OgwunenwaAudu Jos.

Ahead of the commemoration of Democracy Day, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commissioned in different parts of his state to Mark this year Democracy Day.

He equally carried out inspection of other ongoing projects in the state..

Governor Lalong also inaugurated the rehabilitated Pankshin Water Project which had broken down and unable to provide water to the people of Pankshin and environs.

Lalong while inaugurating the facility said his administration will continue to do its best in delivering on projects that have direct impact on the citizens.

He urged the people to guard the facility as Government has done the first part of its duty by providing the critical water infrastructure which must not be destroyed or vandalised.

At the Pankshin Mini Stadium, the Governor witnessed the midterm report presentation of Member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi where cars, wheelchairs, and other empowerment items were distributed to beneficiaries. Borehole drilling equipment and a Constituency Office were also inaugurated.

He later inspected ongoing work on a model primary school in Mangu which is ongoing with plans for elaborate development.

Governor Lalong equally commissioned some roads Projects in Jos South Local Government.

The roads rehabilitated
Were among others, the Anguldi-NVRI Vom road; Zawan-College of Health road and the Rayfield-Zarmaganda/Church of Immaculate Conception Road networks.

At the old Airport Junction Road, Lalong commissioned the Jos-Bukuru solar powered street lighting project which has been in use for about two years now without formal commissioning.

Governor Lalong said the projects were executed as part of fulfilling the desire of the Rescue Administration to develop critical infrastructures which are key to the economic development of the State.

He said he chose to complete inherited projects rather than allow the people’s investments to be lost beacuse of political differences.

According to him, all the 28 new projects he initiated were being completed accross the State including the 20 roads that were carried out within the Jos Bukuru metropolis under a special rehabilitation programme tagged ‘operation zero potholes’ which are being commissioned.

Commissioner for Works Pam Bot-Mang on his part,said the solar powered street lighting project has so far covered over 90 kilometres with more to come.

Management Committee Chairman for Jos South Local Government Mr. Gideon Dandereng on his part, said the projects being commissioned have made tremendous impact on the people since they were completed.

He said “anyone that says that Governor Lalong does not like the Berom people is a liar and does not want to acknowledge the truth. There is no Governor that has carried everyone along like Lalong which explains why we have peace in Plateau State today. Despite few challenges here and there, we are on the path to overcoming them”.

Governor Lalong also commissioned multi billion naira Crispan Hotel facility which is a private initiative.

Lalong commended the proprietor of the hospitality outfit for taking advantage of the improved business environment in the State to invest and assured him of the safely of his investment.

According to him, this huge investment is a dividend of the return of peace to Plateau State which needs to be sustained.

Lalong tasked other investors to feel free to invest in the State as the conditions are favourable.

Attai Audu Jos

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has charged
the political class in Plateau State and Nigeria at large to remember that they have huge responsibility to make democracy worthwhile for the common people by being selfless and focusing on making their lives better.

Lalong gave this charge on Thursday at Pankshin LGA Headquarters of Plateau Central Senatorial district during the Presentation of mid term report of Hon Adamu Yusuf Gagdi to his Constituents of Pankshin,kanke and kanam Federal Constituency.

According to Lalong, ” If we do not put them first, then we run the risk of alienating them and making politics uninteresting and am delighted to be invited here to Pankshin for the presentation of Mid-term Report to mark two years in office of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Navy, National Assembly Abuja”

Lalong said ” I have been informed that this event is not only about stock-taking, but also an opportunity to connect with the constituents and rub minds on the journey so far and how to proceed in the coming months and years.”

He commended Hon Gagdi for organising this event which he described as an important aspect of the representative democracy we practice.

” This event I am also told will feature the commissioning of some projects and distribution of empowerment items to some beneficiaries within the Constituency. These include the Constituency Office of the Federal Legislator; Borehole drilling equipment; distribution of 20 cars to his aides and some constituents; and 3 joint security patrol vehicles for the three LGAs of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam.”

