The Age Newspaper Online

NEW YEAR SPEECH BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI.                         PMB My fellow countrymen and women, First, I would like to thank and praise the Almighty who saw us through the year 2020 and has given us the opportunity to witness the start of another new year.  We especially thank God because the year 2020 was one of the most trying years since our existence as a Nation.   2.     This can also be said about all other nations around the world, due to the challenges posed on our collective humanity by the novel COVID-19 pandemic.  3.     While acknowledging that 2020 was a very tough year, we saw this year put to test our national resilience and ability to survive these tough times and also gave renewed hope that we will again brave any storms that lay ahead in 2021 and beyond. 4.     As we celebrate the opportunity before us in this New Year 2021, we must also acknowledge the passing away of our brothers and sisters who didn’t make it into this New Year.  May their souls rest in

New year - Lalong vows to work with security operatives to tackle insecurity.                  Gov. Lalong Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday  congratulated Plateau State citizens Nigerians for witnessing the year 2021. The Governor in a message said despite the challenges of the outgone year, Nigerians should be optimistic and pray for recovery and progress.  Lalong said the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19 and recession can only be overcome by deliberate synergy between the Government, private sector and citizens in pursuing set objectives that will create opportunities for recovery and growth.  This was contained in a statement signed by  Simon Macham ,Director of Press and  Public Affairs to the Governor and made available to newsmen in Jos . He said "We must all join hands together to overcome COVID-19 which adversely affected our economy last year remains a threat that could cause disruptions in the new year because of the second wave. While Government intensifie

Intending Couples Must Obtain Clearance To Hold Weddings – Lagos State Government.   Following the second wave of the Corona Virus breakdown, the Lagos State Government has made it mandatory for intending couples to obtain clearance from the state government to in order to hold weddings with 300 (or more) people in attendance. This was disclosed in a notice by the state government on Friday, which they titled, ‘Stay At Home’. The notice partly read, “Weddings and social gatherings must not exceed 300 people with prior clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission”. The Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, said the state government is concerned about large gatherings and big weddings as the state experiences a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases. “If it is not a big wedding, maybe 50 people, 100 people, we are not really concerned.  But if it is a large gathering with 300 people and above, it is mandatory that you get a clearance. It is a free cleara

PPA WISHES TALLEN QUICK RECOVERY FROM COVID-19 ASYMPTOMATIC STAGE.          Dame Pauline Tallen Community newspaper  proprietors on the Plateau under the auspice of their association, Plateau Publishers Association (PPA), wishes the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, quick recovery from asymptomatic stage of the Covid-19.  Tallen who tested positive on 26th December, 2020, has gone into self isolation and receiving medical attention. Chairman of the Association, Shabul Mazadu lamented at the second wave of the pandemic taking toll on Plateau Sons and daughters. It would be recalled that the Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, tested positive for the virus recently and went into self isolation before recovering. The interim chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Letep Dabang has gone into isolation after testing positive, and now the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.  PPA further calls on the Federal Government to take speedy proactive mea

COVID-19: Vaccine will be free for Nigerians, says PTF Coordinator.  The National Coordinator of Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19 Sani Aliyu says the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to Nigerians free when vaccination begins. Aliyu made this known on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily. He also revealed plans by the Nigerian government on delivering and administering the vaccine and gave the assurance that Nigerians will be freely vaccinated. “Yesterday, the President gave the PTF the mandate to proceed with preparations with regard to the vaccine. “The President has also given us a marching order that the COVID-19 vaccine be made available in Nigeria. “The COVID-19 vaccine will be available in Nigeria making use of the GAVI arrangement. We already have the assurance that we will have 20% of our population accommodated by GAVI, which is about 40 million Nigerians. They won’t need to pay for that (the vaccine),” the PTF

Yuletide: Plateau govt meets stakeholders on security/ COVID 19.              Prof. Danladi Atu Plateau State Government has said that it does not intend to impose a lockdown in response to the second wave of COVID-19, but will ensure strict compliance to all protocols. This was disclosed at a stakeholders meeting convened by Governor Simon Lalong with Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and health experts to discuss how best to address the situation in line with the advisory of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.  The meeting convened by Governor Simon  Lalong was presided over by Secretary to the Government of Plateau State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu who is the Coordinator of the State Taskforce on COVID-19.              Traditional Rulers During the meeting, Prof. Atu said the event was organised to draw the attention of the stakeholders to the urgency of the situation occasioned by the second wave of the pandemic particularly during

