Treasury Single Account: Plateau State Head of Service warns MDAs

The Plateau State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Izam Azi, has warned Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in the state that, government will not take it lightly with any of them found sabotaging the implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) and its revenue drive or inclusion of ghost workers in its payroll.

Azi gave the warning, Thursday in Jos, during the Zonal Council Delegates Conference of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), which comprises Plateau, Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara States and FCT.

According to him, holding the conference in the State is a clear indication that peace has fully returned to the State. He said, “Governor Simon Lalong has demonstrated his commitment towards the improvement of the welfare of the workforce since assumption of office.

He said the Governor has been able to clear several months outstanding workers salaries it inherited from the previous administration and also approved the release of outstanding promotions/advancement among others.

The Head of Civil Service appealed to NUBIFIE to support both the Federal and State Governments that have keyed into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in ensuring the success of the implementation of the TSA.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Secretary General of NUBIFIE. Comrade Sunday Akinfolarin, called on the government to lead a total fight against casualisation of workers and the right for all worker to freely unionise.

Akinfolarin said government has a greater role to play by creating more enabling and conducive atmosphere for a resourceful and collaborative work with all unions.

He maintained that, the state government’s quest to diversify the economy can only be achieved with collaboration with the unions.

Also speaking, an Executive Director of the Civil Liberty Organization, Comrade Steve Aluko, said that for the fight against corruption to be won, Government at all levels must have a strategic collaboration with the banking sector, adding that if banking sector is not secured, whatever government is bringing to fight corruption will not work.

He said for Labour Unions to be more functional as they ought to be, “we must move from aristocracy to build sincere leaders that will defend its members as it ought to be.”

UTME 2016: PTA begs JAMB for more computer tutorials for rural candidates

The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) in Plateau state has pleaded with the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) to offer more computer tutorials for rural candidates who may not be conversant with the computer systems to write examination.

Mr Sylvester Yakubu, the Plateau PTA chairman who made this known to our correspondent in Jos recently.

In his request, he said some rural schools may have computer systems while some may never have come across a computer system talk more of operating it. It is a welcome development that JAMB has adopted the Computer-Based Test, but they have to temper justice with mercy toward improving deplorable stage of educational system.

According to him, some of these rural candidates have never seen computer systems talk more of operating one while; some may have computers in their schools without operators.

Pointing out that when they enter the examination hall they become nervous and may not be composed to answer questions well because of anxiety, he explained.

The PTA official said he supervised centres in Shendam, Qua'anpan and Mikang LGs for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exams (UTME ) and there was no record of system failures.

Meanwhile, Mr Yakubu Jekada, the Plateau Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Coordinator said that CBT is not complex and can be written successfully by candidates from the hinterland.

There has been no record of students having challenges of using the computer systems because we made sure before the commencement of the UTME, a 5-10 minutes demonstration of how to use the systems is done. Once you can operate a phone you can operate the computer systems, there is no technicality involved, he explained.

He said the candidates at the rural centres will not be a disadvantaged because officials will replicate the demonstration to them also. A candidate who have never used a computer system came from Wase LG in 2014, wrote the exams successfully and he is now in the University of Jos, and there are many others,’’ he explained.

Our report gathered that no case of candidate misbehavior was reported by the security agencies as they were being screened and no contraband material was also reported taken to the centres by candidates.

Mrs Naomi Chisak, the Public Relation Officer, NSCDC Plateau Command said 500 officers were deployed for the exams at the 18 CBT centres, those on standby and in mufti, man security survillance in all Centres.

Council boss decried low revenue and non-payment of workers salary

Worried by the recent global economic challenges in the world, Management Committee Chairman of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Hon, Isah Salihu has decried low income generation and non-payment of workers salary in LGAs of Plateau state.

He appealed that people should exercise patience with President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Simon Lalong governments. According to him, the salary problem in Kanam Local government including Langtang North and Bassa LGAs need urgent attention of government. Sometime the councils find it’s very difficult to pay workers’ salaries due to low revenue generation.

He raised concern and appeal to the Federal government to direct the contractor handling the construction of Junior Girls Government College Dengi to return to site and complete the abandon project.

Salihu said," We in the affected Local Governments particularly Kanam received low income with overblown workforce, however, we urged people to support APC government to deliver dividends of democracy especially to the rural populace.

Salihu debunked the allegation that some management committee chairmen are not leaving up to the expectation of their councils.

