By Sunday Elijah
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State, north central Nigeria, has assured the Tarok people and citizens of Plateau State that his administration will complete all ongoing projects, saying so much has been achieved in completing many abandoned projects by immediate past administration and others before it.
Lalong stated this on Saturday at the annual cultural festival of the Tarok nation tagged “Ilum O’Tarok” which took place at the Langtang Mini Stadium.
The Governor, who was Special Guest of Honour at the event, cited the General Hospital in Mabudi, Langtang South inherited at foundation level, but now completed and awaiting commissioning, and the Langtang Water Treatment Plant built by Chief Solomon Lar, which was moribund for many years, but was reactivated by him and now providing portable water to the citizens.
Lalong said the Legacy Project in Shishi will also be completed soon while the Gazum Road, Langtang-Garkawa Road and Kadarko Road will also be done.
On the festival, the Governor commended the Tarok nation for sustaining the cultural fiesta saying:
“I am happy that the Ilum O’Tarok has taken the lead in this new vista of cultural renaissance in Plateau State. This is not surprising considering the patriotism and sense of pride with which all sons and daughters of Tarokland hold and display their culture and tradition wherever they find themselves. This is a good virtue that must be sustained.
“At an event like this, I must re-emphasise the need for continuous propagation and sustenance of our rich cultural heritage that is under threat by globalization. Many of our cultural practices are gradually being abandoned while our languages are fast disappearing by the day especially among our younger generation. This is a concern that I want the Tarok nation to take very seriously considering the fact that other tribes also face similar threats,” he said.
On peace and security, he commended the Tarok nation for doing their best to maintain peace within their domain and by extension, the State in general. These efforts he said should be sustained as the State continues to confront criminals and crises merchants who are always looking for an opportunity to strike and cause havoc.
He also assured them that Government will support them towards having a substantive Ponzhi Tarok.
“As I once again condole the Tarok nation over the demise of the late Ponzhi Tarok, I wish to assure you that Government will not hesitate to ensure that a new Ponzhi is installed when the king makers and the traditional council conclude the process for the selection of a successor.
“My appeal as always is to ask that everything should be done according to laid down rules and the culture and tradition of the Tarok people. My administration has maintained its neutrality over appointment of Traditional Rulers and will not impose anyone on the people” he said.
Chairman of the Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok, Amb. Nanpon Sheni said the cultural festival provides an avenue for the sons and daughters of Tarokland to get in touch with their roots, culture and heritage as well as find ways of addressing critical challenges in education, infrastructure, water, health, economic prosperity among others.
He thanked Governor Lalong for his efforts in developing many parts of Tarokland and urged him to do more particularly in completing ongoing projects.
Royal Father of the day and Emir of Dass HRH Alh. Usman Bilyaminu Othman emphasised the need for peace, unity and harmony among the Tarok people as well as with its neighbours. He said the Tarok nation is known for hospitality, friendship and honesty which are attributes that have endeared them to many people around the world.
Chairman Langtang North Local Government Hon. Zulfa Rimven, Acting Chairman Tarok Joint Traditional Council HRH Nimnan Langnim, Algon Chairman Plateau State Hon. Alex Naantuam and other speakers praised Governor Lalong for working hard to sustain peace in Plateau State and spreading development across all Local Government Areas.
They promised to support him to continue to do more for the people even as they called upon the Tarok nation to play its part in the democratic process as they have done over the years with dignity, peace and candour.
The Governor later inspected ongoing construction work on Gazum Road.
