Commissioner eulogized PAAAVARF on youths programme

 Plateau State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Hon. Victor Lapang has eulogized the Peace Advancement, Action Against Violence and Rape Foundation, PAAAVARF for its laudable initiatives and programme which are aims at empowering the youths.

The Honorable Commissioner who was represented by his Special Assistance Honorable Ken Dabilong said the rescue administration is doing its best to put in place infrastructure which has for long been abandoned.

Ken noted that the government is working hard toward the reviving of the decaying infrastructure, he said, right from the onset of this administration the main priority was the revitalization of the public institutions and now the primary schools are wearing new looks across the state.

He called on all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or ethnic group to consider the development of the child responsibility of all, noting that it is our collective responsibility to put smiles on the face of every child because that is the true essence of humanity.

He called on other Non-Governmental Organization to emulate PAAAVARF which has consistently organized events which are aims at empowering the youths.

The President of Peace Advancement, Action Against Violence and Rape Foundation, (PAAAVARF) Lady Vivien Abara said children are like the Sun, the moon and the star’s; they are little angels from God, therefore, organizing an event for them on Children day has been her passion and it is worthy.

Lady Abara lamented that the youths are falling apart; homes are broken apart which is affecting the youths negatively and they turn into something else as a lot of them are into drug abuse, prostitution, kidnapping, cultism and other social ills.

She said, given the youths an opportunity such as these programme to voiced out so that the government will hear their plea is proper.

She said it is lamentable that the youths have been abandoned and left like sheep without a shepherd, she said all hands must be on deck to promote programmes and events that will help them as they grow older and take over from us. Because whether we like it or not they are the ones to take over from us, she added.

Lady Abara noted that the choice of theme for the programme “the effect of Covid 19 on children” is pertinent considering its devastating effects on the youths in all ramifications.

She said employment and empowerments opportunities must have to be addressed as an emergency state of affairs to help curtail youth restiveness.

Highlights of the events were the presentation of a gift to the winners of the quizzed completion which goes to the Command Secondary School who came first followed by Saint Murumba Secondary second position and the Rochas Foundation Secondary school came third place. There was a gift and award presentation to other participants, as well as entertainment by the PAAAVARF team.

More than 50 dead and dozens still missing after boat sinks in northwest Nigeria

 More than 50 people have died and dozens are still missing after an overloaded boat capsized in the northwestern Nigerian state of Kebbi on Wednesday, according to government authorities.

There were at least 150 passengers on board, most of whom are from Kebbi State and are believed to be traders, authorities said.

Abdullahi Buhari, Chairman of Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where the incident occurred, told CNN late on Thursday that the death toll had risen to 53, with that number expected to rise.

Buhari added that 22 people had been rescued and that following a stay in hospital, they had been discharged.

Earlier on Thursday, Abbas Rabiu Kamba, Acting Executive Director for Kebbi's Emergency Management Agency, told CNN that they had recovered 47 bodies -- 20 men and 22 women -- from the water so far. Kamba added that so far, it was unclear how many children had lost their lives.

Niger State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the boat had taken off from Borgu district in Niger State and was heading to a market in neighboring Kebbi before getting into difficulties early Wednesday.

Authorities are citing overloading as the cause of the accident, with the police spokesman warning boat operators to adhere to safety precautions and to stop overloading their boats beyo

Pauline Tallen commiserate with victims of boat mishap

The honourable Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen in a press statement said “As we were celebrating the Nigerian Child today, I received with total shock the news of the unfortunate boat mishap in which so many passengers; mainly women and children perished en route from Niger State to Kebbi State”.

She said “This is truly an unfortunate accident and dampens the spirit of today's celebration. And so, on behalf of Nigerian Women and Children, I commiserate with Government and People of Kebbi State, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in this great tragedy”.

Tallen prayed for the souls of the departed saying “May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace”.

