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Gov Simon Lalong: setting the template of unity in diversity
Gov Simon Lalong: setting the template of unity in diversity
By Yakubu Dati
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” —Lao Tzu
Gov Simon Lalong was at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Wednesday, to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for the many good things he has done for the government and people of Plateau State recently.
Specifically, the Governor was in the Villa to appreciate the President for approving several projects in Plateau State including
a Cancer Centre for the University of Jos and the over N3 billion approved for the purpose; the establishment of an Orthopaedic Hospital in Jos; the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Wase; the Federal Polytechnic Shendam, the conversion of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, to a Federal University of Education; establishment of another Federal College of Education in the state and the establishment of a zonal campus of the Nigerian Law School for North-Central in Jos.
This, the governor made clear to reporters who tried to ambush him with barrage of questions while coming out of the villa, but not so surprisingly given the nature of Nigerian politics, it was his response on the issue of his acceptance to lead the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization that was not only given prominence but made to overshadow all issues with his comment being twisted in the social media to give it a different meaning.
Welcome to Nigerian politics where opposition elements must ply their trade: Downplaying major milestones and confusing otherwise straight narratives through the promotion of self serving angles is the new low.
The slant given to Gov Lalong’s response on his acceptance to lead the presidential campaign falls in this category and is meant to obfuscate these achievements by throwing up sentimental issues that tend to divide the populace.
But one wonders why some are always ready to bring up the religious and ethnic cards when citizen cohesion and nation building as demonstrated by the Governor in highlighting the projects approved for his state, should be the focus.
According to research, there exists about 4,200 religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, cultures, movements and ultimate concerns, which at some point will be countless.
The Rwandan genocide that led to the slaughtering of about 800,000 persons in just 100 days, has according to a BBC report been traced to the exploitation of existing fault,-lines between the Tutsi and Hutu.
These imply the very intricate and diverse sentiment that prevail as far as religion and ethnicity are concerned, and why rather than use these fault lines to divide, they should form the basis for integration and peaceful coexistence which should be championed by all men of goodwill.
To paraphrase Gen Ibrahim Haruna rtd, on an ARISE TV interview “Why does the mass media think only of failure?”
Gov Lalong is rising above the fault lines of religion and ethnicity to project appreciation of religious tolerance and steer the nation away from plunging into the tenterhooks of war, to setting the building blocks for harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Lalong would, rather than dwell on what divides citizens, draws from his personal experience where his kith and kin are made of a fine mix of Christians and Muslims living in harmony, to build on.
Back to the villa interview. In response to a question about his acceptance to lead the Tinubu/Shettima campaign, the Governor used the analogy of the most respected Vatican potentate to underscore his proud religious heritage to promote the cardinal attribute of peace.
He said: “I hold a Papal knight and as a Catholic, everything we do, we do it and send the advice to the Pope. The Pope has not told me that what I’m doing is bad – as a catholic, we take that direction.”
The attempt by conflict merchants to confuse his metaphoric reference to his Knighthood of Saint Gregory the Great KSGG, is being weaponized for political mileage with the intention of plunging the most populous African country to war.
But the bid to misinterpret this analogy is dead on arrival, as many have come to understand the context it was used.
The Catholic Church has, over the years made it a policy to explore ways of opening avenues for interreligious harmony and the reference by Governor Lalong is an enunciation of this pursuit and his belief in peaceful coexistence.
As one whose worldview is shaped by unity in diversity, the Governor is driven to replicate this win win experience for national cohesion.
Therein lies his motivation to defend peaceful coexistence and promote the Tinubu/Shetima APC presidential ticket without fear or intimidation.
While his political traducers resort to exploiting the Freudian slip to ply their trade, men of goodwill will dig deeper and appreciate his internal train of thought that means no harm.
Yakubu Dati, a Commissioner of lands Plateau State can be reached on Yakubudati@gmail.com
Gov Simon Lalong: setting the template of unity in diversity
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
By: Michael Mike
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and for his current role as the National Security Adviser.
The NTAC boss , who made the commendations on Saturday in Abuja, while celebrating the foremost lawyer and public servant, who turned 65 on Friday, also lauded Ribadu for steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, stating that this has set an enduring example for all public officers to emulate.
In a message he personally signed and made available the media in Abuja,Buba emphasized the great roles Mallam Ribadu has continued to play in the evolution of the Nigerian state.
He said: “I have the honour to refer to the above subject-matter and avail myself of the opportunity of this auspicious moment to celebrate you, Dear Leader and Brother, on the occasion of your birthday celebration this year.
“Yesterday again marked yet another milestone of wisdom, dedication, and service as you celebrated 65 years of life, many of which you have invested in the service of our nation and humanity at large.
“Without the risk of reciting the obvious, Sir,
your trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where you transformed the fight against corruption, and now as the National Security Adviser, steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, has set an enduring example for all of us to emulate.
“Your legacy of principled reform, selfless service, and steadfast patriotism continues to inspire countless Nigerians, especially the young professionals and Volunteers we work with every day. May Allah (SWT) continue to strengthen you for greater wisdom and performance as you age in wealth and wellness.
“For myself, my dear family and on behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), where with your kind support I have served as DG these past years, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, Sir, on this remarkable milestone and solemn achievement.
“May Allah grant you good health, long life, and the special wisdom to keep guiding our nation toward peace, security, and prosperity.
“We pray that the years ahead bring you abundant joy, fulfillment, and the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your tireless efforts in many more years of blessings.”
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
By: Zagazola MAkama
Suspected jihadists on Friday attacked and seized control of the Gendarmerie Camp in Garbougna, Niger Republic, killing more than 21 gendarmes, according to security sources.
The attackers, believed to be affiliated with Sahel-based extremist groups, stormed the facility in large numbers, overwhelming security personnel during the early morning assault.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgents also carted away several vehicles, along with a significant quantity of arms and ammunition stored at the camp.
“The situation is dire. The Garbougna gendarmerie post was overrun, and dozens of weapons and vehicles were taken. The number of casualties is still being compiled, but more than 21 gendarmes are feared killed,” one security source said.
The attack underscores the escalating insecurity in parts of Niger, where jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State continue to mount coordinated assaults on security formations and rural communities.
Niger’s military authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident as at the time of filing this report.
Zagazola recalls that the tri-border region spanning Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has witnessed intensified jihadist activities in recent months, with security forces increasingly targeted in ambushes and camp raids.
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has emphasized the critical role of independent broadcasters in promoting the country’s information sovereignty, national cohesion, and digital security.
Represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, on Thursday, Tuggar stressed that the broadcast sector is a key player in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative and ensuring internal stability.
The event’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security,” according to the minister aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
He urged broadcasters to produce locally relevant content, counter disinformation, and bridge ethnic and cultural divides, adding that a united Nigeria commands greater international respect.
He also highlighted the need for robust digital security measures to protect against cyber threats and misinformation campaigns, warning that breaches in the sector could undermine national security.
He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media to safeguard Nigeria’s information ecosystem and project a positive global image.
The conference aimed to address the evolving challenges of broadcasting in a digital age.
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
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