By: Paul Naomi,
Through the last Eight (8) days and running through the weekend, a lot of changes, actions and achievements have been attained by the ruling All Progressives Congress administration led by Governor Simon Bako Lalong owing to some of his directives.
First to showcase the level of peace maintained and achieved after several attacks and reprisals in the state and the long curfew, the Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed the total lifting of the existing curfew in the commercial cities in the state, such as, Jos North, Jos South, and Bassa Local Government Areas with effect from 17th December 2021, until further notice.
The Governor from Plateau State press statement signed by his Director of press, Dr. Makut Macham, the Governor gave this directive, after a State Security Council Meeting, held at the State Government House Rayfield Jos, where the Council reviewed the security situation in State.
You would recall that, the curfew, was earlier imposed on 8th September, 2021, from 10pm to 6am, as part of efforts to curb the insecurity witnessed in some parts of the State, which was by report, strictly adhered to by citizens.
Governor Lalong also directed security operatives according to the press statement, to deploy its men in strategic areas, stating that, “In place of the curfew, the relevant security agencies should mount well coordinated and round the clock checks in strategic areas of the State to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the people during the yuletide season”.
Also, while commending the citizens for their patience, understanding and cooperation during the period of the curfew, Lalong urged them to be security conscious and highly vigilant against, any suspected criminal activity in their domains, which should be reported quickly to security agencies to enable them take swift action.
In another development and also unreported, the Management of Shoprite has visited Governor Lalong, in the State Government House Rayfield Jos, to discuss plans for the establishment of a Franchise in Jos in 2022.
The visit, which was led by the Chairman of Retail Supermarket Nigeria Group, Mr. Tayo Amusan, revealed that, they were in Plateau State, as part of their rolled out plans in 2022, which is to see them developing the Jos City Mall that would house Shoprite and other businesses.
“The group is attracted by the huge potentials of Plateau State in terms of agricultural products, serene environment, huge market and opportunities for growth.” The Director quoted.
From the speech made available to REALITY, Mr. Amusan also added that, “Plateau State is a natural attraction for tourists and visitors who need shopping and recreational facilities that our organization is capable of providing in the rolled out plan and apart from Shoprite, there will be other facilities of the Jara brand to be rolled out.
Governor Lalong in response said, he was delighted with the visit of the group, which was long overdue because, Plateau State is a business destination and a home for all Nigerians and foreigners.
“This administration has done a lot to restore peace and security, which has attracted more investors into the State and removed fear of the past”. Governor Lalong had said.
Lalong further informed the group that, there is more access for export and import into the State with the approval for the upgrading of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang into an international cargo airport.
“Plateau State has also acquired the Inland Container Depot in Heipang which will also serve as the hub for the Nigerian Shippers Council operations” Governor Lalong disclosed.
In celebrating the 79th birthday of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Lalong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, on behalf of the Forum in a statement, described the President, as a man of integrity and leader with patriotic zeal to develop the nation and secure the future for the younger generation.
“The President has remained a father to all by embracing all parts of the nation and ensuring that projects are distributed to all zones irrespective of political and other considerations, a situation which speaks volumes of his penchant for justice and fairness”, Lalong stated.
He also commended the President for his support and effort in tackling insecurity and poverty stating that, “The Northern Governors Forum has enjoyed the support of Mr. President in dealing with challenges such as insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and disease which are being substantially contained due to the synergy between the States and the Federal Government”.
Still on birthday celebrations, the Northern Governors Forum through Governor Lalong also congratulated the Governor of Niger State, Governor Sani Bello, as he clocked 54.
The Chairman of the Forum while wishing him many more years of God’s wisdom and good health, admonished him to continue to put the interest of the people above every consideration as he has done over the years and also sustain his passion for the unity, peace, cohesion and stability of not only the Northern Region, but Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Lalong also assured him that the Northern Governors Forum will continue to support him as he serves the people of Niger State.
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