Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Wednesday presented a first
class staff of office to a traditional ruler the Atar Aten of
Ganawuri Yakubu Chaimang.
Speaking at the occasion ,Lalong said “This historic occasion offers
the opportunity to share in the celebration of the moment and for us to
witness the rich cultural exhibition of the Aten Nation. The Aten Nation
may look or sound small, but its people are historically and culturally
mighty. Most significantly is your high sense of accommodation and
tolerance for all shades of humanity, hence your collective sense of
unity and purpose. I recall with nostalgia that during the pre-election
period of 2015 the people of Ganawuri Chiefdom welcomed and hosted me
with great hospitality and ovation. This support was further
consolidated in your resounding turn out and massively voted for the APC
during the elections.
The Rescue Administration’s core mandate is to give the good people
of Plateau a sense of communality through the guarantee of security,
peace and good governance, which are key in our Five Policy Thrust. It
was on this note that in my Special Broadcast of 14th August 2018, I
reiterated Government’s commitment in addressing the issue of creation
of Chiefdoms, Districts, village Areas and review of salaries and
welfare packages for traditional rulers in the State. Accordingly,
Government considered and approved the upgrading and restoration of new
chiefdoms in the State that saw the Atar Aten of Ganawuri’s stool
upgraded to a 1stClass Status.
Let me reiterate that my interest in the creation of chiefdoms and
the recognition of traditional institutions is to give communities in
the State a pride of place, based on the uniqueness of their ethnic
identities, which is the foundation they build their orientation for
community life. This is significant because what they give to the larger
society is a reflection of the value of what they have been nurtured
with.
I have no doubt in the integrity and commitment of the Atar Aten to
lead his other fellow Council members of Chiefs in Unity for a stable
and peaceful coexistence with their neighbours. On this note, on behalf
of the good people of Plateau State, I heartily congratulate His Royal
Highness, Yakubu Chaimang on this well-deserved installation ceremony
and presentation of First Class Staff of Office as Atar Aten of Ganawuri
Chiefdom.
The Traditional Institution is not old-fashioned, but great custodian
of our heritage and values. In modern times it is further expected to
promote greater national, social, political, and economic developments.
Your Royal Highness, let me affirm in very strong terms that the
significance of the exercise of Restoring, Upgrading and Creating new
traditional stools and chiefdoms is for development and peaceful
co-existence. In the light of this, and as a clarion call to duty, I
charge you with the following critical issues related to your patriotic
roles not only as traditional ruler but Chairman of your Council:
1) You are first and foremost Custodian of Culture,
History and Moral or Religious Values. These are essential ingredients
of building unity and harmony, given our varied dialects and tribes on
the Plateau.
2) You must play great role in mobilization of your
subjects, especially the youth in Commerce, Agriculture and community
development.
3) You are to play the role of a strategic and effective
mediator in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly on land
and boundary issues, in concert with your Council of Elders. You are
therefore expected to be proactive in monitoring events and should be
able to pre-empt violent attacks, communal crisis, criminal tendencies,
amongst other vices.
4) You must play critical role in community policing,
since you know your terrains and virtually every member of the
community. In carrying out your tasks, you are to uphold truth and
advise on varied matters as security officers of your domains.
5) Above all, with the recognition and empowerment
accorded you, government will hold you responsible for failure to
exhibit duty of care to your subjects and the society in general.
I am aware that these charges can be awesome, but the burden of
leadership demands taking and sharing responsibilities. Government on
its part will continue to ensure that conducive environment is provided
across the State for sustainable service delivery as well as protection
of lives and properties.
The Aten Nation cannot be an exception, and it is in recognition of
this that Government approved the award of the reconstruction of Tahoss –
Ganawuri Road and the spur to Koronfang and Dahreng. We are also
funding the drilling of boreholes, water supply and sanitary works
within Riyom Local Government and Ganawuri is a beneficiary. The State
Government is currently liaising with the Federal Government for the
Construction and Maintenance of Federal roads in the State including the
Vom – Ganawuri – Manchok road that passes through this Community. I am
also aware of the problems the community is facing with the supply of
electricity for over two years, due to lack of connection to the
National Grid as your only source of supply is from NESCO. I assure you
that as a matter of urgency, the Ministry of Water Resource and Energy
will come up with the assessment and cost estimate for connection of
Ganawuri to the 33KVA National Grid through Miango.
It is hoped that these new creations, restoration and regrading
across the State, which is a continuous process will bring greater
confidence and assurance to the citizenry of our collective resolve to
remain united and pursue common development goals. Accordingly, I wish
to solicit your continuous loyalty and support to enable Government
continue serving you better.
On behalf of the Government and good people of Plateau State, I wish
to further call on all and sundry to cooperate and support His Royal
Highness in his usual bid for purposeful leadership and direction,
engender peace and harmony in your domain, while we submit to God our
prayers for strength, good health and wisdom that will enable him
succeed in the task ahead.
