A total number of 18,429 out of 181,946 persons have tested positive to Hepatitis test conducted on them in Nasarawa State.
The State Commissioner of Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahya, disclosed this at a Press Conference in Lafia, yesterday.
Pharmacist Yahya, who said the press conference was part of activities lined up to mark the “World Hepatitis Day”, further explained that, the State Government had in February, 2020, committed to the elimination of viral Hepatitis through the implementation of a “Five Strategic Plan”, with the aim of treating a total of 124,000 persons, within a period of Five years.
He stated that, “such an initiative was in line with the State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS) directed at improving human capacity development.
The Commissioner maintained that, the government policy thrust to curb the disease include amongst others, “avoiding the use of unsterilized sharp objects, transfusion of unscreened blood products, improve vaccination, particularly birth dose of immunization of new born and early identification and prompt treatment”.
Pharmacist Yahya, also disclosed that, his Ministry has earmarked upon series of activities which include, road walk, Radio and TV Health talks as well as mass community screening at designated communities.
He appealed to members of the public to avail themselves for the testing opportunity.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has called on some alleged faceless Fifth Columnist in the state to identify themselves.
The party in a press text dated, 26th July, 2022, made available to REALTY stated that it has read and watched with keen interest, all the hullabaloo about its gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, who without mincing words remains the party’s credible candidate of the 2023 general elections.
Adding that, “The claims and counter claims about his candidature are distractions, which the party seriously frowns at.
“Some of the claims and comments against his candidature are products of absurdity, while others are mischievous and diversionary.
“Before now, the issue had been the laughable claim that the gubernatorial candidate had not been issued a certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This is base ignorance, as INEC issues certificate of return only to candidates, who have won an election conducted by it.
“Perhaps based on the morbid fear of the APC gubernatorial candidate by the opposition parties based on his intimidating credentials, which have given them sleepless night, they have conceded defeat ahead the 2023 gubernatorial election”.
The party in the press text signed by, Hon. Sylvanus Namang, the APC State Publicity Secretary, further called on the faceless critics of the party to unmask their true identity.
“We therefore challenge on them to unmask their true identity by publishing their membership details i.e. Ward of registration and registration numbers”. The party stated.
READ THE FULL PRESS TEXT OF THE APC BELOW:-
26th July, 2022.
APC PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER,
KALWA HOUSE,
YAKUBU GOWON WAY,
JOS.
NENTAWE YILWATDA REMAINS APC’S BONA FIDE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE.
The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has read and watched with keen interest, all the hullabaloo about its gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, who without mincing words remains the party’s credible candidate of the 2023 general elections.
The claims and counter claims about his candidature are distractions, which the party seriously frowns at.
Some of the claims and comments against his candidature are products of absurdity, while others are mischievous and diversionary.
Before now, the issue had been the laughable claim that the gubernatorial candidate had not been issued a certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This is base ignorance, as INEC issues certificate of return only to candidates, who have won an election conducted by it.
Perhaps based on the morbid fear of the APC gubernatorial candidate by the opposition parties based on his intimidating credentials, which have given them sleepless night, they have conceded defeat ahead the 2023 gubernatorial election.
The most ridiculous issue, which is trending in the media, is the one by some pseudo forces and fifth columnists led by the trio of Jacob Gyang, Elder Victor Useni and Musa Ardo, who call themselves Progressive Foundation Movement (PFM).
Our checks reveal that these characters are strange and unknown to any available records of our party.
We therefore challenge them to unmask their true identity by publishing their membership details i.e. Ward of registration and registration numbers.
The fictitious group which is being used by some forces who are desperately seeking for acceptance by one the opposition parties in the state want to cause confusion and inflict some damage to the party before they leave.
The APC is fully aware of the nocturnal meetings being held whose outcome is this vain attacks and attention seeking.
Exactly two months after the primary election, in which Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, emerged as the undisputable winner of the primary election after beating three other aspirants out of the eight aspirants who bought the party’s form, but which four withdrew before the contest, these so- called stakeholders are asking the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to substitute the gubernatorial candidate.
If we may ask, substitute him for what reason(s) and with who?
They claimed that the gubernatorial candidate did not meet the guidelines for membership of the party and was not duly elected at the gubernatorial primary election duly conducted by electoral committee from the National Secretariat of the Party.
