The Chairman Independent Publishers Association(IPA), Plateau State Chapter Mr.Shabul Mazadu has been conferred with the prestigious award of the best Publishers of the 2024 in plateau state.
Mr Shabul Mazadu who have bagged the award for Six consecutive times is the Publisher of “Beacon” Newspaper base in Jos,and promised the award will no doubt spur him to do more in Educating, Informing, Entertaining the society, and above all to hold the government accountable in their decisions and policies.
He stated this in an interview with journalists shortly after bestowed with the prestigious award by the organisers of the event , Tagged “Plateau Man Of The Year Award 2024,The Legendary Edition” held at the Crispan Hotel Along Rayfied Road 16th February 2025.
The award winner, Mr.Shabul said he returned all the praises to God Almighty for not only receiving the Man Of The Year 2024 this year, but for the sixth time without contention.
He attributed the Successes recorded in journalism ,and by extension in the area of publishing so far to unwavering commitment ,hard work and dedication as panaceas to success in life.
Lamented challenges faced by publishers on the plateau and Nigeria as a whole , “whenever you have little money, you don’t just go ahead and think of yourself and family,but you must think of the business, because you want to keep Informing the general public.
Revealed that for you to remain relevant in newspaper industry, the quality of your News items is very key ,as you don’t just allow everything to go Into the Newspaper because you want to fill the space.
“Editorial and grammatical constructions is also very important,so putting all these together, you are left with no option than to put your very best ,so that you can bring out the best that society will appreciate.”
Quoting copiously from the words of Nnamdi Azikiwe, said journalists are one of the forgotten men in the society,add that as agenda setters particularly for the government,this award will spur me to be the voice for the voiceless, fight injustice, oppression and bad Government policies.
“At the same time set agenda for the government if they listen to us,it will be better for the government and the society,so will shall continue to put in our best to make the society better” . He maintained
He highlighted some of the virtues those aspiring to be a publisher most imbibe to include hard work, discipline themselves and put pleasure aside,look at the societal needs with the view of addressing them for the benefits of the society.
Advice journalists to always engage themselves in training and retraining to avoid being caught on the web, because the society look up to the Journalists as they are expected to know everything.
Over Fifty(50), persons received award which cut across all profession, as Governor Caleb Mutfwang Bagged the Man the of Year award for his developmental stride in the state.
The event drawn who is who in government, businesses, politics, Security ,Sports but just to mention few.
The high points of the event is the unveiling of the Special Edition of Eminence Magazine and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
The All Progressive Congress (APC),under the auspices of North -Central All Progressive Congress (APC),are currently putting immense pressure on the 2023 Governorship Candidate of Labour Party, Professor Patrick Dakum and his Deputy the Senior Advocates of Nigeria(SAN),Edward Pwajok to forget the injustice meted on them during the period under review which necessitated abandoning the party to (LP) and return.
As the call for the duo to return back they described their original home , they contributed to build and became envy of all occasioned by their separate moral supports and other contributions before jettison the party following obvious internal misunderstanding during the party’s primaries in the state.
The North -Central Chairman of APC Forum ,Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga made the passionate call and appeal in a press statement made available to Journalists in Jos, plateau state.
The Chairman of North- Central APC Zazzaga also used the medium to appeal to the Representative member Hon. Edward Pwajok and other stakeholders of the Labour party to return back to the All Progressives Congress APC.
He also extended olive branch of reconciliation to PRP candidate in the state Hon. Muhammmad Adam Alkali Former Federal Lawmaker representing Jos North / Bassa ,Hon Bitrus Kaze and others to return and work for Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 General election to guarantee his victory in the state in particular and Nigeria in general for his second term bid.
Recall that Dr Patrick Dakum lost the Plateau APC governorship primaries under sham primaries conducted by the party power brokers,out of annoyance abandoned the party and defected to the Labour Party to pick the ticket for the 2023 governorship election in the state .
Zazzaga said ” I call on APC stakeholders in the state and nation to prevail on Dr Patrick Dakum, Edward Pwajok to come back to their former home.”
“Dr Dakum , Edward Pwajok were among the bigwigs that kept the party lively and formidable in the state but quit aftermath the outcome of the primaries opining that now that elections are over, they need to rejoin it and strategize ahead strictly for the Victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 .
“We the North Central APC Forum join hands to call on them to come back and work for President Tinubu , he said.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has congratulated the Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Ms. Rose C. Ndong, on her historic election as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS).
In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described Ms. Ndong as a visionary leader and an exceptional geologist whose strategic foresight in the mining and petroleum industries continues to shape the future of oil, gas, and solid minerals exploration in Nigeria.
The Governor noted that her tenure as Vice President of NMGS was marked by innovative reforms that strengthened the Society’s role in advancing Nigeria’s extractive sector.
He expressed confidence that under her leadership, NMGS will further expand the frontiers of mining activities, fostering economic growth and national development.
Highlighting her extensive expertise in Geology, Mining, Mineral Exploration, and Hydrogeology, Governor Mutfwang commended Ms. Ndong for her outstanding contributions to the solid minerals and petroleum sectors, which have significantly boosted the nation’s revenue and economic resilience.
On behalf of his family, the government, and the good people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his heartfelt congratulations, praying for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, and strength as she embarks on this noble mission of advancing Nigeria’s mineral sector for global economic transformation.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his warm felicitations to Special Adviser and Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Barrister Olivia Dazyam, on the joyous occasion of her birthday.
Governor Mutfwang’s felicitation is contained in a press statement dated 15th February 2025 signed by the Director of press and public affairs to the governor,Dr.Gyang Bere and made available to journalists in Jos.
In a statement, Governor Mutfwang described Barr. Dazyam as a bridge-builder, mentor, and role model, particularly to young women who have been victims of gender-based violence.
He lauded her remarkable leadership in championing the fight against gender violence and child labor, both in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
The Governor further extolled her as a symbol of peace and unity, not only in Plateau State but also within the North Central geopolitical zone. He recalled her impactful tenure as Commissioner for Information and Communication, where her innovative ideas significantly contributed to the state’s development.
Governor Mutfwang commended Barr. Dazyam’s exemplary leadership, which he noted is characterized by humility, integrity, and compassion, qualities that have earned her deep respect and admiration.
On behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Barr. Olivia Dazyam on this special occasion. He prayed for her continued good health, strength, and wisdom as she remains a pillar of guidance and inspiration for the betterment of Nigeria.
Better Days are literally here as Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Honourable Daniel Asama Ago has advocated for Vocational and Technological Advancement for his Constituency.
The move of the honourable Member Daniel Asama is part of his commitment to transform Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency into a Hub of Productivity and Innovation.
As the member who hold the title of (The Anki Kaboh) is taking decisive steps to empower the youth through Trade, Business, Vocational, and Technological Innovations.
His vision is to transition the constituency from a dependency-driven economy to a self-sustaining, production-based society capable of harnessing its abundant Natural Resources for Sustainable Development.
In line with this vision, Hon. Asama has introduced an Establishment Bill at the National Assembly seeking the creation of the Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute, Jos.
This institute will serve as a pivotal Center for Training, Harnessing, and Networking the Skills of the Youth, equipping them with the necessary expertise to thrive in the evolving global economy.
Beyond Legislative action, Hon. Asama is actively engaging the Government and key Stakeholders to secure meaningful Partnerships with Industry Leaders and Foreign investors.
His efforts are particularly focused on attracting Expatriate Investors with the capacity to create significant opportunities in the Creative, Technological, and Production Sectors for his people.
Demonstrating this commitment, His Excellency, the Taiwan Ambassador to Nigeria, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, recently paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Asama’s office at the National Assembly.
During this high-level engagement, discussions were held regarding a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration in Technological Innovation and Trade.
The deliberations also explored opportunities for Constituents to travel and engage in Vocational and Business Collaborations with Taiwan, opening doors for knowledge exchange, investment, and economic growth.
Hon. Asama firmly believes that these strategic initiatives will not only empower the youth but also position Bassa/Jos North as a key player in Nigeria’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship landscape.
He remains dedicated to working tirelessly to ensure that his people benefit from these global opportunities.
The Central Working Committee of the Nigerian Labour Congress has called on workers and the general public to boycott telecommunications providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, starting at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in protest against tariff increases.
The decision was announced in a statement by Joe Ajaero, NLC president, and Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC secretary, on Wednesday.companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.
“As a first step in resisting this arbitrary tariff hike, the CWC has directed that beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and other willing citizens shall boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025.”The Congress also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
The NLC also reviewed the Tax Reform Bills, warning against policies that could further burden Nigerian workers. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, Congress vowed to push for fair and worker-friendly tax policies.
If the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, the NLC will commence a nationwide telecom shutdown from March 1, 2025. The Congress urged civil society groups and all Nigerians to join the protest against exploitative economic policies.
As part of efforts in the fight against Crimes and criminality in plateau state and it environs ,the New General Officer Commanding (Goc), 3 Division Jos, Major General E.F Oyinlola who doubled as Commander Operation Save Haven (OPSH) ,Newly posted to the state has visited the state Commissioner of police Emmanuel olugbenga Adesina.
The visit is to further cement the existing synergy between the Military and the Police in Plateau State geared towards fighting crimes and criminality in the state
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Maj Gen. E.F Oyinlola visit to the police boss is his first maiden visit to the Commissioner of Police Plateau Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, since assumption of office in the state few weeks ago.
The GOC was warmly received by the Plateau Police boss and his management team at the State Police Headquarters, Jos today.
In his remarks, the GOC who identified the Nigeria Police as strategic partner in the security space, stated that he came to formally introduce himself to the CP and further strengthen the relationship that exist between the two agencies.
He noted that when security agencies have a robust relationship network, they easily conquer criminals and share the glory together.
Maj. Gen. Oyinlola stressed the need to shove away inter-agency rivalry and work together as one to defeat criminals and maximize peace and security in the State.
He appealed for continuous preaching of peace to the locals just as he assured of his commitment to operate an open door policy.
The Commissioner of Police conveyed his gratitude to the GOC for finding it necessary to visit the Police State Headquarters upon assumption of office.
CP Adesina who spoke in concordance with the GOC noted that inter-agency rivalry is unhealthy for security agencies as they both have one common enemy, the criminals, who are enemy of the State.
He lauded the brilliant deployment by the Military whenever there is crisis in any Local Government Area, which contributed to peace and stability in the State.
On the current security situation in the State, the CP hinted that Plateau has started gaining shape in term of peace and security, and he believes that with the coming if the GOC, all issues will be tackled effectively to ensure peace in the State.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s diplomatic engagements and pursuit of strategic partnerships have begun yielding tangible results, as demonstrated by the launch of the Plateau Agro-Innovation Makerspace.
This groundbreaking initiative, established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, marks a significant milestone in the state’s drive toward youth empowerment and economic transformation.
The high-tech Makerspace is designed to equip Plateau youths with advanced skills in modern agricultural innovation, technology-driven education, and renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power systems.
It is envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth, fostering sustainable development, and enhancing productivity in rural communities.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Mutfwang underscored the importance of the Makerspace in harnessing the potential of Plateau youths and providing them with the tools to realize their aspirations.
He emphasized that the UNDP’s intervention aligns seamlessly with his administration’s vision of forging meaningful partnerships with global institutions and development agencies to drive progress.
The Governor expressed profound gratitude to the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, for selecting Plateau as the host for this pioneering project. He noted that the decision to site the Makerspace at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi, is strategic, as the institution has a long-standing reputation for producing skilled graduates in vocational and technical education.
“We are deeply grateful to UNDP, led by Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah, for piloting the Integrated Development Approach here in Plateau state. We trust that this initiative will uplift our youths and connect them to global opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
“Our administration is committed to repositioning Plateau as a hub for science, technology, and innovation. With the right team in place, we are confident that we will not only break new ground but also advance technological innovation across all sectors.” The Governor added.
Governor Mutfwang urged young people in the state to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the Makerspace. He emphasized that the facility is a game-changer that will enable them to hone their business skills, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of Plateau State.
“This is your opportunity. This is your moment. This is your time! I sincerely appreciate UNDP for this invaluable partnership, and I look forward to building a future where our young innovators thrive. I pray that this will be the beginning of greater success stories for Plateau.”
In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, lauded Governor Mutfwang’s leadership in fostering a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for innovation and economic transformation.
She said: “We commend Governor Mutfwang for transforming Plateau into a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. His leadership has created an enabling environment for learning, trade, and technological advancement.
“Today, we celebrate the 1.8 million talented, ambitious, and productive young people of Plateau. You are the architects of Plateau’s transformation, and you must take this responsibility seriously.
“The Governor has declared that the time is now for Plateau to shine, and that light will come from its young people. Despite global uncertainties and challenges, Africa’s youths must be given the platform to make a difference”, She
stated.
Ms. Attafuah further described the Makerspace as a revolutionary initiative, stating that it is not merely a structure but a powerhouse of ideas, business incubation, and transformative agricultural practices.
The UNDP Resident Representative added: “This is not just a building. It is a hub packed with ideas, ideas that will evolve into businesses. It is a place that will equip entrepreneurs with the tools to build enterprises and redefine agriculture on the Plateau, shifting from subsistence farming to an agribusiness model with a strong value chain.”
Several dignitaries and stakeholders contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the significance of the Makerspace in driving sustainable development.
They included, Dr. Clement Chirman, Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi, Manji Wilson, Chief Technical Adviser on Development Partnerships and Diaspora, Dr. Cletus Baka Shurkur, Commissioner for Information, Science, and Technology, and the Director General, Plateau State ICT Development Agency, Dr. Dominic Datong Gwaman.
The Governor also handed over Guest House Number 1 to the UNDP for their North Central office to facilitate smooth running of developmental programmes in the region.
Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Constituency Federal House of Representatives Hon. Daniel Asama has extended his heartfelt appreciation to Mr . president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all the governors of North Central extractions and all members of National Assembly for their dedication in making the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), recently signed Into law by the president a reality.
Honourable Asama lauded the timely significance of the commission, especially in tackling pressing issues such as Security, Job creation, and the Welfare of Citizens within the Region.
The House of Representatives Member stated this in a Strategic meeting, held on February 11, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, which brought together Members of the National Assembly from the North Central States with the aim to deliberate on the commission’s objectives and ensure its full implementation.
The leaders also took time to express their gratitude to the Federal Government and the Presidency for fast-tracking the assent of the bill establishing the NCDC, a crucial step toward addressing the Region’s developmental challenges.
Stressed the vision of the founding fathers of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) is steadily taking shape, reflecting the collective commitment of leaders from the Region.
“This was evident during the high-profile gathering of key stakeholders from the North Central Geopolitical Zone, chaired by His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman, North Central Governors’ Forum.”
Hon. Asama urged the commission’s leadership to ensure an equitable distribution of developmental projects across all States in the North Central Zone, adding that Plateau State—historically the Hub and Heartbeat of the North Central Region—should be given due consideration in Policy formulation and project implementation.
However concluded by praying for divine guidance and continued progress for the North Central Region.
It’s no doubt ,the establishment of the North Central Development Commission marks a historic milestone and holds great promise for the economic and social transformation of the Region.
With the collective support of the Government, Stakeholders, and the People, the North Central Zone is on the path to greater Development and Prosperity.
The Pateau State Command of Nigeria Police Force has paraded not fewer than Fifteen Persons for alleged various criminal activities which boarded on alleged kidnapping, illegal possession of Arms , arrest of suspected kidnapper and rescue of victims.
As the command lauded the moral and logistics supports of Plateau State governor barrister Caleb Mutfwang which have helped in boosting the moral of the officers of men and women to tackle criminal elements in the state or reduced their activities to the barest minimum.
The Commissioner of police plateau state command Emmanuel olugbenga Adesina stated this during press briefing and parade of alleged Criminals held at the command Headquarters 11th February 2025 .
The force Commissioner of police Emmanuel olugbenga Adesina said the press briefing is to appraise the Achievements of the command on the period under review.
The Commissioner add that within the period under review, the Plateau State Police Command had recorded some operational successes on aggressive onslaught against men of the underworld which has led to the massive arrest of criminals and recovery of arms, ammunition.
The Police boss however used the briefing to highlight some of the significant landmark achievements
of the the command under review which includes ,
Arrest of Suspected kidnapper which strived in running the business of illegal guns with the recovery of AK -47 Riffle.
The Commissioner of police Emmanuel olugbenga Adesina said Acting on credible intelligence received in the early hours of 24th January 2025 ,the me of Nigeria police mounted a check point around Kuka area of Pankshin LGA on the same date at about 03:20am. While on stop and search operation, two (2) young men approached the check point on a motorcycle. As our men advanced toward them, one of them jumped off and escaped into the nearby bushes. The other suspect, one Terishima David, male, 28 years was apprehended.
Upon conducting an on-the-spot search of the suspect, one AK-47 riffle with breach no NR3692 with an empty magazine was recovered from his possession.
Efforts are ongoing with a view to arrest the fleeing suspect and ensure that he faces the full weight of the law the Commissioner maintained.
