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  • Yayale, Lalong, Badaru, others to speak at ABU alumni AGA next week

    Yayale, Lalong, Badaru, others to speak at ABU alumni AGA next week

    The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria Alumni Association (Worldwide) has concluded arrangements for its 18th Annual General Assembly (AGA), scheduled to hold on November 28 and 29 at the university’s main campus in Zaria.

    The two-day event is expected to attract an impressive lineup of eminent personalities from across the country.

    According to the association, this year’s AGA will open with a Pre-AGA Lecture on November 28, chaired by Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar. 

    The keynote address will be delivered by former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, who will speak on the theme, “The Role of Alumni in Promoting National Unity and Development.”

    Activities for November 29 will include the association’s general elections, cultural displays, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening bonds among alumni and reinforcing their contributions to the growth of the university.

    The AGA is also expected to serve as a platform for discussing revitalization strategies for ABU and enhancing alumni participation in national development.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    The association further disclosed that several high-profile dignitaries will grace the gathering. They include Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; the Chancellor of ABU and Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; and the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.

    It added that the Annual General Assembly is not only a convergence of ABU graduates but a celebration of the institution’s legacy, as well as an opportunity to reaffirm the collective commitment of alumni toward the development of both the university and Nigeria.

    The Alumni Association urged all members, friends, and supporters of ABU to attend the assembly, noting that the event promises to be enriching and impactful.

  • Tinubu hails Lalong on birthday, praises legacy of service

    Tinubu hails Lalong on birthday, praises legacy of service

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm birthday wishes to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, commending his enduring service to Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

    In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President celebrated Lalong’s achievements as a lawyer, politician, and legislator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

    Lalong, who previously served as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, was governor of the state for two terms between 2015 and 2023.

    President Tinubu praised his leadership during a particularly challenging period in the state’s history, citing his role in promoting unity and stability in the volatile North-Central region.

    Read Also: Tinubu presents N1.78 trillion FCT budget to NASS

    The President also acknowledged Lalong’s key contributions to his 2023 presidential campaign, where the senator served as Director-General, describing his loyalty and dedication as “remarkable.”

    Highlighting Lalong’s principled decision to resign as Minister of Labour and Employment to serve his people in the Senate, President Tinubu noted, “Such was his commitment to the state that he stepped down from the federal cabinet to take up a seat in the National Assembly.”

    The President wished Senator Lalong continued good health, strength, and many more years of service to his constituents and the nation.

  • Lalong hails passage of North Central Development Commission bill

    Lalong hails passage of North Central Development Commission bill

    •Calls it a game-changer

    Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong, has hailed the passage of the North Central Development Commission Bill, describing it as a game changer which will drastically change the lives of the people in the zone.

     Lalong while commending his colleagues for passing the bill said it was a sign of goodwill for the people of the zone, who through their legislators, had supported the establishment of similar commissions for the North East, North West, South East and the Niger Delta.

    He said there were huge interventions that needed to be addressed by the North Central Development Commission within the zone, which has witnessed both man-made and natural disasters that have immensely affected the livelihoods of the people.

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    Senator Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman, Makut Macham, expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will assent to the bill as soon as possible to enable the commission come alive and focus on human capital development, rebuilding of damaged infrastructure due to attacks and other crises as well as special interventions in education, health, social development and agriculture.

    He commended all his colleagues from the North Central Zone who joined forces and lobbied their colleagues from other geo-political zones to ensure that the bill got special attention and passage.

  • Lalong greets Muslims at Eid-el-Kabir.

    Lalong greets Muslims at Eid-el-Kabir.

    Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South) has congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria for marking another Eid-el-Kabir, a very important celebration in the Islamic faith.

    Lalong, in a message, said the festivity provides a special opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their faith and also reach out to people of other faiths and humanity at large. 

    He said Eid-el-Kabir reiterates the teachings of Prophet Muhammed and calls on Muslims to imbibe the life of sacrifice, passion and compassion as examplied through the sacrifice.

    The Senator rejoiced with his constituents celebrating the event and prays that they will celebrate in peace, love and harmony. 

    Read Also: Lalong commissions NOUN study centre inWase, stresses need to strengthen education

    He used the opportunity to assure them that he will continue to work hard in meeting their aspirations through quality representation and attracting projects and programmes that will touch their lives positively. 

    Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman Makut Macham, urged Nigerians to support and pray for the government to enable it serve the people with integrity and steadfastness.

  • Lalong calls for peaceful co-existence

    Lalong calls for peaceful co-existence

    The senator representing Plateau South, Simon Lalong,  yesterday urged the Muslim Ummah to follow the teachings of Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW), which he said encompass peace, love, unity, and compassion.