The self-styled, Progressive Foundation Movement claimed Dr. Yilwatda is not a duly registered member of the party as he joined the APC on 6th January, 2022 after resigning as INEC Commissioner in charge of Benue state in December 2021 and had not been granted waiver before the contest.
These claims are as spurious as they are totally based on ignorance of the party’s new guidelines and the amended Constitution.
Asking the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, which is the implementing organ of NEC to replace the APC gubernatorial candidate is invariably telling it to reverse itself for no cogent reason.
Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has duly met all the set conditions and provisions of the Guidelines and Constitution of the APC before contesting the primary election on June 5th, 2022.
Article 9.1 of the amended constitution which deals with eligibility/registration states; Membership of the party shall be open to any citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has attained the age of 18 years and who accepts the aims and objectives of the party, and is willing to abide by the provisions of the constitution, provided such a person is not a member of any other political party, a condition which the candidate is more than qualified.
Sub section ii, of the same Article states; Application for membership shall be made to and cleared by the Ward Executive Committee of the party in the ward of the Local Government Area where the person was born, resides, works or originates. On-line registration shall also be acceptable provided it is acceptable by the National Working Committee.
The candidate more than passed this process like any other aspirant before he could qualify to contest as the party has many checks from the state to the national levels so as not to stand the risk of disqualification of its candidates.
On the issue of resigning as INEC Commissioner in December, 2021, clear six months before the primary election, he needed only 30 days required for an employee of the public service preceding the date of election as provided in section E, of the APC guidelines for the nomination of candidates for the 2023 General Elections.
The candidate is of sound mind, has never been convicted for any offence nor adjudged to be bankrupt or a member of a secret cult which are issues that would disqualify an aspirant from contesting an election.
He was duly sponsored and screened by the party’s appropriate organs before contesting.
On the allegation that the delegate list was concocted in Jos and not in the 207 Wards of the state, this allegation cannot stand any integrity test.
All Congresses of the party to elect five delegates for the State House of Assembly, Gubernatorial and National Assembly primary elections took place in all the 207 federal wards of Plateau state supervised by officials from the national secretariat of the party and witnessed by INEC and security agencies as provided in the party’s guidelines.
If not the height of mischief and the desperate attempts to demarket our gubernatorial candidate, who is the candidate to beat in the 2023 general elections, why the selection of only delegates for the gubernatorial primary to vent their adrenalin?
What Plateau State needs in 2023 is the best and that best is found in the combination of the youthful and most capable duo of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe and his running mate, Hon. Pam Bot Mang.
No amount of blackmail, subterfuge or denigration would stop this winning team.
No doubt, the party has its challenges like in other states, which are normal fallout of any contest, more so, in fierce contests at gubernatorial level, where Aspirants put in their energy and resources.
Those, who lost at the primary elections, are definitely aggrieved, but this must not lead to throwing away the baby with the bath water.
The party in the state is not sleeping over these fallouts. It has begun the process of reconciliation across board as the primary elections remain a family contest.
Moreover there is only one position for each seat contested for. The party does not believe in a winner and loser syndrome in a win-win situation.
There are different ways the aggrieved aspirants would be accommodated as losing election do not mean, the end to the loser.
Those, who are ambivalent or double- minded should reconsider their stand whether to move to another party at this point to add to their number and remain irrelevant as we have seen in the case of those who made such grievous mistakes in the past.
The accusation of the Governor Simon Lalong, who is the leader of the party but, who himself like his colleagues in other states was not a delegate at the gubernatorial primary election need to cease in order to allow the party concentrate on the elections ahead.
There is the need to demonstrate sportsmanship and without necessarily sermonizing, God gives power to who he desires and no one’s destiny can be stopped by a mortal that we all are.
MOVEMENT FOR THE PLATEAU OF OUR DREAMS DECRIES CAMPAIGN OF CALUMNY AND PATHETIC PROPAGANDA
Our attention has been drawn to a beer parlour gibberish titled: “Lalong Sacrificing APC for Labour Party on the Plateau”, purporting to be a Press Release, issued under the auspices of an invidious group called “Plateau APC Concern (sic) Vanguard”; the authorship of which is attributed to one Samson Pam and his co-hireling, Nicholas J. Fabian.