Children Day: Tallen said the impact of Covid 19 on children is enormous

 The Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has called on Nigerians to rise to the challenges of the times to ensure that we reassess our commitments to the promotion of the rights of the child.

she stated this in an address at the year 2021 national children’s day celebration held at the Executive Hall, International Conference Centre, Abuja On Thursday, 27th May 2021

 she said it is another May 27th which is a special day set aside by the Nigerian Government to appreciate the great Children of this great country.

Adding that the 2021 theme for the celebration is “Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the total wellbeing of the Nigerian Child: The way Forward” The theme finds its relevance in the COVID-19 crisis which has resulted in a child rights crisis. The effects and impact of the pandemic on children are immediate and, if left unattended, may remain with us for long.

The minister further said “This is why as a Nation, we must rise to the challenges of the times to ensure that we reassess our commitments to the promotion of the rights of the child in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution and other Regional and Sub-Regional Declarations on the Rights of the Child to which Nigeria is a signatory to. It a time for stock-taking and assessment of the current challenges that affect our planning and implementation strategies given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all facets of our national life.

She noted that the COVID-19 has redefined our rules of social engagement and we have to move along with the tides, as we work towards addressing the plight of different categories of children in Nigeria, especially Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Street Children, Almajiri Children, etc.

she said in a Survey conducted by Save the Children on the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children in West and Central Africa in 2020 indicate that 92% of surveyed households struggle to pay for food, health care, rent, fuel, nutrition and other essential needs. While UNICEF also projected that about 950 Nigerian Children could die every day from preventable causes over the next 6 months as the COVID-19 Pandemic disrupt routine services and threaten to weaken the health services.

​Tallen further said, for this reason, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is deliberately engaging a participatory approach that aggregates the concerns and priorities of Nigerian children, while ensuring that their human rights concerns are systematically protected. During the Media briefing yesterday, a child called my attention to the fact that we must learn some lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, so that we are always not taking unawares by such occurrences. This means that we need to take into cognizance the poorest of the poor children who do not have access to basic facilities in the rural areas, nor have ever seen been exposed to any ICT facility. Imagine how truncated their lives were with the lockdown measures put in place to curb the rise of the pandemic.

Giving insight into the effects of the Covid 19 on children she said, “although some of the effects of the pandemic will not be the same for all children, a great number of children were affected in the following areas; extreme poverty which led to school drop out for some children, especially the girl child, hunger, malnutrition, increase in child mortality and increase in many street children. Others are child battering, increased violence against children as well an increase in Gender-Based Violence, while others suffered from online child sexual exploitation as a result of online learning that was introduced by schools during the lockdown. This development affects children’s mental health, social development, safety, economic security and protection and thus increased their vulnerability. The worst-hit were children in IDP Camps and orphanages, street children as well as children without parental care”.

 Stating the efforts of the Ministry of women affairs, the Honorable minister said “breaking into new frontiers requires innovation and partnerships. To effectively deliver on the multi-sectoral approaches needed to actualize the Ministry’s mandate, we sincerely welcome the support of all our partners from the development and donor community who have been tireless with us. Let me particularly thank UNICEF, Save the Children, UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA and others who have helped us to raise the bar in planning and programming for children. In the same vein, I want to welcome new allies to join us in this task of adequately investing in children, who represent our Nation's continuity. Government alone cannot do it, so all hands must be on deck”.

 Tallen also eulogized the contributions of the governor and their wives. She said “​I want to also appreciate the efforts of the State Governors, their Wives for making our work seemingly simple. You will agree with me that the challenges confronting children are more noticeable in rural communities. Since children’s issues are so vast that no one Ministry can handle all the components alone, I, therefore, urge them to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in their States to upscale intervention programmes for children.

While extending her appreciation to civil societies organizations she said “​I want to specifically commend all our CSOs who continue to support us in addressing the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on children through the provision of essential services. This is what effect collaboration brings to the table and we must sustain it. In this regard, I want to thank the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mallam Mohammed Bello and the Honourable Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu for joining us in this milestone event in honour of our children. This is indeed a sign of good things to come for Nigerian Children.

