By Joseph Edegbo –
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has charged citizens to promote the culture of peace which is cardinal to development and also important to overcoming insecurity in the country.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the annual Ngas Festival of Arts and Culture, Pundung 2022 held at the Pankshin Mini Stadium.
While commending the Ngas people for doing their best to maintain law and order within their domain, he assured that Government will continue to confront terrorists and other criminals and those who shield them.
Citing the recent incident in Namu, Quan Pan Local Government where some hoodlums tried to prevent the arrest of a suspected kidnap kingpin and resorted to destruction, the Governor said security agencies have been mandated to be ruthless with those who delight in creating chaos and sorrow for innocent citizens.
Lalong said from the dances, to cultural displays, and the array of food and artifacts showcased during the Pusdung Festival, he was reassured that the designation of Plateau State as the Home of Peace and Tourism remains very highly appropriate.
Accroding to him, the event has over time become an avenue where the Ngas people evaluate the progress of their people at home and in diaspora, as well as fashion out ways of doing more to impact the upcoming generation.
He assured the Ngas people that the Government will continue to carry out projects within their domain.
“Among other things, we have restored the Pankshin Water Treatment Plant which was moribund for many years and also completed the General Hospital in Kwall, abandoned for many years. Work has been ongoing at various Legacy Projects sites within Ngas land including Government College Pankshin which we intend to transform to a world class Technical School in our efforts to develop skills and train entrepreneurs” he said.
Speaking on the 2023 general elections, the Governor said:
“As we move deeper into the era of politics ahead of the 2023 general elections, I wish to appeal to our citizens particularly the political class to be careful with their utterances and shun all forms of desperation that is capable of disrupting the peace of the State. Let us play politics without bitterness and put the interest of the State and its people above individual aspirations”.
Special Guest at the event, Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila represented by Member Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Yusuf Gagdi said the cultural festival is a veritable tool for unity, development and economic development which must be sustained and promoted beyond the shores of the country.
He promised the support of the House and that of Legislators from Plateau State towards ensuring that laws are passed to bring development to the State and Ngas land such as the recent upgrading of the Federal College of Education Pankshin into a Federal University of Education.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mrs. Tamwakat Weli said the Lalong administration is very passionate about the promotion of cultural festivals which is a very important tool for the development of tourism and wealth creation.
Mrs. Weli also delivered the message of the Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi who was Chief launcher at the event and said the Transport Minister associates with the Ngas nation which is known for hardwork, unity and tolerance.
Chairman of the Ngas Development Association Nde Gonen Gofwen thanked the Governor and other guests for attending the event saying that the Ngas nation remains very committed to the peace, progress and development of the State and Nigeria at large.
Funds were raised for the expansion of the Ngas Skills Acquisition Centre into a standard Industrial Incubation Centre. Governor Lalong also decorated Miss Pusdung 2022.
