Senator ISTIFANUS DUNG GYANG was born on the Fourth Day of February, 1963 to the family of Late Da Dung Gyang Fang and Ngo Lyop Dung Gyang of Rawuru Village, Fan District of Barkin-Ladi Local Government of Plateau State. From a very humble background albeit at the comparative village level, he enjoyed rare privileges as a child.
He recalls with nostalgia his childhood primary school days, when he was the only pupil in the entire school privileged to own and wear rubber shoes. Also, he was the only one from his hamlet/village to ride a bicycle to the primary school. All these were courtesy of his father, Late Da Dung Gyang Fang who was at the time, a reputed and prominent village farmer.
Senator I. D. Gyang had shown earnest evidence of outstanding academic disposition early in life when he emerged as the best all-round student of Government Secondary School, Riyom in 1981.
He was at the SBS Zaria in 1981/82 and went ahead to obtain two degrees; B.Sc in International Studies from the prestigious ABU Zaria in 1986 and LL.B & BL (2004 & 2007) from Uni -Jos and the Nigerian Law School respectively.
I. D. GYANG THE CIVIL SERVANT:
A competent, experienced civil administrator with a compulsive industry and prodigious appetite for excellence, Senator I. D. Gyang was in the Plateau State Civil Service and served for a productive period of Twenty-four (24) years, starting as a teacher in 1989 then joined the Plateau state Civil Service in 1990 as an Administrative Officer and rose to the echelon of the Service as a Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services from 2007--2014..
He was the Permanent Secretary Cabinet and Special Services for eight (8) years as head of Secretariat of the State Executive Council and the State Security Council which are the two topmost policy and Security bodies of government and governance in the state.
The very demanding capacity of the office saw I. D. Gyang playing key and strategic roles in the governance of the State and impacting positively to the many successes which the Jang administration recorded.
The security challenges of Plateau State which became recurring after the 1984, 2001, 2004, 2011, saw several frustrated peace efforts including several Judicial Commissions with far reaching recommendations, Inter- Religious standing Committees on Peace and Harmony, the much celebrated Plateau Peace Conference, engagement of Humanitarian Dialogue facilitated by an International Peace Building Organisation, Inter-Faith Mediation Centre Kaduna among several others.
I. D. Gyang was appointed as Secretary of a Presidential Committee to broker peace in Jos by President Goodluck Jonathan. The Committee was chaired by late elder statesman and former Governor S. D. Lar with another elder statesman, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande as Co- Charman.
I. D. Gyang as Permanent Secretary Cabinet and Special Services also interfaced with the security agencies and presided at most of the Joint- Ops Meetings on behalf of the Governor.
His office also interfaced with youths and student groups on behalf of government.
His office was responsible for overseeing and facilitating recruitment of youths into the military, police, Nscdc and other Para military agencies, where hundreds of Plateau youths were gainfully engaged.
The life of Istifanus Dung Gyang in the Plateau State Civil Service was eventful, demanding and tasking. From his first posting as administrative officer at the Cabinet Office in 1990, he devoted himself to diligence, discipline and commitment and was soon to be distinguished as a proficient and efficacious much sought after to deliver on critical assignments for the Office of the Secretary to the State Government under the Admin and Policy Department which was the centre piece of the OSSG.
The performance of I. D. Gyang in the Civil Service attracted recognition and commendation for the display of diligence, commitment, and competence in the State Public Service by Governor Joshua C. Dariye and General Mohammed Ali in 2004 and 2006.
1. Letter of commendation for diligence and meritorious service by His Excellency, Chief Joshua Chibi –Dariye, former Governor, Plateau State -- 2004
2. Letter of commendation for commitment and diligence in *the* discharge of office as Secretary of the Plateau State Security Council by Maj. Gen. MC Ali (Rtd), Administrator, Plateau State under State of Emergency - 16th November, 2004.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS:
I. D. Gyang served on over thirty (30) Special Committees and Judicial Commissions including some of the following:
-- Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Jos Crisis in 2011 by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR.