Tallen further said “​Let me state here that for COVID-19, we would have engaged in more robust outdoor activities, such as Match past, which is associated with this event. Be that as it may, our lives will not be halted by the pandemic. We have therefore resolved to continually appreciate the potential of the Nigerian child and to constantly upscale and renew our commitment to ensure that the Nigerian Child lives a more dignified life”.

Tallen also extolled the Contribution of Mr President, she said “​I want to thank our President for supporting all our advocacies in creating an enabling environment for the Nigerian child to develop well in the face of the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic as you will soon hear in his speech to us all. In a few weeks, Mr President will again join us in the National Policy Dialogue on Ending Violence Against Children in Nigeria hosted by the Ministry with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

She said the successes recorded by the Ministry since the wake of COVID-19 are based on the availability of information on the negative impact of Covid -19 on Children. This has led to the development and implementation of programmes aimed at mitigating the impact of Covid-19 on Children in Nigeria and we scale up on these. Some of which include:

Provision of nutritional support and medical outreach to women and children in IDP Camp and Children Homes;

Distribution of palliatives to various households, Orphanages, NGOs, CBOs and FBOs to mitigate the impact of Covid -19;

Advocacy Visits to the State Governor, Wives of State Governors, Honourable Speakers of the State House of Assemblies, Traditional and Religious Leaders to ensure the domestication of the Child Rights Act 2003 and VAPP Act 2015 throughout the Federation promote the wellbeing and welfare of the Nigerian Child as it relates to the impact of Covid -19 Pandemic;

Distribution of diapers across the Primary Health Care Centres, Orphanages and some IDP Camps with support from Procter and Gamble to promote immunization, hygiene and sanitation, as well as general wellbeing of the mother and child;

Distribution of school kits to ameliorate the impact of Covid-19 on the education of children especially the boosting girl-child school enrolment, retention and completion of her education;

Zonal Sensitization Seminars for Stakeholders in 18 States of the Federation on the provisions of the Child Rights Act 2003, Ending Violence Against Children and Promoting Girl Child Education.

 

The Honorable minister called for the proper upbringing of children she said “We cannot allow evil-minded persons continue to inflict and pose grave dangers to our children. If we do not provide an enabling environment for children to grow as responsible adults, they will surely come back to haunt us as miscreants. This is why mothers and fathers, as well as caregivers, must rise to the challenges of proper nurturing and upbringing of their children and wards”.

 “​As custodians of the Child Rights Act (CRA), 2003, we will not grow weary of calling on the remaining 12 States who are yet to domesticate the CRA to do, while also monitoring the implementation levels in the States that have domesticated the Act. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 is a great tool in our advocacy for a just and egalitarian society where the Nigerian Child will reach his/her full potential. As we speak only 18 States have domesticated the VAPP Act, while some who have domesticated it are yet to gazette it to make it Law. I, therefore, appeal to the State Governors to fast track the process to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others”.

 She said called on all stakeholders that this year’s celebration is not just a tradition, but a concrete step that must be taken to promote the survival, protection, development and participation of the Nigerian Child, the future of this nation. She emphasized that COVID -19 is not over yet and we should continue to observe the government-approved protocols for our safety and the safety of our children.

 She called on children to be of good behaviour at all times, ensure that they take their education serious and obey constituted authorities at home and in schools.

SPEECH BY H.E. AT THE INAUGURATION OF PLATEAU COVID-19 ACTION ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROGRAM FOR RESULT (PLA-CARES) A WORLD BANK FINANCED PROGRAMME

 SPEECH BY H.E. RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF PLATEAU COVID-19 ACTION ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROGRAM FOR RESULT (PLA-CARES) A WORLD BANK FINANCED PROGRAMME ON 24TH MAY, 2021.

PROTOCOLS

1. It is with deep sense of gratitude to God almighty that I address you at this historic event which is the inauguration of the Plateau State Steering Committee for the Covid-19 Action Economic Stimulus Program for Result (NG-CARES). Having keyed into the programme, we are inaugurating Steering Committee to set the ball rolling in carrying out the programme.

