Senator Gyang Condemns Killing of 8 local Miners.* Charge Security Agents to fish out the Killers.

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos.

Senator I. D. Gyang of Plateau North has condemned unequivocally the dastardly attack and killing of 8 miners by assailants at Kuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau state.

Senator Gyang empathizes with the families and the immediate Kuru community over this unwarranted attack on peace loving and hard working citizens struggling to make a living.

The Senator laments that the persons responsible for the repeated ambush and killing of people going about their lawful quest for livelihood are not unknown to Security agencies. It is sad therefore that people in Plateau North are repeatedly being hunted, ambushed and killed without any decisive action.

Senator Gyang charges government through the security agencies to rise and take full responsibility for the safety and protection of law abiding citizens from terrorists, bandits and killer herdsmen across the nation, Plateau North in particular.

Musa Ibrahim Ashoms,
Special Assistant
Media and Protocol to
Senator I. D. Gyang
Esq.

Battle for the Seat of Unijos VC- Plateau women Backs Professor Patricia Lar.

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos

Plateau Women on Wednesday endorsed Professor Patricia Lar as their candidate for the Seat of Vice Chancellor of University of Jos.

Lar is the only female among the 18 contestants aspiring for the number one seat of the university of Jos.

Lar is a Professor of microbiology .

The Group operating under the aegis of Inspired women of Plateau South told newsmen in Jos that Plateau Women have good leadership qualities that needed to be exploited.

The group in a statement signed by Juliana Nanjul their spokesperson ,and made available to Daily Independent said ” the group decided to lend their support to her aspiration because she has the leadership quality that qualifies her to become the next vice Chancellor of university of Jos.

“We believe that if she emerge, she will excel and we are ready to support her in whatever way possible.

The group further said “A woman has capacity to give the society all embracing leadership “So, there is need to create more room in leadership for women if we want the next 60 years to be better than the one we have experienced as a nation.”

Prof Lar has worked for over 30 years at the University of Jos and we feel it is not wrong for her to aspire for the number one position in the university.”

The Plateau Women group described Lar as an “icon to
female folks and a beacon of good administration and promoter of excellence.

She added that if appointed, Lar would bring her wealth of experience to bear in moving the university to the next level.

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos

The Northern Governors Forum has sympathised with the Nigerian Army over the killing of 12 soldiers in Konshisha LGA, Benue State, describing it as a condemnable act which must not be allowed to happen again as it is capable of demoralising security personnel from giving their best to fighting insecurity in the country.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement made available to Oracle Reporters in Jos on Tuesday, said the forum sympathises with the families of the slain soldiers and the Nigerian Army over this unfortunate incident, which occured when the soldiers were on an assignment to ensure the security of lives and properties.

The Forum urges the Army not to be discouraged by the act and continue carrying out their legitimate duty of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and assisting in maintaining internal security, particularly at this time when the nation is confronted by many criminal activities.

While pledging its continued support and collaboration to the Armed Forces and the security services in general, the Northern Governors appealed to the Army to remain professional and exercise caution and restraint even as they work hard to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

The Northern Governors also called on the citizens to assist the security forces with useful information that will lead to the arrest of those behind the killing of the soldiers as well as the apprehension of other criminals tormenting innocent citizens across the country.

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is full of praises and admiration to security personnel for their swift response that thwarted the attempted kidnap of four students at the Plateau State University, Bokkos.

The attempted kidnap was said to have occurred on Monday night when gunmen stormed the off-campus student residences at Ndar Community near the University campus and attempted to kidnap four students.

Daily Independent gathered that on receiving the distress call, officers of Operation Safe Haven, Operation Rainbow, Nigeria Police, University Security and Community Watch Group mobilised and went after the kidnappers who had taken four students.

Facing apparent capture, the criminals aborted their mission and ran away leading to the safe recovery of the students.

Governor Lalong commended the security agencies for rising up to the occasion and being proactive .

Lalong directed the immediate establishment of a police post within the host community of the University in order to forestall any future reoccurrence.

Governor Lalong also directed that security should be tightened in all other schools across the State to guarantee the safety and security of the students.

It would be recalled that Governor Lalong had last year directed the University Management to improve security of the institution which led to the installation of CCTV surveillance and early warning systems all over the campus as well as the preparation for fencing of the entire campus.

Lalong assured the students that all necessary measures would be employed to ensure that they learn and dwell under a peaceful, secure and conducive environment.

Meanwhile, the Governor has again appealed to the citizens to assist security agencies with relevant intelligence that will lead to not only the arrest of the fleeing kidnappers, but to apprehend the criminal elements that are bent on disrupting the peace of the State.

He also Commended the Local Government Chairman Yusuf Machen for sustaining synergy with the security agencies and the University community which is key to achieving peace and security in the area.

Lalong wishes that this tempo be sustained as traditonal and community leaders as well as the newly deployed community police constables to be carried along to frustrate the plans of criminals.