-- Secretary of the National Funeral Planning Committee for the burial of the late Elder Statesman, Chief (Dr) Solomon D. Lar, LLD, CON (Walin Langtang).
Other Administrative Committees and Special Service Assignments include:
i. Rappateure, Plateau State Economic Summit - 1996
ii. Rappateure, Plateau Peace Summit - 2004
iii. Head of Secretariat, State Executive Council - 2004- 2007
iv. Head of Secretariat, State security Council - 2004-2007
v. Secretariat Member, Governors of North East Region including Plateau State. - 2004
vi. Secretariat Member, Quartet
Meeting of Four (4) Governors of Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba & Bauchi States - 2004
vii. Head of Secretariat, Presidential Peace Initiative/Committee on Plateau State, etc. - 2004
viii . Secretary, Presidential, Committee on Jos Crises appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan. - 2010
ADMIN COMMITTEES:
i. Secretary, Whitepaper Drafting Standing Committee - 1993-1995
ii. Secretary, Assets Sharing Committee between Pankshin &
Kanke Local Government
Councils -
iii. Secretary, National Merit Productivity Award State
Committee. - 2002-2003
iv. Secretary, National Honours and Awards State Committee. -- -2003
v. Secretary, State Committee/Delegation on Presidential
Technical Committee on Review of the Local Government
System --2003
vi. Secretary, State Committee on NNPC Mega Filling Station in Jos Plateau State. --2003
vii. Secretary, State Committee to work out the organizational
Structure for newly created Ministries in Plateau State.--2003
viii. Secretary, Whitepaper Drafting on the Report of the methods of selection of Districts, Village Heads and other Traditional Title Holders in Shendam Local Government Area. --2004
ix. Secretary, Team Leader, Presidential Peace Initiative
Committee on Plateau State. -April-2004
x. Secretary, Implementation Committee on the Report
Of the Plateau State Peace Conference. - Oct.-2004
xi. Secretary, Plateau State Inter-Religious Council for
Peace & Harmony (IRCPH). - Sept.2004--2007
xii. Secretary, Administration Panel to Investigate into the
Operations of the State Universal Basic Education - July-2007
xiii. Secretary, Transition/Inauguration Committee for the
Inauguration of the Plateau State Governor Elect --2007.
Aside from commitment to his statutory responsibilities and statewide engagement, I. D. Gyang was able to attract government presence to his village. Himself and the late Head of Service, Da Sati Pam Dakwak along with other stakeholders got approval of Governor Jang for the construction of Bisichi- Fan- Halle Road. Others are;
1. Influenced the construction of
--Sangasa -- Rawuru -- Bwom Road Spur.
-- Lo-Fan -- Nding -- Gassa Road Spur
2. Facilitated the construction of
-- 20 Nos 2 Bedroom Housing Units to resettle IDPs at Rawuru, B/Ladi local government with support from Development Partners.
-- 20 Nos 2 Bedroom Housing Units to resettle IDPs at Jol, Riyom local Government with support from Development Partners.
3. Facilitated and anchored recruitment of many Plateau youths into Police and Military, NSCDC, Immigration etc across the state.
4. Facilitated the electrification of Rawuru village including the installation of power transformer.
SENATOR I. D. GYANG THE PARLIAMENTARIAN:
Senator Gyang by divine providence was drafted and called into politics and got elected into the House of Representatives from 2015--2019 and later as Senator, Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2019--2023.
Senator I. D. Gyang’s remarkable attributions, credentials and achievements can be referenced to his academic attainments, his outstanding work experience in the civil and public service. He served as Secretary of over 35 Administrative Committees, Commissions of Inquiry, Standing Peace and Inter-Faith Committees, including the Presidential Committee to find lasting solutions to the communal unrest in Jos, Plateau state constituted by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2009.
Senator I. D. Gyang is not only an astute administrator, proficient technocrat, patriotic philanthropist, accomplished and industrious humanist but indeed an outstanding Legislator who is impacting his constituency and the nation with credible, versatile and impactful representation in the National Assembly, rising to the challenge of being a voice for the people with a clear three point vision that reflects the critical areas of challenge in Plateau North Senatorial District, a constituency that has been ravaged by communal unrest, terror attacks and displacement of communities from their ancestral homes. The focus and vision that guided his legislative representation was threefold, i.e;
1. Securing the People on the platform of Peace
2. Reconcile the people, and
3. Empower the people.
1). Peace Making.