2. By this inauguration, Plateau State is fully ready to participate in the implementation of the Program which is financed by the World Bank. Our dear State has qualified to access $20 million dollars (over 8 billion naira) from the $750 million dollars to be accessed by the Federal Government to address the negative consequences of Covid-19 on our economy.

3. We are all witnesses to the fact that Covid-19 has severely affected the lives of our citizens and that of the State in general. This has exposed poor and vulnerable households to challenges in multiple fronts. These include job losses; losses in business incomes; food insecurity; and general inability to obtain basic services for day to day living. This is even worsened by the drastic fall in Government revenues.

4. It is therefore commendable that programmes such as this have been initiated to assist us mitigate the impact of the pandemic. In ensuring that our people benefit, Plateau State opted to implement all the three Result Areas of the programme because of their expected social intervention impacts on the economy. 

5. Under Result Area 1 which focuses to achieve Increased Social Transfers, Basic Services, and Livelihood Support to the poor and vulnerable households, we have an estimated number of beneficiaries totaling 39,014. For Result Area 2 which is aimed at increasing food production and Security as well as boosting safe and functional food supply chains, there are about 18,973 beneficiaries targeted. Result Area 3 which is for facilitating recovery and enhancing capabilities of MSMEs has 2,142 targeted beneficiaries.

6. Therefore, we expect that over 60,129 citizens of Plateau State will benefit from the project which has the potential of transforming the landscape of our economy. The three implementing platforms will work on the 11 disbursement link indicators outlined by the financing organisation, the World Bank.

7. This program is financed by the World Bank through Program for Result Instrument which is considered as more appropriate for this operation. I therefore charge the Steering Committee being inaugurated today to show high level of commitment to enable our State utilize these resources to the last kobo for the benefit of our people.

8. The State Cares Steering Committee (SCSC) will be responsible for providing oversight direction to the implementing agencies; approving their work plans and budgets; ensuring that funds are released to delivery platforms in accordance with the funds flow agreement; as well as ensuring that there is full compliance with the Program Appraisal Document.

9. When composed, the State Coordinating Unit (SCCU) will serve as the Secretariat of the State Cares Steering Committee, responsible for monitoring performance and results of the delivery Platforms and communicating with the World Bank and the Federal Government on behalf of the State and the delivery platforms among other functions.

10. The following delivery platforms will responsible for the implementation of the program: 

1. Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA)

2. Cash Transfer Unit (CTU)

3. Fadama Additional Financing

4. Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA).

11. At this juncture, I must appreciate the heads of these delivery platforms and Focal Person Social for the Social Investment Programmes Dr. Sumaya Hamza for working tirelessly to ensure that Plateau State qualifies to participate in this laudable project under the leadership of Director General of PLASMIDA Mr. Haggai Haruna Gutap who served as the focal person. This inauguration today is a manifestation of the efforts and sacrifices they made alongside others since July 2020 to date.

12. Let me use this opportunity to assure all the Steering Committee Members of the Rescue Administration’s determination to give you all the needed support to achieve the program’s objectives. You must justify the confidence we have reposed in you by delivering on the set targets to qualify the State for timely disbursement from the World Bank.

13. Because we cannot afford to fail, I shall be personally monitoring your activities to ensure that the State gets maximum benefit from its participation. Any act of non-performance or willful sabotage will not be tolerated in this program. Since this is an emergency operation with clearly spelled out guidelines, each platform should work within the confine of its responsibilities to avoid task conflict which could affect performance.

14. Our Rescue Administration considers this as another golden opportunity to further push forward its vision for Economic Rebirth by promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. We believe that when our people are engaged meaningfully, crime and agitation will reduce thereby paving way for prosperity. 

15. To demonstrate our commitment towards the success of the programme, the Government has secured offices for the State Coordinating Unit (SCCU) and Fadama Additional Financing for smooth take-off of the program. Other staffing issues of Fadama Additional Finance will be resolved to enable capacity building for the programs take place. 

Sensitizations for critical stakeholders to the three delivery Platforms will also be done to enable them understand the program concept.

