Simon Lalong’s journey started in Shendam, Plateau State, the place he was born and skilled a modest upbringing. He went on to realize outstanding political roles, serving as Speaker of the Plateau State Home of Meeting, then as Governor of Plateau State, and presently as Senator for Plateau South.
Who Is Simon Lalong?
Senator Simon Bako Lalong is a Nigerian lawyer and politician of the All Progressives Congress (APC), presently representing Plateau South Senatorial District within the Nationwide Meeting, and previously served as Governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023.
Profile Abstract
Simon Lalong’s Early Life and Training
Born on Might 5, 1963, in Shendam, then a part of the Northern Area and now in Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong grew up within the rural village of Ajikamai (also called N’yak) in Shendam LGA.
After his elementary and secondary faculty schooling in Shendam Native Authorities Space, Lalong pursued his tertiary schooling on the College of Preliminary Research, Keffi, finishing his research in 1986. He then earned a Bachelor of Legal guidelines (LLB) diploma from Ahmadu Bello College (ABU), Zaria, in 1990, adopted by his name to the Bar in 1991 after attending the Nigerian Regulation College in Lagos.
He furthered his authorized schooling with a Grasp of Legal guidelines (LLM) from the College of Jos in 1996. All through his educational and early skilled years, Lalong actively participated in youth {and professional} organisations, together with the Nigeria Bar Affiliation (NBA) in Plateau State.
His Profession Earlier than Politics
Earlier than his full dedication to politics, Lalong had a longtime authorized profession, commencing in 1992 with regulation corporations in Jos equivalent to T-Obot & Co. and Victor Fomwul & Co. Between 1992 and 1994, he was the Deputy Scribe of the Nigerian Bar Affiliation in Plateau State.
He finally rose to turn into the Principal Associate of his personal agency, Simon B. Lalong & Co. This authorized observe continued till he absolutely entered politics, along with his background in regulation and management within the authorized occupation serving as a robust basis for his subsequent political roles.
Simon Lalong’s Political Profession
Lalong’s political journey commenced in 1999, a pivotal yr that noticed him efficiently elected to symbolize the Shendam State Constituency throughout the Plateau State Home of Meeting. He secured this preliminary legislative victory beneath the banner of the Folks’s Democratic Occasion (PDP).
This entry into state politics marked the start of a major profession that will see him rise by means of numerous management roles throughout the state authorities and past. His early years within the Home of Meeting offered him with invaluable expertise in legislative processes, policy-making, and understanding the intricate wants of his constituents in Shendam.
In October 2000, he turned Speaker of the Plateau State Home of Meeting, a place he held till 2006. Throughout his Speakership, he was twice Chairman of the Convention of Audio system of the 36 states of Nigeria (2001-2002).
His Main Political Roles
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Governor of Plateau State (2015–2023): Lalong, representing the APC, received the gubernatorial election on 11 April 2015 and was sworn in on 29 Might 2015. He was re-elected for a second time period in March 2019.
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Minister of Labour and Employment (21 August 2023 – 20 December 2023): He was appointed minister by President Bola Tinubu however resigned to imagine his Senate seat.
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Senator for Plateau South (from December 2023): On 21 December 2023, Lalong was sworn in as Senator, after an Attraction Courtroom declared him the rightful winner of the 2023 election.
Achievements and Influence
Throughout his tenure as Governor, Lalong initiated quite a few improvement tasks in infrastructure, schooling, safety, agriculture and water provide. For instance, his administration activated the Bokkos Fertiliser Mixing Plant, procured tractors and irrigation pumps to help farmers and established grazing reserves to mitigate farmer-herder battle.
He additionally improved the welfare of employees, cleared wage arrears, and earned the nickname “Governor Alert”. His administration established the Plateau Peace Constructing Company to advertise reconciliation and peace, launched main water works throughout the state, and attained recognition as one of many least corrupt states in Nigeria by the Nationwide Bureau of Statistics.
Private Life
Simon Bako Lalong is married to Regina Lalong and has three kids. He’s a practising Catholic and infrequently references his religion as a information to his management fashion. Outdoors politics, he’s recognized for his quiet manner and fame for self-discipline, humility and repair.
Latest Information and Updates
Legacy
As a Senator, he brings that have to the nationwide stage. His legacy will seemingly be judged by how successfully he transitions from state-level management to influencing nationwide coverage, whereas sustaining the values of service and accountability that marked his earlier roles.
