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Sunday Garba Biggs Declares for Plateau Governorship, Vows Security, Jobs, and Inclusive Governance
Hon. Sunday Garba Biggs has officially declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Plateau State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The declaration, which took place on April 29, 2026, attracted a wide array of party stakeholders and supporters within and outside Plateau State. Notable attendees included members of the Mangu PDP Local Government Area (LGA) Executive Committee, councillorship aspirants, House of Assembly aspirants from both Mangu North and South, as well as other key political figures.
Among those present was Hon. Nathaniel Godfrey, the PDP LGA Chairman in Mangu, who reaffirmed the strength and relevance of the party. In his remarks, he emphasized that the PDP remains vibrant and active, dismissing any claims of decline.
In his official declaration speech, Hon. Sunday Garba Biggs expressed deep gratitude to God and appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and citizens for their continued support and commitment to the development of Plateau State. He described his decision to run for governor as one driven not by personal ambition, but by a genuine desire to serve the people and reposition the state for growth and prosperity. Highlighting his background in the civil service, where he rose to the peak of his career, Biggs noted that his experience has equipped him with a clear understanding of the state’s needs and the pathway to effective governance. He pledged to adopt a leadership style centered on inclusiveness, accountability, and responsiveness to the collective aspirations of the people.
Addressing key challenges facing the state, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructural deficits, he stressed the need for a new direction. He outlined his vision to build a peaceful and secure Plateau State, create employment opportunities through agricultural revitalization and business support, improve education and healthcare systems, and develop critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of unity and inclusive governance across ethnic, religious, and social divides, calling on citizens to work together toward a shared future.
Hon. Biggs also extended a message of partnership to members and leaders of the PDP, urging unity within the party to achieve electoral success and deliver good governance. He specifically encouraged youths and women to actively participate in shaping the future of the state, recognizing their vital roles in societal development.
He concluded his address by calling on all citizens of Plateau State, irrespective of political affiliation, to join him in a collective movement for progress, peace, and renewed hope.
The declaration marks a significant development in the political landscape of Plateau State as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the next gubernatorial election.
Head Coach of Samba Tornadoes Football Club, Coach Kuforiji Olusola, has expressed concerns over the defensive performance of Nigeria’s Flamingos despite their 3-2 victory over the Benin Republic in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
READ ALSO: Flamingos Coach Akeem Busari Warns Nigeria Against Complacency After 5-0 Win Over Guinea
Speaking with Sports247 after the thrilling encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, the experienced tactician described the result as a risky one, urging Coach Akeem Busari to address the team’s defensive weaknesses before the decisive second leg.
“It’s quite a big risk for the Flamingos with the first-leg result,” Kuforiji said. “Coach Akeem Busari needs to work more on the defensive line ahead of the second leg because conceding two goals at home could become costly.”
Nigeria had to come from behind to secure a narrow advantage after Benin’s Young Amazons took an early lead through Yenido Romaine Gandonou in the 14th minute.
The Flamingos responded positively, with Queen Joseph restoring parity in the 24th minute before Oluwakemi Adegbuyi put the hosts ahead in the 62nd minute.
However, Benin once again showed resilience as Nazifatou Dangui levelled matters ten minutes later, raising concerns over Nigeria’s defensive organisation.
Kindness Ifeanyi eventually scored the winning goal in the 75th minute to hand the Flamingos a slim 3-2 victory and a narrow advantage heading into the return fixture.
Despite praising the team’s fighting spirit and attacking quality, Kuforiji believes the two goals conceded have left the tie finely balanced.
“The Flamingos showed character to keep coming back and find the winning goal, but they must be more disciplined defensively. At this level, small mistakes can make a huge difference.”
Nigeria will now travel to Lomé, Togo, for the second leg scheduled for July 11 at the Stade de Kégué, Benin Republic’s adopted home ground.
The winner on aggregate will secure one of Africa’s coveted tickets to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, set to take place from October 17 to November 7.
With qualification now within touching distance, all eyes will be on Coach Busari and his young side to see whether they can tighten up defensively and finish the job away from home.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has warned mining companies operating in Nigeria that failure to comply with their Community Development Agreements (CDAs) could lead to sanctions, including the revocation of their licences.
Mr Alake gave the warning on Saturday during the ministry’s 2026 Ministerial Retreat in Abuja.
He said although the government has made significant progress in reforming the solid minerals sector, greater emphasis would now be placed on accountability and ensuring that host communities benefit from mining activities.
“Our reforms have restored confidence, attracted serious investors and made the sector a key part of Nigeria’s economic diversification. Now, our focus is on accountability,” he stated.
The minister stressed that companies must honour the agreements reached with their host communities.
“Mining companies that fail to honour their Community Development Agreements will face sanctions, including the revocation of their licences,” he said.
He added that, “Host communities deserve to benefit from the resources in their land, and there will be consequences for those who ignore that responsibility.”
Community Development Agreements are legally required arrangements between mining companies and host communities, outlining commitments on social amenities, employment, infrastructure and other development projects.
READ ALSO: Alake calls for united African front to capture greater value from global mineral economy
Illegal mining
Mr Alake also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining across the country.
According to him, the ministry will strengthen the operations of the Mining Marshals while adopting practical and innovative measures to improve security in the sector.
“I also reaffirmed our commitment to ending illegal mining by strengthening the Mining Marshals and embracing practical, innovative ideas that will make the sector more secure and more beneficial to all Nigerians,” he said.
The minister said the government’s ongoing reforms are aimed at building a more transparent, secure and investment-friendly mining sector capable of contributing more significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
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