16. At this juncture, I wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Abdulkadir Obaje for his appointment as the National Coordinator of NG-CARES Program in Nigeria. I pray that God almighty grants him the strength and wisdom to pilot the activities of this laudable program in Nigeria. I also acknowledge the commitment of my dear friend Professor Folunso Okumadewa the NG CARES Task Team Leader for his untiring commitment towards making this program work in Nigeria. 

17.  I also assure the World Bank and Federal Government through the Ministry of Budget and Planning where the programme is domiciled, that we are replicating the implementation model spelled out in the guidelines to ensure we stay in line. We have equally domiciled the program in the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and we shall ensure that the needed support is accorded to the program in Plateau State.

18. Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, I am very optimistic that the PLATEAU-CARES Programme will have tremendous impact on the States’ economy thereby creating new jobs, stabilizing our revenues and improving food security in the State.

19. In specific terms, the responsibilities of State Steering Committee are as follows:

a. To provide oversight and policy guidance for the implementation of the programme in accordance with the Operations Manual.

b. To meet quarterly (6 times in a year) to consider issues affecting the CARES programme in the State as may be brought before it by the State Cares Coordinating Units including the monitoring report of the State Cares Coordinating Units for appropriate action.

c. To consider and approve the annual work plan and budget of the State Cares Coordinating Units and the Delivery Units.

d. To provide an update on the implementation of the Programme to the Governor every six months or as may be required through the Chairman.

20. The following are the members of the Plateau State Cares Steering Committee: 

[MEMBERS TO STAND UP WHEN THEY ARE CALLED AND REMAIN STANDING FOR INAUGRATION]

S/N NAME PORTFOLIO/MDA

1. MR SYLVESTER WALLANGKO HON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF BUDGET AND ECONOMIC PLANNING CHAIRMAN

2. DR (MRS) REGINA SOEMLAT HON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF FINANCE MEMBER

3. DR ISTIFANUS FINANGWAI HON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE MEMBER

4. MR JOSEPH ABE AKU HON COMMISSIONER MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES MEMBER

5. DR (MRS) SUMAYE HAMZA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/FOCAL PERSON SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME MEMBER

6. SUNDAY BIGGS PERMANENT SECRETARY GOVERNMENT HOUSE MEMBER

7. DR AMOS AKIMS BOARD CHAIRMAN CSDA MEMBER

8. MR DAVID DASER DIRECTOR GENERAL PLATEAU INFORMATION  TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBER

9. MR HAGGAI HARUNA GUTAP HEAD, STATE CARES COORDINATING UNIT SECRETARY

10. SAMUEL DAMLA COORDINATOR, SDGs, PLATEAU STATE

21. It is therefore my honour and privilege to inaugurate the State Cares Steering Committee (SCSC) for the smooth take off of the program in Plateau State. I wish you all the best in this very crucial assignment.

22. The composition of the State Cares Coordinating Unit (SCCU) and the Technical Implementation Team (TIT) will be approved subsequently.

23. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG

Governor of Plateau State.

24th May 2021.

PLATEAU STATE TO BENEFIT FROM 8BILLION NAIRA WORLD BANK COVID-19 ECONOMIC STIMULUS FUND.

 In preparation for the implementation of the World Bank funded COVID-19 Action Economic Stimulus Program for Result (NG-CARES), Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has inaugurated a Steering Committee that will supervise the implementation of the program in the State. 

While inaugurating the Steering Committee at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the Governor said Plateau State is fully ready to participate in the implementation of the Program which is financed by the World Bank and has fulfilled the requirements to access to $20 million dollars (over 8 billion naira) from the $750 million dollars granted to the Federal Government to address the negative consequences of Covid-19 on our economy. 

He said "we are all witnesses to the fact that Covid-19 has severely affected the lives of our citizens and that of the State in General. This has exposed poor and vulnerable households to challenges in multiple fronts. These include job losses; losses in business incomes; food insecurity; and general inability to obtain basic services for day to day living. This is even worsened by the drastic fall in Government revenues". 

Lalong said the programme is commendable as it will assist the State to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. In ensuring that our people benefit, Plateau State opted to implement all the three Result Areas of the programme because of their expected social intervention impacts on the economy. 

