RE-AWARDING N29BILLION LALONG’S LEGACY PROJECTS THAT IS 80% COMPLETED FOR N26BILLION IS SCANDALOUS, SUB-JUDICE AND LAUGHABLE---Bleneson Service Nigeria Ltd.

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Management of Bleneson Service Nigeria Ltd, the contractor of the 22 LALONG’S LEGACY PROJECTS in Plateau State has described as scandalous, pre-judicial, sub-judice and laughable, the news of the re-awarding of the contract to a new contractor.

The Management of Bleneson has also questioned why the Plateau State Executive Council (EXCO) is attempting to approved the 22 LALONG’S LEGACY PROJECTS, costing the sum of N29 Billion and that has been completed up to 70% by its company to a new contractor for the sum of N26billion.

In an interview with Journalists after the news break that, the Plateau State Government, through the State Executive Committee (EXCO) has approved the re-awarding of the contract to Mssrs United Integrated Construction Company, The Managing Director of Bleneson Services Nig Ltd, Engr. Lawson Ngoa, explained that, the Plateau State Government has not terminated their contract and therefore has no right to re-award the same contract to another contractor.

Engineer Lawson added that, the projects cannot be re-awarded to a new contractor because there is a pending case before the court of law on the 22 projects.

He said, “Litigation is on between the state Government and the Contractor and also a case between the contractor and other sub-contractors as such it is not possible for the same project to be re-awarded”.

He further faulted the government for saying they were terminating or have terminated the contract on the grounds of non-performance after the Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has been quoted in several fora and interviews saying the project was 70percent completed.

The Managing Director of Bleneson Services Nig Ltd, Engr. Lawson Ngoa, further said in part that, “If we have done 70percent like they say, what then will stop us from completing the project?”

“We don’t need to compound this issue, bringing in another contractor now when the main contractor is still alive and the case is still before the Court of Law, we will only compound the issues more, as bringing in the new contractor will amount to more litigation, and the more we go into litigation the more the projects will still not be done.

“This case is before the Court of Law and we have not been paid a dime by anyone, neither has anyone been sent to me nor approached me for settlement and there is no consent agreement made all through the one year that the case has been in Court”.

Engr. Lawson Ngoa however emphasized that, he was also in support that, the Lalong Legacy Project be completed as it was for the overall interest of the Plateau State citizens.

It is of note that, the 22 projects dubbed, “Lalong’s Legacy Projects” include 9 primary schools, 6 secondary schools and 6 hospitals, all of world-standard and located across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.

Facts are that, the Plateau State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Mr. Dan Manjay had in a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report during his visit to the Agency recently said and also attributed the delay in the completion of the 22 Lalong Legacy Projects to the ongoing litigation by the contractor.

Majang in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos, insisted that, the State Government would complete the projects before the end of the current administration.

He said for emphasis that, “The Lalong Legacy Projects consist of 22 infrastructural projects, which include modern primary and secondary schools, and hospitals, located all over the 17 Local government areas of the state.

“The projects, if completed will have direct bearing in the lives of the citizens of the state, particularly the rural dwellers”.

The Commissioner further explained that, the Bleneson Service Nigeria Ltd; the company executing the projects took the State Government to Court over alleged breach of contract.

Adding that, “We are not happy that these projects have not been completed; we are really worried.

“But it is not our making, because the Bleneson Service Nigeria Ltd; took the State Government to Court over the projects.

“And because the case is still in Court, we cannot do anything about the projects until the litigation is over and that’s the reason for the delay”.

 

JUST IN: Barr Mercy & Engr. Isaac Wedding’s Officiating Ministers, Order of Service, Hymns, Others

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

From the information reaching REALITY Newspaper, the Officiating Ministers at the wedding solemnization of Barr Mercy Nanya Butko and Engr. Isaac Bot John, at COCIN Headquarters today, Saturday, the 29^th of October, 2022, would be led by Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo.

Joining him would be, Rev. Dr. Timothy Nwan, Rev. Dr. Sylverster Dachomo, Rev. Pirfa Daniel Mamven, Rev. Moses Chagumi, Rev. Father Vincent Fazing, Rev. Kefas Z. Dagin and Pst. Weng D. Gwamma among other Clergy men.

According to the published Order of Service, Praise and Worship would take the center stage in the Church followed by the Bridal Procession and Solemnization.

The first Hymn for the service would be “God give us Christian Homes” followed by “There shall be showers of blessings”.

MORE TO COME….  