Yusuf Gagdi shares 2600 Bags of Rice and 21 Cows to Christians in Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Constituency.             Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi   Rt. Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi, a Plateau State Legislator, born of parents from Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau state, is currently hitting the news waves, as he begins his journey towards representing the good people of Pankshin, Kanke (PKK) Federal Constituency at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly and in the 9th Assembly. The Honourable member has highly fecilitated with the Christians of his constituency by providing them 2600 bags of rice and 21 cows during this season of Christmas. The honourable member who always ensures that he makes an impact wherever he finds himself has once proven himself to be man of the people. Gagdi is charismatic and tries to open every close door so long as he is aware that it is locked with opportunities inside. The distribution of the 2600 bags of rice and 21 cows to the Christian communities is to be s

ASUU Suspends Nine-Month-Old Strike             PMB & Ogunyemi The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) on Wednesday “conditionally” suspended its strike, ending a protracted industrial action that started since March 2020. ASUU National President, Biodun Ogunyemi made the announcement during a briefing of the union in Abuja, explaining that the development followed consultations with its National Executive Council (NEC).

 GOVERNOR LALONG SHOCKED OVER DEATH OF DG NIPSS PROF. GALADIMA Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says he recieved with shock the death of Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Prof. Habu Galadima. Governor Lalong in a statement said the death of Prof. Galadima is a great loss to his immediate family, NIPSS, Plateau and Nasarawa States, the Nigerian academic community and the entire country. He described the late Prof. Galadima as an astute scholar of international repute, administrator and professional who demonstrated uncommon commitment in carrying out every responsibility he was assigned.  Lalong said "since assuming office over one year ago, Prof. Galadima has injected a fresh impetus in the management of the nation's apex policy and strategic institution by introducing new concepts that made research seamless even under the current COVID-19 pandemic. He also did a lot to improve the physical infrastructure of the instit

PPA WISHES GOV LALONG SPEEDY RECOVERY FROM INFECTION. Plateau Publishers Association (PPA), is saddened by the news of Plateau State Governor's infection of the Covid-19, and his subsequent isolation.  Speaking on the infection, chairman of the association, Shabul Mazadu said the Governor's infection calls for a sober reflection and vigilance against the second wave of the pandemic as it is not exclusive.  He admonishes all to keep to personal hygiene, wearing of face mask and observation of social distancing. And to disregard all fake reports that the infection is a scam, saying we should not abuse God's given privilege of protection against the pandemic unlike the West that is witnessing severe consequences of multiple deaths and lockdown. And that we should not politicize it, instead we should observe all preventive measures as they are not only protective against Covid-19, but other diseases too.  Mazadu further stated that PPA is praying for Governor Simon Lalong and w

HON. KOMSOL BAGS PPA AWARD OF OUTSTANDING REPRESENTATION. The member representing Mikang/Shendam/Qua'an Pan Federal Constituency, in the National Assembly, Hon. Alphonsus Longgap Komsol has bagged Plateau Publishers Association (PPA) award for Outstanding Representation Thursday at his office at the Green chamber of the National Assembly.  In his speech at the presentation event, the PPA chairman, Shabul Mazadu said the PPA has meticulously followed the campaign promises of elective office holders in the state and have found Hon. Komsol soaring high in keeping to his electioneering promises, with a sincere desire to better the lives of his constituents. According to him, Komsol's one and half years as a Federal Legislator has proven his mettle and finesse of sound representation as attested by his achievements so far. Mazadu stated that time and space will not avail him the opportunity to mention all that Komsol has achieved but to clear away doubts and make it incontestable, h