He revealed that the force in the periode under review,have made significant arrest of suspect who specialized in the fabrication of locally made guns .
“On 2nd October 2024 at about 10:00am, a report was lodged by a complainant, that on 29th Oct 2024, one Ibrahim Mohammed, male of Rigip Abattoir Jos trespassed into his Cold Room at Abattoir market and stole his beef (Cow Meat) valued about Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,500,000.00) and escaped to an unknown destination.”
Further explained that in respect of this ugly incident, our men swung into action and arrested the suspect on 24th January 2025 at about 8:00pm local time.
Exhibit recovered from the suspect according to the force includes:
one locally fabricated riffle loaded with six (6) cartridges.
“In the course of investigation, one Abubakar Gambo of Gangare was arrested for purchasing the stolen beef. One Sadiq Isah, Samuel Bello, Rabiu Usman and Daniel Nyam all of Abbatoir were arrested in connection to the recovered revolver pistol.”
Said the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
The other achievements of the command in an efforts in combating crime and criminality in the state and it environs is the arrest of kidnapped suspect and rescue of the victim.
“TheCommand received information from a concerned citizen of the State, that there is a kidnap operation going on around Lohdik, Rantya, Jos on 28th January 2025 at about 2:00am.
Upon receipt of the tipoff, the DPO Rantya Division quickly mobilized and led a team of officers to the scene and rescue the victim.
As a result of the gallantry of our men, the kidnappers were repelled and the following suspects were arrested; one Bilya Jibrin, 23 years and Adamu Suleiman, 26 years all male of Bassa LGA. Shortly after the arrest of these suspects, the victims have been reunited with their family. The case will soon be charged to court for onward prosecution.”
Other areas of land achievements of the command is the arrest of Suspects for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and culpable homicide.
“On 16th December 2024 at about 2pm, we received a report from one Abdullahi Abubakar of Jos North LGA, stating that his 11 years old son, one Tasiu Abdullahi was missing.
Later the same day, he was informed by his daughter, that she received a WhatsApp message from a strange number, informing her that her brother is in their custody. They further demanded for the sum of One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N1,250,000.00k) as ransom for his release. After much negotiation, the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000.00k) only was deposited into an account sent to them by the kidnappers as ransom for the release of the victim. “
“After collecting ransom from the victim’s family, the kidnappers sent another WhatsApp message to his sister through a different phone number, informing her that they have released her brother to their neighbor, one Haruna Adamu aka Baban Amir who carried him in his Green Honda vehicle.
While trying to confront the said Haruna Adamu, an angry mob interrupted the process and attempted to destroy the vehicle. Fortunately, our men from Nassarawa Gwong division quickly rescued the situation and arrested the suspect. “
“The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) extended investigation into the matter, and the following suspects were arrested: one Isiyaka Umar, Zaharadeen Muhammed, Mubarak Nura aka Muba, Ismail Auwal aka Dan Ruwa, Haruna Adamu, Simple Lucky Athagbolo, Mohammed Adamu Inuwa, Abdulbasit Abdulhamid, and Musa Ahmed Bello.”
“Further investigation revealed that Isiyaka Umar, Zaharadeen Muhammed, Mubarak Nura, and Ismail Auwal were the ones who criminally conspired and kidnapped the victim and killed him after collecting the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000.00) from the victim’s family.”
“The WhatsApp numbers used to message the victim’s sister was tracked and the analysis revealed one Mohammed Abdullahi Inuwa, an Airtel Registration Agent who later confessed to having conspired with one Abdulbasit Abdulhamid and agreed to create WhatsApp accounts with several numbers, and without the consent of the owners of the SIM cards and further sold them to Musa Ahmed Bello who was actively used to chat the victim’s sister.”
Said the case is currently under investigation, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of our investigation.
Other arrest made by the command are suspects who specialized in impersonation and recovery of Camouflage Uniform and other exhibits , grievous hurt and arrest of suspect, Criminal conspiracy and theft arrest for conspiracy and human trafficking and other Crimes.
The Commissioner thank the governor of Plateau State barrister Caleb Mutfwang for creating enabling environment for the force to operate, and achieved the desired fight against criminal minded elementsinthe state and it’s environs.
Thank the officers of men and women of the command for their synergy with other security Agencies in the state that make the success possible.
Governor Mutfwang made this call on Monday while declaring open the Plateau State Annual Executive Retreat, with the theme “That Plateau May Shine,” held at Miango Rest Home, in Bassa Local Government Area.
Reflecting on the administration’s journey so far, the Governor urged his appointees to maximize every opportunity, applying deep thinking to initiate innovations that will bring about a paradigm shift in governance.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts to revamp the education and health sectors, as well as to build durable infrastructure that will drive economic growth and sustainable development in the state.
“We are privileged that the people of Plateau have entrusted us with their mandate. They have given us the responsibility to lead and stand for them, and we must not disappoint them.
Our duty is to save lives, improve livelihoods, and ensure that Plateau progresses to the level of developed nations,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang, who shared his vision for the state, said his entry into politics was borne out of a deep sense of duty to humanity, driven by the need to address insecurity, poverty, and infrastructural deficits that hinder progress.
“Let me make this clear—I have said it before, and some may not have fully understood. I am not a career politician.
I came into politics because it became a necessity. In fact, I initially avoided anything related to public life. After university, I was certain my path was to be a preacher and a missionary.
“But I later realized that one can remain true to their values while engaging in politics.
You can be a person of integrity—a doctor, a lawyer, a professional—before stepping into leadership. Your character and principles should define you before politics, not the other way around.”
Challenging his appointees to remain diligent and focused, he declared: “Friends, we must not postpone today’s tasks for tomorrow.
There is no time for slumber or selfishness. History has shown that societies advance through unity, not division. The era of working in silos is over. No one can do it alone.
“Use your position wisely; see it as a trust you hold. Loyalty to me is good, but from this moment forward, let your ultimate loyalty be to God and the greater good of Plateau State.”
The retreat featured distinguished resource persons renowned for their wisdom and expertise in governance, leadership, and biblical principles.
Among them were Bro. Gbile Akanni of Peace House, Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat, Prof. Yusuf Turaki, and the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah.
They delivered insightful sessions on transformative governance aimed at fostering a greater Plateau State.
Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Constituency in the National Assembly, honourable Daniel Asama has took time out to explain to Nigerians the process of New states Creation.
As Asama said as representative of the people,I am committed to ensuring that you are well-informed about the processes that shape our nation.
He further add that the would like to provide the people of Nigeria in general and the people of his constitues with the synopsis on the procedures for creating new states in Nigeria, as outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
Revealed that the Process of Creating a New State is a complex process that involves several stakeholders and requires careful consideration.
As he outlined steps involved :
A request for the creation of a new state must be supported by at least two-thirds majority of members representing the area demanding the creation of the new state in the Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly, and local government councils is received by the National Assembly.
Stressed that proposal for the creation of the state must be approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the state originated.
The result of the referendum must be approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation, supported by a simple majority of Members of the Houses of AssemblyAnd thereafter the proposal must be approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of each House of the National Assembly.
However said the information will be helpful in understanding the process of creating new states in Nigeria.
“If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.”
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has joined numerous other well-wishers in celebrating Hon. Chief Letep Dabang on the joyous occasion of his birthday.
Governor Mutfwang celebration message is contained in a press statement dated 10th February 2025 signed by his Director of press and Public Affairs Dr.Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos.
The Governor extolled Chief Dabang as an exceptional statesman whose visionary leadership and steadfast dedication have profoundly shaped the political landscape of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
He commended Chief Dabang’s relentless efforts in championing the enthronement of the people’s government, where he played a pivotal role as the Director General of the Campaign Organization.
The Governor noted with delight that his innovative ideas have significantly contributed to fostering peace, unity, and social cohesion in the state.
Describing Chief Letep Dabang as an embodiment of humility and strategic political acumen, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged his foresight, which continues to shape and guide political discourse in Plateau State.
On behalf of the government and people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his heartfelt congratulations and prayers for renewed strength, good health, and divine wisdom for Hon. Chief Letep Dabang, to enable him to continue to inspire and mentor future generations with his wealth of experience.
Honourable Ishaya Itse Member 2023 Presidential Campaign Council Representing North Central has advocated and appeal to the president and National Assembly to look into the possibility of including plateau as beneficiary of proposed more 31 states to be created.
This advocacy is imperative to balance the equation of state creation across the three geo Political Zones of the federation, and to immortalize Late Lt.Gen. Useni who passed on recently and Worthy son of plateau state.
Useni as a General in Nigeria Army, consider the Unity of Nigeria above his personal interest the reason he refused to struggled to takeover power after the death of General Sani Abacha even when the coast was cleared to do so without hindrance.
As pioneer Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), history had it that he did not enriched himself when he had unlimited opportunity to do so, rather he ensured lands are allocated to deserving individuals transparently devoid of tribal, ethics and religious sentiment , initiated master plan for the development of Abuja which Successive Ministers use till date.
The late General also demonstrated his unity and development of Nigeria irrespective of your State of origin when he was the Sole Administrator of old Bendel State, now Edo state ,as history have it the number of plethoras of developmental projects he attracted to the state during the period under review.
The Late Jeremiah Useni after transversing in the Army,he did not just hide his wealth of experiences he garnered over the year as Army General,he retired back home and joined the mainstream of politics, not for financial gain,but to change the narrative that Politics is a dirty game.
He contested for senatorial seat to represent plateau South Senatorial zone , it’s also on political record that during that time under review,he was able to make significant impact in legislative business, and attracted several projects to his Constituency in particular, and plateau as a whole because of his firm believe for unity and greater Nigeria.
Useni who contested for the Governorship of plateau with now Senator Bako Lalong and failed, did not use his past military might to address the situation but approached competent election tribunal set up for amicable resolution through judicial process,but accepted the tribunal verdict when the judgement wasn’t in his favor.
All these were geared towards better plateau state and Nigeria as a whole.
Useni no doubt had sacrifice for Nigeria both militarily and as politian, it’s therefore would not be out of place to reward him even in death by creating New State from the present plateau state.
If these is achieved, by president Tinubu and the 10th National Assembly would have succeeded in making the people of plateau rejoice and the spirit of Useni lift for joy in the grave.
The management of National Vetinartory and Research Institute(NVRI),Vom in plateau State has regrets to announce the passage of the Provost Dr Jude Obi Okpara.
The announcement of the demise of the Provost dated 9th February 2025 Captioned “A Good Heart Has Stopped Beating”signed by the Acting Registrar of the college Umar Dan Suleiman on behalf of the management and made available to this medium in Jos.
The statement read in part:
Management regrets to announce the passage of the Provost Dr Jude Obi Okpara.
The deceased tragically passed away on Thursday 6th Febuary,2025 while attending an official function in Abuja.
May God accept his soul and Comfort all bereaved left behind to mourn this tragedy.
Meanwhile, Management has declared Friday 7th February,2025 as WORK FREE DAY.
Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly after due consultation with the supervising agency and the family.
The burial arrangements for the late Rev. Sunday Abolarinwa Fabunmi, a renowned Baptist pastor of the First Baptist Church Jos, have been announced.
The announcement was made during a solemn service held at the church auditorium today, Sunday, February 9, 2025 by Deacon Samuel Adeoye, the immediate past chairman of the Deaconate, on behalf of the Church leadership.
According to the announcement, a commendation service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church Jos. This will be followed by a burial service on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 10 am at the same venue.
The final interment will take place in Rev. Fabunmi’s hometown of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Since his passing, condolence messages have poured in from across the country, celebrating Rev. Fabunmi’s impactful ministry and legacy.
Rev. Fabunmi was a respected and influential figure in the Baptist and beyond, known for his dedication to his faith and his service to others.
His passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, has congratulated the Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Daniel Asama, on his one year anniversary in the Green Chamber.
Dr. Dakum Felicitation is contained in a press statement dated 9th February 2025 signed by his Media Consultant Shabul Mazadu and made available to this medium in Jos.
According to the statemen, Dr. Dakum commended the legislature for exhibiting potentialities for robust representation within his shortest time in office, especially in the aspect of raising nine bills, empowering constituents with sewing machines, distribution of desks and books to schools, distribution of palliatives and support for IDPs, payment of WAEC and NECO for indigent students, fertilizer supply to farmers and so many others.
Dakum exhorted him that to whom much is given, much is required, hence he should buckle up and do more and not to rest on the oars of the feats so far achieved.
The former Commissioner of Health and Information, further tasked him to do all within his power to carry all his constituents along irrespective of religion, tribe and political party, and to create time to listen to their pressing community needs and act to ameliorate their plight.
While praying for his success in the coming years, Dakum wished him sound health, divine wisdom, understanding and knowledge to excel in the discharge of his duties.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, which has significantly contributed to school dropouts in mining communities across the state.
He has therefore called on community and religious leaders, as well as all patriotic citizens, to join hands with the government in addressing the menace, which he described as a serious threat to the state’s values and future.
Governor Mutfwang made the call during a church service at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, where he emphasized the need for unity among believers as a foundation for sustainable development in Plateau State.
“Last week, I ordered a raid on all illegal mining camps across the state. I urge you to help our people understand that we are not trying to deprive them of their livelihoods. The devastating consequences of illegal mining are beyond imagination.”
At the Church Service with Her Excellency, Barr. Helen Mutfwang, the Governor expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of school dropouts in mining communities, citing recent findings that revealed a drastic decline in school enrollment in areas such as Bassa, Riyom, Jos South, and Barkin Ladi.
“We conducted research and discovered that school dropout rates in these areas are distressingly high.
Many classrooms are virtually empty. Just last month, we also uncovered cases where parents in Bassa were sending their children out for child labour, we are tracking them.”
Governor Mutfwang urged community leaders to take responsibility in sensitizing their people, stressing that the government, in collaboration with religious institutions, will embark on an intensive enlightenment campaign to address the issue.
“I appeal to all of you, as leaders in your communities, to take up this cause. May God burden your hearts with the urgency of this struggle so that you will rise above all affiliations and address your people. The church will play a pivotal role, and we will stand by our religious leaders in this effort.”
The governor also highlighted the environmental hazards posed by illegal mining, including land degradation, the destabilization of residential areas, and threats to government institutions.
On the security situation in the state, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to resist any attempt to destabilize Plateau. He emphasized that the people of Plateau are hospitable and accommodating, but they expect their traditions, values, and institutions to be respected.
“All Plateau people seek is recognition and respect for their cultural values and traditional institutions. We will not allow any deliberate attempt to undermine our state.”
He stressed that the unity of the church is crucial in achieving these goals, assuring that his administration will continue to work in close collaboration with the people to build lasting peace and progress.
In his sermon, the Guest Preacher, Rev. Agwom Azi Magaji, who drew his message from John 11:25 under the theme “I Am the Resurrection and the Life,” emphasized that God has the power to restore life to anything that seems lost or dead.
“The power of resurrection is in Christ Jesus. Every believer must acknowledge God’s power in their lives to maintain a steadfast faith in Him.”
Hon. AMB. Daniel Asama Ago, Member House of Representatives, Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency the 8th day of February 2025, marks exactly one year in the National Assembly, serving as the voice and defender of the good people of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency and contributing to the national discourse that shapes the future of our great nation, Nigeria.
This journey has been one of responsibility, dedication, and relentless service. It is a journey we embarked on together in February , 2024, and every achievement recorded within this one year is a testament to the collective efforts of the people—our supporters, Stakeholders, Party Leaders, Youth, Women, Religious bodies, Traditional institutions, Community leaders, and everyone who believed in this movement from the very beginning.
I stand before you, deeply humbled and filled with gratitude for your prayers, encouragement, and undiluted support. Through the Grace of God Almighty, we have set a record-breaking pace of representation, towards fulfilling our campaign promises and prioritizing the welfare of our constituents.
OUR ONE-YEAR ACHIEVEMENTS
In just one year, we have worked tirelessly, ensuring that every segment of our constituency feels the impact of purposeful representation. Though we have rolled out activities earlier during our first Town Hall Meeting in Jos North, may I once again utilize this opportunity to highlight the following accomplishments:
1. Introduction of 9 Bills aimed at addressing pressing National and Constituency concerns.
2. Active engagement in 14 National Assembly Committees, ensuring that the voice of our people is well represented in key Legislative processes.
3. Raising Three (3) major matters of Public importance on: Community Policing, Incessant fire outbreaks on Katako Market of Jos North, and the heartbreaking school building collapse in Jos North.
4. Distribution of food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to alleviate the hardship faced by our vulnerable citizens.
5. Seed funding for 200 market women, empowering small businesses and improving economic sustainability.
6. Provision of fertilizers to farmers, boosting agricultural productivity and food security.
7. Donation of sewing machines and grinding machines to constituents, enhancing skill acquisition and self-reliance.
8. Distribution of reading tables, writing materials, school bags, and sandals to vulnerable pupils, promoting education at the grassroots level.