The authors, in a fit of drunken stupor, alleged that Governor Simon Lalong “was in negotiation with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Amb. Margif Yohanna, at a closed door meeting on the 25th/ 07/2022, where Lalong attempt(sic) to pay off(sic) the sum of Five hundred million naira(#5000,000,000)(sic) in order to pave ways(sic) for his new anointed candidate, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN).”
This resort to campaign of calumny and baseless propaganda is pathetic and reprehensible. Sadly, their paymasters, who are evidently desperate to secure the Labour Party governorship ticket from the current flagbearer, are under the delusion that delirium is a strategy.
We urge all political actors and their hirelings to cease and desist from puerile antics and tantrums, engage in a contest of ideas – which is the hallmark of Professor Dakas’ approach to politics – and concomitantly engender civility in our politics.
Michelle Obama’s advice is apt: “When they go low, we go high”.
Signed:
Movement for the Plateau of our Dreams
READ ALSO, THE APC CONCERN VANGUARD TEXT IN FULL BELOW:-
LALONG SACRIFICING APC FOR LABOUR PARTY ON THE PLATEAU BY THE PLATEAU APC CONCERN VANGUARD.
Gentlemen of the Press,
We have addressed you severally on all the electoral processes on the Plateau, ranging from the State House of Assembly, Federal House of Representatives (Reps), Senate and the Governor, up to the APC Party hierarchy, from the Wards, Local Governments, State and the National Working Committee (NWC), which were all compromised for the selfish interest of the Plateau State Governor.
You will also recall that, Aspirants from all the aggrieved groups have written, several complaints and petitions up to the National level and were given deaf ears. Why? Because, the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu has been bought over and it was easier for the Petitions not to be heard since the NWC has already compromised not minding whether the APC as a Party, wins in the State or not.
Why APC just lost in Osun State amongst other reasons was the Non – Challant attitude towards internal complaints and petitions under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.
Why is the NWC not caring about complaints and petitions in the first place? It was because they were a product of the same imposition and illegalities.
The above mentioned lack of internal democracy and reconciliations has resulted to so many post primary court cases in APC, under Abdullahi Adamu and that’s why the Plateau cases are still in court at various levels.
We are concerned on why the Plateau State Governor, being a Legal Practitioner and knowledgeable of the weights of the pending cases, but has resulted to sort for an alternative Political Party and another candidate, a possible shift from APC to Labour Party (LP) and filling his closest ally in the person of Prof. C. J Dakas (SAN).
The Governor was in negotiation with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Amb. Margif Yohanna, at a closed door meeting on the 25th/ 07/2022, where Lalong attempt to pay off the sum of Five hundred million naira(#5000,000,000) in order to pave ways for his new anointed candidate, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN).
It will interest you to know that, another reason why Lalong is desperate for the shift is the fact that, he lost the APC Presidential running mate and the possible SGF slot that will not be zone to North Central because of the seat of the National Party Chairman, which has been zoned to us.
All these, at the expense of not paying the state workers their four months’ salaries and also for the extra efforts to shift the APC Aspirants cases from the 4th to 17th August, 2022, thinking it will elapse within the Electoral Act timing, which will end up making the APC in Plateau not to have a candidate in 2023. This explains the reason for his shift to Labour Party (LP).
This writing is also an advice to, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN) not to stain his integrity and reputation that the Plateau people are giving him as one Legal giant in the history of Plateau.
Please, allow Governor Lalong to face his fate and accusations by Plateau Youths as the reasons for Sen. Dariye’s continuous detention despite his pardon announced over four months ago.
In conclusion, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu should do the needful, if he wants the party in Plateau State to have a head way, except if he has planned that, the APC should die at his time, in his hands or at his watch.
As the National Party Chairman does not allow them think your age is the reason.
As the 2023 general elections draws nearer, a group under the aegis of All Progressives Congress (APC) Concern Vanguard in Plateau State chapter has accused the Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, of planning to kill the APC and bring on board the Labour Party (LP), as a ruling party in the state.
In a press statement made available to REALITY today, signed by one, Samson Pam, as Chairman and Nicholas J. Fabian, as Secretary, the group alleged that, it is of the knowledge that, the Governor had a closed door meeting with the candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Plateau State to urge him to sell his position for cash.
