By Gorip Wushiba Habila
In the intricate tapestry of Plateau State’s political evolution, one name consistently stands out: Simon Bako Lalong. From humble beginnings in Shendam to becoming Governor (2015–2023), Minister of Labour & Employment (Aug–Dec 2023), and ultimately Senator for Plateau South (since December 2023), Lalong’s trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary.
Lalong’s story traces back to his early legal career (1992–1998), after which he transitioned into politics.
Elected to the Plateau State House of Assembly in 1999, he quickly rose to become its Speaker, a position he held for seven uninterrupted years (2000–2006), establishing his reputation as a skilled political manager.
Elected in 2015 under the APC banner, Lalong embarked on an ambitious governance agenda that would define his legacy:
- Infrastructure Transformation: LALONG as Governor, undertook landmark projects including the Mararaban Jama’a–British America Expressway, Secretariat Flyover, and rural road upgrades across all senatorial zones.
- Water & Utilities: Restored water treatment facilities, provided boreholes to rural communities, and installed 90 km of solar-powered streetlights.
- Security & Peacebuilding: Strengthened Plateau’s security apparatus and peacebuilding structures, notably reviving the Plateau Peace Building Agency.
- Economic Empowerment: Trained over 50,000 youths through PLASMEDA and revived key agro-industrial assets to stimulate economic growth.
- ICT and Youth development: He established the Plateau State Information and Communication Development Agency (PICTDA) to empower youth with digital skills to be productive.
Known for his calm, bridge-building approach, Lalong united the diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious communities of Plateau.
He ran inclusive governments that embraced Christians and Muslims, Berom and Tarok, Anaguta and Mwaghavul, etc, reflecting Plateau’s plural identity in his appointments and decisions.
After concluding his two-term tenure as governor in 2023, Lalong briefly served as Minister of Labour and Employment before winning the Plateau South Senatorial election in December 2023.
As Senator, he remains a pivotal player in shaping national policy in favor of Plateau’s interests.
Perhaps one of Lalong’s most enduring qualities is his ability to lobby and negotiate federal appointments for Plateau indigene, a hallmark of his influence as a political godfather.
His close relationships with national power blocs, including the Presidency and key ministers, have seen many Plateau sons and daughters appointed to strategic boards, agencies, and parastatals.
His unrelenting advocacy ensures that Plateau’s voice is never missing at Nigeria’s highest tables, a defining trait of any true godfather.
Senator Simon Lalong’s imprint on Plateau State is deep and enduring. Whether as Speaker, Governor, Minister, or Senator, he has continually shaped systems in favor of development, unity, and opportunity. He has earned his place as the “Godfather of Plateau Politics”.
God bless Plateau!!
Plateau News