,” Others are the presentation of 400 wheel Chairs to the physically challenged; inauguration of the PKK JAMB Refund Committee and Gagdi PKK Football Tournament Committee among others.”

According to Lalong, these are laudable projects and programmes that will definitely have huge impact on the people.

He added that Gagdi, who is a first timer at the National Assembly has carried his experience gathered from the State House of Assembly to Abuja where he is doing his best to serve the people of his constituency by pursuing the passage of legislations that affect their lives and those of other Nigerians.

” From the compendium of achievements made available, the Honourable Member has sponsored about 20 bills and moved several Motions on critical national issues and in particular, those affecting the people of Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam constituency and Plateau State. This is a commendable development that buttresses the primary duty of law makers”
.
Lalong further stressed that ” We can also see from the compendium of the Mid-Term Report presented that the legislator has equally facilitated and supported various projects within his constituency that border on provision of basic social amenities such as water, roads, schools, health centres, rural electrification and human capital development.”

Added to this Lalong said, is the aspect of lobby and networking for which the legislator has been able to build across the country in his two years at the Green Chambers which have opened opportunities for employment and appointment of the sons and daughters of Plateau State and in particular the members of his constituency to various Federal establishments.

He Commended Hon Gagdi for not leaving out the traditional institutions in his intervention programmes as he has supported the improvement of their palaces and assisted them whenever the need arises.

” The records also show that he has carried along his constituents irrespective of religious, ethnic or tribal differences. This is the way to go.”

” As we mark this occasion therefore, I want to call on the people of Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency to continue to support the legislator in ensuring that he delivers on his campaign promises, adding, the task of building a greater PKK can only be possible when all hands are on deck to assist those you have elected to perform.

He called for constant engagement and dialogue that is driven by adequate feedback mechanism that wiy make the people benefit from democracy.

” I urge the people of PKK to take advantage of this Constituency Office to engage their representative on matters that border on their well-being.

” As a Member of the ruling APC, the greatest party in Africa, the legislator is making us proud and showing that the trust of the people is not misplaced. Some of the evidences are before us today to see and touch. We should support and encourage him to do more and make our party, the APC the envy of all.”

” Let me use this opportunity to remind the political class in Plateau State and Nigeria at large that we have a huge responsibility to make democracy worthwhile for the common people by being selfless and focusing on making their lives better.

If we do not put them first, then we run the risk of alienating them and making politics uninteresting.”

He added his Rescue Administration has continued to deliver on its mandate in the last six years by implementing the vision of the APC in Plateau State.

” We have done a lot in terms of completing inherited and abandoned projects as well as executing new ones in various sectors.

Many of them will be commissioned in the coming days while others remain on-going.”

“Like I have always emphasized, all I require is peace to be able to carry out developmental projects for the people. Without peace, we cannot make any progress which explains why we have focused on building and sustaining peace in Plateau State. The outcome is an increase in investment and attraction of Federal programmes and projects.”

Lalong noted that While he congratulates the Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi for his giant strides and quality representation, he would like to encourage all members of the Plateau caucus at the National Assembly to continue to work together irrespective of their political affiliations to put the interest of Plateau State above any other consideration.

“When you work to attract development to your constituencies and Plateau State, our people will all benefit irrespective of their party, religion or ethnic backgrounds”.

Lalong added that the task of building a greater Plateau State rests on all of them.

He appealed to citizens of his state particularly the youths to take a cue from Rt. Hon. Gagdi who has been giving good account of himself since he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives.

” Do not allow anyone use you as thugs or deceive you to destroy your future. With the not too young to run law, you too can contest for elections and serve your people just as Gagdi is doing” Lalong stressed.

Attai Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has said that Nigeria would bounce back if only the Country respects the role of our Royal Fathers.

He disclosed this on Thursday while playing host to the delegation from the Uke Kingdom of Nassarawa State, in his office at the NCPC Headquarters in Abuja.

According him, the Royal Fathers are custodians of our cultural heritage.

He posited that if the royal fathers are allowed to play the role they were used to in the past, they would certainly make the difference especially in addressing the present security challenges in the country.

