The Age Newspaper Online

Kano-Maradi Rail To Handle 9,364 Passengers, 3000 Metric Tons Of Cargoes- FG                        AMAECHI The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi said the newly inaugurated 284km Kano-Maradi rail line, when completed in 2023 would convey 9,364 passengers and freight approximately 3000 metric tonnes of cargos on a daily basis. Amaechi disclosed this during the ground-breaking of the railway line linking Katsina, Kano, Jigawa with Maradi, Niger Republic. Strike: We’re sorry, SSANU, NASU beg students, parents Army appoints new spokesperson The project is being handled by an European engineering firm, Messrs Mota-Engil with a completion period of 38 months. According to the Minister, the preliminary studies for the project started in 2012. This implies that the project predated the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Amaechi said by 2015, the feasibility studies were completed indicating that $1.9bn project is of high viability. “By 2015, the Ministry has con...

Northern States Governors Forum meet to discuss on issues affeecting the region. The Northern States Governors Forum held an emergency virtual meeting on Monday 8th February 2021 to discuss issues affecting the region and the nation in general. The meeting was presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong. The meeting resolved as follows: 1. That some of its Committee reports are at various stages of completion and resolved that all such reports should be turned in before the next meeting scheduled for the end of February in Kaduna where the reports will be deliberated upon. 2. On security of the region and the nation, the Forum noted with concern the growing wave of insecurity in the country particularly as it relates to circulation of unverified video clips on social media portraying violent attacks on persons in some parts of the country. Therefore, Forum: i. Called on political leaders to segregate between criminality and social groups...

FG Sets To Replace BVN With NIN. Following the NIN linkage, The Federal Government has stated arrangements are ongoing to replace the Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) with the National Identity Numbers (NIN). Pantami The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Isa Pantami, who disclosed this to newsmen shortly after a tour of telecoms operators and NIN licensees in Abuja, said President Muhammadu Buhari has been briefed on the on-going NIN registrations.   Pantami who said the President was happy with the conducts of the exercise so far, added he had also briefed the National Economic Sustainability Committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the imperative of replacing BVN with NIN. Pantami argued that while BVN was only for accounts holders with various banks, the National Identity Numbers are for all Nigerians irrespective of their status. To ascertain the smooth registration of Nigerians, the Minister visited the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) regis...

Gov Lalong Inaugurates Plateau Inter Religious Council To Commemorate "Plateau Forgiveness Day"                       Gov. Lalong Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Monday inaugurated the Inter religious council to help in foster peaceful co existence in the state . Speaking at the occasion in Jos, Lalong said I am delighted to welcome you all to yet another historic day in our quest to foster a new future for our State as we solidify a new narrative that advances a new paradigm shift in addressing the numerous wrongs of the past.  As a State emerging from the ashes of violence, our Rescue Administration decided to set aside February 7 of every year as Forgiveness Day. This day reminds us to imbibe and promote the culture of forgiveness as enunciated in the Holy Books. The cardinal objective of this day is to achieve enduring peace and harmony as opposed to hate, bitterness, resentment and vengeance which only leads to a vicious cycle of violence. On Friday last week, our...

30% of cars in Nigeria will be electric in 2025 — Federal Government  ...Federal Government has stated that it is targeting that at least 30 percent of passenger vehicles in Nigeria will be electric cars by 2025. Thi s was revealed by the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, who spoke at the unveiling of Nigerias first electric car in Abuja on Friday. Aliyu said the electric cars have come to stay. Furthermore, Aliyu said Nigeria would not be left out in the transition from fuel-powered vehicles to electric cars. He said the Federal Government has invested about $1 billion in the auto industry in Nigeria as at 2019. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, said electric cars would lead to reduction in fuel consumption and environmental degradation. He said the Trade Ministry has been working with NADDC to review the automotive policy to further strengthen the automotive industry in Nigeria.

