News

Plateau: Lalong Swears in 7 New Commissioners, Redeploys 3

Published

4 years ago

October 5, 2022

vicky

Less than eight months to the end of his administration, the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, on Tuesday swore in seven new commissioners in the state.

The governor also carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle which saw three commissioners moved to other ministries.

Lalong, who performed the swearing-in ceremony at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, said the appointment of the new commissioners became necessary to replace those who resigned from his cabinet to pursue their political careers.

The new Commissioners were Prof. Barnerd Matur (Higher Education), Hon. Peter Akujah Inbutuk (Physical Planning and Urban Planning), Mrs. Cecilia Mermwakat Yilkorah (Culture, Hospitality, and Tourism), Chief Benjamin Zoyong Jang (Science and Technology), Mr. Tehlkuk Naanlep Pingwai (Lands and Survey), Hon. Elisha Bitrus Shehu (Environment) and Hon. Daniel Dung Dalyop (Youth and Sports).

Lalong, who congratulated the new appointees, said they were recognized and identified to serve the people of Plateau State because of their achievements, records of service, as well as support to the APC-led Rescue Administration over the years.

He said, “You are coming on board at the twilight of this administration when we have just about 8 months to complete our mandate. Indeed, you are coming into office at the time that is most crucial as we tidy up our projects and programs to complete the fulfillment of our campaign promises.

“This means that you have to hit the ground running and catch up fast to enable you effectively deliver. While we are continuing with ongoing projects and carrying out new initiatives, the largest attention of the Government at this time is devoted to the completion of projects which will be commissioned in the coming months.

“Already, we have many of them that are fully completed and others almost completed in various sectors ready for commissioning. I expect that you will liaise with the bureaucrats in your MDAs to ensure that you get acquainted with the progress so far”.

He charged the new Commissioners and most especially the old ones to do more in propagating the administration’s achievements through the media, community, and social platforms.

The Governor also warned them against working against the interest of the APC and the people of the State.

“You should remember that you have been brought into Government at such a crucial time to serve and not be served. This appointment is not a promotion to self-aggrandizement or a window for corruption, mismanagement, or waste of public resources.

“Anyone found to be working against the public interest or at cross purposes with the mandate and vision of the Rescue Administration will be shown the way out. You must project our party the APC at all levels as anything short of that will not be accepted,” Lalong warned.

On the cabinet reshuffle, Hon. Victor Lapan was moved from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to Works, while Hon. Gyang Musa moved from Science and Technology to Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

Similarly, Hon. Dan Hirkop was moved from Higher Education to Budget and Economic Planning.

News

United States will monitor Nigeria’s 2027 election — Congressman, Moore

Published

50 minutes ago

July 5, 2026

Preport

A United States Congressman, Rep Riley Moore has said that the United States will closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 general election and how the electoral process is conducted.

Moore made the remark during an interview on Noire TV on Saturday.

When asked whether he was aware of the forthcoming election in Nigeria and if there was anything the United States could do to provide political support.

Responding, the congressman said, “we will be paying close attention to Nigeria’s 2027 election.”

He added that the United States would be watching the outcome of the polls and the manner in which they are conducted.

“We are certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections will unfold and how they are executed and that something that myself and my administration will pay very close attention too,” he said.


You may like

News

Sports commission reaffirms commitment to hockey revival

Published

3 hours ago

July 5, 2026

Preport

Hockey game used to illustrate the story.png

The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to revitalising hockey through infrastructure, grassroots development, and domestic competitions.

At the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League on Saturday in Abuja, Dikko commended the Nigeria Hockey Federation for successfully organising the tournament and repositioning the sport.

“This tournament perfectly aligns with the vision of the National Sports Commission under the Renewed Hope Initiative for a vibrant sports economy,” he said.

He said discussions with African Hockey Federation President Seif El Dine Ahmed and German experts confirmed Nigeria’s immense talent capable of competing globally with the right facilities.

Dikko said President Bola Tinubu approved the nationwide rehabilitation of sports infrastructure, with the national hockey pitch to be upgraded to international standards.

“We have already identified world-class turf in consultation with the African Hockey Federation. Once upgraded, Nigeria can host major African hockey tournaments.

“Sports bring Nigerians together irrespective of tribe, religion or background, serving as a national asset and driver of economic growth through jobs and tourism,” he said.

Also speaking, Abdul Ningi, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, called for greater investment across all sporting federations, not just football.

“Over 20 sporting federations, yet only a few consistently receive attention. Sports development must be diversified so every federation grows and contributes to national development,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Osifo Emefile, expressed satisfaction with the Nigeria Police team’s performance at the championship.

Simeon Nkom, president of NHF, described the Super League as the most successful championship, citing the quality of the competition and the dignitaries in attendance.

“I can confidently say this is the best championship we have organised.

“The presence of NSC chairman, African Hockey Federation president, sponsors, partners, and media shows recognition hockey deserves,” he said.

He said the national hockey pitch built for the 2003 All Africa Games had reached the end of its lifespan and no longer met international standards.

“We are encouraged by the federal government’s commitment through NSC to rehabilitate the facility. Once the new turf is installed, Nigeria can host major African tournaments again, boosting development,” he said.

Kaduna-based Kada Stars defeated Plateau Tigers 3-2 in the men’s final, retaining the title.

The Kada Queens beat Plateau Queens 2-0 in the women’s to also retain their title.

(NAN)