WEDDING BELLS: BARR. MERCY NANYA BUTKO WEDS ENGR. ISAAC BOT TOMORROW, 29/10/2022

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The much awaited and publicized wedding solemnization of Barr Mercy Nanya Butko and Engr. Isaac Bot John by the families of, Mr. Barnabas Butko Zitta and Da John Habila Tsok, comes up tomorrow, Saturday, the 29^th of October, 2022.

The wedding solemnization from the invitations sent out by the families, would hold at COCIN Headquarters Jos in Plateau State.

When REALITY visited the families this evening (28/10/2022), activities concerning the slated event were on top gear, accompanied with traditional music and dancing steps.

REALITY WILL BE COVERING THE EVENT TOMORROW AND REPORTING. KEEP FAITH!

PLATEAU: WE ONLY ENDORSED APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. FORMER APC GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS/ELDERS, REPLY GENERATION NEXT CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The 17 Aspirants, who contested alongside with Dr. Nentawe Goshewe, for the governorship slot of the Plateau State All Progressives Congress (APC) have denied endorsing, Dr. Nentawe Goshewe’s bid for the Plateau State Governorship seat.

In a press statement dated 26^th October, 2022, made available to journalists in Plateau State, signed by Hon. Johnson Podar, (the Spokesman of the former governorship Aspirants) the 17 governorship Aspirants of the APC claimed that, the alleged endorsement of Nentawe is an imagination and wishful dream of Shittu Bamaiyi, the Spokesman, of Generation Next Campaign Council.

The statement of the 17 Aspirants, while denying the endorsement allegation, also called on the people of Plateau not to be deceived by the antics of Dr. Nentawe and his Campaign Council and that, “as Democrats they will continue to provide proper and adequate information for the people of the state to enable them take the right decision(s).

You would recall that, after rising from a meeting in Jos, the capital of Plateau state, the 17 governorship aspirants had pledged to deliver 70 percent of the total votes in Plateau State to Sen. Tinubu.

The 17 gubernatorial Aspirants, who contested for the ticket of the party ahead of the 2023 general elections had said their decision to support the party’s presidential candidate is borne out of the fact that, the former Lagos State Governor has the capacity to reform and fix the country.

According to them, “Tinubu has been tested and has the experience and ability to solve Nigeria’s problems”.

The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Professor Sonni Tyoden, who also was an Aspirant and who spoke to journalists at the end of the meeting on Sunday night said, the group was fully committed to Tinubu and will mobilize citizens of the State to massively vote for him.

Also speaking, a former Comptroller of Nigeria Customs, Dimka David said, Nigeria needs a leader that would create jobs for the teaming youths.

According to him, “Lagos State is working because of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria does not need anything more than someone that will create job and Tinubu can provide that.

“Bola has fought to ensure Nigeria remains one and we want a leader that will move this country forward. That is why, we from the Plateau are supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu because, he is tested and he is not a religious bigot, he is completely a detribalized Nigerian.

“I know that the least Asiwaju will get in Plateau will not be less than 70 percent of the votes because, he is loved by many people in Plateau State. I am confident of his victory.”

Chief Amos Gizo said, “We resolved to work for the victory Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next President of Nigeria. We are mobilizing our supporters to vote enmass for the APC presidential candidate.”

Barr Oumar Shettien, an elder and Chairman “Plateau Project II” said, “We are supporting Bola Tinubu because of his record of performance while he was the governor of Lagos State. He fought for democracy. I appeal to Nigerians to vote for him, he is a true democrat. The issue of Muslim Muslim ticket doesn’t arise, the ticket is Tinubu’s ticket”.

Adding his voice also in this direction was a former Permanent Secretary, Plateau State Government House, Mr. Sunday Biggs, who is one among the 17 Aspirants. He said that, as members of the APC, nothing stops them from identifying with the APC presidential candidate, Sen. Tinubu, while positing that, they will do anything legally possible for him to get victory in Plateau State, come 2023 general elections.

Hon. Johnson Podar, who is the Spokespersons of the group said, Tinubu would lead the country to prosperity.

“Tinubu has mentored a lot of people and he is Pan-Nigeria, he has never discriminated against anybody. Tinubu has touched the lives of many people irrespective of their faith or ethnicity.

“He will lead the country to prosperity. We worked for Tinubu to win the primaries so we cannot withdraw our support for him now”. He added.

