In fulfilment of his promise to complete inherited and
abandoned projects, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was in Ryom Local
Government to inspect completion of work on the Ryom Trauma Hospital that was started
by Governor Joshua Dariye, but abandoned by the last administration of Governor
Jonah Jang.
Lalong who regretted that the project was abandoned for many years
despite the serious need for such medical facility in the area said his
administration decided to complete the hospital and equip it because of the
resolve to ensure that government resources are not wasted and the health challenges
of the people are addressed.
He said “the hospital which has virtually been completed will
make life easy for people in this area, and with the state-of-the art equipment
we have invested here, patients from far areas will be referred here when it is
open to the public. It is unfortunate that the last administration for reasons
best known to it decided to ignore this very important project, making people
to travel far distances for secondary medical care. This will change that now”.
The governor also hinted that President Muhammadu Buhari may
likely commission the Trauma Hospital and other Legacy Projects within the year
as a formal invitation will be extended to the to him soon.
Member representing Ryom Constituency in the Plateau House of
Assembly Timothy Dantong praised Governor Lalong for paying attention to the
completion of the Hospital and other projects irrespective of political considerations.
“The Governor has demonstrated that he is a true leader whose
main focus is development and the wellbeing of the people. We believe you when
you say that the time for politics has passed and it is time for governance. You
are matching your words with action and our people are very grateful and will
continue to support you” he said.
Chairman of Ryom Local Government Mafeng Gwallson who also
spoke about the projects cited in the local government described the Lalong Administration
as one that is fair, equitable and kind to the people of his local government.
The Governor also inspected ongoing work at the Government
Secondary School Ryom, which is one of the Legacy Projects being undertaken in
the State.
He was delighted that the work has gone far and urged the
contractor to increase the tempo so that work the work will be finished on
record time considering that the State is already preparing to seek President Buhari’s
consent to commission the projects when completed.
He received assurances that the work will be completed on
record time and with the highest quality.
Lalong also addressed students of the school and admonished
them to pay attention to their studies as the government decided to remodel the
school to turn around the learning environment in line with the new attempt to
make sure students acquire skills and entrepreneurial education for productivity.
“I am preparing you for greater challneges ahead. I am
determined to give you the relevant knowledge so that you can stand out when
you leave this place for higher laurels in and outside Nigeria. All you need to
do is to remain focused because lazy and uninterested students will not enjoy
what we are putting here. It is for the serious minded” the governor said.
Community leaders also appealed to the Governor to look at
the Plateau School of Home Economics located in the Local Government that has
been neglected.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs
to the Governor of Plateau State
12th February 2020.