“We are concerned on why the Plateau State Governor, being a Legal Practitioner and knowledgeable of the weights of the pending cases, but has resulted to sort for an alternative Political Party and another candidate, a possible shift from APC to Labour Party (LP) and filling his closest ally in the person of Prof. C. J Dakas (SAN).
“The Governor was in negotiation with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Amb. Margif Yohanna, at a closed door meeting on the 25th/ 07/2022, where Lalong attempt to pay off the sum of Five hundred million naira(#5000,000,000) in order to pave ways for his new anointed candidate, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN)”. The group allegedly stated.
The group further stated that, the press statement is to also advise, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN), to state away from the plan as it would damage the image he has already built on the Plateau and the country at large.
“This writing is also an advice to, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN) not to stain his integrity and reputation that the Plateau people are giving him as one Legal giant in the history of Plateau.
“Please, allow Governor Lalong to face his fate and accusations by Plateau Youths as the reasons for Sen. Dariye’s continuous detention despite his pardon announced over four months ago”.
The group berates the National Chairman of the Party, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, for not taking any step in resolving all the conflicts that arose after the governorship primary election in the state.
READ THE APC CONCERN VANGUARD TEXT IN FULL BELOW:-
LALONG SACRIFICING APC FOR LABOUR PARTY ON THE PLATEAU BY THE PLATEAU APC CONCERN VANGUARD.
Gentlemen of the Press,
We have addressed you severally on all the electoral processes on the Plateau, ranging from the State House of Assembly, Federal House of Representatives (Reps), Senate and the Governor, up to the APC Party hierarchy, from the Wards, Local Governments, State and the National Working Committee (NWC), which were all compromised for the selfish interest of the Plateau State Governor.
You will also recall that, Aspirants from all the aggrieved groups have written, several complaints and petitions up to the National level and were given deaf ears. Why? Because, the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu has been bought over and it was easier for the Petitions not to be heard since the NWC has already compromised not minding whether the APC as a Party, wins in the State or not.
Why APC just lost in Osun State amongst other reasons was the Nonchalant attitude towards internal complaints and petitions under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.
Why is the NWC not caring about complaints and petitions in the first place? It was because they were a product of the same imposition and illegalities.
The above mentioned lack of internal democracy and reconciliations has resulted to so many post primary court cases in APC, under Abdullahi Adamu and that’s why the Plateau cases are still in court at various levels.
We are concerned on why the Plateau State Governor, being a Legal Practitioner and knowledgeable of the weights of the pending cases, but has resulted to sort for an alternative Political Party and another candidate, a possible shift from APC to Labour Party (LP) and filling his closest ally in the person of Prof. C. J Dakas (SAN).
The Governor was in negotiation with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Amb. Margif Yohanna, at a closed door meeting on the 25th/ 07/2022, where Lalong attempt to pay off the sum of Five hundred million naira(#5000,000,000) in order to pave ways for his new anointed candidate, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN).
It will interest you to know that, another reason why Lalong is desperate for the shift is the fact that, he lost the APC Presidential running mate and the possible SGF slot that will not be zone to North Central because of the seat of the National Party Chairman, which has been zoned to us.
All these, at the expense of not paying the state workers their four months’ salaries and also for the extra efforts to shift the APC Aspirants cases from the 4th to 17th August, 2022, thinking it will elapse within the Electoral Act timing, which will end up making the APC in Plateau not to have a candidate in 2023. This explains the reason for his shift to Labour Party (LP).
This writing is also an advice to, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN) not to stain his integrity and reputation that the Plateau people are giving him as one Legal giant in the history of Plateau.
Please, allow Governor Lalong to face his fate and accusations by Plateau Youths as the reasons for Sen. Dariye’s continuous detention despite his pardon announced over four months ago.
In conclusion, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu should do the needful, if he wants the party in Plateau State to have a head way, except if he has planned that, the APC should die at his time, in his hands or at his watch.
As the National Party Chairman does not allow them think your age is the reason.
The Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, who is representing the people of Wase Federal Constituency, of Plateau State has charged Journalists to be diligent in their work and reporting in order to improve the tenets of Democracy in Nigeria.
Rt. Hon. Ahmed, who had an interview with a section of Journalists in his residence in Jos, yesterday, also urge Journalists, whom he described as the 4th Realm of Governance, to put in more passion on their job in order to report accurately, especially, with the ongoing insecurity challenges facing the country.
