Plateau earmarks N260 million for purchase of printing machine

The Plateau Government on Wednesday said it had earmarked N260 million for the acquisition of a digital printing machine for the state's printing press.

Mr Abraham Yiljap, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, made the disclosure in Jos while inspecting some of the equipment already purchased.

Yiljap said government had spent N20 million for the refurbishing of 10 machines at the printing press.

According to him, the refurbishment and purchase of a digital machine for the printing press are imperative as the company handles most of the secret documents of government.

'The Plateau Printing Press was the pride of Plateau state at its inception four decades ago.

'But never in its history has it had any form of refurbishing as it is witnessing under the present administration.

'Already, we have refurbished 10 machines which cost us N20 million.

'Some of the machines are already being put to use, while others are being test run to ascertain their suitability.

'We are also going to purchase a digital printing machine that will handle the printing of government's files, white paper, reports of judicial commission and other security documents and that will cost N260 million.

'Governor Jonah Jang is doing all these because he has promised the people of Plateau that before the end of his administration in 2015, all sectors must have witnessed drastic transformation.

'Indeed all of us are witnesses that he is not reneging in his campaign promises to the people,' he said.

Yiljap also lauded the management of the printing press for embarking on the training and retraining of its staff.

He urged government officials to maintain the confidentiality of government activities by patronising the government printing press.

In his remarks, the Acting Chief Government Printer, Mr. Moses Goshit, thanked government for coming to the aid of the printing press through the refurbishment of its equipment.

He assured government that with the digital machines and other infrastructure, the printing press would deliver on its mandate. NAN.