Do your best for Plateau but not to the point of death -Lalong tells commissioners, others

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has advised commissioners and other government officials to do their best for the state but not to the point of death as late Samuel Galadima did.

Galadima, the commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, died on March 22 in Jos.

Lalong gave the advice on Wednesday in Jos at the burial of Galadima, who died while exercising during a bimonthly jogging organised by the state government.

“It is when you are alive that you will continue to serve the state, do all you can, but don’t give your life in the process.

“Galadima gave everything including his life, even when his doctor told him the blood pressure was 160, he still went out participate in the exercise,” he said.

The governor described late Galadima, who was Chairman of Plateau Commissioners Forum, as a dedicated and committed commissioner that died serving the state.

“Whatever he was doing, even if he didn’t finish, he has laid the foundation for us and we will conclude it,”. the governor said.

Lalong, who lost four top government officials to death since he became governor, said that government would not loose hope because they believed in God.

According to the governor, he became confused since the day Galadima who was his close friend died.

He told the mourners that Galadima, a committed golfer, was instrumental to the reintroduction of the bimonthly exercise, he (Lalong), initiated as Speaker of the state House of Assembly.

The governor also said “little did I know that it is through this exercise that Sam will leave this world”.

Lalong, conveyed the condolences of President Muhammadu Buhari to the people of the state saying that the President personally called to condole the state.

The governor condoled the family of the deceased and assured them that state government would stand with them.

“Your father has gone but the government is your father now, we will do our best to ensure that what he would have been doing for you if he were alive is done,” he promised.

Mr Barnabas Bantex, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, said he came to commiserate with the family and government of Plateau on behalf of Gov. Ahmed El-Rufai.

Bantex, said that the deceased was well known to El-Rufai as they were roommates in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria during their undergraduate days.

He prayed God to grant the family and government of Plateau the fortitude to bear the loss.

Mrs Anna Galadima, Wife of the deceased, said that they were married for 39 years and she appreciated God for their union.

“I see the hand of God in everything that has happened, we married on 29th of March, 39 years ago, and my husband is buried today, March 29.

“In case Sam Galadima offended anybody, please find a space in your heart to forgive him, forgive me his wife, forgive his children and his family members,” she said.

Mr Festus Fwanter, Commissioner for Lands and Survey, who spoke on behalf members of Plateau Executive Council, described the deceased as a hardworking commissioner, who excelled in every assignment given to him.

Fwanter said that Galadima was a jovial commissioner that related well all members of the council.

Chief Letep Daban, Plateau APC Chairman, in a tribute, said that Galadima was his best friend as they went to same university, did the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Cross River State.

Daban, who could not suppress his tears, said that they had gone through life challenges together and it was sad to loose him.