Making peace in an atmosphere that had been characterised by hate, animosity, violence and terror attacks though an uphill task, is an option that is better than any other. Securing the people on the platform and instrumentality of making peace where violence is discountenanced as as option to resolving conflict. This however, does not absolve government of its primary and principal responsibility of ensuring the enforcement of law and order to secure the lives and property of citizens.
2). Reconcilaition:
Reconciling the people on the twin pillars of restitution and forgiveness. Restitution requires making right all wrongs both by individuals and groups while forgiveness is the grace to acknowledge wrongs done to others and sincerely apologizing.
Forgiveness brings the cycle of violence and revenge to an end while unforgiveness seeks opportunity for revenge, hence perpetuating animosity and hate.
3). Empoweement:
Empowering the people through education, promoting productive local economy and culture of enterprise, training and skills acquisition, generating employment opportunities, etc
As a Legislator, Senator I. D. Gyang has demonstrated capacity and excellence in Law making, vibrant representation and result oriented Constituency engagement with a passion for positive, visible impact and indeed, undeniable results. His footprints in Plateau North Senatorial District has raised the bar in terms of legislative representation by proving his mettle as a prolific law maker having over Twenty Bills (20) to his credit while in the House of Representatives and ranking among Senators with the highest number of Bills, two of which were assented to into law by President Muhammadu Buhari which are:
1). Federal College of Medical Laboratory Technology Jos Establishment Act, 2019.
2). National Fertilizer Quality Control Act, 2019 which safeguards and protects the entire fertilizer value chain from manufacturers, producers, blenders, importers, distributors and the end user farmers in Nigeria.
Senator I.D. Gyang is outspoken, active and a vibrant Legislator whose voice is heard regularly in plenary, debates, on Bills and Motions.
He has been a strong advocate and voice of the concerns and yearnings of his constituents and the nation at large.
CONSTITUENCY IMPACT & PROJECTS:
Senator Gyang's Constituency impact in terms of projects and empowerment programs is unprecedented and record setting in the history of B/Ladi- Riyom Federal Constituency and Plateau North Senatorial District as summarized hereunder:
A). EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE & PROJECTS:
1. Construction of 9 Classrooms and Furnishing at Govt Sec. School Rapyam, B/Ladi local government
2. Completion and Furnishing of 6Nos Classrooms at GSS Gwakim, B/Ladi local government.
3. Construction and furnishing of 3 Classrooms and Furnishing at Nyerwai, B/Ladi local government.
4. Construction and furnishing of 3 Classrooms at Bwakzerere, B/Ladi local government.
5. Construction of 3 Classrooms at Ruku, B/Ladi local government.
6. Construction and furnishing of 3 Classrooms at Kakuruk, B/Ladi local government.
7. Construction of Exam Hall at BECO Comprehensive High School, Kwi, Riyom local government.
8. Construction and furnishing of 3 Classrooms at Sanbak, Riyom local government.
9. Construction and furnishing of 3 Classrooms at Kuwop Kufas Sabon Gari Fobur, Jos East local government.
10. Construction and furnishing of 4 Classrooms at Janruwa, Maigemu, Jos East local government.
11. Construction and furnishing of 3 Classrooms at Zinariya, Angwan Rimi, Jos North local government.
12. Construction and furnishing of 3 Classrooms at Hwol Nabor, Jos North local government.
13. Reconstruction of 4 Classrooms, a Library and an Office at ECWA Seminary, Zabolo, Bassa local government.
14. Construction and Furnishing of 3Nos Classrooms at Gabwat, B//Ladi LGA.
B). HEALTH, WATER & SANITATION INFRASTRUCTURE & PROJECTS:
1. Facilitated Completion and Construction of a Primary Healthcare Centre at Maijuju, Jos East local government.
2. Construction of PHC Centre, Lobiring, B/Ladi local government.
3. Solar Powered Borehole and Sanitary Facility at Kalambai, Pengana, Bassa local government.
4. Solar Powered Borehole and Sanitary Facility at Kampala, Fobur, Jos East local government.
5. Solar Powered Borehole at Bethel Rawuru, B/Ladi local government.
6. Solar Powered Borehole at Gwaki, B/Ladi local government.
7. Solar Powered Borehole at Fudawa, Jos Notth local government.
8. Solar Powered Borehole and Reticulation at Abba Na Shehu, Jos North local government.
9. Solar Powered Borehole at Ali Kazaure, Jos North local government.
10. Solar Powered Borehole at Kabong, Jos North local government.
11. Solar Powered Borehole at Kikimung, Tudun Wada, Jos North local government.
12. Solar Powered Borehole at Mazaram, Rayfield, Jos South local government.
13. Undertook massive Medical Outreaches witnessing surgeries, distribution of Eye Glasses, Malaria Eradication, Treated Mosquito Nets Distribution, Etc
C). RURAL & URBAN ROADS CONSTRUCTION AND GRADING.
1. Asphalted 550m Street Road Kwall, Irigwe, Bassa local government.
2. Surface Dressing of D. B. Zang Road with a spur to Da Choji Zang Residence Gyel, Jos South local government.
3. Surface Dressing & Asphalting of Lahwol Topp Street Road, Rayfield, Jos South local government.
4. Grading of 2Km Bwakzerere Rural Road, B/Ladi local government.
5. Grading of Farin Lamba - Wereng Road, Riyom local government.
6. Surface Dressing of 500m and Asphalting of 300m of two sections of Bwom Road, B/Ladi local government.
D). RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS & INSTALLATI9N OF INTEGRATED SOLAR LIGHTS.
1. Electrification and Installation of Power Transformer at Binchin, Rukuba, Bassa local government.
2. Electrification and powering Transformer at Zagun, Bassa local government.
3. Electrification and Installation of Power Transformer at Gassa,B/Ladi local government.
4. Electrification and powering of Transformer at Kpang, Heipang, B/Ladi local government.
5. Installation of Integrated Solar Lights at Ruku, Gashet, Kungte, Marit, Nafok, B/Ladi Town all in B/Ladi local government.
6. Installation of Integrated Solar Lights at Sopp, Rim, Gwa Rim, Gwa Wereng, Kum all in Riyom local government.
7. Installation of Intergrated Solar Lights at Rabin Du, Loh-Zawan, Hwolshe, S/Layi-Kuru,Farin Lamba Turu, Vwang all in Jos South local government.
8. Installation of Integrated Solar Lights at Kwall, Jengre, Buji all in Bassa local government.
9. Installation of Integrated Solar Lights at Kabong, Jenta, Angwan Rukuba all in Jos North local government.
10. Installation of Integrated Solar Lights at Angware, Zandi, Chaka Fobur all in Jos East local government.
E). ECONOMIC PROJECTS & SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Construction of 90 shops at Vwang Rural Market, Jos South local government.
2. Construction of 90 shops at Rahoss Rural Market, Riyom local government.
3. Construction of 90 shops at Ganawuri Rural Market, Riyom local government.
4. Construction of International Youth Centre & BYM Complex, Largest Hall Capacity Hall in Jos, Zaramaganda, Jos South.
5. Construction of a Modern Town Hall at Heipang, B/Ladi local government.
6. Construction of Youth Centre and Town Hall, Kakpis, Foron, B/Ladi local government.
7. Construction of Dam for Irrigationn Farming at Rigibur, Loh'Fan B/Ladi local government.
F). PEACE BUILDING AND RESETTLEMENT OF DISPLACED COMMUNITIES.
1. Construction of 37 Housing Units for Resettlement of Jong Displaced community in conjunction with stakeholders, B/Ladi local government.
2. Facilitated Construction of 40 Housing Units with help of Development Partners at Bethel, Rawuru and Jol (20 each) in 1914.