He commended his Royal guest for his show of love and unity which was demonstrated in the composition of his entourage which comprised all denominations.

Rev. Pam described Uke Kingdom as very quiet and peaceful community which is contiguous to the Federal Capital Territory.

“You are a peaceful community”, he said.

He further affirmed that Uke is a mini Nigeria.

The NCPC Boss called on other Royal Fathers in the country to learn from the peaceful co-existence of the Uke people.

Speaking earlier, the Yakanaje of Uke Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alh.Dr Ahmed Hassan said purpose of their visit to the Commission was to congratulate the Executive Secretary on his well-deserved appointment as the NCPC Boss.

He said, “we are here to render a helping hand to the Executive Secretary in your peace building initiatives and to congratulate you on your appointment”.

He intimated that the Uke Kingdom of Nasarawa State had formed a very sound Peace Technical Committee to promote peace with members drawn from different denominations and tribes.

He lauded the NCPC Boss for his effective leadership as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) 19 Northern States, including FCT.

He explained that under his leadership, he had been able to enthrone peace in some parts of the North, including Southern Kaduna and Plateau State.

The Yakanaje Uke Kingdom was accompanied on his courtesy visit to NCPC Headquarters by all his top cabinet Chiefs.

Ogwunenwa Audu Jos

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has described publishers as Nation builders that addresses issues that affects the citizens of any country.

Rev Pam made this statement during a courtesy visit on him by the publisher of Exploit Journals at the NCPC Corporate Headquarters Abuja.

The NCPC boss explained that reading is a process of gathering the thoughts of different writers which addresses issues of national interest to the society.

In his words, “writers give direction and proffers solution to national issues”.

He commended the Exploit Journals for creating a platform that have brought Christian writers together and have also unified the body of Christ in Nigeria.

According to him, “unity is very key in the body of Christ”.

He urged Christians to embrace and support each other in any capacity they find themselves.

Rev. Pam called on well-meaning Christians who are financially buoyant to invest in platforms that afford Christians the opportunity to rub minds together and proffer solutions and direction on National issues.

Speaking earlier, the Publisher of the Exploits Journal, Mr. Chris Agada explained that the Exploit Journals is a platform for Christian writers to come together and chart a new course on different issues as it concerns the body of Christ in Nigeria.

He further explained that they are group of journalists that cut across different denominations with the aim to promote interfaith communication and to foster peace and unity among Christians.

Mr. Agada informed the Executive Secretary that the Exploit Journals had published a book titled: ‘Girl Child and Women Molestation; Why God is Angry’ which would be launched during their National Conference on 26th June this month.

Attai Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam has received commendation from the Chairman, Plateau State Civil Service Commission, Chief Robert Taple.

Chief Taple gave the commendation recently in Jos while receiving Rev Pam on a condolence visit to his residence in Rayfield, Jos over the loss of his father.

According to Taple, Rev Pam has brought changes in the NCPC by his grassroots approach to issues noting his commitment in driving the commission to higher heights.

Chief Taple who was at a point the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Pilgrim Board said “Nigeria is in times of turbulence” and the “Peace missions that the ES has undertook to several trouble spots of the country” was “worth emulating”.

He said “we have been watching you keenly with passion the work you have been doing to achieve peace”, you’re doing “a great job”. Keep it up!

“You have brought rapid changes at the commission within a space of one year. We are proud of your exploits and humility which you have brought to bear”! He concluded.

Ogwunenwa Audu Jos.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, Bishop Ishaya Audu has presented the Bishop-elect of Lafia Diocese Mnsgr. David Ajang to Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

Leading a delegation to the Government House Jos on behalf of the Archbishop of Jos, Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, Mnsgr. Benedict Obidiegwu said the appointment of Ajang as the Bishop of Lafia is a good development for the Archdiocese of Jos which is proud to have had the privilege of grooming him for this very important assignment.

He appreciated Governor Lalong for giving Msgnr Ajang the opportunity to serve as the Chaplain, Plateau Government House Chapel and giving him the necessary support to succeed and be recognised for higher responsibilities.