9. Payment of WAEC & NECO fees for 600 students, reducing the financial burden on parents and ensuring brighter futures for our young minds.
10. Providing international exposure for 40 football talents, opening doors of opportunity for our youth in global sports.
11. Strengthening community security by networking the Community Police, Hunters, and Vigilante Groups, thereby improving safety across our communities.
12. Construction of classroom blocks in Rukuba, fostering better learning environments for students.
13. Facilitating employment opportunities for youths into the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, and Nigerian Army.
14. Creating employment networking channels for youths into the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service.
As we anticipate the 2025 budget, we are prepared to roll out more impactful projects and interventions.
We remain committed to Job Creation, Empowerment, Education, Security, Health, and Infrastructure development across our Constituency.
A CALL FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
This first year is only the beginning. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Our success is your success, and we will continue to ensure that governance delivers tangible benefits to every household in our constituency.
As we move forward, we humbly solicit your continued prayers, support, and partnership. Together, we will build a more prosperous, secure, and progressive Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.
Thank you for believing in this movement. Thank you for continually standing by us. Thank you for making this journey possible. Together we will achieve a greater Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency and Plateau State at large.
To God be the glory!
Hon. AMB. Daniel Asama Ago (Anki Kaboh),
Deputy Chairman House Committee on Tourism &
Deputy Chairman House Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has congratulated Prof. Patricia Lar on her appointment as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.
In a congratulatory, message, Governor Mutfwang described Prof. Lar as a visionary leader and distinguished academic, whose strategic foresight has significantly advanced credible research and academic excellence.
He highlighted Prof. Lar’s contributions as a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, noting that her innovative reforms in university education have played a crucial role in enhancing the skills and intellectual growth of numerous students within and outside Nigeria.
Expressing confidence in her ability to lead, Governor Mutfwang stated that Prof. Lar’s tenure at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, will undoubtedly expand the frontiers of knowledge, promote cutting-edge research, and foster institutional growth and development.
He also commended her dedication as a member of the Governing Council of the College of Education, Gindiri, acknowledging her steadfast commitment to addressing academic challenges and championing equitable and inclusive education.
On behalf of his family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Lar and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting her with this significant responsibility.
He prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, and strength for Prof. Lar as she takes on the noble role of advancing academic excellence and research-driven solutions for societal development.
Plateau State Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (P. F. N) has joined other States in the one – day in 40 – day national fast & prayer with theme :
National Rebirth with hundreds of PFN Leaders & Pastors from different Churches & Ministers in attendance .
Speaking at the well attended & colourful program Rev. Dr. Steven Dangana, Senior Pastor Citadel of Peace Assembly Jos & the Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Religious Affairs, has emphasized the power of prayer and the necessity of sacrifice for Nigeria’s transformation.
Speaking during the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Plateau State’s one-day fasting and prayer session at Covenant Word Christian Centre International Headquarters, Jos, he urged believers to recognize that true national rebirth requires both spiritual devotion and active commitment.
Quoting Isaiah 66:7-10, Rev. Dangana posed a critical question:
“Can a nation be born at once?
Can anything great emerge without travail?”
He stressed that while prayer remains a formidable force, meaningful change can only come through selfless efforts and dedicated action.
He called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, hard work, and righteousness to see the desired transformation in the nation.
“We cannot bring forth without travail; a great nation cannot be birthed overnight.
As much as we believe in the power of prayer, we must also recognize that prayer without work is ineffective,” he stated. He encouraged Pentecostal believers to rise beyond intercession and actively contribute to nation-building.
The event was part of PFN’s 40-day nationwide fasting and prayer campaign marking the fellowship’s 40th anniversary and seeking divine intervention for Nigeria.
Each state was allocated a specific day to observe the fast, and February 6 was designated for Plateau State.
In his opening remarks, Chairman PFN Plateau State Chapter, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, celebrated the journey of the fellowship, acknowledging the faith and sacrifices of its founding fathers. He announced that PFN’s 18th Biennial Conference would hold from February 11-14, 2025, at the Glory Dome in Abuja, under the leadership of His Eminence, Bishop Dr. Francis Wale Oke.
Rev. Gomwalk emphasized that Nigeria is at a defining moment, requiring collective spiritual efforts. He called on all PFN members to participate actively in the national fasting and prayer movement and urged Plateau State to lead by example.
“As we mark our 40th year, we believe that this is a prophetic season for the rebirth of Nigeria. Our voices will be heard, and we trust God for a transformed nation,” he declared.
Intensive Prayers for the Nation and Church Leadership.
The gathering saw a series of fervent prayers led by key church leaders, focusing on national and state affairs, security, the economy, and the church. The highlights included; Bishop Dr. Dele Olukotun – Prayer for Plateau State, its leadership, and security.
Bishop Dr. Wilson Ezeofor – Prayer for the Nigerian President, national leaders, and national revival.
Rev. Gloria Mokungah – Prayer for PFN pastors, their churches, and their families. Rev. Obi Godwin – Prayer for PFN’s national leadership and the success of the upcoming biennial conference.
The event also featured goodwill messages from Rev. N.C. Thompson and other PFN leaders, reaffirming their commitment to interceding for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity.
As the session concluded, there was a strong call for continued intercession beyond the event, with participants encouraged to uphold the nation in prayer and action.
The gathering reaffirmed the PFN’s commitment to spiritual revival and national transformation, as Plateau State played its part in the ongoing 40-day movement.
The event also featured special sessions of praise & worship by the praise team of host Church Covenant Word Christian centre International .
When the news of his death filtered on Thursday, January 23, 2025, many found it difficult to accept the reality; though it was a known fact that he had been down with ill health.
For a long period, those who knew his health condition had silently prayed for God’s intervention to keep him alive.
They have every reason to do so; and for good though. The more you knew and understood the late Sardaunan Plateau, you got acquainted that it was good to have him around.
.
Governor Caleb M Mutfwang’s announcement of his death; in my estimation did not take away anything from his family. Leaders of his status can only be celebrated by not limiting him to a particular location.
While he was alive, Lt Gen Jeremiah Timbut Useni was close and associated with people in numerous ways during his military career and as a private person.
Beyond the fact that he ‘represented the ideal value of a military officer that understood what it meant to be a people’s soldier’, his demise is liken to as ‘the fall of one of the tallest tree in the forest’.
He made time available to mix freely with the mass of the people. He had a wife who had a beautiful heart that freely synchronized with her husband’s to help people.
The outpour of emotions for the loss have been massive. It only shows the essence of the man in question, whose place in history since February 16, 1943 has not been lost.
For the right reasons, he has been popularly referred to as Baba Mai Tuwo (the man who freely gives or provides for all). Beyond that, his warmth towards those who visited his house, either at Langtang, Jos or Abuja was beyond the ordinary.
Two ‘affectionate’ monikers remained largely points of service to the various publics he served during his lifetime. Jerry Boy and Baba Mai Tuwo hung around his neck far more than any other. They remain points of reference to his magnanimity.
He remained one of the few who was aware that doing good to people was the only recipe needed to harvest any good in return.
No wonder, his popular refrain: ‘Do good, you see good’, is not lost in the journey of his life. Within the available space, it is difficult to begin to pick them one after another for mention. To adequately enumerate them is to reduce the essence of those contributions.
It is not out of place to say that the journey of the former Minister of Transport, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt General Jeremiah Timbut Useni has many chapters. To get a clear picture of his person, one needs to understand those chapters.
The journey for him could have started when he joined the military at 14 at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. One appointment followed after another in quick succession; it included being Quarter Master General of the Nigerian Army.
He shot to national prominence as soon as he became military governor of the defunct Bendel State in January 1984 until August 27, 1985.
He is indeed a ‘passionate patriot who dedicated much of his life to service’, and gave all to his country. But above all, as ‘a gentleman officer of extraordinary orientation’, he lived as ‘a total Nigerian without boundaries’.
His style of leadership was indeed ‘result-driven’ and even more, of his ‘ability to coordinate and inspire those around him’.
Those who were close to him say with certainty that his leadership style turned many ‘challenges into opportunities’ while he lived.
It is on record, according to Nigeria’s former president, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, that ‘due to his robust character and friendly, approachable demeanor’, General Useni built a coterie of ‘friends across Nigeria’, who without mincing words, saw that he was ‘very much at home with anyone he came across.’
Much more than that, General Useni uniquely had a calm mien, and Babangida recalled that ‘you would hardly see the anger of General Useni’.
Thus, in ‘his infectious laughter and easy going nature, left a lasting impression on all who encountered him’.
No wonder, ‘General Useni’s passing is being felt deeply across Nigeria, particularly among his family, friends, and those who worked with him throughout his illustrious career’.
During the reign of General Sani Abacha’s military junta from 1993 to 1998, the Langtang born Lt General who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory was considered de facto Head of State. Their friendship can be traced as far back as in 1966.
He was the most influencial and highest serving army officer, so that during the passage of General Sani Abacha in 1998, he was expected to be named the next Head of State.
The ‘privilege’ of becoming the Head of State ‘was conceded to the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Abdulsalmi Abubakar’. Only those involved know what reasons were given for the action.
The death of the Head of State was allegedly shrouded in mystery. It was Useni who maintained that the maximum leader ‘died naturally’.
One colossal personal tragedy he went through was the death of his wife, Julie and his last son, Danjuma who were among those killed in the EAS plane crash that occurred on May 4, 2002, while traveling from Kano to Lagos.
The ‘personal tragedy’ having been put aside, ‘he also came under the very false suspicion of being in the know of how/why Abacha died because both of them were allegedly together in the couple of hours leading to Abacha’s death’.
When he ‘plunged head-on into politics’, he did so knowing it will be beneficial to him and those he represented. He was All Nigeria Peoples Party’s Deputy National Chairman, as well as leader and National Chairman of the defunct Democratic people’s Party (DPP).
In March 2015, he was elected a senator to represent Plateau South Senatorial district on the PDP platform. He was the party’s gubernatorial candidate in 2019, where he lost to Barr Simon Bako Lalong.
He played a crucial role as chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF); indeed as the pioneer founding chairman of the BOT of the North Central People’s Forum and services offered to the Tarok Elders Forum.
Philanthropy and community development efforts did not depart from his home. While Mrs Julie Useni lived, she was passionate about God and taking care of the home front as there was none.
Many may recall her pet project: Daughters of Abraham Foundation, where young women were taken off the streets and given new lease of life. It must be stated, widows and other poor women have lost benefactors that placed their interests close to their hearts.
Beyond several businesses which he pioneered, the establishment of Tim Tali Transport and a university with the same name are allegedly in a quandary but need attention to them see the light of the day.
For all who received help in ft various forms from him, while he lived; they can only serve his memory well to remember to engage in doing good.
By the fact of the loss, the family knows what is good to be done to keep his memory incandescent.
A Magistrate Court sitting in Jos plateau state capital ,has sentence 24 Years Old man Mr. Stanley Chibike to 10 years imprisonment and option of fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira (#100,000)for violation of Environmental Law and Assault on Security Personnel attached to the Agency .
Hon. Justice Debra Nyam of Chief Magistrate Court (5) sitting at the Luguard Road, Jos North Local Government plateau State, give the judgement 6th February 2025 during the arraignment of one Mr Stanley Chibike over alleged offence of violation of plateau state Environmental Sanitation Law,and Assault of security personnel attached to the Agency to maintain law and order during the exercise.
Mr.Stanley who have been in the custody of correctional center pleaded guilty to the two count charges level again him and pleaded for leniency and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
In his judgement,the presiding judge Hon.justice Dabra Nyam ruled that the Defendant having agreed to the offence is here by sentence to 10 years imprisonment with the option of fine of the sum of Hundred Thousand Naira (#100,000) only in like sum.
It would be recall that staff of the Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency and some support personnel where obstructed from going about their lawful duty at Amuzie Plaza at Tafawa Balewa, opposite Township Primary School during the sanitation exercise of 31st January, as a result of which one law enforcement officer was assaulted.
In a related development, PEPSA has confirmed the unsealing of a block of six locked-up shops adjacent Nana House, near Old Airport Road, Jos, after payment of eighty thousand naira fine by shop owners.
Prior to the enforcement of the law, the traders disregarded the environmental and sanitation advisory that required them to evacuate garbage dumped in drainages near their shops before or during the recent sanitation exercise.
It is with a heavy heart I send our heartfelt condolences to the Usenis, Tarok Nation, Plateau and the entire country over the demise of a well admired and respected elder statesman, father and stakeholder, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni.Rtd. Sardaunan plateau and Nassarawa states.
The condolence message is contained in a press statement dated 8th February, 2025 signed by the Chairman Ichu Otarok Forum and made available to this medium in Jos.
Described Senator
Useni as true patriotic ambassador of both nationally and internationally as he projected the values of discipline, integration, hospitality, hard-work and ingenuity of the state in the discharge of his assigned assignments and personal activities both in the Military and his democratic participation, leaving an indelible legacies written his name on golden sands of time.
His astute and pragmatic approach to governance when he was Governor former Bendel State, former Minister for FCT Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Dist Senator Federal Republic of Nigeria and his remarkable strides in the Nigeria economy and democracy are worthy of emulation.
His death is a big loss not only to his immediate family, Taroh Nation, friends, business associates and well-wishers, but to Plateau and the entire country, came at a time his wise counsel is needed the most.
our heart is with the entire tarok nation particularly the Usenis to take solace in God and be comforted.
May the Almighty God comfort us all and grant him eternal rest with the Lord and the grace to bear this irreparable loss .
Member Presidential Campaign Council for 2023 Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Council representing North Central , honourable Ishaya Itse has commended President Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law North -Central Development Commission(NCDC),bill.
Honourable Itse’s appreciation to the president is contained in a press statement dated 7thth February 2025 personally signed by him and made available to this medium in Jos.
Further said the signing of the bill into law by Mr President,no doubt confirmed his Renewed Hope Agenda for the Nigerian masses.
“This is a new dawn for the North-Central region, and we appreciate President Tinubu for his vision and leadership,” Hon. Itse maintained.
He described the bill as historic development follows it’s successful passage by the 10th National Assembly and is set to propel the socio-economic transformation of the Region, which comprises Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Stressed that the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) emphasizes President Tinubu’s commitment to balanced Regional development, aligning with his broader Renewed Hope Agenda.
A New Era of Progress for North-Central
For years, the North-Central Region has faced a myriad of challenges, including infrastructural deficits, security concerns, and economic underdevelopment.
With the formation of the NCDC, there is renewed optimism that critical issues such as security stabilization, agricultural revitalization, industrial growth, and youth empowerment will receive targeted intervention.
Let the celebration begin as we anticipate a new chapter of growth and prosperity. Itse concluded.
Plateau State University, Bokkos, has officially received the renovated Faculty of Social Sciences and a 600-capacity lecture theatre, courtesy of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention projects.
The renovated faculties, once dilapidated, now boast modern looks with quality furniture, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Shedrack Gaya Best expressed gratitude to TETFund for its interventions, which have significantly bridged the institution’s infrastructural gap.
The renovation projects, handled by Nicholas Dav Services Nigeria Limited and Bisham Investment Limited respectively, come with a six-month defect liability period according to Prof. Best who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Associate Prof. Keziah Ayuba.
This would allow the contractors to address any pending issues before the final certifications will be completed.
The consultant for the two projects, Arcprodev Design Associate Limited, assured that all outstanding work would be completed according to specifications.
In a related development, the university has awarded a contract to Kaliz Investment Limited for the construction of a 150-capacity auditorium.
The project, aims to provide a dedicated space for seminars and conferences without disrupting lectures. The contractor has eight months to complete the project, according to Prof. Best.
The structure will be located within the Simon Lalong Garden, a student relaxation center on campus.
Prof. Best while handing over the certificate of award to the contractor at the proposed building site emphasized the importance of professionalism and adherence to standards in the execution of the project.
With these developments, Plateau State University, Bokkos, is poised to enhance its learning environment and academic experience.
Member Representing Pankshin Kanke and Kanam(Pkk), Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Rt.Hon.Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has raised alarm over mutilated compendium of his achievements currently being circulated with the aim to discredit his hard earned achievements as member Representing the good people of PKK.
Gagdi said the disjointed/mutilated compendium which is obviously the handling work of mischief makers is aimed to paint him in bad light despite his hard to beat achievements recorded as member.
Honourable Gagdi who doubled as Chairman of Navy in the National Assembly raised the alarm in a press statement dated 6th February 2025 personal signed by him and made available to journalists in Jos.
The statement which read in part state,
My attention has been drawn to a piece of malicious publication, being circulated on social media, ostensibly doctored from the compendium of the records of my achievements from 2019-2023 as the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.
It must be noted that, the compendium of my achievements which was published in 2023 were tangible and verifiable projects executed by me in my first term in office, which formed the basis upon which the electorate supported and voted me for a second term with an overwhelming vote margin of over 31 thousand in 2023.