FG Approves the Establishment of Karl Kum University Vom, ANAN University Kwall in Plateau State & 18 Others. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has today given approved the establishment of Karl Kum University Vom Jos South LGA, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) University Kwall Bassa LGA all in Plateau State and 18 others. The Minister of Education, Mal. Adamu Adamu dropped the hint to Newsmen after the virtual Federal Executive Council Meeting which was presided over by President Buhari at the Presidential today. Mal. Adamu disclosed that the approved Universities will soon get their provisional license from the National University Commission (NUC) which is to be used for 3 years while evaluation and monitoring will be carried out. Below are the 20 Universities approved by the Federal Government, today, Wednesday February 3, 2021. Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State. Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State Maranathan University, Mgbidi, I...

Usman aplaud Pres. Buhari, Gov. Lalong for engaging Youths And Vulnerable into 1000 Jobs in Curbing Unemployment.                        Hon. Usman Management Committee Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council Shehu Bala Usman has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau state for engaging Youths and other vulnerable people into the One Thousand Jobs to aimed at curbing unemployment in the locality. The Chairman made the commendation while flagging off the take off of the One Thousand Jobs in Jos North Local Government Area says the beneficiaries were selected fairly in the area in accordance with the template given by the Federal Government. It will be recalled that the Plateau State Government had on Friday January Eight  Twenty Twenty flagged off the Launched of the 1000 Jobs in Plateau state which is an initiative of the Federal Government to create job opportunities in the rural areas through all short term measure to mitigate unemployme...

Gov. lalong Says God Is Answering The Prayers Of Plateau People. Governor Simon Bako Lalong says God has continued to answer the prayers of the people of Plateau State and other friends of the State across the world who have interceeded for the peace and progress of the Home of Peace and Tourism.  Lalong who was speaking at the 6th annual Plateau Prayer Day held at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos said the State is gradually leaving its past experience of instability which almost robbed it of the God given potentials.  He said "When we look back at where we are coming from particularly before our administration came on board, we have every reason to give thanks to God and continuously depend more on the Lord even at this critical time of our history". He thanked Christian and Muslim faithfuls in the State for not only praying consistently for Plateau State, but also participating in preaching love, unity, forgiveness and tolerance which has engendered tranquility that...

PIRS Set To Honour Committed Tax Payers. Plateau Internal Revenue Service (PIRS), is fully set to honour those that are consistent in paying their taxes. This was made known by the Executive Chairman of the Service, Mr. Dashe Arlat, when some EXCO and BOT members of Plateau Publishers Association (PPA), led by their chairman, Shabul Mazadu, paid him a visit in his office today.  Dashe said PIRS will honour the committed tax payers as a means of encouragement and appreciation, saying all those that perform well in what they do deserve to be appreciated, honoured and encouraged to do more. In the same vein, he said that the Service has adapted a new approach of registering associations for a smooth means of tax collection and that any business entrepreneur that fails to belong to the association of their vocation, will be treated as a loner. According to him, the organisations know how much their members generate and the tax they should pay.  Arlat added that the service has also adapted...

Plateau State Gov. Vows to Sign Death Warrant for Kidnappers as He Swears in President Customary Court & 5 Judges. The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong has vowed to sign the death warrant for anyone convicted for kidnapping in the State. Governor Lalong stated this on Friday 29th January 2021 when he swore in the substantive President of the Customary Court of Appeal Bar. Sati Patrick Dapit and five judges of the State high court and Customary Court of Appeal at the Government House Rayfield Jos. At the event witnessed by the President Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Lalong who described as worrisome the incidences of kidnapping and other violent crimes in the State frowned at the situation where suspected kidnappers who are arrested are not prosecuted as and when due and in some cases released without charge. He said “This situation perhaps emboldens the continuous onslaught on the citizens by kidnappers.  While we are addressing the issu...