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos.

Senator representing Plateau South at the National Assembly, Professor Nora Ladi Dadu’ut has urged Muslim Faithful in her Constituency to use the period of this year’s Ramadan to pray for peace,
security and Allah’s intervention in tackling the challenges confronting the nation.

Sen Dadu’ut in a statement made available to Oracle Reporters, enjoined all
Muslim faithful in her Zone to rededicate themselves to the true ideals of Islam as a religion of peace.

She urged Muslims to remember the Holy Month as a period of fasting, sober reflection, self-discipline
and sacrifice.

“As people of faith, we should dedicate ourselves to more prayers during the Ramadan to seek divine intervention and guidance for our leaders.”

Dadu’ut also called for love, unity, peace, harmony and tolerance among Nigerians.

She called on religious leaders to use the occasion of the Ramadan to preach peace, tolerance and unity
among Nigerians.

“We should see ourselves as a people with common dreams and aspirations for a greater Nigeria that is
full of love, tolerance, unity and prosperity.

“We have no other country but Nigeria. As such, we should work to unify and strengthen our dear country,” She said.

Senator Dadu’ut further urged citizens of Plateau south and Nigeria “not to despair but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus and collective will, the country will ultimately overcome its present travails and emerge prosperous and peaceful once more.”

She also commended the Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong for his efforts at ensuring that lasting peace is restored in Plateau .

Dadu’ut assured that she is ever willing to work to better the lives of citizens of Plateau South as well
as partner with relevant stakeholders to make the zone better .

Audu Ogwunenwa.

Women for Women international has empowered and trained women survivors of violence on the Plateau with skill acquisition in six Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

With this empowerment, Women survivors of violence on the Plateau are to be free from gender-based violence.p

The women who benefited from the women for Women International Two years program were drawn from communities in the six Local Government areas of the state to include Pankshin, Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Jos East and Wase.

The Country Director Women for women international Bukola Onyishi in her remarks p0 during feedback session with change agents in Plateau State to round-up the two years program which ended in December, 2020 said WFWI has empowered women to be free from gender-based violence and build women’s skills to increase their participation in their communities.

Onyishi Represented by Zainab Gbobaniyan said the deprivation of women resulting from violence should be of central concern to governments and to societies at large as an intrinsic human rights issue and because of the epidemic’s negative impact on economic growth and poverty reduction.

The Country Director said the exposure to intimate partner violence is linked with a multitude of adverse physical health outcomes, including acute injuries, chronic pain, gastrointestinal illness, gynecological problems, depression, and substance abuse.

The Director noted that the change agents has engage with decision makers and power holders in adaptive ways that contextualizes deprivations and gaps reinforced by poor domestication, passage and implementation of gender responsive laws and policies.

She commended the change agents in the six Local Government Areas of Plateau State on the effort done so far and encourage them to continue in the struggle, saying women for Women International and other partners are ready to partner with them is their Independent programs.

Plateau Senator Dadu’ut distributes entrepreneurship kits to 175 constituents .

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos

Senator Nora Ladi Dadu’ut currently representing Plateau South Senatorial district at National Assembly, on Monday distributed empowerment kits to 175 members of her Constituency .

Dadu’ut had about two months ago before this Monday, empowered over 150 youths and women of her constituency with grants worth N3.75 million.

Senator Dadu’ut, the first female senator in the history of Plateau State, has been working hard to empower women and Youths in her Constituency since her emergence as Senator Representing Plateau South Senatorial district at National Assembly.

The Constituents beneficiaries were presented with entrepreneurial materials which includes, water pumps for irrigation, grinding machines as well as grants to facilitate take off of various businesses

Speaking while distributing the items to the beneficiaries in Shendam, Prof Dadu’ut who was represented by Hon Maimako Bello ,her Senior Legislative Aide said the empowerment programme was part of her efforts to fulfil her campaign promises of providing an improved living condition to the people of Plateau South .

She added that the empowerment programme was aimed at providing sustainable livelihood to the beneficiaries.

Senator Dadu’ut that such motivations would reduce the rate of unemployment and over-dependence among youths of her Senatotrial district.

According to her, the motivations would encourage productivity in the communities .

Some of the beneficiaries of the latest Constituency empowerment, thanked Senator Dadu’ut for remembering them .

Nanko Bintim a beneficiary of the items , commended Senator Nora Dadu’ut over the gesture, adding that it would go a long way to reduce poverty in the six local government areas of the Senatotrial district..

She promised to use the materials donated to her by Senator Dadu’ut judiciously stressing that she can now become self-reliant and employ others, to reduce unemployment and poverty in her state .

An All Progressive Congress APC stalwart in Langtang south Nicholas Vongsing , who spoke to our correspondent noted that the viable programmes under the empowerment scheme of Senator Dadd’ut would have great potentials to lift the beneficiaries out of unemployment and to be employers of labour.