It must also be noted that since the publication hit the public prior to the 2023 elections, it has not yet been reviewed nor altered to accommodate any achievements recorded in my ongoing second term in office.
It must, as well, be noted that all the pages of the original publication bear my official insignia and duly signed by me which shall be release to the general public again.
The public is hereby advised to discountenance any other publication being circulated to include ongoing projects initiated in my second term in office* purporting to emanate from me or my media crew.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Gungji-Shiwer-Dokpai road initiated in our second term in office is a 1.5 kilometers constituency project that was handled by a reputable construction firm, which had completed the portion of the road awarded to her, and at no time did I or my media handlers claimed that the whole stretch of the road from Gungji to Dokopai was completed. The second phase of the road has been awarded and is billed to commence on this week.
Even more preposterous is the assertion by the mischief makers that the Dengi-Kwalmiya-Gum-Gagdi-Wawus road, stretching 52 kilometers with 5 big bridges were completed within a period of two years, and not the actual 10 km of the road’s earthwork contract* already being awarded which is equally ongoing.
Without equivocation, the publication was borne out of mischief by my detractors to belittle my modest contributions to the development of my constituency, which have received widespread accolades by all well meaning constituents of PKK and beyond.
I want to unequivocally state that, the authors of that mischievous publication were being pound foolish and pennywise for hammering on a paltry four ongoing projects, out of over 100 achievements recorded in the original compendium, to use in their hatchet job to discredit what we have done for our people within a short period of time through a doctored and mutilated compendium.
Let it be on record that the Gungji-Shiwer-Dokpai road project will be completed as my personal and self sponsored project, but the 1.5 km constituency road project awarded on a portion of that road has already been completed.
Our detractors who embarked on this fault-finding mission should brace up for *the Herculean task of discrediting us in the over 200 communities of PKK where we have cited various visible community development initiatives to the excitement of the benefitting communities.
I make bold to assert that I have hundreds and more projects to show for my sojourn at the National Assembly. I am not scampering for what to show to justify for the mandate entrusted on me by the good people of PKK, to go about naming things that do not exist as part of my achievements.
My tangible and verifiable achievements permeate nooks and crannies of PKK to attest to my credibility as a people centred representative.
I shall soon be going round to lay Foundation of new projects and inspect the ongoing projects.
This will certainly clear more thoughts and put to rest all doubts.
Signed :
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, PhD OON,
Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Navy.
Chief Gideon Dandam, the (Ubangarin Lantang),who doubled as the Project Coordinator Fadama NG-CAREs Plateau State and family, Condoles with the family of Useni over the demise of Lt.Gen. JT.Useni.
Chief Dandam condolence message is contained in press statement dated 5th February 2025 personally signed by him and made available to journalists .
The press statement read in part:
It is with a heavy heart on behalf of my humble self and family, I send my heartfelt empathy and sympathy to the Usenis, Tarok Nation, Plateau and the entire country over the unfortunate death of a well admired and respected elder statesman, father and stakeholder, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni.Rtd.
He described JT Useni as a true ambassador of Plateau both nationally and internationally as he projected the values of discipline, integration, hospitality, hard-work and ingenuity of the state in the discharge of all his assignments and personal activities both in the Military and his democratic participation, leaving an indelible legacies written on golden sands of time.
“His sagacious and pragmatic approach to governance when he was Governor former Bendel State, Senator of the Federal Republic, former Minister for FCT Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,Dist Senator Federal Republic of Nigeria and his remarkable strides in the Nigeria economy and democracy are worthy of emulation”.
Stressed that his death which is a big loss not only to his immediate family, Taroh Nation, friends, business associates and well-wishers, but to Plateau and the entire country, came at a time his wise counsel is needed the most.
My heart is with the entire tarok nation particularly the Usenis and his kinsmen to take solace in God and be comforted.
May the Almighty God comfort us all and grant him eternal rest with the Lord and the grace to bear this irreparable loss .
The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), under the leadership of Ambassador Danjuma Nanpon Sheni and the entire good people of Plateau, expresses deep gratitude and appreciation to Mr. President, Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu, (GCFR) for graciously considering the request of the good people of the North Central for the establishment of the North Central Commission and signing the Bill into law.
This appreciation to Mr. President is contained in a press statement dated 5th February 2025 signed by PIDAN Secretary Danjuma Dickson Auta and made available to this medium in Jos.
PIDAN believes that as the Commission takes effect, the people of the region will surely sight a sense of relief as the Commission is meant to oversee the development and growth of the North Central Region.
The Commission will focus on promoting Economic Empowerment and reducing poverty in the region.
We also believe that the Commission will bring about massive infrastructural development in the region by providing critical infrastructures, including roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities.
PIDAN also wishes as to place on record its appreciation to members of the National Assembly Caucus from Plateau State under the leadership of Sen. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong and their counterparts from the North Central States and other states, who fought gallantly by putting aside party differences to ensure that the Commission became a reality.
PIDAN also appreciates the co-sponsor of the bill former Senator Istifanus D. Gyang and minority Senator Abba Moro.
The establishment of the North Central Committee is great testimony to the memory of Senator J.T. Useni who had also fought for its establishment in the 8th Senate.
The establishment of the North Central Commission would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the members from Plateau state who worked closely with their colleagues from other states to build consensus.
As PIDAN awaits the constitution of the management team for the Commission, we urge Mr. president to ensure that Justice, equity and fairness are observed.
Member Representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Daniel Asama has lauded the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law North Central Development Commission bill pending in the house .
As signing Into law the bill , further demonstrate the president’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr president for the Nigeria down troddens.
The House of Representatives member Asama appreciation to Mr president is contained in a press statement dated 5th February 2025 signed by his Director of media Brain Lang and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state capital.
The statement read in part:
“We are grateful to Mr. President for signing the bill into law, confirming his Renewed Hope Agenda for the Nigerian masses.
This is a new dawn for the North-Central region, and we appreciate President Tinubu for his vision and leadership,” Hon. Asama stated.
This historic development follows the bill’s successful passage by the 10th National Assembly and is set to propel the socio-economic transformation of the Region, which comprises Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The establishment of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) emphasizes President Tinubu’s commitment to balanced Regional development, aligning with his broader Renewed Hope Agenda.
A New Era of Progress for North-Central
For years, the North-Central Region has faced a myriad of challenges, including infrastructural deficits, security concerns, and economic underdevelopment.
With the formation of the NCDC, there is renewed optimism that critical issues such as security stabilization, agricultural revitalization, industrial growth, and youth empowerment will receive targeted intervention.
The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is strategically aligned with Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025, which seek to accelerate National growth and inclusive development.
With the signing of this bill, North-Central States and the FCT will now have a structured framework to drive large-scale development projects, attract investments, and enhance economic opportunities for millions of citizens.
This marks a significant victory for stakeholders, States and communities in the Zone, who have long advocated for a commission to cater to the Region’s unique needs.
The establishment of the NCDC is not just a step in the right direction; it is a bold statement that North-Central Nigeria is ready for transformation.
Let the celebration begin as we anticipate a new chapter of growth and prosperity!
The General Officer Commanding(GOC),3 Division Major General Folusho Oyinlola has promised to tackle the current security Challenges bedeviling Plateau State with high sense of fairness without bias or sentiment.
The Newly deployed GOC to the state,who doubled as Commander Operation Save Haven(OPSH), Major General Oyinlola gave the promise during courtesy call to Governor Mutfwang at the New Government House Little Rayfied 4th February 2025.
The Goc who was deployed to the state few weeks ago reiterated his commitment to fair and just approach in addressing the state’s security challenges, aiming to foster a peaceful environment for all citizens.
In his address, Major General Oyinlola emphasized the necessity of maintaining and building upon the achievements of his predecessor in ensuring stability within the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of Plateau and its neighboring regions.
“Our priority is not just to maintain the existing peace in the state but also to enhance it, ensuring that all parties involved feel secure and supported,” he stated.
The GOC’s remarks underscored a people-centric approach to security operations, which he defined as the combination of kinetic strategies—more traditional military engagements—and non-kinetic initiatives focusing on community engagement and dialogue.
“The operations in Plateau State require a multi-faceted approach,” he added. “We must involve all stakeholders and ensure that their voices are heard in our quest for lasting peace.”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang while welcoming the GOC, expressed his appreciation for the GOC’s visit and pledged the full support of the state government to aid in his mission.
“We consider you a critical partner in progress, and together we aspire to return Plateau State to its pre-crisis status, a land renowned as the true home of peace and tourism in Nigeria,”
Mutfwang stated, underscoring the partnership between the military and the state government in addressing security concerns.
The governor also acknowledged the efforts of the immediate past GOC, attributing the peaceful Christmas celebration of 2024 to his dedicated interventions.
“His contributions to peace and security were paramount in ensuring a harmonious festive season for our communities,” stated Mutfwang.
Highlighting the dual nature of the security challenges in the state, the governor noted the importance of employing both hard and soft approaches.
“A multi-faceted strategy is essential to not only combat violence but also to promote understanding and cooperation among our communities,” he reiterated.
Governor Mutfwang called on the citizens of Plateau State to embrace peace and work collectively towards a more secure future, reassuring them of the state government’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, the Secretary to the State Government, honorable commissioners, and members of the Plateau State Executive Council, along with commanders and staff officers from the 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN.
The occasion was marked by the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph, commemorating the collaborative spirit between the military and the state government.
Major General Oyinlola’s visit to Governor Mutfwang signals a renewed commitment to peace and security in Plateau State.
With the GOC’s assurance of fairness and the governor’s support, there is hope for a more secure and harmonious Plateau, where the communities can collectively thrive and restore their historic legacy as a beacon of peace and tourism in Nigeria.
As both leaders echoed the need for unity and proactive measures, the future looks promising for the people of Plateau State.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Godfrey Bawa Shitgurum, Executive Chairman of DUNCAN Group of Companies, after a prolonged illness.
In a heartfelt condolence message, Governor Mutfwang extended his sympathies to the Shitgurum family of Kwo Chiefdom, describing the late Dr. Bawa as a pillar of wisdom, an exemplary leader, and a visionary entrepreneur whose impact transcended his immediate community to Plateau State and the nation at large.
He acknowledged Dr. Bawa’s invaluable contributions to the business and political landscape of Nigeria, noting that through his leadership at DUNCAN Group of Companies, he pioneered innovative solutions that significantly fostered economic growth and development.
The Governor added that is resolute commitment to excellence and service left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Governor Mutfwang further paid tribute to Dr. Bawa’s steadfast dedication to humanity, emphasizing that his philanthropic influence reached beyond Plateau State, touching countless lives across Nigeria.
On behalf of his family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his deepest condolences to his wife, Bishop Tina Bawa, their children, and the entire Kwo Chiefdom of QuanPan Local Government Area. He prayed for divine strength, comfort, and fortitude for them in this moment of grief.
Governor of Plateau state Caleb Mutfwang has merged hitherto ministry of secondary and Higher Education into one ,and to continue to operate as ministry of Education to avoid over lapping and conflicts in it effective operation.
As the government also created a New hitherto not in existence, Ministry of Livestock to over see the management of livestock farming in the state as it’s currently the best practices in other parts of the world.
Governor Mutfwang revealed this in his speech during the swearing in of (5),New Commissioners who takeover from the five out gone Commissioners’ affected by the reshufflement of his cabinet to inject new life Into his Government for effective service delivery to the citizens of plateau yearning for speedy dividend of democracy.
The governor said with the reshufflement of the cabinet and in injected of new blood into the system, almost all the ministry without any doubt will be reposition for better service delivery.
He charged those that would be deployed to over see the merged education sector to bring their expertises to bear in repositioning the sector , and make the institution center of excellence.
Said their appointment into cabinet of the “Time Is Now Administration”is a call to duty ,an opportunity to serve with distinction, creating lasting impacts in plateau state.
Charged them to remain dedicated,and let the spirit of excellent guard their actions.
Urged them to remain steadfast as they embarked on this journey along with him in driving the mission and vision to build Plateau state that is accountable and reflecting the aspirations of the people of Plateau state through their collective efforts.
Reiterated his Government determination to prioritize sustainable development , good Governance and well being of the people of plateau state.
Reminded them that those dropped from the cabinet did not commit any Offences, stressed that in any football match, there is always room for transfer season.
Said bringing them on board is to find way to see how to improve in service delivery that the administration undere his watch have started for the past (20), months in piloting the affairs of the state.
The governor lauded the selection of the Chairmen and governor Council’s of Tertiary Institutions in the state for their well deserved appointment as they where carefully selected based on their past experiences and track record in various field of endeavors.
“I trust you will drive the much needed reform in our various institutions of learning in the state.”
“Education remain the corner stones of our much needed in this administration agenda,to reposition our Tertiary Institutions ,to empower the youths for the skills and knowledge that can compete globally.”
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep shock over the demise of late Miskoom Dr. Godfrey Bawa Shitgurum, MON who passed away recently in Abuja.
Senator Lalong along with his colleagues former Governor of Niger State Senator Sani Bello and Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District Pam Dachunggyang visited the residence of the deceased in Abuja to commiserate with them.
He said his demise is a big loss to the people of Gamailand, Kwo Chiefdom, QuanPan LGA, Plateau State and Nigeria at large because of his enormous contributions to the development of the society.
His successes in the world of business and entrepreneurship enabled him to create job opportunities for many youths as well as mentor others towards self-reliance and positive engagement are legacies that will follow his memory.
According to him, the deceased deployed his resources and gifts towards philanthropic causes thereby touching the lives of many positively.
Lalong said his contributions to the Church and the spread of the gospel will also not be forgotten in a hurry.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Larry Peters Bawa thanked the Senators for the visit and said they are consoled by the words of comfort.
The delegation also extended condolences to his wife Bishop Tina Bawa.
In another development, Senator has sympathised with the Alkali family over the demise of their son Barrister Maurice Alkali who passed unto glory recently.
Lalong in a condolence message to the family said the death of the young and vibrant lawyer creates a big vacuum in the hearts of the family and society at large.
He prayed God to forgive his sins and great his soul eternal rest.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has joined numerous associates and well-wishers in congratulating Prof. Chris Kwaja on his elevation to the rank of Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang felicitation with the celebrant Chris Kwaja over his elevation to the level of academy professor was contained in a press statement dated 4th February 2025 signed by Director of press and Public Affairs to the Governor ,Dr.Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos.
The Governor described the promotion of Kwaja to the position of professor as well deservedly , expressed confidence that this academic achievement would further enhance Prof. Kwaja’s capacity to provide strategic guidance on national and global affairs, while continuing his invaluable service to Plateau State and beyond.
The Governor noted that Prof. Kwaja is a distinguished political scientist with profound expertise in International Relations, and commended his strategic foresight, intellectual depth, and contributions to policymaking and governance. He said that Prof. Kwaja’s work has significantly shaped development policies and the political landscape across Africa.
The Governor lauded Prof. Kwaja’s unwavering dedication to excellence, highlighting his resilience in personal and professional development despite his demanding schedule.
He further praised his commitment to research, humanitarian service, and impactful leadership, particularly during his tenure as Director General for Research and Planning, as well as Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang also acknowledged Prof. Kwaja’s strategic role as Zonal Coordinator for the North East region in conducting the National Survey on Small Arms, Experiences of Armed Violence, and Perception of Security in Nigeria, a project undertaken by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru and the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM).
This, he noted, was a testament to Prof. Kwaja’s dedication to peace, security, and national development, which ultimately earned him this prestigious academic elevation.
He described Prof. Kwaja as a beacon of fairness, justice, and inclusivity, whose relentless pursuit of knowledge continues to drive meaningful change in governance and international diplomacy.
On behalf of the government and peace-loving people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Chris Kwaja on this milestone, praying for God’s continued wisdom, strength, and guidance as he uses his expertise to benefit humanity.
The Baptist community in Nigeria is in mourning over the loss of Reverend Sunday Abolarinwa Olaleye Fabunmi, a distinguished pastor and leader who passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Reverend Fabunmi, who served as the Pastor of First Baptist Church, Jos, and Chairman of the Pastors Fellowship, Plateau Baptist Conference, departed this life after a prolonged illness at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
“He was a God’s General, a lover of the gospel, whose faith, love, devotion, service will continue to inspire the Church,” said a spokes person for the Media Unit of the Church.
“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the many communities he served.”
In a statement, the Church said: “we regret to announce the passing on to glory of a faithful servant of God, Reverend Abolarinwa Olaleye Sunday Fabunmi, affectionately known as God’s General.
The church prayed that his legacy of faith, love, and service continue to inspire the body of Christ”
The Chairman of the Deaconate of the Church, Dn. Dr. Michael Odeyale said “Reverend Fabunmi was a true servant of God, a passionate preacher, and a compassionate leader. He will be deeply missed, but his impact on the church and body of Christ will never be forgotten.”
As news of Reverend Fabunmi’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Baptist community. “He was a giant of faith, a shining example of what it means to live a life dedicated to serving God and humanity,” said Rev. Mrs. Deborah Ayandele, the Children Pastor, First Baptist Church, Jos.
