Jos Building Collapse: Alfred Dapal sympathizes with victims and families affected

On Monday the 15th of July 2019, tragedy struck, leaving painful memories in the minds and hearts of some people as a three story building collapsed around Butcher line after Sarki street in Jos North local government area of Plateau state. According to reports by the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, 14 people lost their lives and 4 got critically injured and are currently receiving treatment. In this light, Alfred Dapal through his media aide Satmak Dapar in a press statement made available to journalists in Jos sympathizes with the families of the victims and the good people of Jos North over the unfortunate incident. He equally implores the government to employ the services of professional civil and construction engineers to ensure that buildings are are done in professional and quality manner in order to avoid future emergencies. Mr. Dapal wishes the families of the victims God's comfort and the fortitude to bear the lost. 

Alfred Dapal in a congratulatory letter to Speaker Abok charges him on purposeful leadership

A front line businessman based in Abuja Mr. Alfred Dapal has congratulated the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abok Ayuba over his victory as the speaker of the 9th Assembly. In a letter dated 24th June 2019 and made available to journalists by his media aide Satmak Dapar, Mr. Dapal charges Hon. Abok on purposeful leadership. 

Congratulatory Message

On Monday the 10th of June 2019, history was made in the light of your emergence as speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly through the overwhelming support of your honourable colleagues. In this spirit, I wish to join others in rejoicing and congratulating you sincerely. Hon. Speaker, your victory is an eloquent testimony that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel in the struggle for young and purposeful leadership. I encourage you to remain resolute in executing the 9th Assembly’s legislative agenda in the sacred interest of Plateau State. I am not unmindful of the fact that, the task before you is not an easy one as the truism says “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” As you strive to give in your best, be assured of our unwavering support and prayers so you could deliver on your assignment in a robust and engaging manner. May your tenure be fruitful and abounding with countless success stories. Together, we will help reposition our dear state for sustainable growth and development.

Once more, accept my sincere felicitations.

Yours Sincerely,

Alfred Dapal

Abuja.

9th Assembly: Alfred Dapal sends letter of congratulations to Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase

Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase

Deputy Speaker

Federal House of Representatives

Abuja, Nigeria.

Dear sir,

Congratulatory Message

On behalf of my family and friends, I wish to extend my felicitations to you on your recent elevation to a higher leadership pedestal as the deputy speaker Federal House of Representatives on Tuesday the 11^th of June 2019. Obviously, your emergence speaks volume of the fact that, your colleagues at the Green Chamber believe in your vision and outstanding leadership qualities as much as the people of Plateau state do. Your success story is inspiring and your victory is justified because of your development programmes throughout Wase Federal Constituency which majority of youths are direct beneficiaries. As you settle down to carry out this huge national assignment by virtue of your position as one of the leading stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, I encourage you to do your best for our dear country in order to leave footprints in the sands of history. Back at home, please continue to be selfless and resolute in your belief for a better Plateau and youth-oriented development interventions to cut across the entire state. We will continue to stand by you in prayers and solidarity every step of the way.

Once more, accept my deepest congratulations and best wishes.

Yours Sincerely,

Alfred Dapal

Abuja.

Comrade Silver Dakun felicitates with Dr. Sipak Shaseet on the occassion of his birthday

A front line comrade Silver Dakun has felicitated with Dr. Sipak Shaseet on the occasion of his birthday. In a press release made available to bloggers, Mr. Dakun describes Dr. Shaseet as an astute, erudite and iconic leader with unprecedented political credentials. "Today I celebrate you sir because you have proven in words and deeds that you are the man of the moment, a lover of peace and justice as well as a leader with a large heart. Your genuine future intentions for Plateau state will come to reality and the youths will have reason to smile. The statement reads in part.