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    In a statement by his spokesman Makut Macham, Senator Lalong also urged Nigerians to use religion and spiritual exercises, such as fasting, to unite and work for the general good of the nation.

  • Lalong distributes palliatives to constituents, visits IDPs

    Lalong distributes palliatives to constituents, visits IDPs

    Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong has flagged off the distribution of palliatives to constituents to cushion the economic hardship as well as support them for the Easter and Ramadan season.

    Lalong, who flagged off the distribution of palliatives in Shendam, the Senatorial District headquarters said the food items were procured as part of his intervention to assist the needy during the current economic climate.

    He said the items comprising of hundreds of bags of rice, maize, beans, millet, sugar and other household consumables are meant to be distributed to the indigent, elderly and needy constituents across the six local government areas of the senatorial district.

    The former Plateau State governor assured the people of the zone that he will continue to provide quality representation and focused leadership that will bring economic prosperity and support to entrepreneurship.

    Receiving the palliatives on behalf of the Senatorial zone, APC Zonal Chairman Plateau South, Alhaji Shehu Nyalum appreciated Senator Lalong for providing dividends of democracy to the people through the palliatives and other initiatives.

    Read Also: Lalong distributes palliatives to constituents, visits IDPs camps

    He assured Senator Lalong that the items would be distributed to the grassroots according to guidelines given.

    Nyalum also said this initiative clearly shows that the senatorial zone would reap the dividends of democracy in various ways over time under the former governor.

    The Senator thereafter visit IDP camps sheltering people displaced as a result of the communal clash between Taroh and Tehl people in Langtang North and Mikang Local Government Areas.

    Lalong, accompanied by Hon. John Dafaan, member representing Qu’anPan/ Mikang/ Shendam Federal Constituency; Hon Bulus Venman, Member Representing Langtang North/South; Hon. Joe Bukar, Plateau House of Assembly (Shendam); Hon. Naanlong Gapyil (Mikang); Hon. Alex Naantuam, FCT Civil Service Commissioner; former Commissioners Plateau State among others, visited the IDP Camp in Garkawa, where they condoled with the victims and donated food items and cash.

  • Lalong distributes palliatives to constituents, visits IDPs camps

    Lalong distributes palliatives to constituents, visits IDPs camps

    Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South) has flagged off the distribution of palliatives to constituents to cushion the economic hardship and support them for the Easter and Ramadan season. 

     Lalong who flagged off the distribution of palliatives in Shendam, the Senatorial district headquarters, said the food items were procured as part of his intervention to assist the needy during the current economic climate. 

    He said the items comprising hundreds of bags of rice, maize, beans, millet, sugar and other household consumables are meant to be distributed to the indigent, elderly and needy constituents across the 6 local Government Areas of the Senatorial District. 

    The former Plateau Governor assured  he will continue to provide quality representation and focused leadership that will bring economic prosperity and support to entrepreneurship. 

    Receiving the palliatives on behalf of the Senatorial zone, APC Zonal Chairman Plateau South Alhaji Shehu Nyalum appreciated Lalong for providing dividends of democracy to the people through the palliatives and other initiatives. 

    Read Also: Tinubu’s policies will mature with time – Lalong

    He assured Lalong that the items will be distributed to the grassroots following the guidelines given.

    Nyalum also said this initiative clearly shows that the Senatorial zone will reap the dividends of democracy in various ways over time under Senator Lalong. 

    Afterwards, the Senator proceeded to visit IDP camps sheltering people displaced as a result of communal clash between Taroh and Tehl people in Langtang North and Mikang Local Government Areas.

    Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman, Makut Macham, also visited the Mouyoum of Garkawa Rtd AIG Bashir Makama where he condemned the violence which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties. 

    The legislator also visited the Twangshik Yitni of Lalin, Mikang LGA Matthias Kumdong to commiserate with him over the tragic incident. 

    He addressed the IDPs and appealed to them to forgive and embrace dialogue, peace and tolerance even as government and security agencies work to unravel and bring to book those behind the violence.

    He also made donations to the IDPs and promised to continue to represent them robustly. 

    Lalong also visited the Long Tehl HRH Puntel Donald to commiserate with him over the ugly incident. 

  • Lalong, Gov Mutfwang, other APC leaders visit Dariye over his parents’ demise

    Lalong, Gov Mutfwang, other APC leaders visit Dariye over his parents’ demise

    Simon Lalong, the leader of the APC in Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, on March 16, led members of the APC community to attend the final funeral rites of the late parents of former governor of the state, Joshua Chibi Dariye, in Horop, Bokkos Local Government area.