3. Reconstruction of Palace of the District Head of Fursum, destroyed by attacking bandits in Jos East local government.
4. Undertook the First ever Plateau North Peace and Reconciliation Football Tournament that witnessed participation by the 73 Electoral Wards lasting 2 months.
It was a platform for peace building and harnessing football talents hidden in the grassroots.
G). PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT, CARE FOR IDPs AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION.
Senator Gyang has undertaken Empowerment programs aimed at promoting and improving the income generating capacity of his constituents, particularly the less privileged such as widows, youths women, artisans, and providing scholarship awards to indigent students in tertiary institutions.
Many of the empowerment programs accompanied with starter parks and investible funds.
Senator Gyang has pushed through National Emergency Management Agency for provision of relief materials to address the humanitarian challenges which the many IDPs displaced by terror attacks in his constituency are confronted with.
He has equally undertaken and facilitated the reconstruction of destroyed habitat of some communities in the constituency.
Farmers are not left out as Senator Gyang has provided Water Pumps for irrigation farming, fertilizers and other farm inputs.
Some of the above attainments is summarized hereunder:
1. Distribution of Fertilizers to Farmers.
2. Distribution of Water Pumps for Irrigation Farming to over 1000 Farmers.
3. Distribution of Empowerment Materials such as Motor Vehicles to Youth Groups, Try-Cycles, Motor-Bikes, Sewing Machines, Grinding Machines to over 500 Men, Women, Widows and Youths.
4. Financial Grants and Investible funds for small scale and Petty Trading to over 1000 Women and Youth.
5. Scholarship Awards to over 1000 indigent Students.
6. Training and Skills Acquisition for Youths and Women in Leather Works, Post Harvest and Agro allied Value Addition Training. Etc.
In employment generation, Senator Gyang has facilitated employment for many of his constituents in mainstream Federal government MDAs and also the Military, Police, Custom, Immigration, NSCDC, FRSC, Correctional Service, Universities, etc.
HONORS AND AWARDS:
For the commendable and impressive public service of state and national dimensions and philanthropic contributions and of course his record setting parliamentary outing, Senator Gyang has been appropriately decorated and garlanded with honours and awards by State, National and International bodies among which are;
1. Doctorate Degree Honoris Causa Award by the Commonwealth University Belize in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and due regard to his commitment and diligence in the very sensitive and invaluable area of peace and security.
2. City Watch Magazine Leadership Award as the most Responsive Senator of the Year 2021
3. Award for Global Excellence in Peace Building Leadership Development by Global Peace & Humanitarian Awards and Rotary International held in Instanbul, Turkey, 23rd Oct, 2021.
4. Plateau Man of the Year Awards as Best Performing Senator. -- 2021.
5. The Plateau Awards 2018, awarded Outstanding Political Personality.
6. Honorary Fellowship of Chattered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors of Nigeria (CIFIAN) -- 2019.
7. Taroh Lawyers Arena Meritorious Award of Courage and Outstanding Representation for the People of Plateau State. - 2021
8. Federal College of Veterinary & Medical Laboratory Technology Vom, Award of Excellence in recognition of Pivotal contribution to Community Development. -- 2021
9. Gender Equality & Women Empowerment Advocacy Network (GEAWEAN) Award in recognition and celebration of being an advocate for Women Empowerment and Gender Equality -- 2022.
10. The Boys Brigade Nigeria Award of Meritorious Service in recognition of support to the Boys Brigade and Humanity. -- 2021
11. Partnership for African Social and Governance Research Award for Commitment to Democracy and Sponsorship of People Oriented Bills in the House of Representatives.-- 2016
12. Arewa Journalist Forum, National Assembly Award of Excellence in recognition of Great Contributions to Sustainable Democracy in the National Assembly and Selfless Service to Humanity.
13. Legislative Writers Forum, Award of Most Outstanding House Member of the Year, 2016
14. Award of Fellowship of Federal College of Animal Health & Production Technology in recognition of the enormous contributions to uplifting the standard of the College.
