From: Gyang Bere, Jos
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has accused his predecessor, Sen. Jonah David Jang, of diverting N2 billion Federal Government’s intervention fund meant for the empowerment and stimulation of economic growth in the state.
Lalong stated this yesterday in an interview with Journalists in Jos and vowed to recover the stolen funds in the interest of economic development of the state.
“Unfortunately in our state, there was Federal Government Intervention fund to stimulate economic growth but the money was misused by the past government.
“N2 billion was sent to Plateau State by the Federal Government for empowerment and it was diverted by the previous administration, investigation has been conducted and we are working on prosecution.”
Lalong said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo flag off the clinic for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the state last week and was delighted with the kind of locally made products invented by Plateau people.
“It is sad that Plateau is still going to square one, we are still struggling to assist these young entrepreneurs, we hope to sign the MoU soon with the Bank of Industry and if N2 billion is given to me, I will change the misfortunes of indigent persons in the state.”
He said his administration is committed to work with the Federal Government and Private Sector Investors towards realising increase and stable power supply in the rural and urban areas to boost economic activities.
Lalong said the state is currently focusing on maximising it economic potentials in Agriculture, Solid Minerals and Tourism, adding that sufficient power supply will enable investors add value to agricultural products from the farms, process the minerals from the mines, and also improve services at hospitality and tourism industry.