President Tinubu, Senator Lalong receive accolades at 2026 Bit Pol cultural festival for mentorship

The Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, has received widespread accolades for his mentorship and leadership role in raising men and women who are making significant contributions at both state and national levels.

The commendations came during the Bit Pol Cultural Festival held in his hometown, Nyak, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The annual festival attracted sons and daughters of Nyak Ajikamai from across the country, as well as guests from different parts of Plateau State and beyond.

Chairman of the occasion and President of the Digital Bridge Institute, Mr. David Daser, led the tributes, recalling that Senator Lalong consistently identified, mentored, and empowered individuals by giving them opportunities to serve and excel.

Daser specifically thanked Senator Lalong for appointing him as the pioneer Director-General of the Plateau State Information Technology Development Agency (PITDA), an opportunity he said enabled him to discover, develop, and showcase his talents.

Similar testimonials were delivered by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Naanlong; Honourable Sa’ad Bello, Federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, businessman Chief Kefas Ropshik; Former Commisioners Forum and former Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James Lalu, among others.

They said they deliberately chose the Bit Pol Cultural Festival as a platform to express their gratitude to Senator Lalong, whose humility, benevolence, and kindness opened doors for them and many others to contribute meaningfully to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria.

They assured the Senator of their continued loyalty and support, while praying that God grants him greater opportunities to mentor more people.

The Long Gamai of Gamailand, His Royal Highness Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, also commended Senator Lalong for his sustained commitment to promoting the culture and traditions of the Gamai people, as well as for expanding mentorship opportunities beyond Gamailand.

The monarch described Senator Lalong as an illustrious son who has continued to bring pride to the Nyak community and the entire Gamai nation.

In his response, Senator Lalong attributed all the accolades to God, saying he was merely an instrument chosen to uplift others.

While acknowledging the crucial role played by his immediate community in his political journey, he noted that he had equally benefited from the goodwill and support of people across Plateau State and Nigeria.

He paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and late President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said entrusted him with sensitive responsibilities that created opportunities for many others to rise.

Senator Lalong called on Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said remains committed to building a better and more prosperous nation.