The Plateau Government on Friday awarded nine contracts worth N749 million for the supply of modern equip to revive its newspaper, The Nigeria Standard.
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Abraham Yiljap, signed the contracts on behalf of the government, while some officials signed for their companies.
Yiljap said that the target was to restore the lost glory of the paper.
“The Nigeria Standard, in its hey days, was a strong voice that could not be ignored, having kept faith with its motto, truth exalts a nation.
“It earned the trust and loyalty of all readers, policy makers and the disadvantaged across all divides in Nigeria; this we are determined to restore,'' he said.
Yiljap expressed regret over the long neglect of the newspapers, stating that the situation led to the massive loss of its market and manpower.
“With the signing of the contracts for the purchase of new working facilities for the paper, quality hands will be engaged to bring the lost glory,'' he said.
He said items to be supplied included a Web Off-set machine, one 500KVA generator, 4 Hilux pick-up vans, one Toyota Forerunner and other consumables.
Others are a printing press, the refurbishing of printing machines and one Hilux Pick-up van for the Plateau Printing Press (PPP).
Also to be supplied is 16-seater bus for the information ministry.
Responding on behalf the contractors, Mr Emmanuel Chollom, representative of Torad Investment Ltd, pledged to keep to the contract terms and deliver as expected.
Mr Jonathan Ishaku, General Manager, Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC), publishers of the newspapers, expressed happiness and gratitude to the government for the gesture.
“The signing of the contracts today signifies the belief and trust the government has on the Nigeria Standard newspapers.
“We, as beneciaries of these items, will not fail the government and people of Plateau.
“We have been longing for this very day, and now it has come and we remain thankful to Gov. Jonah Jang for fulfilling his promise to revamp the newspapers,'' he said.