Hon. Joshua N. Bitrus, the Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Plateau State Chapter on behalf of the EXCO, members and indeed all Rice Farmers on the Plateau heartily felicitates with our dear President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo GCON, the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and all Distinguished Senators, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, his Deputy, Rt. Honourable Ahmed Idris Wase and all Honourable Members of the House Of Representatives, the Chief Justice of the Federation and all Judges at the national level.


We equally rejoice with the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Honourable (Dr)  Simon Bako Lalong KSGG and his Deputy, Professor Sonni-Gwanle Tyoden, the Honourable Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Nuhu Abok Ayuba and his Deputy, Rt. Honourable Sale Shehu Yipmong and all members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice Yakubu Dakwak and all members of the State Judiciary, members of the state Executive Council, Chairman of the state Council of Chiefs and Emirs and Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba and  all Traditional Rulers in Plateau State, Chairmen and Councilors and Legislative Arms of Local governments, the organised labour and civil liberty organisations and the ever good and peace-loving people of Plateau State on this very auspicious occasion of  Nigeria's Diamond Jubilee celebration of independence.


As we celebrate 60 years together, we must reflect on the ties that binds us together and repel all divisive tendencies. We call on all Nigerians to embrace Agriculture, especially Rice Farming to enable the nation achieve food sufficency and join hands with our leaders at all levels to harness the rich natural and human resources of the land for the common good of all. 


Happy Diamond Jubilee Nigeria!

Hon. Joshua N. Bitrus,

RIFAN Chairman,

Plateau State.