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Plateau State To Immortalize General Domkat Bali- Minister Eulogizes Former Defence Minister

Published

3 years ago

December 29, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Plateau State Government has indicated interest to immortalize the former Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), late General Domkat Yah Bali (rtd), who died December 4, 2020, at the age of 80.

The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong disclosed this at the funeral service and interment of the late General. The governor described Gen. Bali as a patriotic Nigerian and a source of pride to Plateau State.

He added that Gen Bali’s good legacies will remain with the people of Plateau for a very long period, noting that “at the appropriate time the State will do the needful to keep his memories alive.”

Dr Simon Lalong maintained that Gen Bali was an advocate of peace who encouraged and promoted diversity, tolerance and harmonious coexistence. According to him, even in the most difficult moments of the state, Gen Bali worked behind the scene to give advice and solutions.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) has showered encomium on the late Gen Bali for his commitment and dedication while serving in the Military as well as his meaningful contributions to peace, development and nation-building.

“Gen Bali had a glorious career in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces which he served gallantly in different capacities as well as the mentorship of many serving and retired officers,” the Minister noted.

He further explained that the demise of Gen Bali is a sad and trying moment for the AFN and the nation. According to him, “Bali was widely known for his uncommon loyalty to his country.” This he said, is a virtue which Nigeria demands from it’s citizens in this critical period.

Earlier, the CDS, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, said the death of Domkat Bali was a great loss to the AFN, where he rose to the rank of General and occupied the prestigious position of Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff and Minister of Defence, his community, Plateau State and the entire country. According to the CDS, “we are happy to gather in Gen Bali’s honour to celebrate his good legacies.”

The Chairman, Tarok Elders Council, Elder Selchang Miner, described Gen Bali as a man of uncommon humility and modesty which is worthy of emulation by all and sundry.

He further disclosed that “Gen Bali remains one of the greatest gifts to Tarok nation as his leadership style was quite intriguing and unarguably one of the best. He added that the former CDS was an unrepentant peace advocate who stood for peace until his demise.

The Vice President, Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Rev Obed Dashan, in his sermon prayed for God to grant General Bali eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss. He, however, urged Nigerians to be morally upright and committed to ensuring a Nigeria of our dream.

Gen Domkat Bali remains was later laid to rest with full military honour in his family home at Langtang Town in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The funeral ceremony was attended by family members, friends and sympathizers from all works of life, both within and outside the shores of Nigeria, who came to bid the late General farewell.

Among the dignitaries that graced the funeral service and interment were Senator’s Jonah Jang, Jeremiah Useni as well as General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Jonah Wuyep (rtd). The Chief of Army Staff, Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff were equally represented at the event.

Highlight of the occasion was the laying of wreaths by the Minister of Defence, Gen Bashir Magashi, CDS and the widow of the late General, Mrs Esther Bali who was presented with the National flag by the CDS, Gen Olonisakin.

Born on 27 of February 1940, the late Gen Domkat Bali was admitted into the Nigerian Military College in 1961 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1963. He was appointed Minister of Defence in 1984 and CDS in 1985.

He was a member of the Supreme Military Council from 1980 to1985 as well as member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council from 1985 to 1990 when he retired from military service.

The former Defence Minister who was the pioneer Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, also served as General Officer Commanding, 1st Mechanized Division, Kaduna and 4th Infantry Division, Lagos, as well as Director of Army Training and Operations.

Gen Bali was one time Commander, 6th Infantry Brigade, Akure and the Army Artillery Corps.

During his military career, Gen Domkat Bali attended the Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom.

The Military Veteran is a recipient of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The former CDS is the author of the books titled, “War Cries” and “Artillery for Bali.”

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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

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