He also disclosed that, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has vindicated him when his alarm and outcry during the past administration that, the ongoing mining activities in Wase (his Constituency) is attracting criminality and banditry and was ignored.
The Deputy Speaker explained that, the insecurity in his Constituency did not just start in one day and that, what the people of Plateau State and Nigerians at large are witnessing now, may possibly be the “Apex of it”.
On the plans of Federal Government to checkmate the ongoing security, Rt. Hon. Wase declined to answer, saying that, it would be disclosing government’s plans and solution to even those who are causing the problem.
He however, lamented government’s failure. He said, “We have failed in our responsibility, as so charge and we have our conscience on that!”
RT. HON. IDRIS
Rt. Hon. Ahmed, in the interview in part said, “First is for me to appreciate the good work that you people are doing as Journalists. You are the 4th realm of governance in the country.
“I employ you to do your jobs diligently. This will help in improving the colour and tenets of Democracy in the country too!
“I urge you to continue to do your job with passion, with the insecurity situation we are in and continue to report accurately.
“I appreciate you want to discuss the issue of insecurity and the measures been taken by government to solve and resolve the issues causing it, but you don’t discuss security measures aimed at mitigating insecurity publicly. You people should at least help us to maintain the situation as it is now.
RT. HON. AHMED’S MEDIA AIDE AND JOURNALISTS
“If I now roll out to you, the plans to you, which means I have given out the answers as to what we are doing to solve the problem and those causing the problem as you know, are also on the watch out. However, I will tell you in all honesty that, we are doing our best and we shall continue to do our best.
“It is a fact that, the primary function of every government is to protect life and property.
“We have failed in our responsibility, as so charge and we have our conscience on that!
“The insecurity did not just start in one day. The security problem in my own axis in Wase, possibly, we are seeing the apex of it.
“If you recall sometime in the past, I moved a Motion on the floor of the House, calling on the attention of the then administration, concerning the activities of criminals and bandits in mining sites in Wase and other states, which was ignored. But, I have being vindicated now by the present position of the Federal Government (F.G) in terms of asking for the closure of all mining sites, both legal and illegal.
“Zamfara State is one good example. You can see all that had happened and is happening there. I must honestly tell you that, the roles of every group and bandits that are now in my Constituency in Wase has a lot of linkage with those, who are mining.
“So, the mining activity is one factor that has increased the insecurity in my constituency.
“Secondly, wherever you find mining activities, you will find criminality and banditry there because, lot of drugs movements and other substances are consumed there and this is part of the problem.
“If you recall, I earlier said, I moved that Motion when Rt. Hon. Dogara, was the Speaker of the House Reps. He took steps, to the extent that, his Adviser came and we went to the environment and he gave a very robust directive. Unfortunately, in our own clime, you know what will ordinarily happen and you can now see what it has brought us to today.
“But, by the grace of God, we are doing our best as a Government and taking action. Several Motions have been moved both Executive and Private, especially, using my own position to make sure the right things are done to solve this problem and I did suggested what we should do.
“In all, we are doing our best, to make sure that, the property and lives of Nigerians are secured!”
Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has commended the Founder of Experience Aviation, Ryakeng Gidado Caleb (License Pilot) and her Co-facilitator, Longji Mwansat ((License Pilot)) for training Secondary School children and providing them fun opportunity within the Aviation Industry in Plateau State.
GOV. LALONG AT THE AIRPORT
Governor Lalong commended them today, while introducing “Experience Aviation”, as a reliable organization, to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Maje Wase, at the Plateau State Airport, where Secondary School Students under training, were brought to physically see aircrafts, as they land and takeoff.
Governor Lalong said, “Experience Aviation and its Founder, Ryakeng Gidado Caleb, are making Plateau people proud”.
THE TRAINING HALL
During the training, which took place today, at the Headquarters of Experience Aviation, domiciled at the Airport, the Secondary School Students from Government Secondary School Kufang and Claire Aid Foundation, Jebbu Miango in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, were exposed to opportunities within the Aviation Industry, Air Experience, Scenic Flight, and flight Simulator experiences.
THE STUDENTS
The students numbering 19, with their Teachers, Owen Nden and Bitrus Gana, were also taken through a tour of the Airport and its facilities.