GOVERNOR LALONG TESTS POSITIVE TO COVID-19, GOES INTO ISOLATION. Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has tested positive to COVID-19 following a test he and members of his family carried out. The test result indicated that Governor Lalong's test returned positive while all members of his family tested negative. Consequently, the Governor who is asymptomatic has gone into isolation while his close aides are being tested. As a result, the Governor will henceforth work from home during the period of treatment.  All State matters requiring the Governor's physical presence will be handled by the Deputy Governor. The Governor uses the opportunity to urge all citizens of Plateau State to observe all COVID-19 protocols as the pandemic is still prevalent. He advises citizens to apply all precautionary measures especially during the festive period by avoiding large gatherings, using facemasks, washing hands with soap and water and adhering to personal hygiene measures.  Dr. Makut Simon M

Gov Lalong appoints acting Provost College of Education Gindiri. Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong on Tuesday  approved the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Jurte as Acting Provost of the College of Education Gindiri, following the expiration of the tenure of the Sole Administrator, Monsignor Prof. Cletus Tanimu Gotan. The Acting Provost is to oversee the affairs of the Institution pending the conclusion of the process for the appointment of a substantive Provost and other principal officers which is already in process. A statement signed  Simon Macham ,the Director of Press and  Public Affairs to the Governor Lalong reads that until his appointment Mr. Jurte was the Dean, School of Social Sciences and  Chairman, Committee of Deans of the College. Meanwhile, Governor Lalong has expressed appreciation to Monsignor Prof. Cletus Tanimu Gotan for his commitment, dedication and sacrifices during his stewardship which greatly assisted in repositioning the institution.  He said the clergyman dep

RT. HON. YUSUF GAGDI EMPOWERS CONSTITUENTS;DISTRIBUTES MOTORCYCLES, SEWING AND GRANDING MACHINES Member Representing Pankshin,Kanke, Kanam (PKK) in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has again empowers the people of his constituency with Motorcycles, Sewing Machines, Fertilizers and Grinding Machines respectively. The atmosphere in Dengi, headquarters of Kanam LGA was hilarious on Sunday 13th December, 2020 as chants of “PKK SAI DANMALIKI” rents the air, with another set of people; youths and women alike, received motorcycles, sewing, as well as grinding machines, as part of the constituency intervention program of the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi. Alongside the items enumerated above, hundreds of bags of fertilizer were distributed to beneficiaries, most whom are Ward Coordinators of the rep member from 36 federal wards across the three local government areas that sums up the constituency. The it

NCEVECC Charges Plateau People on the need of Environmental Orientation. The National Community Ethics and Values Compliance Corps (NCEVECC),plateau state command has charged the citizens of Plateau State to have attitudinal behavioral change on the environment they resides for better plateau state in particular and Nigeria as a whole. The Corps commander National Community Ethics and Value Environmental Compliance Plateau state command Gyang Dachung give the charge during the passing out of the new cadets of the newly formed Non- Governmental Organization held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos the Plateau state capital. Dachung said the National  Community Ethics and Values Environmental Compliance Corps  which is the initiated by the Former Minister of Ethics and Values a.k.a mama Ethics during president Goodluck Jonathan administration,and one time presidential aspirants Dr. Sarah Jubril is to help and reorientate the general public the need for Ethics and Values in wherever

NCPC, CAN PUT IN STRINGENT MEASURES TO STAMP ABSCONDMENT DURING 2020 PILGRIMAGE NCPC, CAN put stringent measures to stamp abscondment during 2020 pilgrimage By Ladi Emmanuel The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), and Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern Nigeria, Rev. Yakubu Pam said the Commission has put in place stringent measures to stemp corruption and abscondment during the 2020 pilgrimage. Rev. Pam stated this while declaring open the 2020 General Staff retreat in preparation for the 2020 Christian pilgrimage with a theme: "The total transformation" held at the Crest Hotel in Jos Plateau State, Thursday. He said the onlytreat would discussed extensively the six point agenda of the Commission which has among other issues the fight against corruption and how to redeem the image of Nigeria at the international level. "The 2020 pilgrimage will start this year and end in June, 202. We want to make sure that we have the

