral homes.
  29. The total collapse of the economies of these areas, which constituted a threat to our food security, has also been reversed with the gradual recovery of farming and other economic activities.
  30. I regret recent sporadic incidents with tragic loss of lives in Katsina and Borno States as a result of criminals taking advantage of COVID-19 restrictions. Security Agencies will pursue the perpetrators and bring them to swift justice.
  31. I must implore state and local governments to revamp their intelligence assets so that the Security Agencies can nip in the bud any planned attacks in remote rural areas. I send my heartfelt condolences to all the relatives and communities affected.
  32. As part of the strengthening of our internal security architecture, the Ministry of Police Affairs was created.
  33. Amongst others, Government has expanded the National Command and Control Centre to nineteen states of the federation, resuscitated the National Public Security Communication System and commenced the implementation of the Community Policing Strategy.
  34. Government has similarly established a Nigerian Police Trust Fund as a public-private sector vehicle for alternative sources of funding security activities.
  35. To reduce security challenges through our external borders especially smuggling of oil products out of the country, inflow of small arms and drugs into the country and equally protect our local manufacturers, we introduced operation “Ex-Swift Response” closing our borders from August 20th 2019, and have considerably succeeded in meeting its objectives as well as improving our national revenue.
  36. Our Government has continued to work to reduce social and economic inequality through targeted social investment programmes, education, technology and improved information.
  37. Our Social Investment Programme has continued to be a model to other nations and has engaged 549,500 N-Power beneficiaries, 408,682 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and 2,238,334 beneficiaries of the Growth Enhancement and Empowerment Programme. This is being done in collaboration with the States.
  38. Similarly, “Marketmoni” and “Tradermoni” Programmes have provided affordable loans to small and micro scale enterprises to grow their businesses. Under the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, over 9,963,729 children are being fed to keep them in school and improve their nutritional status.
  39. Fellow Nigerians, the year 2020 has been like none other. In January 2020, the COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. The number of global infections has risen from less than 8,000 shared between China and eighteen other countries to over 7million spread over 216 countries and on all continents.
  40. Nigeria recorded its first case of COVID-19 on February 27th 2020 and within the first 100 days, I have had cause to address the nation on three occasions within one month, which underscores the gravity of this pandemic.
  41. There is no doubt that this pandemic has affected the global economy and all known socio-economic systems. It has also brought grief and pain to families that have lost their loved ones. Like many Nigerians, I feel the grief and pain not only as your President but also as someone who has lost a close member of my staff and some relatives and friends.
  42. In order to have a robust National response, I approved a Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to provide guidance and leadership in tackling the pandemic nationwide.
  43. State Governments also constituted their own COVID-19 Task Forces. Complementing this was the establishment of a National Emergency Operations Centre responsible for providing technical and professional guidance in the National Response.
  44. The overall objective of the PTF COVID-19 is to ensure that the pandemic does not overwhelm our health systems, while ensuring that we maintain an effective Case Management System to help in containing the spread of the virus.
  45. The impact of the pandemic has disrupted our economic system and to ensure its functioning while still addressing the spread, the Federal Government put in place a number of various non-pharmaceutical measures to slow down the spread of the virus, in addition to a progressive re-opening of the economy.
  46. As part of the strategy to create jobs in reducing the effect of COVID-19 on our youths, I directed the employment of 774, 000 Nigerians. These youths will be engaged in Special Public Works Programme aimed at cushioning the effects of economic downturn. Each of the 774 local government areas in the country will be allotted 1,000 slots. I am pleased to report that this programme has commenced.
  47. I receive regular briefing from the PTF on COVID-19. I note that the National Response relies on Science, Data and Experience in taking decisions. This informed my approval for the ease of lock down phase to ensure a balance between lives and livelihoods.
  48. I am confident that the steps being taken by the PTF would result in flattening the COVID-19 curve. I, therefore, implore all Nigerians to abide by the approved guidelines and protocols. There is hope for us all if we take individual and collective responsibility.
  49. Government is determined to turn this COVID-19 challenge into a motivation to action by building a nation-wide public health care system that will help us overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for any future outbreak.
  50. Already, we have begun to look inward and I charge our inventors, researchers and scientists to come up with solutions to cure COVID-19.
  51. Government has continued to implement accountability and transparent policies through the Open Government Partnership and the transparency portal on financial transactions. Similarly, we have strengthened auditing and accountability mechanisms so as to ensure that rules and regulations are followed strictly.
  52. Anti-Corruption Agencies have secured more than 1,400 convictions and also recovered funds in excess of N800 billion. These monies are being ploughed into development and infrastructure projects.
  53. The Public Service of Nigeria remains the bedrock for the formulation and implementation of policies, programmes and projects in the country. This accounts for why it continues to evolve especially as new socio-economic challenges emerge for Government to address.
  54. I will continue to give all the necessary support for the on-going reforms designed to return discipline, integrity and patriotism as the hallmark of the public service.
  55. In the face of dwindling resources and rising cost of governance, I have authorized that the White Paper on the Rationalisation of Government Parastatals and Agencies be reviewed for implementation.
  56. Our youth population remains a source of strength in achieving development objectives. In this regard, we would continue to concentrate in developing their skills, providing them with opportunities to express their entrepreneurial, research and industrial capacities as well as ample opportunity to take leadership positions in the service of the nation.
  57. The commitment of this Administration to the well-being of people living with disabilities remains unwavering. Government recognises their contributions to development. I have directed that all relevant Government agencies pay special attention to the peculiarities of persons with disabilities in the formulation and implementation of their policies and programmes, and where suitable their employment.
  58. Nigerian women remain a particular treasure to this nation and for this reason this Administration has continued to give them a place of pride in the affairs of our country.
  59. I salute your courage, enterprise and resilience as well as your contributions to national development. I wish to assure all our women of this administration’s determination to fight Gender Based Violence through the instrumentality of the law and awareness creation. I am particularly upset at recent incidents of rape especially of very young girls. The Police are pursuing these cases with a view to bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to swift justice.
  60. Government continues to recognize and harness the power of the media for positive development. The reforms of the broadcast and advertising industries including digital switch over and continuous engagement through town hall meetings remain central to accurate and credible information dissemination.
  61. Our culture provides the basis for our existence as a people and a nation. In preserving iconic aspects of our national culture, this government has been pursuing the recovery of artefacts removed from Nigeria, promoting heritage sites and festivals and working towards designating some of our heritage sites as UNESCO World Heritage Centres.
  62. This administration is focused on ensuring that Nigeria would always be governed by the Rule of Law and I would do my utmost to uphold the constitution and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
  63. Government has initiated a number of policies and programmes designed to promote the legal rights of Nigerians, facilitate the institutionalization of a responsive legal system, provide support to all constituted bodies in implementing their mandates and improve our custodial system of justice.
  64. The National Assembly has been an important partner in our quest to sustain our democracy and achieve our development objectives.
  65. I therefore greatly thank the leadership and members of the Senate and the House of Representatives for their invaluable support at all times.
  66. I will also like to convey our deep appreciation to members of the Press for your doggedness in the struggle for attainment of democracy since the beginning of our nationhood.
  67. I must admit that the relationship between the media and successive governments has not always been perfect. But there is no denying the fact that you have been an effective watchdog for the society especially in holding public officers to account. It is sad that in the course of securing our democracy, some of your colleagues have had to pay a heavy price.
  68. We will continue to guarantee freedom of the Press as we place high premium on responsible journalism that is devoid of hate speech, fake news and other unethical professional conduct.
  69. Fellow Nigerians, as we celebrate this year’s Democracy Day, let us remember that, notwithstanding our aspirations, humanity and indeed democracy is under the threat of COVID-19. Nigeria has survived many crises before and came out stronger. I am confident that by God’s grace we shall overcome this one and emerge stronger and more purposeful.
  70. Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Posted on — Leave a comment