Signed Silver Dakun

2023: Heralding the Plateau story vis-à-vis new political developments – By Satmak Dapar

Prior to this political dispensation, I’ve never been this meticulous in terms of assessing and partially participating in the politics that characterized the tail end of 2018 and essentially, the early part of 2019. Obviously, the elections have come and gone like nothing has happened. There seems to be a sort of quietude in the political atmosphere. Albeit, some few cases in the tribunals and court of law are still lingering. Many politicians across different parties that went to tribunal have tall dreams of retrieving their mandates while those issued certificates of return and sworn-in are not resting on their oars to have their mandates defended by lawyers. Yet, others have since congratulated the victors in the spirit of sportsmanship and moved on to accomplish other plans of action and personal commitments. In my previous article, I outlined that the politics of 2019 will perhaps be a litmus test for that, which, is to come in 2023. I equally mentioned that, for example, some key political figures eyeing the number one seat of power in plateau state are beginning to strategize in subtle ways to succeed the incumbent and have their political efforts to be counted. Politics on the Plateau has always come with surprises and shocker. New developments always spring up to counter the old order and narrative. New candidates and parties emerge with structures to achieve a win-win game, but at the end of the day, some scale through and others get disappointed. The heavy monetization of politics, betrayal, bitter rivalry, uncontrolled outpour of violent vituperations are among others, factors that bring us to a point of reflection. The politics saturating the Plateau space has been dicey over the years. Our people are becoming increasingly sophisticated and well enlightened to make informed choices in respect to who gets what position. In 2015, the handwriting was visible that Sen. GNS Pwajok of blessed memory, an erudite political figure was going to coast to victory by virtue of the prevailing situation around – incumbency factor, unmatched financial capacity and the choice of running mate who carries the household name of “Gomwalk.” On the contrary, people chose Gov. Lalong of the APC on the basis of respect for zoning arrangement. At some quarters, it was believed that the coming of GNS would mean an extension of Gov. Jang’s government, then came the widespread revolt through the ballot. That alone was shocking to the PDP on the one hand and historic to the APC on the other hand. In 2019, the incumbent Gov. Lalong contested against Sen. J.T Useni of the PDP and won again. Whether or not the incumbent was re-elected on the basis of performance is left to be analysed and judged in the court of public opinion. However, after gauging the feeling and disposition of majority, I realized that many people especially in the Central zone where opposed to Sen. JT Useni because they want power to come back to the Central zone in 2023. The popular belief was that, JT Useni may not relinquish the seat if he gets it after serving for 1 term. This is one of the major reasons among other troubles that had rocked his candidacy. Although he went to the tribunal and all fingers are crossed to see what happens.

2023

2023 is not too far from now. It will come surely and fast like a twinkle of an eye. There is a lot going on already from an undercover point of view. The politics will be interesting to say the least. Bigwigs are rising to show their faces. Old and new names are taking centre-stage of media discourse nowadays. Strategies and structures are explored and entrenched across frontiers. Consultations are on top gear and building close relationship with the incumbent Governor for his possible anointing is on course. I am carefully following the unfolding developments and when the chips are down, people will know where to pitch their tent. Realistically, based on the zoning arrangement, the Central zone is prepared to take over and not miss chances. In the light of this reality, strong forces like Hon. Jiritmwa Morgak, Chief Alfred Dapal, Dr. Patrick Dakum, Hon. Letep Dabang, Dr. Sipak Shaseet, Dr. Nentawe Yilwadta, Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, Hon. Timothy Golu, Hon. Solomon Maren, Hon. Sam Damla, Hon. Panshak Yohanna, Dr. James Dalok, Prof. Soni Tyoden, Hon. Jonathan Aminu, Nde Gotring, Nde Victor Dimka, Arch. Hart Bankat, Rev. John Pofi, Hon. Chikas Comfort Kumle and former DIG Habila Joshak among many others are being advised and pressured to run for the plum seat because of their accomplishments in some ways. When the battle gets tough, there will be meetings and agreements for alignments and collapsing of structures to support adopted candidates. Quite importantly, apart from the permutations for the governorship seat itself, the choice of running mate will play central role in all the political calculations. Obviously in the same spirit of zoning, running mate will emerge from Plateau North and strictly writing, it has to be a strong force to gather momentum for the campaign of flagbearers from Central zone. Time shall tell.

Finally

The vision to transform Plateau state has come to stay. Successive governments have done their best. There is still hope that Plateau state can be taken to a position of pre-eminence. Government is about continuity. What matters most is allowing the popular will of the people to prevail in 2023. Whoever will succeed Gov. Lalong must realise that leadership is no easy but with strong will and the right spirit, the best is still possible. In the meant time, I congratulate Gov. Lalong on his re-election and his inauguration. I wish him the best.