Obidiegwu said the Archbishop of Jos and the faithful are optimistic that he will succeed in his new assignment having recieved training, support and prayers.

Responding, Governor Lalong said he was very happy with the appointment of Msgnr Ajang who had devoted himself to prayers and the spiritual wellbeing of the State during his tenure as chaplain of the Government House Chapel.

Governor Lalong said although the State would have wished to have him continue to serve in his former capacity, it is also aware that this elevation is the will of God and he also has an assignment to discharge in that part of the country.

Lalong used the occasion to call on the Church to continue to pray for peace and security of the nation as well as encourage their members to embrace peaceful coexistence and support leaders.

He wished the Bishop-elect well and said the State will be there to witness his official ordination as Bishop slated for the end of the month.

Attai Audu Jos.

Traditional rulers in the country have been enjoined to come together to contribute meaningfully towards finding lasting solutions to the country challenges..

Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam made this call while on a courtesy visit to the Hama Bachama, His Royal Majesty, Homun Evangelist Daniel Shaga at his Rayfield residence in Jos.

Rev. Pam noted that “Nigeria needs men and women of good standing in the society to pull the country from it’s present predicament.

According to the NCPC boss, “Traditional rulers as custodians of our culture” should see their roles as “peacemakers and leaders” who will always “seek the general good of their people.

“I urge you to find solution to the country by joining hands in collaboration with the Commission and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, to end the crises in the country as one of the founding fathers.

“Let us build a synergy for peace and reconciliation to promote education and agriculture for the good of our people.

” Let us help to reconcile between farmers and herders as we face this season of farming. We need peace and we need each other.

“I thanked God for saving your life in the crises zone. You have been saved through the mercy of God.

“I pray for you to have long live and pray also God use you on this throne to teach other younger rulers the experience of leadership”. Pam said!

In his response, the Hama Bachama
appreciated the Rev Pam for coming and expressed gratitude to the people of Plateau State for gracing his coronation last year.

According to him, he has been living in Jos for 36 years now, saying he love the people and their culture.

He recounted that prior to his selection as Hama Bachama “people were scared about him if he were elected”.

He said Rev Pam was “an apostle in the market place” and should know “what Christians stand for being Christ like”.

He said today, “the story is different as many Christians have betrayed their faith for the things of the world.

“The struggle we are going through is much more than what we see as anybody who’s a believer knows what he stands for.

“As believers we must be ready to do the will of God and we should not conform to the world.

“Nigeria is the third most terrorized country in the world and it’s better to face the difficulty today than to go out. He said is difficult to live in Nigeria today. We must stand firm as believers.

” Your work of Executive Secretary is like a market place. You must stand firm and always seek the face of God.

“I have been into security work for over 20 years in ECWA churches to preach peace. This crisis will not last forever.

“Running away doesn’t mean you don’t serve God . Our God is bigger than anything.

“We don’t need to be afraid to secure ourselves. We must secure our people as the people needs our protection and pray for them and the nation. Freedom doesn’t last for long.

“Concerning farmers and herders conflict, we need to pray always at nights as most of the time planners of evil do so in the night and we need to pray to arrest their evil imaginations.

“Any time we take decisions we need to check from God first. It’s better to work positively than otherwise.

“Since 29th July last year when I took over as Hama Bachama, I am in control of two out of the thirteen local government areas. I have remained focused knowing that God is in firmed control.

“Many traditional rulers needs God. God is with this nation no matter the difficulties. Nobody can destroy this country.

“Many nations of the world will pay Nigeria for visa. Many countries will run to Nigeria to take cover.

” I will dispense and provide justice to all. We need to go to a place of repentance as we are in the season of learning. We can’t remain here forever”! He said.

Fear Not , Nigeria Will Survive The Difficult Times: NCPC Executive Secretary Rev Pam .

Audu Attai Jos.

Nigerians have been called upon not to fear the future but have hope that they shall survive this difficult times they are faced with today in the country.