    Lalong was accompanied by former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, along with party leaders, current and former National and State Assembly members, former members of the Plateau State Executive Council, and other party supporters joined thousands of sympathizers to offer condolences to the bereaved family.

    During the event, Lalong conveyed his personal relationship with the deceased parents of the former governor, highlighting the wisdom, love, sacrifices, and trust they imparted to those who collaborated with their son.

    He recalled how the late mother of Dariye, Mama Saratu, who had encouraged him and other House of Assembly members to remain united during a tumultuous political period marked by impeachment and a state of emergency in Plateau State.

    Read Also: Edo PDP chair kidnapped in Benin, whereabouts unknown

    Senator Lalong also said that during his recent visit to Chief Dariye’s residence in Abuja, where the spirit of forgiveness, instilled by Pa Dariye and Mama Saratu, was evident as they both apologized and reconciled, resolving any past differences and misunderstandings.

    He prayed God to grant the Dariye family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang also condoled with the family and asked them to accept the development as the will of God.

    He urged the citizens to love one another and unite so that peace and prosperity will thrive.

    Former governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame also paid tribute to the deceased parents of Dariye, saying his close interaction with Senator Dariye even in difficult times proved that his background is solid.

  • Tinubu’s policies will mature with time – Lalong

    Tinubu’s policies will mature with time – Lalong

    Immediate past Minister of Labour Senator Simon Lalong has asked Nigerians to give the policies of President Bola Tinubu a chance to mature and yield the desired results.

    Lalong who is the immediate past Plateau Governor, told former Speakers of Houses of Assembly meeting in the Adamawa State capital, Yola, that Nigeria needs their experiences to wade through prevailing hardship.

    Lalong, who was Plateau Speaker between 2000 and 2007, spoke Saturday afternoon during the opening ceremony of a meeting of Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria of which he is the chairman.

    Read Also: Tinubu working hard to make Nigeria better, secured, says Matawalle

    Attending the meeting in Yola are 127 former Speakers from all over Nigeria.

    “Let all of us and all Nigerians support our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has continued to pursue the path of renewing the hope of the nation,” Lalong said.

    Lalong who represents Plateau North zone as the senator, added: “No doubt some of the programs, like the removal of petrol subsidy, have impacted on the lives of the people. However, we need to give these policies some time to mature so that we can benefit from the gains they bring.”

    Host Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said the most important takeaway from the role of speaker is a cutting edge capacity for leadership after their experiences as speakers.

    Fintiri, who was a former Adamawa Speaker, said: “No one passes through this hatchery and come out with empty brain. We must appreciate this privilege and continue to avail our leadership experiences and skills to Nigeria.”

    According to Fintiri, “If there is any time that Nigeria needs ex-speakers’ leadership acumen, experiences and unity of purpose, to mitigate its towering challenges of survival, “the hour is now.”

  • Lalong congratulates Mutfwang over Supreme Court victory; advocates unity for greater Plateau

    Lalong congratulates Mutfwang over Supreme Court victory; advocates unity for greater Plateau

    Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Lalong, has congratulated Governor Caleb Mutfwang on his victory at the Supreme Court, saying the final decision of the apex court provides the opportunity for him and all politicians to work for a united, prosperous and inclusive Plateau.

    Lalong said the long legal hurdles leading to the decision of the Supreme Court is part of the democratic process that should be cherished irrespective of the outcome, as it has afforded all players the opportunity to ventilate and seek redress through the courts as provided under the law.

    He said the verdict of the Supreme Court means an end to litigation and time for governance, which the Governor should now utilise to concentrate and deliver to the people of Plateau State.

    The Judiciary, according to him, has done its duty according to the constitution and democratic practice which is binding on all parties that submitted themselves to it.

    Read Also: God will grant Tinubu good health, long life to turn Nigeria around – Sunday Igboho

    The former Minister of Labour and Employment urged Governor Mutfwang to embrace all sections of the State in delivering good governance and dividends of democracy to the people.

    Similarly, Senator Lalong commended the candidate of the APC, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda for his doggedness, maturity and resilience in the political journey that saw him going all the way to the highest court in the land.

    He said the performance of the APC candidate and the exemplary conduct of members of the party who fought doggedly within the confines of democratic tenets, shows their capacity to continue to put the interest of the people above personal ambitions.

    Lalong, in a statement by his Media Aide, Makut Macham, urged the APC family not to be deterred but remain focused on building the party for continued service to the people.

    Meanwhile, Senator Lalong has appreciated President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support to the APC family in Plateau State and the nation at large as well as commitment to the growth of democracy in the Nigeria.