"We find its very difficult to pay salary while sometime we will be force to  borrow to pay salary which would be deducted from allocation ",he added.

It is disheartening that when I resume as the management committee chairman of Kanam LGC, I discovered that no vehicle was on ground even the old one has been auction including resident of council were vandalized, he stressed.

However, the council purchase vehicles which cost over 30 million naira, we have this attitude of vandalizing government properties after leaving office and that had brought a lot of setback to the people of Kanam.

Salihu said the council residential quarter of the chairman was renovated to the turn of 4 million despites the lean resources we got from the subvention; the main bridge linking Tunga community is almost 80% completion.

Salihu decried that Kanam LG has been affected by poor enrollment of girl- child and lack of teachers.

He called on the Plateau people to support the rescue mission of Governor Simon Lalong saying his election was divine arrangement from God to bring APC to power and safe the country. Mr. President has a good intention of rebuilding the loss glory of this country and reduces poverty to the barest minimum but the big problem on ground now is that of some cartels working very hard to ensure that they frustrate his efforts.

According to him, the internally revenue generation at the federal and state has drop drastically with no revenue to service debt, he however expresses delight that thing will soon improve. 

Plateau/Nasarawa Business Management School Studies cry for help

The first Proprietor of Mata Amablised organization of Nigeria, Plateau School of Business Management Studies, Plateau High school Jos, Beethoven College Jos, and Shendam Decency Private School Jos, training centre in Plateau Alpheus Chinedu Okafor has called for partnerships to address issues that will influenced the school survival in the North-central Nigeria.

He said the institution need the attention of Federal, State governments and the Alumini to revamp the deplorable stage of the school to compliment President Muhammadu Buhari agenda of engaging youth on vocational training skills.

Okafor stressed that the project would provide large scale employment to indigenous engineers, craftsmen, artisans, businessmen and employment army of youths in tackling restiveness.

He said, the school which was established way back in 1973 has trained many Nigerian on business and secretariat studies, and on how to handle office procedure and develop their administrative career training in government in collaboration with European experience in small scale industrial development, will benefit the North central and Nigeria.

He noted that there are many beneficiary of this training across the globe and most of them are doing very well in their field, he described the abandoned edifice which now becomes a den of reptiles as unfortunate to the economic issue.

Okafor appealed with alumni of the school in Rafin Pa (Laranto) in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state to come to the rescue of the school.

Speaking on the challenges of the school, he expressed regret that since the 2001 crisis which broke up, no single Christian’s youth attend the school again because they are mostly afraid of being attack around the area.

He added that the aimed of establishing the school in 1973 was after his training in Europe, he came back to Nigeria with some white men and set up the school here in Jos with the sole purpose of bridging the wide gap between the privilege and less privilege ones in the society.

The European who came with me made ensure that youths whose parents cannot afford to send them to schools and are very intelligence were given opportunity to acquire vocational skills.

Okafor stressed that the intention of providing youth with vocational skills in business and secretariat administration gave birth to the building of quality training centre.

He lamented that the problem which affected the entire progress of the school was the Jos crisis, The Nigerian Nnewi born business man begged Old Boys of Plateau Business Management School, Federal and state government to ensure that the school bounce back to assist the people of north-central Nigeria in area of job creation.

Mr Okafor decried that the school which have branches in all the 17 local governments of Plateau need government urgent attention. He said the school administration made it a policy that professionals were employed to teach vocational skills and add value to the state civil service and this has paved the way for true professionalism in the service in Nigeria in the 80s.

"I challenge the present government to come forward and invest in vocational training of youths and also tell the Plateau people to take advantage of their program to develop their knowledge", he explained.

ARCHBISHOP KAGAMA BECOMES PRESIDENT OF RECOWA- CERAO

His Grace Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, President of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria (CBCN) and Metropolitan of Jos Archdiocese, has been appointed the new President of the Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA - CERAO). His election, along with those of other officers of the regional body took place at the recently concluded second Plenary of RECOWA, held in Accra, Ghana.

Archbishop Kaigama succeeds Archbishop Emeritus of Dakar, Theodore Cardinal Adrien Sarr of Senegal. Until his election, the new President was the First Vice President of the Regional Body. Other officers elected to run the affairs of the Conference are: Most Reverent Jose Camnate Na Bessing, Bishop of Bissau (Guinea Bissau), First Vice President; Most Reverent Alexi Touably Youlo, Bishop of Agboville (Cote d’Ivoire) 2^nd Deputy President; while Rev. Father Joseph Aka, has been confirmed as the Secretary General of the Conference. He is to be assisted by two deputy secretaries.

