5th May, 2023
By Martha Agas
As Governor Simon Lalong celebrates his 60th birthday, aides, Plateau citizens, and other well-wishers have praised his leadership style.
Lalong celebrated his anniversary with a prayer session in Jos on Friday, where well-wishers praised him for pragmatic development in the state.
Dr. Felicia Soemlat, Commissioner for Finance, spoke on behalf of the state executives and described Lalong as a hardworking and passionate leader committed to improving the welfare of his people.
She claimed that the governor demonstrated passion during the COVID-19 pandemic by advising residents to get vaccinated against the virus.
“He did not sideline anyone based on ethnicity or religion; we witnessed and saw this. When you leave, people would be able to affirm what you have done for Plateau,” she noted.
She also thanked him for initiating the Lalong legacy projects and other state infrastructure development.
Similarly, Mr. Samuel Kwamkur, Lalong’s Special Adviser on Job Creation and Entrepreneurship, described Lalong as humble and a silent achiever who had a positive impact on Plateau lives, particularly the youth.
Plateau House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Sanda thanked God for the governor’s life, saying he did his best for the state.
He said the Plateau people were proud of him and asked them to forgive him for his mistakes during his tenure as governor.
Mrs Mary Afan, the Permanent Secretary of Government House, also thanked the governor for his infrastructure development, particularly the British American interchange (flyover) and 1.7km dual carriageway to the Lamingo Junction roundabout.
In his exhortation, the Chaplain of Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep, urged the governor to be thankful for reaching the age of 60.
He suggested that he use his birthday to reflect on his accomplishments through God’s grace and strive to be better.
Lalong expressed gratitude to his executives, aides, Government House employees, and domestic staff for their cooperation and cordial relationship.
Special prayers were also said for the governor’s future success.
NAN