Satmak Dapar writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

He can be reached via 08030546215 or satmakdapar1@gmail.com

Inauguration of State & Federal Lawmakers: Alfred Dapal felicitates with them

Mr. Alfred Dapal has congratulated both state and Federal lawmakers from plateau State on the occasion of their swearing-in. The message was contained in a press statement and transmitted electronically to Journalists in Jos by his media aide Satmak Dapar. Through the release, Mr. Dapal also calls on the people of Plateau to be security conscious and help the government achieve the goal of maintaining peace and order.

Today, heralds a moment of turning point. Down through the ages of political history, the legislature has played central role in promoting democracy. Consequently, a strong, vibrant and robust legislature is dependent on the vision and high sense of patriotism of its drivers. You were elected and sworn-in today because your constituents believe in your legislative prowess and vision for a better Plateau. It is obviously a milestone achievement and I heartily congratulate you all. I encourage you to do your best for the sake of posterity so your name could be written with gold in the sands of history. It is a common knowledge that Law-making is not a bed of roses. It is a rigorous assignment from the stage of formulation to implementation. I encourage that the laws you will put forward, should be anchored on patriotism, driven by vision and extended by the belief that the best for Plateau is still possible. In the same vein, I sincerely pray that you will have a robust and healthy relationship with the other arms of government in the highest interest of Plateau state. It is my belief that together, we will make Plateau state great again. My prayers and solidarity are with you all. The statement reads in part.

Once more, accept my earnest felicitations.

Signed

Satmak Dapar

Media aide, Abuja.

Felicitations from Mr. Alfred Dapal on the occasion of swearing-in of Governor Lalong for a second term

Press Release

29 th May, 2019

As today marks another milestone in Nigeria’s journey to a more stable and prosperous democracy,

Mr. Alfred Dapal, felicitates with his Excellency Gov. Simon Bako Lalong on the occasion of his

inauguration to steer the affairs of our dear State for the next four years. In a statement by his

media aide Satmak Dapar and made available to journalists in Jos, Mr Dapal wishes him a fruitful

tenure.

Your election reflects the wishes and aspirations of an overwhelming majority. Consequently, I

encourage you to be moved by this show of solidarity and trust reposed in you by reeling out

programs, policies and development projects that have direct bearing on the lives of our people so

the impact of governance could be felt in a greater dimension because “to whom much is given,

much is expected.”

It is a truism that the primary purpose of leadership is service to humanity and one’s nation. You

were elected by Plateau people because majority believe in your passion and drive to render

exceptional leadership services in order to make Plateau state better. This ought to be done for the

sake of conscience and posterity. Politics is over. The time for true governance is at hand. Personally, I believe that our unity of purpose, shared humanity and collective efforts can

go a long way in renewing the struggle for a better Plateau.

I further urge his Excellency Gov. Lalong to re-calibrate more efforts in improving the security of lives

and property. In the same token, the “ease of doing business” policy of federal Government should

be embraced in totality as it is a potential catalyst for self-sustenance for us on the Plateau.

Completion of the Lalong legacy projects across the 3 Senatorial zones remain critical in ushering a

sustainable era of hope, dignity and pride in line with APC’s vision. I also urge that education should

be given paramount attention because it cannot be ruled out in the equation for sustainable

development. When the people are educated and well informed, they will better appreciate and

maximize their roles in nation-building.

I’m a true believer in the Plateau project and my solidarity is unbreakable. We will continue to make

our efforts count in building a better future for generations yet unborn.

May I at this juncture, condemn in the strongest possible terms the unrest that erupted in parts of Jos with an attendant consequence on Sunday the 26^th of May 2019. According to reports, about 6 people lost their lives. I call on the good people of Plateau state to give peace a chance. The government on the other hand should do everything in its power to safeguard lives and properties. It pays to build peaceful and inclusive societies.

In conclusion, I congratulate you once more and wish you a prosperous time in office.