The Regional Plenary which lasted from February 22 to 29, 2016; was attended by Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops and other invited dignitaries from all the Conferences of the region and other parts of the world. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) was represented by a high powered delegation of about 40 Bishops, led by its President, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama. The theme of the plenary was: The New Evangelization and the specific challenges for the Church, Family of God in West Africa: Reconciliation, Development, and Family Life. 

Cracks in Plateau state APC as supporters clash

A political drama ensure in Plateau state All Progressives Congress (APC) party secretariat as Police fired tear gas on two protesting  groups of supporters from Langtang North, which causes pandemonium in the area.

Our report find out that, two groups of people gathered at party office to protest against the tenure extension of the Management Committee Chairman of Langtang North Hon. Dan Dul.

Some members of the Langtang North APC Exco who were unhappy with the styled of leadership and performance of Hon. Dan Dul, had written a petition to the state APC chairman, but before they could meet with the party leaders, a second group in support of the chairman stormed the party secretariat causing commotion that eventually led to the intervention of Police officers.

Information available revealed that Hon. Dan Dul, mobilized his supporters and when to the party office to besought with leadership of the party. Mr.
Shalkur Haruna told newsmen that they have lost confidence on the LGA party  Exco’s who had written a petition against the chairman.

Haruna explained that “we learnt that they held a meeting around 2am and that they were coming to the State secretariat, so we had to rush and come to let the party know that we want Dan Dul to remain as our chairman and that the action of the LG Exco is a misrepresentation of the change ideology.” 

For over an hour at party office, the officials tried calmed the second group but to no avail. The State Deputy chairman of the party, Enoch Fanmark expressed anger at what he described as barging into the secretariat by the groups and resolved that the state Exco will listen to the complaints of both the sites.

Water scarcity hits Jos Metropolis

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy Plateau state Hon. David Jaafaru Wuyep has said water scarcity hits Jos the Plateau state capital forcing residents to source water from ponds and stream.

The commissioner assured Jos residence that the water scarcity will soon be a thing of the past, as government have embarked on measures to provide them with quality water.

He described the problem of acute water scarcity hitting some communities in the state capital as temporary setback which is cause by the activities of vandals and old pipelines that need to be replace with new ones.

Mr. Wuyep expressed shock that the challenges of getting supply of water in Plateau state and its environs is a re-occurrence decimal which have been cause as a result of infrastructure decay and poor management of resources from the past governments.

Wuyep cautioned citizens against vandalizing public pipeline and urged the residences of Jos to exercise patience and understanding because, government is affected from global dwindling oil price which is the major source of income to the state.

According to him, government introduced three alternative measures of partnership with the private/public sector to improve on other sources of generating revenue which is slow.

He said, we are calling on the good people of Plateau state to pay water bills which is little, so that they can get good service delivery, adding that Plateau state still have enough water to solve water problem.

Wuyep maintained that the obsolete equipment controlling water channels of some major main pipeline are broken completely and we are replacing them gradually.

Wuyep expressed dismayed over the activities of the immediate past regime especially in the mismanagement of water intervention project by sponsored by EU members state.

"I am happy with APC achievements" Hon. James E. Dakas,

Hon. James E. Dakas, representing Mangu south state constituency, expressed happiness and thank God for giving APC dominant over the PDP in the state,

Pledging his un-alloy support and commitment to the change mantra, he urged the people of Plateau state to see the election of APC as God given reward to the state and those who wished to see changes in governance and politics.

Hon. Dakas called on people to rally round and offer their constructive criticism to promote democracy and good governance.

Plateau State House of Assembly vows to tackle insecurity and maintain law and order

The Chairman House Committee for Information and Communication Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Balo said the House of Assembly will do everything possible to tackle problems of insecurity in the state and to maintain law and order through good legislation.

He solicits the understanding of Plateau people to imbibe the spirit of peace, tolerance, and patience, with the government of APC as Governor Simon Lalong is striving hard to see that he deliver on his campaign promises.

Briefing journalist immediately after the inauguration of the two members who had won the re-run election of Pankshin North and South state constituency, Hon. Balo stressed that, the members of APC has increase and now they are in full control of the Hallow Chamber, with this they are in a comfortable position to discharge their legislative duty and bills that have direct impact to the lives of their constituents based on their party manifesto.

