It was a rain of accolades, jubilation and prayers of thanksgiving at Government House Rayfield Jos, as Governor Simon Bako Lalong clocked 60 on Friday May 5, 2023.
His birthday which is the last to be held as Governor of the state attracted well-wishers including key cabinet members, Government House staff, family and friends who converged to celebrate the governor.
Encomiums flowed from well-wishers at the forum with songs and praises to the celebrant, among them the Commissioner for Finance, Regina Somelat who described him as a father who stands out in all his endeavours because of his commitment to achieving success.
She said such attributes of his was displayed during the Covid-19 era as he tirelessly worked to safeguard lives of citizens. She commended him further for being one who has built a lot on human resources.
“You embraced everyone on the Plateau into your care, and was a true father. You cared for all irrespective of tribe or religion and you will be remembered for that”, said Somelat.
Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Sanda praised the governor for leading the state well and prayed for good health as he continues to represent the people of Plateau as he leaves office in May.
Special Adviser on Job Creation and Entrepreneurship to the Governor, Mr. Samuel Kwamkur said attaining the age of 60 is a great blessing. Adding, “From now we will call you an elder and veteran”.
The SA said many people, including those who are yet to come in contact with the Governor love and admire him for being a very humble person with charming smiles that attract unity and humility.
He described him as a very silent achiever who has served Plateau faithfully, stressing that when he leaves office, he will become known as one of the most celebrated governors in Plateau State.
Rev Fr. John Gopep who led a prayer session commended the governor for choosing to mark the day with prayers and thanksgiving rather than lavish celebration.
He described Lalong as man of humility and peace, who has severally asked the people of his state for forgiveness.
One of the side attractions at the low-key event was the display of the birthday cake which was a replica of the British American Junction Overhead bridge to honour the governor for his achievements in the state.
Permanent Secretary Government House, Mary Afan, who engineered the beautiful-creative cake and low-key celebrations on behalf of the staff of Government House supervised the cake display and cutting in the presence of wife of the Governor, Regina.
Responding, the Governor said being alive and attaining the age of 60 marks the beginning of a new era in his life and he appreciated God for such a rare blessing and privilege.
He appreciated the unique cake, and all his aides, family, domestic staff and citizens of the state who supported him during his 8year tenure, urging them to render the same support to the incoming government.
Among the rain of goodwill messages to the governor on the occasion was the one sent by President Mohammadu Buhari, who described Lalong’s birthday as a “Landmark birthday”, lauded him for his effectiveness on handling matters of security and well-being of Plateau people and for being an example of unity for the whole country to emulate.
Director General of Industrial Training Fund, Sir Joseph Ari in his birthday felicitations to the Governor said he has become a political motivation and mentor for the younger generation after holding key positions of Speaker, Governor, Chairman Northern Governors Forum, and Director General of the Tinubu Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