READ THE FULL CONTROVERSIAL PRESS STATEMENT BELOW:

PRESS RELEASE

APPRECIATION

24/10/2022

The All Progressives Congress governorship Candidate in Plateau state Dr. Nentawe Goshewe has described the decision by former governorship aspirants in the State to work for the success of party at all levels as very commendable and assuring.

In a statement by the Spokesman of the Generation Next Campaign Council, Shittu Bamaiyi, quotes Dr Nentawe as expressing happiness with the decision of the leaders to close ranks for the success of the party at all levels.

Dr. Nentawe noted that, for them to have taken such a bold step clearly portrays the former governorship aspirants as democrats, who believe in the supremacy of the party.

He further noted that, the decision of party’s stalwarts is not only inspiring and assuring, but a mileage for the success of the APC at all stages of the ballot in the State.

The APC governorship Candidate reassured all party faithful of his willingness to listen to all shades of opinion and advices for the success of the party in the state.

Sign

Shittu Bamaiyi

Spokesman, Generation Next Campaign Council

 

NASARAWA: THE DEATH OF MY SPECIAL ADVISER CAME TO ME AS A RUDE SHOCK---GOV. SULE

By: Wilson Bako (Lafia),

Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A.Sule has expressed deep pains and sadness over the demise of his Special Adviser on Special  Duties, Alhaji Murtala Lamus (Dokajin Wamba), who died in the early hours of today(25/10/2022).

Late Lamus, who has been a long time friend and ally of Governor Abdullahi Sule, was a quiet, but consummate politician, a grass roots mobilizer and patriot, whose love for Nasarawa State and humanity is not in question.

Engr. Sule in his condolence message stated that, the News of the death of the Special Adviser, came to him as “a rude shock”.

The State Chief Executive, who joined in the Janazah prayers on the corpse of the late Adviser, was also at the grave graveyard during the final interment. The Governor also visited the family of the deceased to condole with them.

During the visit, he advised them to take consolation in the fact that, the Adviser lived a worthy life as exemplified by the testimonies and the large turnout of mourners in Wamba, his country home.

Governor Sule in his prayer seek Allah to grant the soul of late Murtala Lamus eternal rest in Aljannat-firdausi and give his family, friends and associates, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

 

NASARAWA: GOV. SULE FULFILLS PROMISE TO NUJ, LAMENTS OVER ENDLESS KILLINGS IN OBI AND KEANA LGAs

By: Wilson Bako (Lafia),

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has condemned in strong terms the seeming endless killings of innocent people and the destructions of sources of livelihood in parts of Obi and Keana Local government areas of the state.

Addressing Journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) press center in Lafia, during an official visit yesterday, Governor Sule vowed to take drastic measures aimed at dealing decisively with perpetrators of these barbaric acts.

The Governor, who was reacting to the recent massacre of some Tiv farmers in some villages in Obi and Keana Local Government Areas (LGAs) by some people suspected to be Fulani Hards men warned that, these senseless killings must stop.

He said, “Enough is enough of these senseless killings. There can never be any meaningful development in a crises ridden society”.

Adding that, his visit to the NUJ secretariat was to officially inform men of the pen profession of his intention to run for a second term of four years, while also suing for the understanding and cooperation of Journalists in the state.

He however, cautioned Media Practitioners not to allow themselves to be used by desperate politicians, who are desperate about taking power either by hook or crook.

“I Engineer A.A Sule, the Governor of Nasarawa State, cannot use or incite you against any politician. Therefore, don’t give in to anyone or politician to achieve his or her selfish ambition or desire”. He cautioned.

While thanking Journalists in the state for their support and cooperation since his assumption of office, the Governor advised politicians in the state to practice the game according to the rules adding that, the interest of the state should be upper most their personal interest.

The Governor later fulfilled the earlier promise he made to the members of the Correspondent’s Chapel of the NUJ by donating a Bus to the Union and also announcing the donation of Twenty million naira (#20,000,000.00) to the State Council of the Union for the total renovation of the Press center.

In their separate appreciation, the state Chairman of the union, Mohammed Alkali and his Correspondent’s counterpart, Isaac Okpoju, were full of praises on the Governor, as they assured him of their unalloyed support at all times.

 

NASARAWA STATE SCHOLARSHIP BOARD COMMENDS, GOV. ABDULLAHI SULE, FOR REVIEWING STUDENTS’ SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS

By: Wilson Bako Lafia

In view of the harsh economic situation in the country, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule has announced the immediate upward review of students’ scholarship grants in order to cushion their hardships.