Long live Plateau state and

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed

Satmak Dapar

Media Aide Abuja

Nzem Berom 2019: Alfred Dapal calls for peace and unity of purpose

As the good people of Berom in Plateau State celebrate their annual cultural festival (Nzem Berom), Oil and Gas expert Mr. Alfred Dapal joins others to felicitate with his Majesty the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman Plateau State Traditional Council Da Jacob Gyang Buba and the entire Berom nation on another unique cultural event organized annually to herald the rich culture of the Berom People. In a press statement signed by his media consultant Satmak Dapar and made available to journalists in Jos, Mr. Dapal calls for the promotion of peace, unity and mutual understanding among the people of Plateau State. “It is with a feeling of exhilaration that I join others on behalf of my family to sincerely congratulate his majesty and chairman of Plateau State joint traditional council Da Jacob Gyang Buba and the Berom people on the occasion of Nzem Berom 2019. No doubt, the event has the potential to promote the unique cultural heritage, beauty and traditions of the Berom nation. This annual event has been a source of peace and unity in Plateau state over the years. In this spirit, I encourage you all to further strengthen the unity of purpose among our people which is the cornerstone of development. Furthermore, as we stand on the threshold of history, it is my belief that together, we can make Plateau state a better place. Once more, accept my warm felicitations…” The statement reads in part.

Cattle Ranching: My Experience and Appraisal of the Project in Northern Cyprus – By Satmak Dapar

This is perhaps a very tough topic to deal with because of the huge controversies it generated in recent history. Obviously, the controversy hasn’t been extinguished totally. I never thought of writing about it initially but my interest was pricked during a lecture on Strategic Communications (Behaviour Change to be precise) by Mr. Obadiah Tohomdet, the MD/CEO of Simans Strategic Communications Ltd Abuja. Having given it a thought, let’s set the ball rolling. Firstly, before I go any further, I make bold to say that why the project didn’t succeed to the latter, was because of near absence of strategic communications. How? The how is probably the pregnant question for now and I urge those in positions of authority to find out how, by consulting Strategic Communications experts. It works like a magic wand. however, it is not a magic necessarily. At the end of the day, it remains the cornerstone for the accomplishment of the project. Now, back to the crux of the matter. Let me make my position known. By privilege, I travelled to Northern Cyprus for my master’s degree in 2017. I met a friend from Gambia who came for studies too. Literally and thankfully, he later got a job with a Turkish Farm. I thought it was the normal conventional farm where crops are sown and later harvested. Little did I know that it was a Cattle Ranch. The first day I visited him at Haspolat an industrial location in Northern Cyprus, I was blown away and left in awe. It was then I realized the huge potential and indescribable benefits in cattle ranching. The land where the ranch is currently situated isn’t too big but well utilized. The cows and rams are confined in a beautifully constructed house with heavy metals that can’t be broken or rust. A single cow is as fat as almost 10 Nigerian cows put together. They are well taken care of with adequate food to eat and sufficient water to drink in a healthy and clean environment with green pastures everywhere. They don’t lack anything. Thus, they can’t move from places to places in search for food. Quite importantly, Veterinary doctors have their offices there to manage the animals’ health challenges. The cows and rams are milked technologically by cutting-edge technological high-profile machines in a milking room. The milk travels through different interconnected transparent pipes and get stored in a big tank to be refined and sold to customers. Selling the cows, rams and milk generates immeasurable profit and revenue for the company and country at large amounting in hundreds of thousands of “Turkish Lira” (The Country’s official currency). I went around the farm and saw for myself first hand the incredible opportunity the ranch presents to the owners. Amazing! I kept muttering throughout my over 2hrs visit.

The Nigerian Experience

Accepting the idea and implementing it successfully in Nigeria is a hard nut to crack. It is a difficult but solvable equation. Like I mentioned initially, there are still pockets of controversies associated with the idea. It has generated suspicion, fear and trepidation because of unresolved violent conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and famers especially in the Middle-Belt region. The natural belief at some quarters is that, lands will be grabbed by force and there will be a sort of expansion of Fulani hegemony. Well! That’s the anxiety and trouble defining the project in the Nigerian context. Peoples thoughts and feelings are shaped, largely, by the prevailing situation of things in their immediate environment. I followed the developments that sprang up when the idea was sold to the public. There were protests and counter-protests for and against the idea. The social media was at that time inundated with criticisms on the one hand and praises regarding the project on the other hand. In Plateau for example, it took the urgent intervention of the state’s peace-building agency led by Mr. Joseph Lengmang (Joelengs) to help in explaining the idea on a better note and dousing tension when the chips where almost down. He did that through consultations, town hall meetings and media chats.