Speaking on Sunday during this year’s Democracy Day Thanksgiving service at the Plateau State Government House Chapel, Sunday, 6th June, 2021, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam, said, “no matter the situation we face as a nation today, Nigeria will still pass through it”!

Preaching on the topic: Grace Is The Answer, Rev Pam, who took his scripture reading from the book of Mathew 26:36-46 noted “the Gethsemane experience of Jesus” will see this country out of the woods.

According to Rev Pam, there are three stages we all pass through in life. The first stage he noted was “the wilderness experience where enemies fight us in the physical and friends turned to enemies”.

The second stage he likened to the Gethsemane experience where Jesus faced the cross alone.

” It is the stage where you’re left alone confronting your problems. The enemy at this middle stage is yourself as you have no one to stand by you.

He said as a nation we are bound to “face the internal crisis and we must learn to fight the battle alone without external help!

“The Gethsemane is the middle experience where no friend will come near. Nigeria is passing through this stage but assured “we will pass through it”

“We face the enemy alone. We fight the enemy alone. We cry alone. We fear alone and we see trusted friends betraying us in the Gethsemane experience.

“Christ passed through this middle experience. His disciple abandoned him while praying. He lamented why his disciples left him without praying up to three times.

“In between, Christ was seeing the cross and knew the betrayer was coming as He had to pray that the cup should pass over

“Jesus knew he will not die in the garden of Gethsemane. It is not in your knowledge or power to know what will happen to you but grace is the answer.

“We are in a difficult time as a nation. We are passing through a lot but, grace is the answer as Nigeria will pass through this as we move ahead”.

He said “Nigeria today is in the process of getting over its problems. Paul cried of the thorn in the flesh but God said His grace was sufficient. We pass through a lot if battles, but we shall get over sooner than later”!

Rev. Pam added that “it is never easy when you experience something alone. Don’t look up to anybody but keep hope alive. We must pass through this experience for a purpose as a nation”

Rev Pam added that “we fear the future, the unknown future, as a people which was natural. But the battle we fight is not in the physical the cross melted everything. The answer is in the grace of God.”

According to him, ” Nigeria will survive by the grace of God and i see a new Plateau rising. Boko Haram and all other criminality will melt away when they have the Cross experience. Rev Pam stressed.

. Attai Audu Jos

The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam has called on the families of Mr Robert Taple Chairman, Plateau State Civil Service Commission and widow of the late Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Plateau state, Mrs Lydia Polycarp Azzuwutu over the loss of their loved ones.

Rev. Pam gave this words of encouragement while on a condolence visit to the family residence of Robert Taple in Rayfield to condole him over the death of his Patriarch, late Dikham Andarawus Taple who died at the age of 106.

NCPC Executive Secretary in a press statement signed by his Media aide, Pam Ayuba, extolled the virtues of the late Dikham urging Chief Robert Taple and family to “be strong knowing that their Father died a happy man for seeing his children attained higher positions in life.!

He told Taple tha he was told of the passage of Pa Dikham on

coming home and prayed God to grant the family the heart to bear the loss.

Similarly,he Executive Secretary also called on the widow of the late Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Mrs Lydia. Azzuwutu Polycarp to to take heart and bear the loss of her husband .

Rev Pam urged her and the deceased family members to thank God in every situation.

He described as painful and a huge loss the demise of the late too bureaucrat as one that was so heavy especially when the state was gearing up for a turn around in the health sector.

He equally prayed God to grant the widow of the deceased and the entire family the heart to consider what happened as purely an act of God

In their separate responses , Chief Robert Taple told Rev Pam that they were deeply consoled and thanked Rev Pam for coming.

According to him, his father died at an age that calls for celebration, saying they’re planning for a befitting burial to celebrate the life of their father who taught them many things in life.

Similarly, elder brother of the deceased perm sec, Patrick Azzuwutu, said the entire family were grateful to the Executive Secretary for finding time to come and console with them over this loss.

He said the deceased was a hard working person and a community leader who paid his dues helping the Church and community at various times during his life time on earth.

He said they were consoled that their brother died as a believer and expressed deep appreciation to the ES for coming.