#Breaking News: Governor Lalong lifts lockdown completely, Commends Plateau Citizens

PRESS BRIEFING BY EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, CHAIRMAN OF PLATEAU STATE TASK FORCE ON COVID-19 ON EASE OF LOCKDOWN 11TH JUNE 2020.
PROTOCOLS

  1. Gentlemen of the press, you will recall that I addressed you on several occasions on our efforts to combat the Corona Virus pandemic and ensure that our people are protected.
  2. You will also recall that we took several actions ranging from closure of schools; closure of boundary entry and exit points; partial and total lockdowns; restriction of religious gatherings to not more than 50 persons; ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals; enforcement of social distancing and other hygiene protocols among others.
  3. All these were geared towards ensuring that we contain the disease and effectively deal with its impact. While these measures have greatly helped, there is no doubt that they have caused hardship to all of us.
  4. Let me specially commend the good citizens of Plateau State for their cooperation and substantial compliance to all guidelines issued in our efforts to combat the pandemic despite inconveniences. With this type of spirit, we shall surely overcome this pandemic in the long run.
  5. So far, we have tested 2,032 persons for COVID-19 in the State. Out of this number, 130 were confirmed positive. We recorded 3 deaths which unfortunately occurred before their test results were confirmed.
  6. At the moment, we have 26 persons still on admission and have discharged 99. There are 35 persons of interest at our quarantine centres in Pankshin, Quaan-Pan, Heipang and Mangu.
  7. Following the recent release of guidelines by the Presidential task Force on COVID-19 on the gradual easing up of the Lockdown measures and subsequent call for States to take ownership of the processes, the Plateau State Government organized a 2-day Community and Stakeholders engagement from 8th – 9th June, 2020 with a view to evaluating the COVID-19 protocols for the State.
  8. The engagement was also intended to get the views, opinions, experiences, advices and suggestions of the various stakeholders in order to assist Government review the existing Protocols and make necessary adjustments for the overall success of the fight against COVID-19.
  9. Some of the stakeholders that participated in the interface included: CAN, JNI, Marketers and Traders Association, NURTW, Union of Tricycles Operators, Hotel, Recreational and Catering Services Association, Plateau State Traditional Council, NLC, TUC, NUJ, NBA, NMA, National Association of Nurses and Midwives and other professional Health Workers, PIDAN, NCWS and Plateau Youth Council.
  10. Based on the outcome of such engagements and after critical review, Government has taken the following decisions:

i. The Lockdown earlier imposed in the State from Sundays to Wednesdays is hereby lifted until further notice.
ii. The curfew imposed by the Federal Government from 10pm – 6am will continue to be observed until further directives are issued.
iii. There shall be no entry whatsoever, into public offices, banks, markets, stores, tricycles and vehicles without wearing facemasks. Violators of this order will be arrested and taken before the mobile courts.
iv. Cultural festivals, anniversaries and large-scale gatherings remain banned.
v. Ban on commercial motorcycles will remain in force, except Dispatch Riders and other essential service operators.
vi. The ban on illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, and Bukuru Metropolis remains in force.

vii. Churches and Mosques with large spaces shall be allowed to accommodate more than 50 worshippers under strict observance of the use of facemasks, social distancing, hand washing, use of infrared thermometers and use of sanitizers.
viii. While detail outlines on compliance shall be provided, let me emphasized that all public places like Markets, Shops, Hotels, Restaurants that fail to comply with the hygiene or sanitation regulations, social distancing as well as use of facemasks shall be penalized and where appropriate, bear any cost or penalty as would be specified.
ix. All public places like Markets, Shops, Hotels, and Restaurants that fail to comply with the hygiene or sanitation regulations, social distancing as well as use of facemasks shall be shut down and the owners prosecuted.
x. The Head of Civil Service has been directed to work out modalities for the resumption of other category of civil servants who have been working from home.
xi. While the Lockdown is relaxed within the State, inter-state borders shall remain closed with greater enforcement.
xii. All Schools are to remain closed.
xiii. As we ease the lockdown, citizens are strongly advised to participate in mass community testing which will be carried out in the State to avoid further spread of the virus.

  1. In order to ensure effective and sustainable implementation of the decisions above, a Monitoring Committee consisting of Government officials and leadership of critical stakeholders will be constituted to ensure that there is compliance to the guidelines.
  2. For the avoidance of doubt, Government would not hesitate to close down any market, business premises, and motor park that does not adhere to these protocols. Similarly, any community that violates any of the protocols would be isolated and locked down.
  3. Government will step up sensitization and advocacy campaigns as well as deploy Risk Communication Experts who will be engaged in door-to-door campaigns in various communities as a means of continuous engagement with the citizens.
  4. At this point, I wish to remind all citizens that the responsibility for staying safe and avoiding COVID-19 infection or spreading it is now in the hands of each one of us. People must take charge of their health and act in a manner that guarantees the health of others.
  5. This is not the time to be careless or take the virus for granted. COVID-19 is still a highly infectious and deadly disease that may not go away soon.
    It is therefore imperative for the people to change their life styles and adapt to the new reality.
  6. Let me use this opportunity to also speak about the issue of palliatives which has generated attention and has equally been a source of misinformation, fake news and character assassination.
  7. The Committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor has completed the first phase of distribution which targeted the most vulnerable groups such as orphanages, persons living with disabilities, widows and 5 vulnerable households per polling unit. The second phase will soon commence with more vulnerable groups captured.
  8. Therefore, you should disregard the fake news on the social media claiming that few palliative items were given to entire areas with large populations. Anybody spreading such information is deliberately misleading the public and also trying to incite the people against government. Those who insist on this mischief should be ready to account for their actions. I have repeatedly explained that the palliatives are not for everybody but for those who are most vulnerable and weak.
  9. Finally, I wish to thank all stakeholders including security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders and professional organisations, private sector organisations, Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, and above all, the media for their sacrifices through this challenging period.
  10. Thank you and God bless you all and let us stay safe.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG,
Executive Governor.
Friday, 11th June 2020