You would recall that, the Governor on assumption of office had settled the accumulated students’ scholarship grants running over Seven (7) years and amounting to a total sum of One Hundred and Ninety Five Million naira (#195 million)

The Executive Secretary of the State Scholarships Board, Hajia Sa adatu Yahaya, who disclosed this in her office yesterday at a media briefing further explained that, hitherto, the upward review of the grants for Law Students were being paid.

According to her, the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (#100, 000.00) for Law Students has been increased to Three Hundred Thousand Naira (#300,000.00), while that for other students have now been increased to Twenty Thousand Naira (#20,000.00), from Ten Thousand Naira (#10,000.00).

Adding that, “Disabled students now collect Thirty Thousand Naira (#30,000.00) as against the previous, Twenty Thousand Naira (#20,000.00).

Hajia Saadatu disclosed that, the State Government is currently sponsoring Five (5) students abroad studying courses such as, Nursing, Medicine, Engineering and Pilot, amongst others.

The Executive Secretary said, in an effort to ensure transparency in the payment of students grants, the Board has introduced the use Verve Cards (VC), which each student benefiting from the state scholarship must possess and present at the point of payment before being paid.

She explained that, the disbursement of the Verve Cards to successful eight Thousand  students would commence from 20^th October, 2022 and lapse on 4^th November 2022.

Hajia Saadatu further stated that, the payment of the scholarship grants, which would soon commence, would be paid at zonal levels, while emphasizing that, the Board has taken stringent measures to avoid a situation where the students would stays for several hours before being paid their allowances.

She said additional manpower would be added to ensure that, while some are doing the clearance, others would be doing the payment.

She commended the State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for being so compassionate on the plight of students in tertiary institutions in the state and assured him of the boards loyalty and unflinching support to enable him achieve all his desired goals.

NASARAWA: FAILED IMPEACHMENT ATTEMPT ON TANKO-AL-MAKURA: WE TENDER AN UNRESERVED APOLOGY—RT. HON. MUSA AHMED

By: Wilson Bako (Lafia),

The former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (4th Assembly), Alhaji, Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohammed has tendered an unreserved apology to both the Government and people of the state, over their failed attempt to impeach the then governor of the state, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, while in office.

The former Speaker, who was the Chairman of the Unveiling and Launching of Nasarawa State House of Assembly Compendium 2032, ” The Journey so far (1999-2022)”, said that, himself and the members then in the Assembly have come to realize that, dialogue still remains the best option in ironing out differences hence, the need to asked for forgiveness.

Hon. Mohammed called the state Lawmakers to give the state Governor, Eng. Abdullahi Sule, their unflinching support, as well as, embrace dialogue rather than confrontation in tabling issues for the smooth running of the state.

He commended the Speaker and members of the State Assembly for what he described as, an excellent initiative for hatching, as well as, bringing into fruition the compendium, which he said would serve as reference material to even children yet unborn.

The former Speaker was also full of praises to the State Governor, Eng. Sule, for giving his express approval, as well as, moral support to ensure that the Compendium sees the light of the day.

Earlier, in his welcome speech, the Speaker of the state Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarebe Abdullahi disclosed that, the Lawmakers felt it necessary to embark on the Compendium Project so as to, leave behind a material that would serve as a guide to both intending and future would-be politicians as they wind up their tenure in office.

While reassuring the House members’ commitment to enactive laws that would be of great benefits to the people of the state, the Speaker commended his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Gwomna for ensuring the success of the Compendium.

He expressed the House members’ appreciation to the state Governor for cordial working relationship between the House members and his office and express the hope that, such spirit of mutual understanding would continue to prevail for the benefits of both parties.

The State Governor, Eng. Sule, had in a message through his Deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, expressed his profound gratitude to the state Lawmakers for their cooperation and understanding since assumption of office, which he said has assisted greatly in the smooth running of the state.

I HAVE NOT AND WILL NEVER, BETRAY PLATEAU STATE--GOV. LALONG

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has firmly stated that, he has not and would never betray Plateau State or its people for any reason. He said he loves the state and has strong passion about its people’s survival and progress.

According to a Press Statement of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signed by, Hon. Sylvanus Namang, the State Publicity Secretary, dated 3^rd October, 2022, Governor Lalong stated this, during the Thanksgiving service to mark the 60th birthday of the Plateau State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Rufus Bature, at the COCIN Church, Kufen in Barin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday, the 2^nd of October, 2022.

