Friends, associates, well-wishers and stakeholders drawn from various works of life gathered in Abuja to celebrate the new Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong shortly after he was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The reception which was organized by Plateau Stakeholders took place at the Maha Marquee Event Centre Abuja and was attended by politicians, leaders of corporate organizations, friends, associates, and family of the former Plateau State Governor.

Chairman of the reception organizing committee and Plateau APC Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe said the appointment of Governor Lalong by President Bola Tinubu was a right decision that brings value to Nigerians.

He said the achievements of the former Plateau State Governor as Speaker, Chairman of the Northern Governors, DG APC Presidential Campaign Council among others put him in a good position to perform excellently in ensuring job creation and industrial harmony.

Former Deputy Governor of Plateau State Prof. Sonni Tyoden said the entire people of Plateau State are very happy that the President recognized the contributions of Simon Bako Lalong in various offices where he worked hard to make a difference. He said they are sure of great results from the new Minister.

Senator representing Plateau Central and Member Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi expressed optimism that the new minister of Labour will set another record of achievement as he has done in the past. They promised to support him through legislation and oversight since they have direct responsibility for the Labour and Employment sectors.

Chairman APC Elders Forum Amb Wuyep said the elders are happy with the new appointment and prayed to God to grant him wisdom and courage to create jobs and empower Nigerian workers to be more productive.

APC Chairman Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature said the party has been vindicated for rallying round Simon Lalong as a leader of the party in the state which has made him continue to take the State to national prominence. He said the appointment will further consolidate the party and reposition it for further success.

Former Commissioner for Finance Plateau State Dr. Mrs. Regina Soemlat said having worked with the Governor for many years, it is evident that he is a man of capacity and versatility.

The Long Gamai of Gamailand HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III while blessing the Minister said he is not surprised that Lalong has continued to progress due to his politics of humility, consideration and peace.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said she was happy to work with the former Governor whose leadership is widely acknowledged especially during the last campaigns where he was the DG of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council. She assured that she will work closely with him to give Nigerians hope as promised by President Bola Tinubu.

In a vote of thanks, a member of the organizing team and Deputy National Secretary of the APC Festus Fuanter said the large turnout of guests to honor the Minister shows that he is an achiever and a man of the people who is expected to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.

Responding, the Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong said he was privileged to be appointed by the President to serve Nigeria at the Federal Executive Council.

According to him, his appointment does not make him the best but that God has given him the grace to contribute his quota to National development, a task he will do his best to discharge.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the Tinubu Administration prioritizes job creation and will stop at nothing to create adequate employment for the youths.

He thanked the organisers of the reception which he said reassured him that he has supporters and well-wishers.