It is of note that, Experience Aviation Nigeria is a diverse organization of members with a wide range of aviation and aerospace interests and back grounds, founded by individuals, who were passionate about creating memorable experiences for individuals using aviation and developing young people through aviation.
THE INTERVIEW
In an interview with the Founder and Facilitator of today’s training program, Ryakeng Gidado Caleb (License Pilot), she explained that, she founded the organization, owing to her passion and life experiences.
THE INTERVIEW
Adding that, “Experience Aviation offers a fun opportunity for participating in the flying, Design and building of aircraft with the most passionate community of aviation enthusiast”.
She also disclosed that, “Experience Aviation is in Partnership with the Plateau State Government to provide flight simulation experience to secondary school children across Plateau State”.
You would recall that, the organization had organized and provided air experience flights for over 50 girls in Lagos and Kaduna to mark the International Day of the Girl Child in 2021.
A second republic Lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Baba Akawu, has emerged as the candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) for Bassa/Jos-North Federal Constituency of Plateau State.
Alhaji Baba, who was given his Clearance Certificate by the State Chairman, Capt. V. Lamda (Rtd), represented by the State Secretary of the Party, Hon. Bitrus Boyi, was further affirmed through a voice vote in an Affirmative Primary Election conducted by the chapter today, 21/7/2023, to be the Candidate for the Bassa/Jos-North Federal Constituency of Plateau State for the party in the forthcoming general election, slated by INEC for 2023.
ELECTORAL OFFICERS
The election, which was witnessed by INEC, Security Agencies, and the Media, had 16 delegates and was supervised by 3 Electoral Officers within the party. Gushit Daffi (1st Electoral Officer), Awalu Tanko (Assistant Officer) and Hashidu Amiau as Electoral Officer II.
THE CERTIFICATE OF RETURN
You would recall that, the space was made vacant with the withdrawal of, Ruth Markus, from the race.
BABA AKAWU
In his remarks during his acceptance speech, Alhaji Baba Akawu disclosed that, he decided to join the race after observing and seeing the decadence in society, the suffering of the masses, failure of institutions and the failure of those, who have and are currently representing the Constituency in meeting up with the needs and wants of the Constituents.
THE INTERVIEW
In an exclusive interview with REALITY, Baba Akawu said, he is competent, experienced and fit to face the electioneering challenges. He described most of the candidates that have emerged from other political parties for the seat as “children in politics”.
RUTH
On her part, Ruth Markus, told REALITY that, she voluntarily withdrew from the race and never acted under duress.
She also disclosed that, she took the decision after assessing the competence and ability of Alhaji Baba to win the race for the Party.
L-R: BABA AND RUTH
She said, “I shall work with him and put all my efforts to make sure he wins. I am from Bassa LGA and the part I hail from is very strategic in determining the winner of Bassa/Jos- North Federal Constituency of Plateau State”.
RT. HON. BABA AKAWU AND MEMBERS
It is expected that, at the close of today’s business, the name of Alhaji Baba Akawu would have been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The entire Staff of Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN), celebrate their Executive Director, Mrs. Ruth Dul @ 60.
The event tagged: “Diamond Jubilee, Mummy @ 60”, took place today, the 20th of July, 2022, at CRUDAN Headquarters, in Sabon Barki in Bukuru, in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, to Honour Mrs. Ruth Dul’s Diamond Jubilee.
Mrs. Ruth Dul
Prayers were said for the celebrant, “For God to sustain her, give her good health and make her continue to experience unlimited joy in life” among others.
While rendering praises on Mrs. Ruth, the staff, one after the other, described the Executive Director as, “A mother, rare gem, mentor and boss”.
THE STAFF
Unanimously they said, “We appreciate God for your life, Mrs. Ruth Dul and wish you many happy returns in Jesus Name. Amen!”
Hon. Pam Botmang has dedicated the “Meritorious Award”, for his Excellent Services in Plateau State and the nation at large, awarded to him by the Independent Publishers’ Association (IPA) to the Youths of Plateau State.
The occasion, which took place in his residence in Jos, Plateau, was graced by dignitaries, from his neighbourhood, fellow Commissioners, APC members, and youths representatives in the state.
dignitaries
In his remarks during his acceptance speech, Hon. Botmang said, since he is still a youth and the importance of the youths cannot be overemphasized in the need to develop the state, he has dedicated the Award of IPA to Plateau Youths.