GOVERNOR LALONG CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR SMALL HOLDER FARMERS. Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for more funding and incentives for small holder-farmers who are the mainstay of Nigeria's agricultural sustainability programme.  Governor Lalong said this while addressing the NEPAD Summit and technical roundtable discussion on strengthening small-holder farmer capabilities in the COVID-19 era at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja. Lalong said these farmers need every support to build their capacity to embrace modern farming practices, harvest, store and add value to their produce as well as access better marketing channels for better earnings.  He commended NEPAD for the intiative which he said was in tandem with the priority of his administration which is anchored on using areas of comparative advantage for sustainable economic rebirth. The Governor said "We welcome NEPAD's initiative in Plateau State and ask you to take advantage of the Agriculture Microfinance Ban

Plateau south senator elect Prof Dadu'ut vows to fulfill campaign promises  Senator elect to represent Plateau South Prof Nora Dadu'ut on Wednesday  vowed  not to disappoint the people of the southern zone and the entire State during her time at the Senate.  Prof Nora who would be  the first female Senator-elect from  Plateau State made this known when she  visited Governor Simon Lalong  to express her appreciation to him, APC leadership in the State and the people of the zone for reposing their confidence in her to serve them at the red chambers.  Our correspondent reports that  Prof. Nora Dadu'ut  emerged winner of the Plateau South Senatorial District bye-election by  defeated her closest rival George Daika of the PDP for the nod to fill the vacuum created by the death of the former occupant of the seat late Senator Ignatius Longjan. Dadu'ut who was in company of her husband and Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, pre

FINTIRI, BARDE, REP.MEMBER, SPEAKERS, OTHERS, WIN HONORARY DOCTORATE AWARD The Executive governor of Adamawa State, Rt.Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; the Yobe State Deputy governor, Hon.Idi Barde Gubana(Wazirin Fune) and the member of Federal House of Representative representing Jos South/ Jos East Federal Constituency, Plateau State, are among  the selected Nigerians for honorary doctorate degree award of Prowess University, Delaware, USA. Bauchi State House of Assembly's Speaker and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Rt. Hon.Abubakar Y. Suleiman and Hon. Balarabe Abdullahi Bauchi are the only speakers in Nigeria for this honour. Majority Leader of Nasarawa State House of Assembly Hon Umar Tanko Tunga, Bauchi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon.Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki ,Kano State Commissioner for Works,Hon. Idiris Garba R/Rimi are among the winners of this year's edition of the Prowess University's honorary doctorate award holding in Abuja later this

PRESS RELEASE  SPEAKER, COMMISSIONERS, OTHERS, BAG HONORARY AWARD Bauchi State House of Assembly's Speaker, Rt.Hon.Abubakar Y.Suleiman, Bauchi state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon.Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki ,Kano State Commissioner for Works,Hon.Idiris Garba R/Rimi and Adamawa State Commissioner for Rural Infrastructure, Hon.Abdullahi Adamu Purambe  are among the winners of this year's edition of the Prowess University's honorary doctorate award holding in Abuja later this month.Other eminent personalities in leadership positions listed for the honor include the  managing Director of KNUPDA, Arc.Suleiman Abdulwahab Ahmad,Kabir Usman Babba Kaita,former Comptroller of Nigerian Customs Service and Sheik Yusuf Sambo Sambo Rigachikun, a renowned Islamic scholar in Northern Nigeria. The chairman of Mantatali Nig  Limited,Alhaji Abba Sheriff Modu who doubles as winner of Leadtimes Africa Businessman of year Award will bag a honorary doctor of philosophy in

NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT RESTRAINS WORKERS PROTESTS The National Industrial Court holden at Jos, Plateau State, on Friday 3rd December, 2020 granted an order of Interim Injunction restraining the undermentioned whether by themselves or their agents, servants, privies or howsoever called from embarking on an industrial/state action or calling on any or all of its members to embark on any strike action or protest or any form of demonstration at all on the ground of non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage at the Local Government level pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for Interlocutory Injunction already filed by the Plateau State Government, the Attorney General of Plateau State and the seventeen Local Government Councils of the state. For the avoidance of doubt, the persons so restrained by the National Industrial Court are: 1.  Comrade Makwin Yohanna Arandong, President, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Plateau State. 2.  Nation