JOS – Senate President David Mark on Thursday flagged off the distribution of poverty alleviation and empowerment items procured by Sen Gyang Pwajok for members of his Plateau North constituency.
In a speech at the ceremony in Jos, Mark described Pwajok as a “very vibrant and wonderful senator whose contribution in the floor of the senate had been very outstanding’’.
He said that Pwajok, who is a fresh senator, had made them proud with his excellent grasp of legislative issues, adding that his arguments were usually very sound and worthy of respect.
Mark said that Pwajok’s gesture was worth emulating and challenged elected and appointed office holders to consistently strive to touch the lives of the electorate so as to improve their living standard.
He congratulated Plateau for producing such a “brilliant’’ law maker and urged the people to support Pwajok’s efforts toward quality representation.
In his remarks, Plateau Deputy Gov. Ignatius Longjang commended the senator for paying special attention to the welfare of his constituents and challenged other representatives to do same.
He said that Plateau was proud of Pwajok’s contributions in the senate, adding that the poor had particularly had cause to cheer in view of the senator’s efforts to address their concerns.
The Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly, Mr Titus Alams, said that Pwajok’s gesture was a challenge to all leaders in Plateau.
“Pwajok, by these massive purchases for his people, has challenged all of us that have found ourselves in leadership positions.
“He has challenged us to strive to touch the lives of our constituents. We must take up to this challenge and strive to assist in one way or the other,’’ he said.
He warned Nigerian leaders not to allow the poor to go hungry, pointing out that a hungry man would not listen to anyone.
“We must know that the peace we enjoy in Plateau is because there is food. If we allow the poor to be hungry, we cannot control them.
“We must strive to empower the people to be self reliant so that everyone shall become an asset to society,’’ he said.
Pwajok, in his response, explained that the gesture was to give back to society from the much that it had given him by supporting his bid for the senate.
“My constituents have been very supportive. They have been very wonderful and what I am doing today is to show my appreciation for this kindness over the years,’’ he said.
Among the empowerment items were buses, cars, 250 sewing machines, 250 grinding machines, 50 power generating sets and 20 clippers.
Also distributed were 26 tricycles, 20 hair dressing dryers, 20 block moulders, irrigation water pumps, computer sets, all at the cost of more than N200 million according to Pwajok Media Aide, Chuwang Dungs.
NAN also observed that the close to 1000 beneficiaries cut across political parties and senatorial zones. (NAN)