He added, under the present members of the 8th assembly many bills have been passed into law, most especially that of the agriculture and food security to help reduce the plight of people in the rural areas.

The Chairman Information revealed that there is no reason for the House to change the leadership their leadership, as it is been rumored, because they are all operating on Plateau projects of rebuilding the loss glory of the state.

He appealed to those perceiving the notion of impeachment saga on Hon. Yusuf Gagdi as baseless rumor and a mire speculation by some group to attract hatred among the House of Assembly members.

Hon. Joshua Madaki urged Management Committee Chairman to carry everybody along

Member representing Jos East in the Plateau State House of Assembly and Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Joshua Madaki has challenged the new Management Committee Chairman of Jos East to run an all-inclusive people oriented government with the fear of God.

Hon Madaki, who disclosed this to Journalist at his Jos residence, noted that it would be proper for him to carry everybody along; especially the staffs of the council to enable him achieve the desired goal of restoring peace in the area, adding that it’s important to know that power comes from God and as such, should carry everybody along.

He said judging from what has happened in the council for the past three months, were the council had two chairmen; one was removed and the other died after serving a day in office, the people are apprehensive of what the new person holds in stocks.

He said the paramount approach for the chairman for good governance, is to ensure that there is a stakeholders meeting regularly to give the people a sense of belonging.

He also said for him as a legislator, he will continue to strife had to ensure that good legislative business is prepared that will help the people of his constituency.

He urged Plateau people to be patience with the government and hope for a better tomorrow. 

Gov. Lalong approved the recruitment of over 4000 teachers- SUBEB

Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) says it will soon commence intervention especially in the area of classroom construction, renovation and provision of additional teachers to public primary schools in the state.

The Executive Chairman of the Board professor Mathew Sule disclosed this at a town hall meeting with stakeholders from Shendam, Mikang and Quan-Pan Local Governments areas. The meeting was held separately at the local government education authority offices at the LGAs Headquarter.

Prof Sule who commended Governor Lalong for his support especially in the area of counterpart funding and approval for the recruitment of over 4000 ad-hoc teachers, said the Board will intensify monitoring mechanism to ensure that the fortune of basis education in the state is change for the better.

Sule explained that the ongoing biometric capturing exercise is to sanitize the system, stressing that the rescue administration will settle salaries arrears and other entitlements owed staff by the past administration as soon as the exercise is completed.

He stressed that the essence of the parley was to get first-hand information on challenges facing basic education and seek for support of all stakeholders to ensure that children of school age are enroll in the school system. 

Governor Lalong urged Catholics laity to contribute to the humanitarian needs of the internal displaced persons

Governor Lalong urged Catholics laity to contribute to the humanitarian needs of the internal displaced persons

Governor Simon Lalong wants Catholic to contribute their quota in the promotion of peace and rehabilitation of internal displaced person in Nigeria.

Governor Lalong make the called during the laity council of National Executive Council meeting held in saint Monica Catholic Church Rantya Jos on 5 the  March 2016.

Governor Simon Lalong appreciates the laity council for identifying with the peace building efforts of his administration by bringing the National Council Meeting to Jos the Plateau State capital.

Governor Lalong called on them to contribute effectively to the humanitarian needs of the internal displaced person who had been forced out of their communities because of conflict.

While delivering the Homily His Grace the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama called on the laity council to be Christian in full measure not by half.

He said, at Mass we welcome Jesus into our midst and then into our hearts. Jesus assures of his constant presence when he says in Mathew 28: 20 “I am with you always…” The presence of Jesus is however more intensely felt in the Eucharist. If we believe that the Eucharist is a moment on an intense encounter with Christ you will always have a great hunger for the Eucharist. You will not like to miss it because Jesus has a healing presence. No wonder, the centurion cried out: Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof but only say the word and my servant shall be healed (LK 7:7)”

Kaigama noted that the period of Lent is one of seeking forgiveness and inner healing. God promises in the first reading in Hosea 5:15-6:6 that those who return to the Lord even though they are torn tom pieces by sin, he will heal them, bandage their wounds and bring them back to healthy life. I therefore, call on us all to submit ourselves constantly to God. When we Catholics makes sign of the cross: in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we are reaffirming that God the Trinity and the Holy Spirits watches over us from above and dwells in our heart and he is by our side.