The Way Forward

Frankly writing, I support ranching and I’m using this medium to throw my weight behind the project. It is an incredible peace and economic investment that we all can benefit from. I am a passionate advocate of peace and I believe ranching can help in resolving our security problems to some extent. It can also be a source of employment to the youths because the practice needs young, vibrant, skilful, good managers to keep it alive.  Christians, Muslims, the rich and poor, young and old as well as potential agriculturalists can benefit from it when we maximize the opportunity without injecting needless sentiment. Firstly, the people ought to be persuaded to voluntarily key into the project (I emphasize on the need to consult strategic communications experts in this regard). If the interest rate rises, the government, donors as well as investment partners should provide the capital and sufficient financial resources to power the project. It is definitely capital intensive. The nomads ought to be engaged strategically to adopt the idea and avoid moving their cows to different places thereby having conflicts with farmers and local community dwellers. Similarly, the stakeholders and ordinary citizens involved should be taken on an international tour to Northern Cyprus, Thailand, Netherlands and other countries where ranching is done to see and learn the rudiments of the project. They will better appreciate the practice and build interest.  Afterwards, their skills should be built to enable them do it with professionalism. Cattle ranching is definitely the way forward. I can’t overstate the massive revenue and benefits we can all derive if managed with dignity and high sense of responsibility. The government has a lot of work to do, but some of us are ready to use our expertise and experience to make the project succeed. At the end of the day, the interest of Nigeria ought to supersede any other primordial interest.  God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Press Release: Mr. Alfred Dapal congratulates Gov. Lalong on his re-election

It is my great pleasure and honour to congratulate his excellency Gov. Simon Lalong and his deputy Prof. Sonni Tyoden over their resounding and historic victory at the 2019 Governorship poll. Sir, your re-election by an overwhelming majority of the good people of Plateau state is an eloquent testimony that the people are impressed with your leadership which is apparently anchored on a stronger vision for a better Plateau. In the last 4 years, you have waged renewed struggle to enhance worker’s welfare by promptly Paying salaries and pension, putting in place workable mechanisms to boost the state’s IGR, entrenching a sustainable culture of peace by establishing and funding the Plateau state Peace Building Agency, completing and initiating new projects that have direct bearing on the lives of Plateau people, re-consolidating on the tourism potentials of the state thereby attracting tourists and re-invigorating youth participation in democracy, business and politics by re-establishing the structure of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC). These are a few among other development strides your administration has accomplished over the years. 

Your excellency, now that you have been re-elected to serve for another 4 years, much needs to be done to consolidate on the solid foundation you laid in the last dispensation. It’s time to settle down and re-write the history of the state by putting it on a higher pedestal and development trajectory. This ought to be done for the sake of posterity. This is time for stronger leadership and vision, thus, what remains paramount is the foundation for a better plateau. Consequently, we believe that governance is not a bed of roses, but, with our support and solidarity, your administration will achieve optimum, maximum success. It’s not about us, but very essentially, about the future of our dear state. I believe that you can further transform Plateau State and make it a global reference point for development and prosperity. Your excellency, you can count on our support and prayers.

Long live Plateau State and 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mr. Alfred Dapal

Oil and Gas Expert 

Abuja, Nigeria.

Religious leaders must play compelling roles to boost the economy of local communities – Tohomdet

In practical terms, building and sustaining the economic life of local communities is largely contingent upon the efforts put forward by religious leaders. This was an emphatic message delivered by Mr. Obadiah Tohomdet an excellent compelling business speaker and CEO of Simans Strategic Communications Ltd Abuja, during a mini business and economic meeting with Church leaders held during the annual Easter Crusade in Kagu, Pankshin Local Government. Barr. Tohomdet spoke passionately about the need for churches to encourage their members to engage in small-scale businesses so they can practically support the growth of the church and become enterprising people committed to building a better society. He further stressed on the need for churches and their leaders to diversify the economy of churches and follow strictly the principles of making money in a godly way. “Prayers alone can’t help you to make money. It is fundamentally about following the blueprint and principles in order to become economic growth contributors for posterity sake.” The Easter Crusade took place in Kagu from Thursday 18^th to Saturday 20^th 2019 and had Evangelist Judah Bedima as guest preacher. It was an opportunity to draw people closer to God through the word of faith and prayers in Mupun Land. For the past 8 years and counting, the Crusade Team with its leader Mr. Obadiah Tohomdet has been on the frontlines of championing the gospel of God throughout Mupun Land. The Meeting with the leadership of CAN (Kagu Branch) and other church leaders became a forum for the sharing of ideas and moulding opinions to facilitate the economic development of Kagu and Mupun Land.