“We will miss him dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire us.”, said the President, Youth Fellowship, First Baptist Church, Jos, Mr. Sheyi Mafolasire.
Reverend Fabunmi is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and the body of Christ. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Church in due course.
With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of almighty God, the Family of Late. Mr Peter Bawa Shitgurum of KWO Chiefdom regret to announce the passing unto glory of Dr. Godfrey Bawa Shitgurum, The Executive Chairman of the DUNCAN Group of Companies.
Dr. Bawa died in the early morning of Sunday, the 2nd day of February, 2025 in Abuja.
Until his death, Dr. Bawa was a notable philanthropist who bagged the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Niger, (M.O.N).
He is survived by his wife, Bishop Tina Bawa, Children, grandchild and Siblings.
Burial arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) and International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA) have signed a landmark partnership agreement aimed at providing reintegration assistance to Nigerians returning from Germany to Nigeria.
The agreement, signed at the EAPEAN Secretariat in Lagos, marks a significant milestone in EAPEAN’s history and is a testament to the shared commitment of both organizations to supporting Nigerian returnees.
The partnership is part of the ARRIVES project, funded through the Asylum Migration and Integrated Fund (AMIF) of the European Commission.
Through this partnership, EAPEAN will provide internship and job placement opportunities for returnees, empowering them to reintegrate into Nigerian society and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
IRARA, with its extensive experience in providing reintegration assistance, will work closely with EAPEAN to create a supportive ecosystem that enables returnees to thrive in Nigeria.
According to Mr. Jide Afolabi, Executive Secretary of EAPEAN, “We are excited to collaborate with IRARA and look forward to a fruitful collaboration that makes a positive impact on the lives of Nigerian returnees.”
The partnership is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of Nigerian returnees, providing them with the support and resources they need to reintegrate into society and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Ms. Eze Chioma Judith, Project Manager, IRARA, expressed gratitude to EAPEAN for their dedication to this partnership.
“The collaboration is expected to create a supportive ecosystem that enables returnees to thrive in Nigeria. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that promotes the welfare of migrant workers and supports Nigeria’s economic development.”
This strategic partnership is designed to benefit EAPEAN member companies and migrant workers, while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The partnership aims to provide a framework for cooperation on reintegration assistance and job placement for returnees. Further details of the agreement will be shared with EAPEAN members in due course.
The member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, was recently hosted on Channels Television on a programme Politics Today, by Seun Okinbaloye.
In the said programme he made assertions which went viral on social media alleging Federal Government’s presence in terms of infrastructural development superceding that of the state in Plateau by ratio 4:1, meaning 80% to 20%.
Gagdi made the assertion with audacity and boastfully wanted to be quoted anywhere being confident that what he was saying was the truth.
But how true is it that the Federal Government’s projects constitute 80% of the entire infrastructures of development on the Plateau while that of the state 20%? When percentage is involved, the sum is graded over 100. Therefore taking 80% out of 100% the difference is 20%.
Gagdi did not specify the governmental dispensation he was talking about and the areas of development.
He made a blanket statement summing all infrastructures and only cited examples with tertiary institutions and political appointments which either way,
whether inclusive or exclusive of governments and their projects, was erroneous.
He said the Federal Government has five higher institutions, but is that true?
First, what’s a tertiary institutions? Tertiary institution is a school that offers formal post-secondary education such as; University college, Polytechnic and so on.
With this, let’s count FG’s tertiary institutions :
Jos University, Federal University of Education Pankshin, Federal Polytechnic Nyak, in Shendam, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, National Veterinary Research Institute, NVRI, Vom, Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences, NTA College, National Film Institute and Police College (though its strictly for Police Personnel).
Let’s see those of the state government :
Plateau State University Bokkos, College of Education Gindiri, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi, College of Health Zawan, College of Health Pankshin, College of Agriculture Garkawa and College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Kurgwi.
Here we have 10 to 7. FG has 10 tertiary institutions while the state has 7.
It’s not up to 80% or ratio 4:1. Furthermore, the information given by Gagdi was in incorrect because FG has more than 5 tertiary institutions.
In terms of political appointments, Gagdi said that FG has appointed 21 people from Plateau, but that’s not close to the state’s political appointments which include :
All commissioners of ministries which are 19 or so, heads of agencies, Chief of Staff, Secretary to State Government, Director of Press and Public Affairs, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants and Special Advisers to the governor and so on. Media aides alone are over 204.
The Federal Government Secretariat is not has huge as Plateau State’s. Federal Hospitals in Plateau are :
Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, with branches in Gindiri and Zamko in Langtang South, and Wase Medical Centre.
But the State’s government hospitals are General Hospital :
Pankshin, Dengi, Tunkus, Angware, Langtang North, Mabudi Langtang South and others, Cottage Hospital Mangu and Plateau Specialists Hospital Jos; not to mention several primary healthcare centers owned by local governments.
In terms of the Media, FG has NTA, while Plateau has PRTVC.
The airport and stadia both Rwang Pam and Zaria road are state government’s.
There are so many infrastructures ranging from water plant, agriculture and so on which there is total absence of the Federal Government.
FG has very good presence in Plateau, but does not constitute 80% of the infrastructures of development. In fact is not up to 10%.
If FG’s infrastructures were more than that of the state’s, there would have been more Federal Government workers than the state’s in Plateau working in the institutions.
If his thinking was based on states’ allocations distributed by FG to them and attributed the projects executed by their governments as done by FG, is erroneous too; because FG generates the funds distributed to states from states, thus, it’s the states financing the FG.
Therefore the funds they generated at the centre is what is distributed back to them as federal government allocation alongside the proceeds from natural resources like crude oil.
Imagine there is resource control, will the FG be buoyant financially as it is? If the FG claims the projects, the states will do same.
The states also have internally generated revenue which cannot be assertained whether it was used for projects or salaries.
The funds given to states are theirs and whatever they achieved with them cannot be attributed to FG. The projects executed by FG, is FG’s and those by states, are states’.
Gagdi’s assertion on national/international television attributing 80% of the infrastructures to Federal Government, and 20% to the state, is totally misleading and discrediting of past administrations’ performances right from Joseph Gomwalk to now.
And does not in anyway projected Plateau in good light.
There was excitement on Friday as indigent women, petty traders, and market women gave a rousing welcome to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, during his visit to inspect ongoing construction of shops at Kugiya Market, Bukuru, in Jos South Local Government Area.
The women, in a display of appreciation, sang praises and lauded the Governor’s commitment to improving trading conditions by modernizing market infrastructure to create a more conducive business environment.
While inspecting the new shops and a designated site for additional construction, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting traders and alleviating their challenges.
“This project is for the benefit of our people and the traders. We are not displacing anyone to bring in new traders. Existing traders will be given priority, so there is no need for panic.
All we require is full cooperation. We cannot continue to operate in 20th-century structures in the 21st century.
“We are introducing modernization, organization, and order into our markets. This will not only enhance trading activities but also enable us to properly identify traders and facilitate access to credit facilities that will help them expand their businesses.
This is a win-win situation for all of us, and I urge market leaders to sensitize their members on the need for cooperation and collaboration for the greater economic good of our state,” the Governor stated.
Governor Mutfwang, whose people-centered governance approach continues to resonate with the citizens, assured that his administration remains committed to policies that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of the people.
“Beyond what the Jos Metropolis Development Board (JMDB) is doing, we are restructuring market management in the state.
The former Jos Marketing Authority will now be the Plateau Market Authority, which will oversee all markets across the state.
Our goal is to ensure that people can access the market with ease, conduct their business conveniently, and return home without hassle.
“We have no other intention but to improve the living standards of our people. Once these shops are fully completed, everyone will appreciate our vision of rebuilding the state. This project is just a model, and we intend to replicate it across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis,” he added.
The General Manager of the Jos Metropolis Development Board (JMDB), Arc. Hart Bankat, who conducted the Governor around the market, revealed that over 200 shops are currently under construction to enhance ease of doing business in the area.
He assured that priority would be given to traders displaced during the construction, as well as indigent persons, to help sustain their means of livelihood.
The setback encountered which hampered the scheduled flag-off of Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum’s foundation in November 2024, is finally over, thus paving way for the take-off soon.
This is made know in a press statement dated 1st February 2025 signed by Professor Dakum’s Media Consultant Shabul Mazadu and made available to journalists in Jos.
The setback which was occasioned by the change of the previous name, ‘Patrick Sunday Dakum Community Development Foundation’ to ‘Patrick Sunday Dakum Foundation’, which delayed the completion of the registration with Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, has finally gotten node from the Commission via the issuance of operational certificate pivoted by eligibility through attainment of requirements for the enrollment.
The certificate was issued yesterday 31st January, 2025.
The Foundation has named the following as its trustees: Fadimatu Salihu Mishara, Grace Gajere Adamu, Patrick Sunday Dakum, Amaechi Dennis Morde, Hosea Sukkushe and Jonathan Merpring Gukut,
The aims and objectives of the Patrick Sunday Dakum Foundation are:
-Provide Scholarship to students from disadvantaged backgrounds annually .
-Equip and refurbish schools in rural areas with essential educational materials and infrastructure improvements
-Conduct mentoring programs to support academic and personal development of students
-Implement clean water projects in communities without access to safe water for drinking.
-Train specific number of individuals annually in vocational skills such as carpentry, tailoring and computer literacy.
-Establish community led initiatives for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation in villages.
-Empower specific number of women annually through entrepreneurship training and microfinance initiatives.
-Organize workshops and seminars on gender equality and youth rights, reaching a specific number of participants annually.
-Support the establishment of youth-led initiatives for community development and social change
10) Plant a specific number of trees annually in deforested or degraded areas.
-Educate specific number of community members annually on sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.
-Partner with local authorities to improve waste management systems in target communities.
-Establish a rapid response team and emergency fund to provide immediate assistance during disasters, benefiting specific number of individuals annually .
-Conduct training sessions for community members on disaster preparedness and response strategies.
-Fund and support a specific number of research projects annually, addressing local challenges in healthcare, education or sustainable development.
-Conduct health screenings and medical outreaches in specific number of rural communities.
-Establish partnerships with local healthcare providers to offer discounted or free healthcare services to undeserved populations.
Train community health workers to educate locals on preventive healthcare measures.
-Conduct quarterly health awareness campaigns reaching specific number of individuals annually on topics such as Malaria prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness, and maternal health.
-Distribute educational materials and resources on sanitation and hygiene practices to specific number of households annually.
The Foundation will be sited in Jos, Plateau State Capital.
Signed:
Shabul Mazadu
Media Consultant to Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum
Chief Dennis Danladi Yillah has described the death of Late Gen. JT Useni as a collosal loss that hits devastatingly, with an excruciating sting that would take a long time to heal.
Describing Useni as the architect of modern Federal Capital Territory, Yillah advocates for the naming of an important national monument after JT Useni in the FCT, as a way of immortalizing his legacies and a mark of respect for the achievements he had recorded while serving as the FCT minister.
While sending out his condolences to the immediate family, the government and people of Plateau State and Nigerians in general over the loss, Yillah prayed for the repose of the soul of the late patriarch of the Useni dynasty. He charged the family to immortalize the fallen hero by sustaining his philanthropic legacies.
The Europe based business mogul charged the governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, to reflect on the legacies of the late General as a morale booster to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Plateau State who entrusted him with the mandate to govern the state.
He said situations like death of notable statesmen, should serve as wake up call to our political leaders and a constant reminder that the positions they hold in trust for the masses shall be accounted for in the hereafter, hence they should live up to the demands of their offices rather than pursuing personal aggrandizement.
He said Useni had left a memory that would always be relished by those around him, and such should be emulated in order to make the world a better place for all to live in.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his warm felicitations to the Emir of Kanam, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Muazu Muhammadu II, on the joyous occasion of his birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described the revered monarch as a symbol of humility, wisdom, and exemplary leadership, whose unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people continues to inspire progress and unity.
He commended the Emir’s legacy of compassion, justice, and fairness, noting that his steadfast dedication to promoting peace and harmony has significantly contributed to the stability and development of his domain and Plateau State at large.
Governor Mutfwang further acknowledged the Emir’s relentless efforts in fostering social cohesion, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, emphasizing his invaluable role in strengthening community relations and fostering inclusive governance.
On behalf of his family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, the Governor extended his best wishes to the Emir and prayed for continued good health, divine wisdom, and strength for His Royal Highness as he continues his noble service to his people and the nation.
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has joined other well-wishers and admirers in extending his heartfelt congratulations to the former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap mni on the joyous occasion of her 50th birthday.
Governor Mutfwang felicitation message to the Former Deputy Speaker is contained in a press statement dated 1 February 2025 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Dr.Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos.
In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described Hon. Joyce Ramnap as a forthright and visionary political leader whose steadfast commitment to selfless service has left an indelible mark on her people and Plateau State.
He praised Mrs Ramnap for positively impacting numerous lives, not only in Langtang South during her tenure as Deputy Speaker but across Plateau State, through her dedication to progressive governance and grassroots development.
Governor Mutfwang highlighted her exceptional leadership, which has been instrumental in driving transformation and fostering peace and unity within the state.
He commended Mrs Joyce Ramnap, who is a commissioner nominee for her invaluable contributions to strengthening the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau, which he said is a testament to her commitment to the party’s ideals and the betterment of society.
He also lauded her humility, integrity, and compassion, noting that these attributes have earned her widespread respect and admiration among her supporters and peers alike.
On behalf of his family, the government, and the good people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his warm greetings to Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap on this significant milestone.
He prayed for her continued good health, strength, and wisdom to keep serving as a source of inspiration and a pillar of support for Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
In line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, (CP), Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, wishes to inform all Plateau residents that full enforcement of the Third-Party Motor vehicle Insurance Policy requirement will commence on February 1, 2025.
The Third-Party Insurance Act as contained in Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Sections 1, 2 – 3 of the Motor Vehicle Act, mandates all vehicle owners within the country to obtain a minimum of Third-Party Insurance before operating on any Nigerian road.
This information is contained in a press statement dated 1st February 2025 signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), plateau State Command (DSP) Alfred Alabo,and made available to journalists in Jos, plateau State.
According to the statement,the Commissioner of Police has observed with concern, that majority of the vehicles operating within the State are not insured.
Said tends to posed a significant challenge to road safety, and accident victims when the need for compensation arise.
In a bit to address this issue, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command in collaboration with relevant Security agencies and other Governmental bodies, has commenced the immediate enforcement of the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy and urges all vehicle owners within the State to please comply with this Government policy to avoid any bridge of the law.
CP Adesina also wishes to inform the general public that, the Third Party Insurance Policy does the following, among others;
Ensures that victims of road accidents receive necessary compensation.
It provides medical coverage for injuries and damages sustained during travel.
It strengthens the insurance industry and creates employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Promotes a Responsible Driving Culture within the State.
The Commissioner of Police therefore, urges all vehicle owners within Plateau State to immediately obtain a valid Third-Party Insurance to avoid facing legal consequences.
To this end, the CP has warned all officers and men of the Command to ensure a strict implementation of this policy throughout the State in accordance with the law. He has also warned all officers against any form of corrupt practices during the period of implementing this policy.
CP Adesina has also made available the following GSM numbers for members of the public to make further enquiries and report any suspicious activities or corrupt practices by our officers:
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and address its current challenges, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, joined his counterparts at the PDP Governors’ Forum Meeting held in Asaba, Delta State.
The meeting, chaired by the Forum Chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed, provided a platform for peer review of developmental initiatives across PDP-governed states and a critical assessment of national and party affairs as the year 2024 came to a close.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum commended PDP Governors for implementing people-centered policies and programs aimed at alleviating hardships while laying the foundation for sustainable development in their respective states.
The Forum expressed deep concern over the macroeconomic policies of the Federal Government, which have exacerbated hardship across the nation. It urged the Federal Government to urgently revisit and reform these policies to mitigate their adverse effects on Nigerians.
The Governors welcomed ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute within the National Working Committee (NWC) over the position of the National Secretary. The Forum reaffirmed its support for the Court of Appeal judgment on the matter and advised the NWC to take immediate steps toward implementing the ruling.
After reviewing all legal requirements for convening a valid National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the Forum recommended that the NWC reschedule the NEC meeting for March 13, 2025.
The Forum commended the nation’s Armed Forces and security agencies for their relentless efforts in safeguarding the country, particularly in countering banditry and insurgency. However, it also noted with grave concern the resurgence of non-state actors engaging in acts of violence and called for the strengthening of the nation’s security architecture to decisively address these threats.
The Forum expressed gratitude to the Host Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as well as the Government and People of Delta State, for their warm hospitality and for facilitating a successful, well-structured, and impactful meeting.
It also praised Governor Oborevwori for his notable achievements in infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, empowerment programs, and security.
The PDP Governors’ Forum reassured Nigerians that despite the prevailing economic and security challenges, the PDP remains committed to restoring the country to the pre-2015 era, a time characterized by affordable living costs, security, national unity, and economic prosperity.
The Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, has felicitates with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, over his election as Chairman, RABAT PROCESS, an Euro-African dialogue Forum on Migration and Development, yesterday, 29th January, 2025 by various ministers of the 55 countries constituting the dialogue forum.
Professor Dakum’s felicitation is contained in a press statement dated 30th January 2025 signed by his media consultant Shabul Mazadu and made available to this medium in Jos.
Dakum admonished Yilwada to see his new international enormous and tasking assignment as an addition to the colossal domestic’s requiring ingenuity, commitment, patriotism, determination and sagacity to succeed; saying running European Commission, EC, North, West and Central African member countries to tackle migration challenges through the framework of consultation and coordination and also encouraging opportunities for exchange and development, is not palatable, but too cumbersome demanding much time and energy.
Dakum called on Yilwada to be an excellent ambassador of Nigeria and to do all that it takes to achieve to a large extent within his tenure the 2023 – 2027 Cadiz Programme of the RABAT Process which includes:
Development benefits of migration/Root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement; Regular Migration and Mobility, Protection and Assylum; Irregular migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings and Return, readmission and reintegration.
While wishing and praying for his gubernatorial counterpart in the 2023 general elections a successful tenure as Chairman of the RABAT Process, Dakum calls on all Nigerians to support Nentawe both morally and spiritually through fervent prayers to multipotentialite in all his national and international assignments.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit to the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Annette Günther, to seek collaboration in key sectors, including healthcare, agricultural development, renewable energy, and peacebuilding for enhanced security.
During his visit to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Abuja, Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation to the German Government for its continued cooperation with Plateau State, particularly in capacity-building initiatives for women and youth in modern agriculture.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to participating in the upcoming Nigeria-Germany Cultural Exchange Program, scheduled for the second and third quarters of the year.
According to him, this initiative will foster stronger ties between Plateau State and the German community, opening doors for greater collaboration.
Highlighting areas of potential cultural partnership, the Governor revealed that Plateau State is undertaking the reconstruction of the Luka Bentu Indoor Theatre, assuring that the project would receive significant attention this year.
On healthcare, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the state’s desire to improve its health sector by leveraging Germany’s advanced healthcare system.
He sought support for manpower training and the deployment of renewable energy solutions in health facilities to enhance disease prevention and reduce maternal mortality rates.
He also announced plans, in collaboration with the Federal Government, to expand the runway of Yakubu Gowon Airport to transform it into a cargo hub for the export of vegetables and other agricultural products to Europe and beyond.
In the area of digital innovation, Governor Mutfwang disclosed that his administration is working with the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to improve ICT infrastructure in the state.
He solicited the support of the German Government in accelerating the process to create a more robust digital ecosystem.
Responding, Ambassador Annette Günther commended Governor Mutfwang for his visionary leadership and developmental strides in Plateau State.
She assured him of Germany’s continued support in agriculture, peacebuilding, capacity development, and the digital economy.
She further revealed that over 4,000 farmers in Plateau State, including 40% women, have benefited from German-funded training programs designed to enhance inclusivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the agricultural value chain.
The Ambassador also highlighted Germany’s strong commitment to student exchange programs, noting that Nigeria remains the largest beneficiary of German scholarships.
She encouraged Plateau State to explore these opportunities to further develop its human capital.
Speaking on peacebuilding efforts, Dr. Karin Jansen, First Secretary and Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy, stated that the German Development Agency (GIZ) is actively funding the Peace Corps Project to strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms and enhance peacebuilding efforts in the state.
The Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Delta State Chapter, is set to host a Leadership Summit on February 1st, 2025, at the CAN Ecumenical Centre, Asaba, Delta State.
The summit, themed “Bridging the Generational Gap” (Malachi 4:5-6, Hebrew 13:7), aims to bring together Christian youths, leaders, and stakeholders to foster unity, knowledge sharing, and growth.
The summit will feature distinguished guest speakers, including Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, Delta State, and Bishop Jude Akhere. Other notable dignitaries expected to attend include the Director for Women, Youth & Education, Delta State, and Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe, CAN Chairman, Delta State, who will serve as the Chief Host.
According to Rev. Enunuaye Onajite, Acting Chairman, YOWICAN, Delta State, “This conference is designed for all pastors, youth leaders, bloc leaders, LGA Leaders, and Christian youths.
“We believe that by bridging the generational gap, we can build a stronger, more united Christian community in Delta State.”
The summit is scheduled to commence at 10:00 am on February 1st, 2025. All interested parties are invited to register, attend and participate in this enriching experience.
The Governor of plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang has embarked on Minor Cabinet Reshuffle.
This is in line with the governor’s promise to plateau state that his administration will ensure that the people of plateau did not regret voting him as governor of plateau state, promised to deliver the dividend of democracy to their door steps.
The five Commissioners affected by Mutfwang sledge hammer of Reshufflement includes,
,
1 Commissioner for Budget Chrysanthus Dawam Quan Pan .
2.Commissioner for youths and Sports Noel Nkup ..Shendam
3. Commissioner for Tourism Jamila Tukur …Quan Pan
4. Commissioner for Science and Technology Obed Goselle.. Langtang South
As Governor Mutfwang Reaffirms Commitment to Public Trust and Good Governance
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has formally decorated the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, as a Patron of the Institute in recognition of his people-centered policies that have repositioned the state’s image as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
The investiture ceremony, which took place at the Twin Theater, New Government House, Rayfield, was conducted by the NIPR President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR.
He described Governor Mutfwang as a “chief image-maker” of modern Plateau, carefully chosen for this strategic role due to his impactful leadership and commitment to rapid development across the state.
Dr. Neliaku commended the Governor for his inclusive leadership and dedication to restoring public confidence in governance.
“Your Excellency, we have observed those working with you, and it is evident that you are laying the foundation for effective leadership succession, one of the critical challenges in our nation. It takes a visionary leader to do what you are doing. On behalf of the NIPR, we are truly impressed with your achievements,” he stated.
He further emphasized that Governor Mutfwang’s governance style, which prioritizes people’s interests, has renewed the confidence of international organizations in Plateau State, attracting investment and fostering development.
“Not everybody is made a Patron of the NIPR. Public Relations thrives on reputation and perception, and we are deliberate about those we associate with. After assessing your administration’s impact, we confidently confer this patronship upon you,” Dr. Neliaku added.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the Institute for the recognition, stating that he receives the honor on behalf of the people of Plateau State.
“I sincerely appreciate this recognition, which I accept on behalf of the people of Plateau. They entrusted us with the responsibility to serve, and as you have rightly observed, we are striving to justify their trust.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and continuously improving the well-being of Plateau citizens.
“We have set ambitious goals for ourselves, and while we appreciate the progress made, we are not complacent. Our administration remains dedicated to delivering the highest good for the greatest number of people. This recognition serves as a clarion call to do even more,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang also emphasized the importance of effective communication in governance, assuring Plateau citizens of his commitment to fostering hope and ensuring that the future is brighter than the present.
“We are committed to engaging with our people, listening to them, and ensuring that our governance instills hope, that tomorrow can be better than today. That is the essence of our leadership philosophy.”
The Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, welcomed the NIPR President, Governing Council members from across the 17 states, and all attendees to the investiture ceremony.
He highlighted the transformative agenda of Governor Mutfwang’s administration, noting that Plateau is at the forefront of public awareness, trust-building, and people-centered governance.
He assured the Institute that Plateau remains committed to fostering transparency and accountability, ensuring that government policies and programs align with the needs and aspirations of the people.
Jos East local Government Chairman ,Hon Marcus Nyam has said his tenure as Jos East Chairman is to increased the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), of the council to compliment the allocation from the federation account .
He thank His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the opportunity ,and the level play field he created during the Council’s election across the Seventeen local government of plateau state, that brings him and most of his colleagues on board as Executive Chairmen of their various local Government to contribute their separate quarters to the development of the Council’s.
The chairman Jos East Hon. Marcus Nyam revealed this in a interview with journalists at Crispan Hotel Along Rayfied Road Jos during an impact engagements of stakeholders on health Sectors with the 17 local government of the state.
Hon. Marcus said knowing the demands of the people at the grassroot ,as the chairman of the council , l am the head that wear the crown, and should considering the lean resources accrue to the council monthly from the federation account ,it’s imperative to look inward with the view to boost the Internally Generated Revenue(IGR),of the council and to give the people at the grassroots adequate dividend of democracy.
With that paramount in mind we worked towards it assiduously ,and is beginning to yield the desired fruit ,as currently will are preparing for the Celebrations of our One Hundred Days in office as chairman ,Jos East local government has build Two big Markets ,one in Mai-Juju and the other one in Anquari.
With these Two big Markets in place that can host buyers and sellers all over the state and beyond ones in every week, it will help to scale up the Internally Generated Revenue of the council which will help in financing capital projects in the at the local government.This is one of our achievement as we preparing to mark our One Hundred (100), Days in office as a local Government.
Hon. Marcus Nyam who was the immediate past transition chairman of the local government ,and now elected local chairman said as democratically elected chairman of the local government, through consultation, with the people at the grassroot we will be able to find out in other of priority the project the people wants following other of priority,and the people of the council most agree within themselves as the project most serve the needs of the affected people at the grassroot.
Hon.Chairman further said another achievement of One Hundred Days in office is the successful completion of the abandoned local Government Secretariat of East Local Government which have been uncompleted for some times now.
Stressed that today virtually all the local chairmen are in attendance on engagements of various stakeholders in health sectors.
” A healthy Society is a wealthy Society,as I am here,I can categorically tell you that the council under my watch is constructing a befitting health facility in the local not fewer than Eighty (80), bed space.”
He said security is the key mandate for all the chairmen at the grassroot . “When I was the tradition chairman,our administration was at the verge of completing the issue of security in Jos East local Government.”
More so that we used the insecurity as our campaign slogan, during my second term campaign,as against the background, we will ensure with the cooperation’s of traditional institution who are always willing to help, the issues of insecurity in Jos East local Government, shall be reduce to the barest minimum.He maintained.
Call to Action: Regulate Rising House Rent Costs in Plateau State
by evolutionenterprise2020@gmail.com
January 28th 2025.
As concerned citizens, we urge the Plateau State House of Assembly to introduce legislation addressing the escalating cost of house rent, unchecked proliferation of house agents, and exorbitant fees imposed on tenants.
These fees, including agency fees, broker fees, and legal fees, have become a significant financial burden on renters. It is imperative that we establish regulations to ensure affordable housing for all.
We propose that the legislative bill considers the following key provisions:
1. Rent control measures to curb rising costs
2. Guidelines for becoming a house agents to prevent tenant exploitation and Proliferation of tenants
3. Standardization of fees to ensure transparency and reasonableness
Let us unite to make housing more affordable and accessible in Plateau State. Share this post with your network, and let’s advocate for positive change!
by evolutionenterprise2020@gmail.com | January 5th 2025
On behalf of my humble self and family, Management and entire staff of Mafwalal Bakkus NIG LTD , join millions of of Plateau state citizenry on this new year celebration to extend our profound gratitude and comon bond…
by evolutionenterprise2020@gmail.com | January 3rd 2025
The Executive Chairman Langtang South Local Government Hon. Nanfa Alhassan Nbin has presented the 2025 budget on the floor of the house. Presenting the budget tagged “Budget of Redemption” Nbin stated that his admini…
by evolutionenterprise2020@gmail.com | January 6th 2025
On behalf of my humble self and family, Management and entire staff of Mwafalal Bakkus NIG LTD , join millions of of Plateau state citizenry on this new year celebration to extend our profound gratitude and comon bond…
by evolutionenterprise2020@gmail.com | January 4th 2025
Governor of Rivers, Sim Fubara, has presented a certificate of recognition to former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, as a traditional ruler in the state. The governor presented the certificate to Dokubo o…
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The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has inaugurated the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to provide solar power to over 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
This initiative is aimed at strengthening healthcare service delivery, particularly in rural communities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the project’s Steering Committee, Governor Mutfwang explained that the initiative, supported by the European Union (EU), is designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to PHCs, to enable them offer better healthcare services.
“This project is a testament to our administration’s commitment to functional PHCs and access to quality, affordable healthcare at the grassroots.
When we assumed office, less than 5% of the over 1,000 PHCs in the state were operational.
This prompted us to award contracts for the renovation of 82 PHCs. The NISHP project will significantly improve the energy situation in the healthcare sector across the state,” the Governor stated.
He emphasized the critical role of electricity in healthcare, particularly for operating diagnostic machines, storing vaccines, and preserving medicines.
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the EU and NISHP for selecting Plateau State as a beneficiary, pledging the state’s full commitment to the successful implementation of the project.
Earlier, Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy, EU-Nigeria, noted that the project focuses on delivering clean and renewable energy solutions to improve healthcare.
She commended the Plateau State Government for fulfilling its obligation by providing 30% counterpart funding for the initiative.
“Access to steady electricity is indispensable for effective healthcare delivery. Research indicates that only 40% of functional PHCs in Nigeria have regular power supply, which hinders their efficiency.
The NISHP project aims to reverse this trend,” she explained. Stephanowicz also revealed plans for the construction of a hydro-solar power plant at Assop Falls in Riyom LGA to complement the solar energy supply.
Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, added that the project will establish solar mini-grids at 25 PHCs across the state with a view to positively impacting healthcare delivery and boosting economic activities.
“Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of 75 small businesses located within these facilities. For this phase, at least one PHC per LGA will benefit,” he said.
The nine-member Steering Committee for the project is chaired by Mr. Ponzing Gamde, Executive Director of the Plateau Energy Corporation, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Clestus Shurkuk, serving as co-chair while the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel N. Jatau is among other members.
The Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Constituency (PKK),in the Federal House of Representatives Honourable Adamu Gagdi(PHD),has mourn the death of the former sole Administrator of old Bendel State, former Minister federal Capital territory (fct), and former Senator National assembly Representing the Southern Zone of plateau State,Lt. Gen.JT Useni who passed away on 23 January 2025 at the age of 82 years.
Gagdi who doubled as the chairman Committee for Navy said Since the news of the demise of the decorated soldier, consummate politician and titled chief, Gen. Sen. Chief Jeremiah Timbut Useni, I have been lost for words to articulate how devastating this loss is, particularly to Plateau State, considering how badly his elderly guidance is needed now that the political trajectory of the state is going haywire.
Gagdi mourning message is contained in a press statement dated 28th January 2025 personally signed by the Honourable Member Adamu Gagdi and made available to this medium in Jos.
He said the late general had lived a fulfilled life, impacted positively in the lives of many Nigerians; thereby, earning the subriquet:
“Do Good, you see good”. Indeed, Useni had done a whole lot of good that time and space cannot permit for adequate enumeration.
“Your legacies, especially in the military that spanned over four decades, climaxed with the development of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory, where you held sway as minister with the record of best achievements in its history.”
“As we mourn your loss with enormous devastation, we must come to terms with the tragic reality that humanity has lost one of its finest breed.”
“Your good deeds shall continue to speak for you, even as you peacefully rest in eternity.”
“Adieu Jerry Boy, the architect of modern FCT.”
Signed:
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, PhD OON.
Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy.
In recognition of his unflinching commitment in combating crime and criminality in his area of responsibility, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Iliya Ayuba Akawu, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rantya Cosmopolis, Jos has emerged the Best DPO of the Year in the Plateau Police Command Maiden End of the Year Party and Award Night held at Crispan Hotel, Jos recently.
The Commendation Award was issued to CSP Ayuba by the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc after satisfactorily meeting the criteria for the selection of officers in that category.
His outstanding performance outstrip that of his contemporaries who head other Police Divisional Headquarters across Plateau State.
Prior to receiving the enviable CP’s Commendation, CSP Ayuba has been eulogized and celebrated by individuals, Community leaders, Security Help Group, Corporate bodies, religious bodies, Civil Society Organizations and Students Union and has received numerous award for excellent performance.
Other Police officers who received awards in other categories are as follows; CSP Musa Samila Gwani, received CP’s Commendation Award, SP Lydia Bindip emerged Community Policing Advocate of the Year, SP Donald Dogaba, Crime Buster of the Year, DSP Habila James(Rtd) emerged Sport Personality of the Year, DSP Ikutanwa Idowu Esq., Police Legal Officer of the Year, DSP Bamidele Taiwo emerged Tactical Commander of the Year, award for investigator of the Year goes to ASP Michael David, Inspr.
Nehemiah Ishaya received award of integrity of the year while STW Ezekiel Adams emerged Traffic Controller of the Year.
Speaking at the event, the Plateau Police Chief, CP Adesina lauded the recipients for their dedication to duty and tasked them to recommit themselves to the primary duty of protection of lives and property of the citizenry, uphold Justice, integrity and respect in discharging their constitutional duties.
In a strategic move to strengthen security in rural communities of Plateau State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has inspected the Mobile Police Training Centre in Gashish District, Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, and the proposed site for a Mobile Police Barracks in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area, slated for immediate commencement.