THE SPEECH
He said, the Award would spur him and other youths in APC and the state together to do the needful and make the state proud.
Hon. Pam, thanked the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong for also giving the opportunity to serve the state and Dr. Nentawe for bringing him on board as his running mate in the coming 2023 governorship election in the state.
MR. SHABUL PRESENTING THE AWARD TO HON. PAM BOTMANG
Earlier in his Speech, the Chairman of IPA, Mr. Shabul Mazadu, had told the audience that, “The essence of the Award is to spur Hon. Pam Botmang into doing more, both in the private and public sector”.
Adding that, “His outstanding performance and pedigree, humility, vision and penchant for prosperity, unity and progress, endeared Dr, Nentawe Yilwada, the APC gubernatorial candidate to pick him as his running mate seeing they float on the same visionary pedestal of transforming Plateau into a glorious haven”.
Placing his thought in that line and identifying IPA, the Plateau state Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang said, “I know this group and I know them individually. They are Professionals”.
HON. BOTMANG AND OTHER COMMISSIONERS WHO WITNESSED THE EVENT
He said, “You have been talk about IPA. If there is any body that can tell you more of IPA, is me. If anybody will tell anything about Journalists in this state, it is also me. This is because; I have been in that terrain, leading these Journalists right from Da. Jonah Jang’s era.
HON. DAN MANJANG, COMMISSIONER OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION PLATEAU STATE
“I know them as individuals and I know them in their groups. There are Journalists and there are Journalists because, I am also one and I can tell you that, if you see a good Journalist, you will know him. If you see a “yellow” one, you will also know him, because we have Yellow Journalism.
IPA MEMBERS AND OTHERS
“If you see them, you will know their stuff. If Valentine Adese (JP) and Shabul Mazadu speak, for an example, and all their members, who are also my friends too, you will know their stuff.
“This is the right group of Journalists on the Plateau!
This is because, they bear their minds. That, Shabul agrees with you today does not mean he would agree with you tomorrow. This is what is called, PROFESSIONALISM, and because he disagrees with you today, does not mean he would not agree with you tomorrow.
IPA MEMBERS AND OTHERS
“Their style of writing is totally different! You give a script to a reporter, many will do cut and pest. But, this group reports, they simply use the script to report.
“This group has never failed us and I believe they will never fail Plateau people”.
HON. GIDEON, JOS SOUTH LGC CHAIRMAN
On his part, the Chairman of Jos South Local Government Council, Hon. Gideon Dung Dandereng, who came to witness the ceremony with most of the members of the Legislative Arm of the Council, in an interview with Journalists at the venue, said he commends IPA for identifying Hon. Pam Botman for the Award.
He said the Award would spur him to work and work more.
In part, Hon. Gideon said, “I came in this morning to witness the Award presentation by IPA to Hon. Pam Botmang.
“Let me first of all commend those that were able to identify him. Pam Botmang is a silent achiever. He has demonstrated leadership, as far as, we are concerned.
“We are aware that he has provided employment to several youths of this state and across tribal lines.
“To me, he is a detribalized Nigerian and I think this award is timely.
“With this development, I now believe the APC has not made a mistake to have chosen him as the running mate to Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda.
“As far as I am concerned, the reward for hard work is more work and this Award has actually confirmed that Pam is working and I therefore have a strong believe from the bottom of my hear that, he is going to help and complement Dr. Nentawe and take Plateau State to the next level.
SHABUL AND HON. PAM
“You can see form the engagement of Dr. Nentawe that, he has distinguished himself from any other candidate in Plateau State. His discussions over time have all been issue based and he has also brought in Hon. Pam Botmang to synergies the system. We all have the Plateau State of our dream in our mind and we want to bequeath a legacy to the unborn Plateau child”.
Others who contributed like his neighbours applauded Hon. Pam for his humility and human interest in the community.
READ THE FULL SPEECH OF MAZADU, IPA CHAIRMAN BELOW:-
MR. SHABUL
Speech of the Independent Publishers Association, IPA, Chairman, Shabul Mazadu, on Meritorious Award Presentation to Honourable Pam Botmang, Commissioner of Works and Gubernatorial Running Mate of Dr. Nentawe Yilwada, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Plateau State on 19th July, 2022
Good morning your Excellency, the awardee, invited guests, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen.
Permit me to stand on existing protocol.