Commissioner of Information's outing on Jay FM recently  By Dachung Musa. There has been so much talk and hullabaloo especially on the social media space about the interview on Jay FM's morning show Let's Talk. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang was invited to discuss government's programmes. The commissioner confirmed attendance to the show but to his utter consternation, when he arrived the station, he wasn't aware that he'll be on the show with a co-guest although the Station Manager had a chat with him (Commissioner) and it said that the commissioner said he was open to any question(s) the presenter would ask him. The presenter who needs more education in broadcast journalism joined an attention seeker and News maker in a bid to rubbish the commissioner. Any way, that's not the case here. The presenter showed how inexperienced she is and how the management of the station that doesn't see any good the government is do...

PLATEAU STATE COMMISSIONER MOLEST JOURNALISTS ON A LIVE RADIO SHOW IN JOS By Johnstone Kpilaakaa The Plateau state Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang verbally attacked journalists ( Zoe Machunga & Renny Morenikeji of Jay FM Jos and Comrade Thomas Tukyen Aboki of Observer Times) during a political and current affairs show on Jay FM Jos, #LetsTalk. Mr. Manjang was invited to speak on the “State of the Plateau” following an article published by Observer Times’ Thomas Tukyen Aboki titled: “#YouHaveFailedUs; Gov. Simon Lalong and other political appointees”, the Commissioner claimed that the interview was an ambush and the conversation was along the lines of nepotism. Prior to his appearance on the show, Pedro Omobolaji, the studio manager of the radio station told him what the focus of the show was and he responded with “ask me any question”. Unfortunately, instead of replying directly to the question he was asked, Manjang was furious in his response, “I’m not h...

PLATEAU EXCO APPROVES 3 BILLION BOND FOR PROJECTS, MOVES TO CREATE COOPERATIVE SOCIETY AGENCY.  The Plateau State Executive Council has approved the sourcing of a 3 billion naira bond from the capital market to finance some capital projects. This was one of the decisions taken during its maiden meeting for 2021 presided over by Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Exco chambers of the new Government House Little Rayfield Jos.  Commissioner for Information and Communication Mr. Dan Manjang, Commissioner for Finance Dr. Mrs. Regina Soemlat, and the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mr. Abe Aku gave highlights of the decisions taken at Council at a news briefing.  Commissioner for Information and communication Mr. Dan Manjang said Exco approved the bond as part of its drive to ensure that some of its ongoing projects are completed while other critical ones are introduced. He said the shortfall in internally generated revenue and federal account allocation accruing to the State due to CO...

BREAKING: Buhari sacks service chiefs, appoints fresh hands. The President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the service chiefs in the country with immediate effect. He also appointed new hands to take over the batons of piloting the security affairs of the country. Special Adviser On Media and Publicity To President, Femi Adesina, made this known in a tweet on Tuesday. Adesina wrote, “PMB appoints new Service Chiefs. Maj Gen LEO Irabor, CDS, Maj Gen I Attahiru, Army, Rear Adm AZ Gambo, Navy, AVM IO Alao, Air Force. “He congratulates outgoing Service Chiefs on efforts to bring enduring peace to the country.” Details later...

Breaking - Jos North bans hawking of items within Terminus, Ahmadu Bello and Murtala Mohammed Way till further notice.                               Hon. Usman By Golok Nanmwa,Jos   Management of  Jos North Local Government on Monday banned the hawking  of items within  Terminus, Ahmadu Bello and Murtala Muhammed Way  till further notice. This was contained in a statement signed by Philip Eplong Senior Information Officer on behalf of the Chairman of Jos North Local Government. The statement reads that " The Local Government Council has also banned the dumping of refuge  in the streets within Terminus,  Ahmadu Bello and Murtala Muhammed Way. Council shall provide sacks to shop owners and wish to inform the public that the Council  has already made arrangements for vehicle  to go round shops and collect all identifiable refuge to ensure clean and hygienic environment. "It should be noted that, the suspension of internally generated revenue for the 2021 fiscal year still in for...