GOV. LALONG, OTHERS

According to the press statement, Governor Lalong, going down memory lane, pointed out how he and the celebrant, Hon. Rufus Bature, were persecuted for standing strong in defense of the interest of the state, when they rejected the imposition of the State of Emergency imposed on the state and the illegal impeachment of the state governor.

“Apparently, referring to a statement attributed to a former governor of the state, where he has been accused of betrayal”. The statement emphasized.

GOV. LALONG

Adding that, “Governor Lalong explained that, given what he along with 16 other law makers went through, including 40 days illegal detention by the EFCC in Lagos, it is uncharitable to accuse him of betrayal”.

The press statement signed by Hon. Sylvanus Namang, in part, further stated that, “Governor Lalong revealed also that, a book is being written, which will tell the secrets behind the State of Emergency and the illegal impeachment, which he refused to carry out as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

“He therefore, advised the Church not to allow anyone to deceive them that he betrayed him.

“Adding with emphasis that, “we are not talking of an individual, but the state”.

“On Hon. Rufus Bature, Governor Lalong in his narration said that, while they served in the Plateau State House of Assembly with him (Rufus) as the Minority Leader, he saw in him the spirit of Plateau State.

“Adding that, “He was always not talking about his tribe or party, but how to uplift Plateau State”.

“He said they suffered together with the APC Chairman, as all of them, who were detained, collectively vowed to work for the interest of the state even if, it meant dying in the process.

“He regretted that, Six (6) of the lawmakers have lost their lives and God has made him Governor and he is paying for the educational pursuit of their children, which he promised to do, until such a time he cannot afford to continue.

“He charged Berom people to follow in the footsteps of the APC Chairman (Rufus), as he remains daring in the face of all odds.

“He fought for his people and said he would die with the Governor even if, he stood alone with him”. The Governor further revealed.

“He expressed happiness that, Rufus was no longer alone as through his doggedness, many Berom people have been appointed by his administration.

“He explained that, Rufus delivered the APC in 2015 and 2019 and will deliver again as the state Chairman in 2023.

“Governor Lalong reassured those, who lost their land due to the crises that rocked the local governments of safe return to their lands based on the measures taken by the state government.

“On his part, the celebrant, Hon. Rufus Bature, in an emotion-laden voice, praised Governor Simon Lalong for making him, who he is today.

“He said he made him Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), a position no person of Berom extraction had ever occupied in the history of the state.

“He appealed to his people to ensure that they do not ever remain a minority in the affairs of the state any longer.

“According to Hon. Rufus, “When I took the risk to be in the APC, I believed that, God was about to do something in my life.

“He said he has no regret for what he did in 2015, as he stood with Governor Lalong and God has made him, who he is today.

“He was full of gratitude to the Governor for his developmental strides in Berom land and the appointment of many of their sons and daughters in government at the local, state and national levels.

“Hon. Rufus Bature, was full of gratitude to his elder brother, Da Solomon Bature, who raised him and his siblings after losing their father, 46 years ago, while thanking God for the family he is blessed with”.

Rev. Professor Gyang Pam, the Provost of Gindiri Theological Seminary

The Guest Preacher of the occasion according to the text was, Rev. Professor Gyang Pam, the Provost of Gindiri Theological Seminary, who is a childhood friend of the APC Chairman. He praised the celebrant for “living a selfless life”.

Taking his text from Luke 12 : 13-21, about the Parable of The Rich Fool, he admonished Christians to utilize their time on earth wisely.

The State CAN Chairman, Rev. Father Polycarp Lubo, cautioned Plateau people against divisive politics, which has stalled the socio – economic growth of the state.

He explained that, the state has lost a lot economically, due to people’s indifference towards things that will bring growth.

On his part, the press statement acknowledged that, the Chairman of Barkin Ladi, Hon. Jock Alamba, congratulated Rufus Bature, for demonstrating leadership by example, while praising Governor Lalong for doing a lot for his people especially, in the area of Peace Building.

He further thanked the Governor, for the appointments of their sons and daughters in his government and the upgrading of the Barkinladi  General Hospital to a Specialist Hospital and now converted to a Federal Orthopaedic Hospital.

The Thanksgiving service was attended by political chieftains among whom were, the APC Chairmen of Nasarawa and Kaduna States, the Plateau APC Gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, APC State Exco, Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi,  APC Senatorial Candidate for Central Senatorial District, Hon. Diket Plang, members of the State Executive Council, Local Government  Chairmen and dignitaries from all walks of life.

The occasion was capped with raising funds for the completion of the Church with  greater part of the over N30m raised coming from three children of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who are Christians.