The Governor said over 60,129 citizens of Plateau State are expected to benefit from the project which has the potential of transforming the landscape of the State economy. 

Among other things, the State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC) will be responsible for providing oversight direction to the implementing agencies; approving their work plans and budgets; ensuring that funds are released to delivery platforms in accordance with the funds flow agreement; as well as ensuring that there is full compliance with the Program Appraisal Document. 

Lalong also warned that his administration will not tolerate failure "I shall be personally monitoring your activities to ensure that the State gets maximum benefit from its participation. Any act of non-performance or willful sabotage will not be tolerated in this program. Since this is an emergency operation with clearly spelled out guidelines, each platform should work within the confine of its responsibilities to avoid task conflict which could affect performance" he said. 

He thanked the World Bank Task Team leader Prof. Folosho Okunmodewa and the National Coordinator for NG-CARES Dr. Abubakar Obaje for their commitment and support for the takeoff of the project. 

Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Mr. Sylvester Wallangko while responding on behalf of other members said they will put in their best to achieve the objectives of the programme. He said it is a golden opportunity for the Lalong Rescue Administration to further push forward its vision for Economic Rebirth by promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. 

Members of the Plateau State CARES  Steering Committee are: 

1.MR SYLVESTER WALLANGKOHON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF BUDGET AND ECONOMIC PLANNING(CHAIRMAN) 

2.DR (MRS) REGINA SOEMLATHON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF FINANCE(MEMBER)

3.DR ISTIFANUS FINANGWAIHON COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE(MEMBER)

4.MR JOSEPH ABE AKUHON COMMISSIONER MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES(MEMBER)

5.DR (MRS) SUMAYE HAMZAEXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/FOCAL PERSON SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME(MEMBER)

6.SUNDAY BIGGSPERMANENT SECRETARY GOVERNMENT HOUSE(MEMBER)

7.DR AMOS AKIMSBOARD CHAIRMAN CSDA(MEMBER)

8.MR DAVID DASERDIRECTOR GENERAL PLATEAU INFORMATION  TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY(MEMBER)

9.MR HAGGAI HARUNA GUTAPHEAD, STATE CARES COORDINATING UNIT(SECRETARY)

10.SAMUEL DAMLACOORDINATOR, SDGs, PLATEAU STATE (MEMBER) 

The State CARES Coordinating Committee (SCCU) and Technical Implementation Team (TIT) will soon be constituted. 

Dr. Mkut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

25th May 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS NASCO FOUNDER, AHMED IDRIS NASREDDIN

 Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed the deep condolences of the people and Government of Plateau State to the NASCO family over the passing of the founder of the Nasco Group of Companies, Dr. Ahmed Idris Nasreddin who died at the age of 96.

Governor Lalong in a message of commiseration described the passing of the patriarch of the NASCO family as a great loss not only to the family, but to people of Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

Lalong said the late Nasreddin was a visionary leader who established NASCO in Jos in 1963 as the first jute bag factory in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, in response to the desire of the Nation’s founding fathers to meet the challenges for the effective bagging, storage and export of the large agricultural products from the country.

He said “This vision by the late Dr. Ahmed Idris Nasreddin saw the company growing from its little beginnings to become a major conglomerate with successful companies in manufacturing, real estate, hospitality and logistics, trading among others. NASCO has over the years remained a major employer of labour in Plateau State and continues to contribute to the economic prosperity of the State and Nigeria at large through tax revenue and corporate social responsibility”.

The Governor said because of the faith that the late Nasreddin had in Plateau State, NASCO remained rooted in the State throughout the difficult moments when the State witnessed crises that affected its development.

Governor Lalong while consoling the family, Management and Staff of the NASCO Conglomerate, said the legacies of the late business mogul will continue to prevail particularly when the company he founded many years ago is waxing stringer and being successfully run by his son, (Dr) Attia Nasreddin and other members of the family.

Lalong assured the NASCO family of the support and collaboration of the Plateau State Government as he prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and comfort the family.

 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

22nd May 2021