The Federal Government has assured the government of Plateau State of continued support in partnering with them towards transforming the lives of Plateau citizens.
The Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo stated this while representing President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan during the occasion of the 70th birthday celebration of David Jonah Jang, governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Governors Forum of Nigeria at a thanks-giving service held in the Nation’s Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Du, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Vice President Sambo stated that, ‘as part of Mr President’s support to Plateau State, a series of developmental programmes and projects have been embarked upon in the state such as the construction and rehabilitation of blocks of hospitals, lecture theatres and classrooms at the university of Jos and the College of Education, Pankshin, rehabilitation of roads and bridges, completion of the Mangu water supply scheme, and construction of a 330kv transmission line and associated sub-station in Jos’.
The Vice President noted that in line with the Federal Government’s ongoing agenda, ‘Governor Jang has similarly transformed Plateau State with projects and programmes that have touched the lives of the people’. He commended the tremendous developmental strides of the governor such as the construction of about 1000km of urban and rural roads and bridges, construction of the first fly-over in Jos with two more at advanced stages of completion, embarking on over ten billion naira agricultural project, massive upgrading of hospitals and construction of referral hospitals, erecting a standard Olympic stadium, building and renovation of schools to mention a few. Vice President Sambo particularly drew attention to the fact that, ‘Governor Jang is working hand in hand with the security agencies to ensure that lasting peace is achieved in Plateau State. He also pointed out the concerted efforts made by the governor to attract investors and federal presence in the state. On behalf of President Jonathan he wished the governor a happy birthday and many more years ahead.
Earlier, Governor Jang thanked President Jonathan represented by Vice President Sambo, the First Lady, Patience Goodluck Jonathan represented by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, Senate President, David Mark and all dignitaries who honoured his invitation to celebrate with him a life filled with the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Adamu Muazu in his remarks stated that Governor Jang is one of the founding fathers of the PDP and that there is no better accomplished person in Du his LGA than him.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of goodwill messages from the Senate President, David Mark, the Governor’s Forum of Nigeria, family and friends who all praised the loyalty of Governor Jang noting that loyalty comes from God. They extolled his virtues praying God to be with him in his life and encouraged him in governance to strive to rule by dialogue, reconciliation and peace. Senator David Mark particularly prayed peace to return to Plateau State.
The Chief of Staff to the President, state governors, ministers, heads of churches, royal fathers and members of the diplomatic corps were amongst the dignitaries present at the event.