See some other picture from the event below:-

PLATEAU: GOV. LALONG, OTHER BENEFICIARIES OF RECENT NATIONAL HONOURS: WE ARE ELATED AND PROUD OF THEM---PLATEAU APC CHAPTER

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated and described the conferment of National Honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Governor, Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State, by President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) as well-deserved.

In a statement issued on behalf of the party and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Sylvanus Namang, dated 3^rd October, 2022, the party noted that, it is undoubtedly not surprised over the recognition and appreciation accorded to Governor Lalong by the Federal Government.

GOV. LALONG

According to the Plateau APC chapter, “looking at Governor Lalong’s political trajectory and service to the country, the National Honour bestowed on him is timely and meritorious”.

The chapter in the statement signed by Hon. Namang, explained that, the Governor, having risen from  a Private Legal Practitioner, State Legislator, the longest serving Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly,  a  two term Governor and currently Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and now the Director General (DG) of the APC  Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), are achievements  and service to the country, which deserve recognition by all and sundry.

The chapter stated that, “the APC is elated and proud of Governor Lalong over the Honour and recognition by the Federal Government.

The Plateau APC chapter, also congratulated the Ten (10) other Plateau State indigenes who, were given various National Awards by the Federal Government.

These include: His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase (Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives), who was also  awarded CON, Justice Monica  Bolna’an Dongban Mensem (Chief Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal), Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR),  His Majesty,  Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos (CFR).

Others are, Professor Sabestian Seddi Maimako (former Vice Chancellor,  University of Jos and Director General of the APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council Plateau State), Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON),  Professor Mary Lar (a foremost educationist and wife of the former Civilian Governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar) OON,  Ambassador James Dimka (a veteran Journalist and former Ambassador to Liberia) OON and Professor Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni (former Vice Chancellor,  Plateau State University) OON.

Also benefitting from the National Award are, Mallam  Yakubu Ibn Muhammad (Director General of NTA), who though  from Taraba state, was born and brought up in Jos, OON and Jummai Kizito Gukas (from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation), bagged the Federal Republic Medal 1.

The chapter further described all the awardees as, “true ambassadors of Plateau State, which the state is  really proud of them, while pointing out that, “it is expected that, Plateau State in particular and the country at large, will continue to drink from their fountain of  wisdom , knowledge and their distinguished service for the benefit of the  present, as well as, future generations

The chapter also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government for giving Honour to whom Honour is due with the hope that, “the gesture will continue to spur other Nigerians into putting their best in their service to the country”.

NIGERIA@62: STAFF OF ASPIRA (VNA) NIGERIA Ltd, CELEBRATE IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

As Nigerians celebrate Independence @ 62, the Management and Staff of ASPIRA NIGERIA Ltd, also joined in the celebration in their own unique way in Jos, Plateau State.

REALITY ran into the Staff of ASPIRA NIGERIA Ltd; made up more of Sales Representatives and led by Mr. Sunday N. Johnson, the Area Sales Manager, celebrating the country’s Independence-Day, at Honey Top Restaurant in front of Polo Club in Jos City, where they took time out to pray for the country in a celebrating mood.

THE STAFF LED BY MR. SUNDAY N. JOHNSON

Speaking exclusively to REALITY, Mr. Sunday Tanko, one of the Sales Representative said, there are many reasons why they are celebrating Nigeria@ 62.

He said, “I am Sunday Tanko. I am a staff of ASPIRA NIGERIA Ltd. Today being the 1^st of October, the day we celebrate our Independence-Day in Nigeria is indeed a great day for Nigerians, as well as, for our company.

“Actually, we feel that, despite the challenges we have passed through as a country, there are strong reasons to celebrate on this day of Independence.

MR. SUNDAY TANKO

“Yes, as a country, we are sure to pass through challenges, but today is a memorable day in our history as a country that we can never forget.

“It is a day that, our patriotic heroes fought for our freedom. Hence, we the Staff of ASPIRA NIGERIA Ltd; deemed it fit to celebrate too!

“We strongly have hoped that, the country will prosper and remain united despite the odds.

On her part, Hope Umoh said, “My name is Hope Umoh, I am a Staff of ASPIRA (VNA) Nigeria Ltd. I am a Sales Executive with the company.

LADY UMOH AND OTHERS

“My company deemed it fit to celebrate Nigeria today because it is situated in the country. The company also finds the country flourishing, as they also earn their living here.

“The company’s Management and Staff therefore see no reason, why they should not celebrate the country @ 62”.