He charged the beneficiaries against sale of the materials, saying that: “you should please establish your ventures to become self-reliant and employers of labour’.

He commended the gesture of Senator Dadd’ut adding that many families would now have a means of livelihood

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has assured the leadership of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of the commitment of all Governors towards achieving autonomy for the legislative and judicial arms of government.

Governor Lalong gave this assurance while receiving delegation of Speakers led by the Chairman, Conference of Speakers, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman at Government House Jos .

Lalong said the issue of autonomy will soon be put to rest with the final engagements between all stakeholders holding soon.

He used the opportunity to clarify that autonomy is not just for financial independence, but also for strengthening the legislature and enhancing democratic values.

According to him, the implementation of autonomy will require each State to establish the House of Assembly Service Commission which will handle all administrative functions of the legislature and provide proper accountability just as there are civil service commissions and others.

Lalong advised the Speakers to engage other parties as well as educate the public on what autonomy is all about because a lot of misconception is creating an impression that members of the legislature stand to gain financially rather than be better supported to serve the people.

On tackling insecurity, Lalong said the implementation of community Policing is the way to go which will gradually lead to state police when fully implemented.

Chairman, Conference of Speakers, Abubakar Suleiman told Governor Lalong that they were on an advocacy visit to discuss the issue of autonomy and other national matters such as curbing insecurity.

He said the Conference of Speakers recognises the strategic position of Governor Lalong as former Speaker and Chairman of the body, Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and a strong member of the Nigerian Governors Forum who has been at the centre of discussions towards autonomy.

He assured Governor Lalong that the speakers would continue to work in synergy with the Executive in order to provide good governance and better living standards for the people.

Lalong Charges Contractors Handling Projects On The Plateau To Engage Indigenous Workers .

Onoja Audu Jos.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed contractors handling the construction of roads in Plateau to engage indigenous workers and also stick to completion schedules and standard of work contracted to them by the state Government.

Governor Lalong gave this directive when he paid an unscheduled visit to Southern area of his state to follow up on the progress of work at the construction sites.

Represented by his Chief of staff Noel Donjur during the visit to road construction project sites in Shendam, the Chief of Staff to the governor, reiterated the Governor’s stand and further directed Contractors handling construction and other projects to engage local Labour and artisans to build capacity and create employment for the youths.

Noel Donjur further enjoined them to patronise local sub-contractors and suppliers in line with the Rescue administration’s mission to provide employment for youths.

The roads inspected include Anguwan Buan, Congo, Shaiyen Street, Shendam by-pass and other internal road networks.

While taking the Chief of Staff on inspection, Engr. Thomas Ojeil of Triacta Nig Ltd promised to abide by the directives as they are committed to delivering the project on time.

Also contributing, Engr. Kevin Golji and Caleb Gotom from the Ministry of Works who were on site supervision also assured the Chief of Staff that they are closely monitoring the work to ensure that it is done according to specification.

Donjur further directed that a schedule of work programme be submitted to the Ministry of Works immediately to facilitate tracking, monitoring and time evaluation.

A cross section of residents expressed delight with the quality and speed of work, saying the project has provided a new phase for the town.

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos.

The Executive Chairman of Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIR), Arlat Dashe Dasogot has Applauded the

Inauguration of Society for Women in Taxation (SWIT). SWIT in Plateau state, saying with them tax drive on the Plateau would become easier to be attained.

SWIT is an organ of the Charted Institute of Taxation in Nigeria (CITN) ..

Speaking to newsmen during the event, Arlat, who is said to be instrumental to the establishment of Jos chapter of SWIT), expressed delight and satisfaction saying, “it’s a good omen to have SWIT coming on board”.

The Chairman of PIRS believed that SWIT would contribute immensely to tax administration most especially in the areas of advocacy, enlightenment and sensitization .

According Alart, revenue generation has gone beyond going out and coerce or force people to pay their taxes.

“We are currently at the stage of educating and enlightening people to see the need to pay their taxes and I believe women are the best in that area”.

Arlat further held strongly that the emergence of SWIT would make meaningful impact most especially in the informal sector of the economy.

“It is good that women have organized themselves within the CITN to address the tax community, most especially the informal sector because most of the people we know in the informal sector are women. So, there is confidence when women talk to fellow women.

He added that Women also have a soft manner of approach, and consequently, the society would listen to them.

The Plateau Internal Revenue Service Chairman posited that it was the same spirit that prompted the State Government to include a lady (Nancy Katung, who is even the Chairman of the Whistle Blowing Committee) in the Revenue Council recently constituted by it.

“Even the Whistle Blowing Committee is to be chaired by her. So, you can see that we are making headway already because when a woman leads, she leads everybody; both her husband, her children and the entire society”, he said.

SWIT is an arm of the CITN which serves as an umbrella body of the female members of the Institute aimed at meeting the yearnings and aspirations of women for recognition as a force to reckoned with on tax policy issues.