Addressing members of the community, which included both the indigenous Berom people and the Fulani, Governor Mutfwang, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police Plateau State, CP Emmanuel Adesina, called for an end to hostilities and warned individuals or groups fomenting trouble to desist.
He emphasized the government’s resolve to clamp down on criminal activities and ensure peace across the state.
“I want to place on record our appreciation to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for his commitment to the security of lives and property in Plateau State.
We value this gesture, and the Plateau State Government will ensure that all resources needed to make this facility operational are provided,” the Governor stated.
He appealed to the diverse communities within the area to embrace peace, emphasizing that conflict and criminality would no longer be tolerated.
“I see both Berom and Fulani people here, along with other tribes who have made this community home. Let me be clear: the days of conflict are over.
We will not tolerate any criminal activity, regardless of religion or tribe. Criminality is criminality, and those who profit from disrupting our peace will face the full wrath of the law.
You either desist from such ungodly acts or be prepared to face justice,” he warned.
Governor Mutfwang, who also toured the facility, assured farmers in the state of the government’s unwavering support to help them return to their farmlands, particularly those abandoned due to insecurity.
He pledged to ensure that all arable land is cultivated in the next farming season to boost food production and economic activities in the state.
He commended Plateau residents for the peaceful celebration of the 2024 Christmas season and urged traditional rulers and community leaders, including the Fulani, to work together to sustain peace in their localities.
“We must continue on this path of peace. If conflicts arise, let us resolve them amicably as we have done in the past. No one should take the law into their hands.
With the establishment of this security outfit and the deployment of personnel, troublemakers will find no room to operate. Let us ensure that we fully utilize and enjoy the land God has blessed us with on the Plateau,” the Governor said.
During his visit to Kwall, Governor Mutfwang identified a location near ANAN University for the proposed Mobile Police Barracks, which will serve as a security hub for the area.
Dignitaries present included the Chairmen of Barkin-Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas, traditional rulers, government appointees from the council areas, and representatives of the Gashish
District and Fulani communities. While in attendance in Bassa LGA were Chairmen of Bassa, Jos South and the Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Rev. Ronku Aka among others.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) North Central has issued a condolence message to the family, government, and people of Plateau State over the passing of Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
The party described Useni’s death as a tremendous loss not only to his family and Plateau State but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the entire nation.
Useni had a distinguished career, serving Nigeria in various capacities, including as Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
After retiring from the military, he transitioned into politics, becoming Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The SDP praised Useni’s exemplary leadership, commitment to service, and tireless efforts to promote peace and security, particularly in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.
His legacy of compassion,
kindness, generosity, and dedication to the well-being of others will endure in the lives of those he impacted.
The party’s National Vice Chairman North Central Abubakar Dogara, extended deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, Useni’s family, and all those mourning his loss.
He prayed for God’s strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and for divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.
It is with a distressful and mournful heart on behalf of myself, Pankshin North Constituency and the entire members of Plateau State legislature, I send my heartfelt empathy and sympathy to the Usenis, Tarok Nation, Plateau and the entire country over the unfortunate death of a well admired and profusely respected elder statesman, father and stakeholder, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
The Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly hon Gabriel Dewan condolence message was contained in a press Statement dated 26th January 2025 personally signed by the honourable speaker and made available to this medium in Jos.
Useni was a true ambassador of Plateau both nationally and internationally as he projected the intrinsic values of:
discipline, integration, hospitality, hard-work and ingenuity of the state in the discharge of all his assignments and personal activities both in the Military and democracy; leaving indelible legacies engraved on golden sands of time.
His sagacious and pragmatic approach to governance when he held sway as administrator of the defunct Bendel State, Senator of the Federal Republic, Minister of Transport and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and his gigantic strides in the economy and democracy are worthy of commendation and emulation.
His death which is a big loss to not only his family, Taroh Nation, friends, business associates and well-wishers, but to Plateau and the entire country, came at a time his wisely counsels are muchly needed to move Plateau and the entire country forward.
I call on the entire nation particularly the Usenis and his kinsmen to take solace in God and be comforted in the legacies which the deceased left behind that serve as progressive and prosperous guide to us.
May the Almighty God comfort you and grant you the grace and serenity to bear the irreparable loss, and may his soul rest in peace.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has paid a condolence visit to the Abuja residence of the late Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, mni, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to sympathize with his family following the elder statesman’s passing after a prolonged illness.
Governor Mutfwang, who was warmly received by Senator Napoleon Bali, the son-in-law of the late General Useni, alongside family members and Tarok Elders, described the departed elder statesman as a beacon of hope and a model of selfless service to God and humanity.
The Governor highlighted General Useni’s invaluable contributions to Plateau State and the nation, noting that he was a distinguished military leader who brought pride to Plateau State through his exemplary service both in the military and in politics.
“General Useni was a refined and accomplished leader whose life epitomized service, discipline, and compassion.
Plateau people are proud to identify with him as a towering figure who brought honor to the state,” Governor Mutfwang said.
He further emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders to ensure a befitting burial for the elder statesman, acknowledging the profound impact of his life and legacy on humanity.
“I am here to pay my respects to the immediate family of our late father, Lt. General Jeremiah Useni, who passed away a few days ago. I closely monitored his health since last year and was privileged to visit him on multiple occasions. Less than a month ago, I sat with him, and we prayed together.
“We all hoped he would recover and continue playing his role as a father and elder statesman. His status transcends the Tarok nation and Plateau State.
It is no exaggeration to say that, at one point in this country, he was effectively the de facto number two.”
Governor Mutfwang recounted General Useni’s distinguished career, serving honorably as Governor of Old Bendel State, Minister of Transportation, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and as Senator representing Plateau South in the 8th National Assembly.
The Governor lauded the late General’s life of selflessness, compassion, and generosity, noting that his legacy would endure in the hearts of those he impacted.
He offered heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, the Tarok nation, Plateau State, and the nation at large, praying for divine comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Responding, Senator Napoleon Bali, the late General’s son-in-law, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang and his delegation, noting that the visit had eased the family’s pain.
Speaking on behalf of the Tarok Elders, Prof. Doknan Sheni, along with Mr. Nanyak Kumsal, Director of the Abuja Liaison Office, commended the Governor for his swift intervention and assured him of their unwavering commitment to ensuring a befitting burial for the late elder statesman.
The Newly Sworn-In President of America, Donald Trump has send Stern warning, backed with word of advice for Advanced Countries, especially Nigeria and other African countries, not to use the development of their country to play cheap political, ethnic , tribal and religious Politics.
Trump advice affected countries to stand up and hold their leaders accountable for what ever they do in the cause of service delivery to the people.
Trump who is the president of America for the second term, made the equivocative statement as part of his speech during his Inauguration as the New president of America on 20th January 2025.
Trump said if the affected countries failed to yield to his advice ,and want to use America as a fortress country, warned it wouldn’t work under his watch as the president of America, because America has paid supreme price to be where they are today.
He said:
God has blessed your country. Go back and hold your corrupt leaders accountable. Stop loitering the streets of America.
If Americans were docile and refused to initiate Revolution, then you would never see such an amazing nation like USA.
If France kept mum in 1775, you wouldn’t see a developed nation like France.
If you like, keep playing tribal politics in suffering while your ruling class loot with reckless abandon.
Stop depending on WHO for subsidized drugs. At your age, you ought to have home-made drugs for common ailments. On that ground, America has left WHO.
Go and hold your ruling class accountable for rots in health care delivery. When they are sick, they run to USA for treatment with your national resources.
Keep playing tribal politics but get out of USA. If you’re ready, you will take over your country from destiny destroying ruling class as the did in France.
All decent nations have accurate population index. Even in hell fire, God has a record of those in it. America belongs to Americans not indians, Nigerians, Chinese, Mexicans, and other nationals who want good life and escaped to USA.
We fought for liberty and advancement. Keep quiet and wait for angels to repair your bad roads. Remain dumb as ministers, Governors, commissioners, etc loot in trillions.
Return to your country and change the narratives. No more running to America with your heavily pregnant wives. You want them to give birth in America and automatically become citizens of America. That is revoked immediately.
The message is clear. Let it sink into the skulls of all those who desire a new Nigeria.
The Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), has sealed an illegal park and entire shops housed by Amuzie Plaza along Zaria Terrace in Jos, for flaunting, resisting arrest and attacking the enforcers during sanitation.
This happened when the sanitation team approached the Plaza and arrested some offenders who flaunted the sanitation time, carrying out their normal businesses without any remorse.Mr Samuel Dapiya, the Director General of PEPSA addressing Journalists
While arresting a roadside food vendor, a young man (name withheld) harassed the officers attached to the team and boldly ordered the woman not to follow the team of inspectors saying, “your not going anywhere.
This action forced the security personnel to arrest the young man for disrespecting the Government Order 001. However, as the security were dragging the young man, some groups of people came out and wrestled with the officers causing serious tension around the Plaza.The Chief Magistrate explaining some issues
It, however, took the efforts of combined security personnel mobilised by the Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya, to arrest the situation.
The Director General Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), thereafter, sealed the entire Amuzie Plaza pending investigation to ascertain the authenticity of their operations as a park.
He said, “for us, as an agency, we intend to, first of all, address the man that challenged and threw stones at the enforcers this morning.
“And also, because of the zero compliance, we want to also look into the authenticity of this, the existence of this particular plaza.
“we are sealing this plaza this morning. We’ve called the GMDB to also look if this particular facility has the government approval to even be here, because you can see how looted and dirty it looks. Look at the water system behind, it’s entirely blocked”, Dapiya emphasized.
Dapiya, however, expressed concern over the attitude of some people noting that, it was not possible for government to do all of these things when most of the waste being generated were by these particular users here.
On her part, the Honourable Deborah Iyam, the Chief Magistrate with the Plateau District Judiciary, one of the magistrates saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the mobile courts, commended the PEPSA for taking this bold step.The DG inspects the erosion site at West Of Mines
“I’m super excited because today is the first sanitation exercise of the year 2025 and for a couple of months, because of some reasons, we’ve not been able to have the monthly sanitation exercise.
“We’ve had the infection rate but we’ve not been enforcing the sanitation exercise, but, today is special because we’ve started off the full enforcement today and we have magistrates in all the mobile courts stationed here to make sure that violators are fine.
“So far we are doing very well. We are at Tafa Balewa road and now we are at Unity Junction where we had a little bit of problem with Amuzie Plaza and we’ve taken measures to see that the plaza is sealed and the violators are accordingly fine”, she reiterated.
However, the State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, observed that more mobilization and sensitization should be made to continually educate the people on the importance of this exercise.
“This is because people need to know. We have to go to all nooks and crannies to tell the people that our sanitation is ongoing and is going to take place. That is what we want people to know”, she emphasised.
The exercise witnessed the arrest and prosecution of many defaulters by respective Mobile Courts stationed in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in plateau state chapter has Commiserates with the family, friends, associates and the Government of plateau state over the death of Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni the Sadauna of Plateau and Nasarawa State who passed away on January 23, 2025 after a protracted illness.
The Party commiseration is contained in a press statement dated 24th January 2025 signed on behalf of the party by it state Chairman Alhaji Rabiu Lawan and made available to this medium in Jos.
The party described late Lt.Gen Useni as a renowned elder statesman, politician, and military leader who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
And further described Useni as an epitome of hard work, patriotism, humanity, and integration, whose legacy will inspire future generations.
The PRP party in the state, urged those mourning the demise of the late General Useni’s death to take solace in the indelible footprints he left behind in the military, political, and business worlds.
Stressed that “Useni’s impressive career spanned several decades, with notable appointments including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Minister of Transport, and Quartermaster General of the Nigerian Army.
He also served as a senator Representing Plateau South Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019″.
The People’s Redemption Party PRP, in the state pray for the reposed of the soul of the General, and for God to give the family, people and Government of plateau state the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
The Independent Publishers Association (IPA) , plateau state Chapter has issued a heartfelt condolence message to the family, friends, associates and the Government of plateau state over the demise of Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, who passed away on January 23, 2025.
The condolence message dated 24th January 2025 signed by (IPA’s) Chairman Shabul Mazadu on behalf of the Association and made available to journalists in Jos.
He described late Lt.Gen Useni as a renowned elder statesman, politician, and military leader who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The body further described Useni as an epitome of hard work, patriotism, humanity, and integration, whose legacy will inspire future generations.
However urged those mourning the demise of the late General Useni’s death to take solace in the indelible footprints he left behind in the military, political, and business worlds.
“Useni’s impressive career spanned several decades, with notable appointments including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Minister of Transport, and Quartermaster General of the Nigerian Army. He also served as a senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019”.
And pray for the repose of the soul of the General and for God to give family, people and Government of plateau state the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
In a bold and visionary move to transform Plateau State into a hub of agricultural productivity and economic development, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has set a commendable precedent.
The recent commissioning of 20 tractors and disbursement of $250,000 to ten communities under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) marks a pivotal milestone in tackling poverty, food insecurity, and fostering inclusive development.
Besides this, the administration has concluded arrangement to procure 200 tractors through Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP) to strengthen mechanize farming under Agricultural Services and Training Centres (ASTC) in the state.
The noble initiatives reflect Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to leveraging agriculture as a tool for sustainable development and economic growth.
Beyond this, the administration is implementing additional transformative agricultural programs aimed at revolutionizing the state’s agricultural sector and securing food sovereignty.
The administration has reclaimed 6,000 hectares of farmland abandoned due to insurgency, displacing several households.
The Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC) was engaged to cultivate the land, and improved seeds were distributed to support the farmers in their livelihood recovery journey.
With the distribution of over 120 metric tons of improved seeds and 18,000 metric tons of fertilizers at more than 50% subsidized rates, the administration has reduced the financial burden on farmers, making agriculture more accessible and profitable.
A robust farmers’ database is being developed to ensure seamless input distribution and effective policy implementation.
This proactive approach will streamline interventions and target farmers directly with a view to addressing long-standing inefficiencies.
Plateau State’s ability to grow wheat twice a year positions it as a potential hub for wheat production.
With the receipt of 13 metric tons of wheat seeds from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and mass production will commence this dry season.
This initiative is complemented by a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) at BARC Farms, where 500 hectares are being dedicated to wheat and feedlot enterprises, promising significant employment opportunities.
The identification of 3,000 hectares of irrigable lands and the formation of 3,500 farmer clusters will enhance productivity. Moreover, over 3,000 water sources, including mining ponds, have been identified, offering sustainable irrigation solutions.
The first batch of 340 youths has been trained in modern agricultural techniques at CSS Farms, Keffi, equipping them with the skills needed to drive innovation in agriculture.
The state has been enlisted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the establishment of Special Agro-Processing Zone. This gesture will address post-harvest losses and boost value addition for Plateau’s abundant fruits and vegetables.
As part of strategic move to ensure farmers get value for their produces, Governor Mutfwang established Plateau Commodity Marketing Company, aimed at eliminating middlemen intervention in the sells of goods and services and empowering farmers to gain value for their products.
The establishment of a Department of Gender and Nutrition underscores the administration’s commitment to equitable growth. The 30% affirmative action policy ensures gender representation at local and state levels. Additionally, the Disability Rights Commission highlights inclusivity, addressing the needs of the physically challenged.
Recognizing the need for global acceptance of Plateau’s produce, trials on organic fertilizers are underway. This approach will rejuvenate soils degraded by inorganic fertilizers, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Grass cultivation under the NLTP in Wase aims to boost livestock production, contributing to economic diversification.
These programs, complemented by Governor Mutfwang’s ACReSAL initiative, highlight a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges facing Plateau’s agricultural sector. Collaboration with international partners like the World Bank and local stakeholders underscores the administration’s readiness to embrace global solutions for local challenges.
As the tractors roll out and funds are utilized, the unity and collective will of Plateau citizens remain crucial. Governor Mutfwang’s initiatives are a call to action for residents to embrace innovation, resilience, and resourcefulness in building a prosperous future.
This is more than a story of machinery and funds; it is a story of hope, determination, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow for Plateau citizens.
It was with a great shock, grief and empathy I received the devastating news of the passing away of one of Plateau’s and Nigeria’s rarest, finest and greatest epitomes of hard-work, patriotism, ingenuity, sagacity and benevolence, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni whose death ensued yesterday, Thursday 23rd January, 2025.
Useni was a venerable elder statesman, political juggernaut, stakeholder nationally and sub-nationally, multipotentialite, phenom and philanthropist per excellence, whose life of charity earned him the nickname ‘Baba Mai Tuwo’.
The legend has meritoriously and enormously contributed to nation building in the capacities of governor of defunct Bendel State under Major General Muhammadu Buhari led Military Junta, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District; and gallantly fought in keeping Nigeria one while in the Army in the sixties.
In the Democratic front, Useni actively participated in advancing the course of democracy in a distinct and multiple fronts both at the state and national levels since the advent of the Fourth Republic till he passed away.