The Independent Publishers Association (IPA) is here this day to recognize the meritorious services rendered by Hon. Pam Botmang, both in the private and public sectors by bestowing a meritorious service award on him.
It is worthy of note that aside the conventional role of the media in disseminating information, influencing public opinion positively and exposing vices in society, IPA as an association of newspapers and magazines publishers and radio station owner, deems it fit to encourage proponents and executors of progress, development, unity and selfless services to the society by conferring awards of excellence and merits on deserving citizens so as to boost their morale in doing more.
In this regard, having observed and appreciated the numerous services rendered by Hon. Pam Botmang, both in the Public and Private sector, IPA proudly decides to confer a Meritorious Award on him.
Botmang, when he was in his mid-twenties, started his odyssey in service to the society in the late nineties precisely 1998, where he embarked on his journey in the private sector at Hamstang Limited in Lagos, as a commercial officer, and progressed to commercial Manager and General Manager.
While also in the private sector, he held many positions both in associations and organizations some at the same time and others at different intervals such as: he played a role as a Director of Grand Cereals and Oil Mills Ltd Jos, Nigeria from 2015 – 2018. He was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Indigenous Shipping Agents & Operators Association of Nigeria (ISAOAN) Lagos, Nigeria 2011 – 2018; he was also a Director, Tenti Greens Farms Ltd Vom, Nigeria 2009 – 2018; Managing Director/CEO, Sapphire Shipping Limited Lagos, Nigeria 2009 – 2018; An indigenous and fully licensed shipping and logistics service company within major seaports and airports across the country with the headquarters in Lagos Nigeria.
He set up the Platinum Services Ltd which has since been operational and is standing tall amongst such ventures in Nigeria’s commercial hub of Lagos where is providing a full range of logistic services to clients across the globe. This made him an employer of Labour since his early thirties and has remained so.
Platinum is a licensed shipping company with wide range of professional shipping services in general agency practice, special agency, owner’s protection/supervision, crew manning and all types of claim handling, Disport Agency, Ship Owners’ Representatives/Protective Agents, Ship Charterers, Maritime Brokers, and supply of Bunkers.
Botmang’s company which flourishes to the admiration of all has two subsidiaries with staff strength of 55.
His prowess and stamina in handling different and many positions at the same time, has proven his sagacity in many fields of life’s endeavours, and a workaholic in whom there is no sluggishness.
In his quest of giving back to his mother state, Plateau, Pam left the comfort zone of Lagos and accepted to serve the state as Commissioner of Works.
As Commissioner of Works, he supervised all the projects completed by the Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, administration, and new ones initiated by the same administration such as the completion of the high way from Mararaban Jama’a to Dogon Karfe, completion of the Secretariat Junction Flyover, reconstruction of the Miango Road with spur to Domkat Bali, Tudun Wada and Rukuba Roads. Others were the completion of Mangu-Gindiri road, mounting of street lights in Jos and Bukuru Metropolis and all the ongoing legacy projects in the seventeen local government areas and not forgetting the current flyover being constructed at British-America Junction with dual carriage to Lamingo Junction.
Time and space will not allow me to mention all the projects executed by the Lalong administration under his watch.
Hon. Botmang has distinguished himself in all his areas of endeavours by being committed to his job, discipline and with excellent rapport with co-workers.
His outstanding performance and pedigree, humility, vision and penchant for prosperity, unity and progress, endeared Dr, Nentawe Yilwada, the APC gubernatorial candidate to pick him as running mate seeing they float on the same visionary pedestal of transforming Plateau into a glorious haven.
The essence of the award is to spur him into doing more both in the private and public sector.
The Independent Publishers’ Association (IPA) has stated that, it is proud of its member, Pastor Tom Kubua, who is standing as a candidate of Accord Party for Cross-River State House of Assembly, Boki ll, State Constituency in the forthcoming 2023 general election.
The commendation is contained in a press release of IPA, signed by its Chairman, Mr. Shabul Mazadu, dated 16th July, 2023.
In the letter, IPA has promised to stand with its Member through the electioneering process.
“IPA will always support visionary and patriotic citizens like, Mr. Pastor Tom Kubua, to occupy elective positions in Nigeria”. The release stated in part.
However, while congratulating Pastor Tom Kubua, IPA members wished him success at the polls.
