The Executive Chairman of Jos South Local Government Council, Hon. Patrick Silas Dung, today warmly welcomed a delegation of nominees from the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, during their familiarization tour of Plateau State.
The delegation, comprising top-tier policymakers and strategic thinkers, visited the Jos South LGA Secretariat in Bukuru, where they were received by Hon. Dung and other senior officials of the council. The visit was part of the SEC 47 program, designed to deepen participants’ understanding of Nigeria’s diverse socio-economic and cultural landscape while equipping them with the tools to address the nation’s development challenges.
In his welcome address, Hon. Dung expressed his delight at hosting the delegation and commended NIPSS for its pivotal role in advancing policy and strategic studies in Nigeria. He highlighted the rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of Jos South, describing it as a hub of natural beauty and historical significance.
The Chairman, during his address, emphasized the importance of NIPSS prioritizing policies that have a direct and positive impact on its host community. He challenged the newly nominated SEC 47 members to focus on creating a lasting legacy by ensuring that the local community benefits tangibly from the institution’s presence. He pointed out that, historically, not many policies from NIPSS have had a direct impact on the host community. He urged the institution to either improve upon existing policies that benefit the community or, if none exist, to initiate new ones that would address this gap.
The Chairman also expressed his commitment to supporting the institution in any area where assistance might be needed. Additionally, he drew attention to how the Institution’s address is presented, stressing the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Responding, Barr. Nima Salman Mann, Director of Studies at NIPSS and leader of the delegation, thanked the Chairman and his team for the warm reception. She acknowledged the validity of the observations made by the Chairman and assured him that his requests would be taken back to the institute for consideration.
Barr. Mann, who represented the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, earlier explained that the familiarization tour was a critical component of the SEC 47 program. She noted that the tour aimed to broaden participants’ perspectives on Nigeria’s diversity and complexity, enabling them to develop innovative solutions to the nation’s developmental challenges.
The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts. Hon. Dung presented a token of appreciation to the delegation, while Barr. Mann, on behalf of the Director-General, presented a commemorative plaque to the Chairman. The plaque symbolized NIPSS’s appreciation for the council’s hospitality and its commitment to strengthening ties with the host community.
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