NINETEEN NORTHERN STATES' APC CHAIRMEN TO MEET IN JOS AS PARTY BEGINS MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION/REVALIDATION.  State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress, APC from the nineteen northern states of the country are billed to meet in Jos the Plateau State Capital as they brainstorm on how to further move the party forward. Chairman of the Forum Of Nineteen Northern States APC Chairmen who is also Chairman of the APC in Plateau State, Letep Dabang disclosed this in a chat with newsmen in jos. He said the meeting which is periodical and have been holding since inception is coming at a right time when the Party has concluded all modalities to welcome new members into its fold as well as the revalidation of its existing members. He said the clamour by Nigerians to join the fold of the APC necessitated the exercise as such the APC Chairmen from the nineteen northern states will be in jos to fashion out ways to make it a success in the region and discuss other issues critical to the conti...

Police kill two suspected kidnappers in Plateau  The Police Command in Plateau has killed two suspected kidnappers in Gindiri, Mangu Local Government Area of the state. ASP Ubah Ogaba, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the command, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Jos. According to him, the criminals were killed after a gun battle with the police on Monday afternoon, adding that other members of the notorious gang escaped with various degrees of injuries. “In our unrelenting efforts to stem down criminality in the state, we launched a manhunt on a notorious gang of kidnappers who kidnapped two persons at Chanso community in Gindiri district of Mangu and fled. “The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and Hawk-Eyed patrol team of the command attached to our Mangu Division, today at about 1 p.m. stormed the kidnappers den, engaged them in a fierce gun duel and killed two of them. “Other members of the gang escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds,” he said. Ogaba s...

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES HON. DAN MANJANG @ 60 Governor Simon Lalong has felicitated with his Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang for attaining the landmark age of 60 years. The Governor described Dan Manjang as a committed member of the Rescue Mission who has given his best in communicating the programmes and projects of the Government and also sanitizing the citizens towards greater participation in governance.  Lalong said Manjang is a media professional who has brought his experience, knowledge and versatility to bear in the service of Plateau State and Nigeria even at the face of challenges.  He urged him to continue to serve the State with more zeal, resilience and commitment particularly in engaging members of the public towards understanding and supporting the government to consolidate on peace, building, infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth. He also wished him many more years of good health, peace and God's protectio...

PPA Visits Unity FM ... Synergieses On Advocacy For Peace And Unity On The Plateau. Plateau Publishers Association (PPA) represented by some members of its EXCO led by its chairman Shabul Mazadu, paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of Unity FM 93.3, Alhaji Dasuki Nakade, in his office at the radio station in Jos, Saturday, seeking cooperation to enhance and promote robust and sound reportage to consolidate peace and unity on the Plateau in order to attract investors to the state. Showing much concern by the fake and negative impression given to the entire world on social media by enemies of Plateau who ceaselessly and colossally  project the state as being hostile with peace eluding it, thus; scaring potential investors from coming to invest in it, PPA and Unity FM, decried such act, and lamented that the social media is being abused and used to the detriment of the state. Speaking at the visit, PPA chairman lauded Unity FM for its efforts at promoting peace and unity i...

PPA Celebrates Tallen  @62 On behalf of myself and the  entire members of Plateau Publishers Association, I heartily felicitate with the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen OFR KSG, as she attains age 62. Honourable Minister, we commend your giant strides in the struggle for the fight against rape,  domestic violence against women and girl-child marriage. And also the domestication of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill (VAPP) and child-rights Act; enthronement of girl-child education and launching of the internationally recognised HeforShe, and giving of awards to well deserved persons Suffice me to mention the proposed distribution of 774 000 cooking gas cylinders to the 774 local government areas of the country in which four states have so far been cleared as a fight against green emission to curb climate change. Your ministerial style, commitment and hard work are projecting Plateau State in good light at the national level and thus; making you an excellent ambassa...