15. National Humanitarian Service Award for Youth Engagement and Human Capital Development. -- 2021
16. Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Plateau State chapter Award of "Advocate of Our Faith" in recognition of Excellent Advocacy and Distinguished Service to God and the Church on the Floor of the National Assembly. - 2020
17. Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Gwol DCC, Award as Supporter of Missions and Church Growth.
18. Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA), Merit Award for Humanitarian Welfare and Community Service. 2017.
19. Envoys of Hope Covenant Asse.bky Award in recognition of Outstanding Performance and Support for the Kingdom Work.
20. Living Faith Church Bukuru Merit Award in recognition of Exceptional Leadership and Outstanding Contribution to the Success of the Security Unit. - 2014
21. National Association of Plateau State Students, NTA College Chapter Merit Award as "A Pillar of Education in Plateau North." -- 2021
22. Nigerian Legislators Constituency Projects Achievement Award (NLCPAA) in recognition of Excellence and Leadership in your Constituency. -- 2018
23. ECOWAS Youth Parliament Award of Excellence as Epitome of Good Leadership and support for the Youth, Students and the Downtrodden. -2017
24. National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), National Body Award as Peace Builder.
25. National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS) National Body Merit Award as Most Eminent Icon of Hope --2014
26. NAPSS Kaduna Polytechnic Award of Excellence in Youth Development-- 2012.
27. Law Students Society University of Jos Centinary Award as Distinguished Servant, Plateau State. - 2014
28. Nigerian University Accounting Students Association, UniJos Chapter Award of Excellence for Selfless Service towards the Growth of a Just Society.
29. National Association of Psychology Students, University of Jos Award in recognition of Outstanding Performance, Empowerment and Free Medical Outreach. -- 2016
30. Nigerian College of Accountancy Kwall, Award of Excellence in recognition to your Contribution towards Enriching Peace and Security in Plateau State. -- 2014.
31. National Union of Berom Students Award of Shining Light if the Society. -- 2016.
32. Fellowship Award as ProfeFellow of The Civillian Institute of Democratic Administrators of Ghana (FCIDA - Ghana) -- 2013
33. National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) Plateau chapter Award of Excellence as a Symbol of True Representative of your People. -- 2017.
34. Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals Health Ambassador Award as an Ambassador of Health and Social Service.
35. A. B. U Zaria Representative Council Certificate of Outstanding Contributions as Icon of Hope. -- 2014.
36. Bestowed Title of "Dá Sógwò Põmô Jóng" by the Jong community Ropp District B/Ladi local government for rebuilding 38 Houses to resettle the displaced community back to their ancestral habitat. Dec. 2022.
37. Senator of the Year 2022, Plateau Awards. This makes Senator I. D. Gyang the 3th time winner of this same award in a row, 2020, 2021 & 2022.
BRIEF RESUME.
1. DATE OF BIRTH - 02/02/1963
2. PLACE & LGA OF BIRTH - Fan, Barikin Ladi Local Government.
3. STATE OF ORIGIN -- Plateau..
4. NATIONALITY - Nigerian.
QUALIFICATION & SCHOOLS ATTENDED.
1. School Leaving Certificate- 1976, From P & BCC Primary School, Rite Fan.
2. GCE/WAEC-1981, From GSS Riyom.
3. IJMB -1983 From SBS, Zaria.
4. B.Sc International Studies- 1986, From ABU, Zaria.
5. LL.B, BL - 2005, 2007 From University of Jos and Law School.
PUBLIC SERVICE:
1. NYSC -- (1986/87)
2. Admin Officer/Director, Plateau State Civil Service.-(1990--2007)
3. Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services, Plateau State - (2007--2014).
POLITICAL & ELECTIVE MANDATES:
1. Member, House of Representatives, 2015--2019.
2. Senator, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2019--2023.
In summation, Senator I. D. Gyang’s immense contribution to national development stands him out as a human personage with a profound commitment to human and societal upliftment at the grassroots, state and national level.
Senator Gyang is married to his beautiful wife, Ngo Rahila Gyang and they are blessed with five (5) children and 5 grandchildren. His mother, Ngo Lyop Dung now an octogenarian and 5 siblings three sisters, three brothers.
Senator Gyang is a man of warmth, compassion and generous spirit.