I hereby on behalf of myself, family, consolidation for Greater Plateau, friends and well-wishers, not only grief but commiserate with his family, Taroh nation, Plateau State and the entire nation over the huge and irreparable loss.
May the Almighty God comfort and grant us the fortitude to bear the loss, and may his soul rest in peace.
Signed:
Prof. Patrick Sunday Dakum
CEO IHVN and Plateau State
Labour Party Governorship Candidate In The 2023 General Elections.
It was with a great shock, grief and empathy I received the devastating news of the passing away of one of Plateau’s and Nigeria’s rarest, finest and greatest epitomes of hard-work, patriotism, ingenuity, sagacity and benevolence, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni whose death ensued yesterday, Thursday 23rd January, 2025.
Useni was a venerable elder statesman, political juggernaut, stakeholder nationally and sub-nationally, multipotentialite, phenom and philanthropist per excellence, whose life of charity earned him the nickname ‘Baba Mai Tuwo’.
The legend has meritoriously and enormously contributed to nation building in the capacities of governor of defunct Bendel State under Major General Muhammadu Buhari led Military Junta, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District; and gallantly fought in keeping Nigeria one while in the Army in the sixties.
In the Democratic front, Useni actively participated in advancing the course of democracy in a distinct and multiple fronts both at the state and national levels since the advent of the Fourth Republic till he passed away.
I hereby on behalf of myself, family, consolidation for Greater Plateau, friends and well-wishers, not only grief but commiserate with his family, Taroh nation, Plateau State and the entire nation over the huge and irreparable loss.
May the Almighty God comfort and grant us the fortitude to bear the loss, and may his soul rest in peace.
Signed:
Prof. Patrick Sunday Dakum
CEO IHVN and Plateau State
Labour Party Governorship Candidate In The 2023 General Elections.
Honourable Ishaya Itse, the APC Chairmanship Attempts in Plateau State, has Commiserates with the family of late Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, who passed away on January 23, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
Itse expressed his deep sadness over the loss of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator, and sole Administrator of old Bendel State.
Useni’s remarkable career spanned multiple roles, including Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT.
After retiring from the military, he transitioned into politics, serving as Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later as Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Itse acknowledged Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, particularly in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, which will be remembered forever.
He also commended Useni’s life of selfless service, highlighting his profound contributions to the military, politics, and his community.
The APC Chairmanship Attempts remembered Useni’s exemplary leadership, steadfast commitment to service, and legacy of compassion, kindness, generosity, and dedication to the well-being of others.
Itse extended his deepest sympathies to the family of the late General, praying that God grants them, Plateau State, and the nation the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni is a retired Nigerian army officer who had a distinguished career spanning over four decades.
Born on February 16, 1943, in Langtang, Plateau State, Nigeria, Useni rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant general .
Useni’s military career was marked by various appointments, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, under the Sani Abacha military junta.
He also served as Minister of Transport and Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army.
One of the significant events in Useni’s life was his appointment as Military Governor of Bendel State in January 1984.
He later became a key figure in the Abacha regime, serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
After Abacha’s death in 1998, Useni’s fortunes began to decline.
He was subjected to investigation and scrutiny, with allegations of corruption and embezzlement emerging.
Despite this, Useni continued to be involved in politics, serving as a senator for the Plateau South constituency from 2015 to 2019.
Throughout his career, Useni has been known for his shrewd business acumen and his ability to build a vast network of influence and wealth.
The late General who is reported to have been struggling with undisclosed illness for sometime now, which virtually keep him out of public functions breath his last on Thursday 23rd January 2025 at the age of 82.
May His Gentle Soul Continue To Rest With The Lord (Amen).
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, deeply regrets to announce to the citizens of Plateau State and all patriotic Nigerians, the passing of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
Governor Mutfwang’s condolence message is contained in a press statement dated 23rd January 2025 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor,Dr.Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos.
The Governor in the statement said distinguished elder statesman passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness.
Mutfwang described the passing of General Useni as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.
The Governor highlighted General Useni’s exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape.
He noted that General Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, will forever be remembered.
Governor Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT.
After retiring from the military, General Useni transitioned into politics, where he continued his service to the nation. He served as Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The Governor commended General Useni’s life of selfless service, noting his profound contributions to the military, politics, and his community.
He emphasized that the General’s legacy of compassion, kindness, generosity, and dedication to the well-being of others will endure in the lives of those he impacted.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the immediate family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished elder statesman,” Governor Mutfwang said.
He prayed that God grants the family, Plateau State, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. He also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.
In a decisive step toward addressing critical gaps in basic education and primary healthcare, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has inaugurated the Steering and Technical Committees for the implementation of the Human Capital Opportunities Prosperity and Equity (HOPE-Gov) project.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening financial and human resource management in these key sectors to enhance service delivery for the benefit of Plateau citizens.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Twin Theater, New Government House, Rayfield, was conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Governor Mutfwang, represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Jos, Builder Jeremiah Satmark, emphasized the importance of the project in driving sustainable improvements in healthcare and education across the state.
“This program is a cornerstone of our administration’s commitment to the people. If we get primary healthcare and basic education right, we can effectively tackle the broader challenges in the education and health sectors.
His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, is dedicated to ensuring this project succeeds,” Satmark stated.
He further highlighted the administration’s determination to revitalize these sectors, noting that the inadequacies in the primary healthcare system have put immense pressure on tertiary healthcare facilities.
The HOPE-Gov project, sponsored by the World Bank, is designed to address these gaps and lay a solid foundation for sustainable human capital development in Plateau State.
The Commissioner for Health, Plateau State, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, provided an overview of the HOPE-Gov project, explaining its objectives and structure.
According to him, the project, funded by the World Bank, is a Federal Government initiative aimed at assisting states in closing gaps in human capital development.
It is structured into three components: HOPE Governance, HOPE Healthcare, and HOPE Basic Education, and will span a period of four years.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Chrysanthus Dawam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Yohanna Magut, commended Governor Mutfwang for his commitment to improving the lives of Plateau citizens through this initiative.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Engr. Sunday Amuna, pledged the committee’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project, emphasizing its potential to transform education and healthcare in the state.
Membership of the Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee is composed of the following members:
1. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.
2. Commissioner for Health.
3. Commissioner for Education.
4. Commissioner for Local
Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
5. Commissioner for Finance.
6. Executive Secretary, Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
7. Executive Secretary, Plateau State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB).
8. Accountant General, Ministry of Finance.
9. Special Adviser on Budget
10. Director General, Public-Private Partnerships.
11. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (MBEP).
12. Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS).
13. State Steering Coordinator, Chief of Staff, BLDR Jeremiah Satmark.
Membership of the Technical Committee
The Technical Committee comprises:
1. Permanent Secretary, MBEP.
2. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance (MOF).
3. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education (MOE).
4. Director, MBEP.
5. Director, Finance (COAG).
6. Director, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (MLGCA).
7. Director, OHCS.
This project underscores the Plateau State Government’s unwavering commitment to investing in primary healthcare and basic education, with a vision to build a stronger, healthier, and more educated citizenry.
The officers of men and women of Nigeria police force has been charged to go all out and reduce or possibly eradicate the current insecurity Challenges bedeviling the country.
The Chairman police Service Commission boss said the directive is very impractive to resprocate the president Tinubu led Federal Government for graciously approving the recruitment of personnels of the force for manpower improvement and logistics supports.
The chairman gives the marching order during the passing out of 616 newly recruited Constable held on 23rd January 2025 at the police training school Zaria Road Jos, plateau state.
The chairman represented at the occasion by Inspector General of represented at the occasion
said the force charged you to go all and resprocate the federal government good gesture and strives and work with other securities agencies to eliminate,or reduced security Challenges currently bedeviling Nigeria.
“There is need to remained you that our Nation is still facing some security Challenges which includes Armed Robbery, Terrorism and other vices threatening the corporate existence of security of Nigeria.”
He further remained them that they should be aware that the police commission is closely watching them and will not fail to saction any officer or officers who may deviate from the police layed down rules, and reiterated that the force shall also not fail to commend and reward gallantry to duty.
However remind them that the office of Constable is a dignified office that needed all sense of dignity to occupy.
However charged them to conduct themselves in a manner expected from officer.
In his speech,the inspector general of poliy ,kayode Egbetokun represented AIG Polycarp commended the constables for successfully completing six months of rigorous training. He urged them to strictly adhere to the police force’s rules and code of conduct while discharging their duties.
The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, has admitted evidence of multiple incidents of over voting in seven polling units in Ovia South West Local Government Area (LGA) during the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
At today’s hearing, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) witness, who served as the Local Government Collation Agent for Ovia South West, testified that the total number of votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters in polling units 014, 007, 004, 006, 016, 028, and 034.
The witness claimed that the over voting favored the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, hails from the area.
Despite protests by PDP agents at the affected polling units, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly failed to cancel the results.
Relying on documents including BVAS accreditation reports, certified true copies (CTC) of result sheets (Form EC8A-C), IREV reports, and BVAS extracts, the witness provided detailed evidence to support the claims.
Under cross-examination, the witness disclosed that INEC presiding officers ignored complaints raised by PDP agents.
While counsels for the first respondent (INEC) and the second respondent (Okpebholo) objected to admitting the witness’s statement on oath, the tribunal overruled the objections and admitted the evidence.
The hearing continues as more PDP witnesses are scheduled to testify.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has joined members of his cabinet, friends, and admirers nationwide in celebrating the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, on the joyous occasion of his birthday.
In a heartfelt congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described Hon. Ashoms as a distinguished public commentator-turned-politician whose courage, dedication, and exemplary leadership have been pivotal to the success of the “Time Is Now” administration.
The Governor lauded Hon. Ashoms for his invaluable role in advancing the strategic communication agenda of the current government, noting that his unwavering commitment to effective information dissemination has significantly contributed to the administration’s progress.
“Hon. Ashoms is an embodiment of humility and an inspiration to many,” the Governor remarked. “His steadfast dedication to fostering unity, progress, and sustainable development through ‘The Voice You Know’ is monumental. His efforts in projecting the administration’s vision and achievements continue to resonate positively across the state and beyond.”
As Hon. Ashoms celebrates this special day, Governor Mutfwang extended his warm wishes for joy, happiness, and cherished moments with his wife, children, and loved ones.
On behalf of his family and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, the Governor prayed for Hon. Ashoms’ continued good health, divine wisdom, and strength to sustain his noble contributions to governance and humanity.
Plateau State University has received a tractor donation from the State Government, strengthening its commitment to expanding agricultural training and production programs.
Vice Chancellor Professor Shedrack Best commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the donation, which aims to enhance the university’s agricultural capabilities.
The tractor donation is part of the Governor’s agricultural transformation plan, specifically the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape Project.
The initiative seeks to improve agricultural training and production across the state. Governor Mutfwang on January 20 expressed his administration’s commitment to mechanize agriculture in Plateau State, lamenting only 0.05% is currently mechanized.
“We aim to take away the hoes and cutlasses and bring technology to meet the food needs of Plateau State,” said Governor Mutfwang, represented by Samson Bugama, the State’s Commissioner of Agriculture. The Governor announced plans to acquire more tractors, power tillers, and establish state plantations to encourage youths in agriculture.
“Last year, we cultivated 6,000 hectares but this year we’re looking at cultivating 15,000 hectares for vulnerable communities, schools in particular. So one of the things His Excellency has asked us to do is to go around secondary schools and cultivate their land just so we can build interest in agriculture,” the Governor said.
“But the first thing we need to do is strengthen the institutions that help our young people to learn agriculture and takeaway the drudgery that comes with agriculture,” he said.
The university was among five institutions to receive tractors donated by the World Bank. Despite receiving only one unit, the university’s excitement was palpable.
Vice Chancellor Best highlighted the university’s agricultural resources, including a dam, the Agricultural Services and Training Corporation (ASTC), and vast land.
“Our young students will be excited to see these machines. They will use it for learning. It will motivate them and there are other agricultural resources around us,” said Prof. Best.
“We are a rural university and we are located at the hub of agriculture. A lot of farming activity takes place there,” Professor Best said.
“So whether it is in research or in actual tillage of land or in animal husbandry, in all the areas, when we bring our faculty of Agriculture which is young and ambitious and growing into place, we believe that we have a lot to contribute including to other agencies who have benefited today from this gesture,” Professor Best stated.
The recent skyrocketing abuse and exploitation of vulnerable and less privileged children in our beloved state, Plateau, especially trafficking for pittance, is deeply troubling.
This inhumanity is unimaginable and a reflection of deteriorating cultural values, spiritual bankruptcy, systemic failure in governance and perennial source of posterity’s disaster.
The Plateau I was born and bred up had strong values of respect, integrity, and unity; and its people were among the most respected in Nigeria.
I vividly remember an instance in 1991, during my first trip to Lagos for the final selection of Police Cadets’ interview. Among candidates from then 19 states, I was singled out and respected based on my origin and character.
That gesture was a testament of the venerability Plateau people once commanded before fading away.
Today, we must ask ourselves how we arrived at this tragic crossroads which eroded our values and projected us as savages who trade their children for survival amidst rich natural resources and agricultural potentialities.
The artificially inflicted poverty, lack of education, systemic neglect, and erosion of societal values have left many with no choices. However, no circumstance should ever justify the exploitation of our children because their values are unquantifiable being the bedrock of our sustainability and continuous existence.
There is no doubt that Children are tomorrow’s generation and leaders who need proper grooming and direction if there must be continuity and sustainability of the state viably, progressively and prosperously.
And in this quest, there shouldn’t be distinction between societal status or class, because human resourcefulness is not exclusive in this regard.
Potentiality for societal development is embedded in children which the genuine articles are manifested when granted the opportunities; but when denied, the society risks tasting the wrath of criminality the neglected children could venture into.
It is worthy of note that either ways the children are treated, it has huge impact on the society; meaning, the society stands to suffer when they are neglected and stands to benefit when properly groomed.
The legendary pop singer Michael Jackson said, “I realise that many of our world’s problems today from the inner city crime to large scale wars and terrorism and overcrowded prisons are a result of the fact that children have had their childhood stolen from them.”
Harry Belafonte said, “The economic benefits of investing in children have been extensively documented.
Investing fully in children today will ensure the well-being and productivity of future generations for decades to come.
By contrast, physical, emotional and intellectual impairment that poverty inflicts on children can mean a lifetime of suffering and want and a legacy of poverty for the next generation.”
It is time for action, not despair. It is time for us, our government, religious institutions, NGOs, and individuals alike to rise and reclaim our dignity. We need:
*Community Advocacy
We must raise awareness within our communities about the value of our children and the far-reaching consequences of exploitation. Through education and open dialogue, we can restore a sense of responsibility and pride among our people.
* Economic Empowerment
Poverty is at the root of desperation. We need sustainable programs that uplift families, create jobs, and provide economic opportunities. Empowered families are less likely to succumb to actions that compromise their children’s futures.
*Education for All
Education is the most powerful tool to break cycles of poverty and desperation. It equips children and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. We must invest in making education accessible and effective for every child on the Plateau.
* Enforcement of Laws
The laws against human trafficking and child exploitation must not only exist but be actively enforced. Perpetrators must face justice, and victims must be protected and supported to rebuild their lives.
Let us remember: every child is a gift, not a product to be sold.
This moment of crisis should be the beginning of a movement—a movement to protect the innocent, uplift the vulnerable, and restore the dignity of our Plateau community.
To my fellow Plateau people, we were once celebrated for our values and integrity. Let us not allow desperation to erode our legacy. Together, we can rise again. Together, we can give every child the opportunity to thrive.
Comrade Jonathan Gukut Is A Public Commentator On Both National And Sub-National Issues .
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has emerged as The Sun Newspaper’s Governor of the Year 2024.
The award is in recognition of Governor MUTFWANG’S servant leadership, transformative vision, and bold initiatives that have spurred rapid development across all sectors of Plateau State’s economy.
The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, made this announcement while presenting the nomination letter titled “Nomination for The Sun Governor of the Year Award 2024” to Governor Mutfwang at the Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.
Explaining the rigorous selection process, Mr. Ukeh emphasized that Governor Mutfwang’s recognition was purely based on merit.
“Your selection for this award was the result of a thorough and rigorous process, spanning several weeks of debate and scrutiny by our Board of Editors.
You emerged as the winner of The Sun Governor of the Year Award due to the following reasons:
“Many citizens of Plateau State identify you as a leader with transformative ideas, courage, drive, and a remarkable ability to meet targets.
In less than two years in office, you have demonstrated these virtues in governance, achieving significant advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, power generation, and the fight against insecurity.”
Mr. Ukeh highlighted Governor Mutfwang’s contributions, including the construction of new roads within the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and beyond, as well as the rehabilitation of older roads in record time.
He further praised the administration’s achievements in healthcare, particularly the revitalization of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency.
The agency now oversees the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential medications, to ensure that they are affordable and accessible to the public, especially the less privileged.
In agriculture, Mr. Ukeh noted significant strides aimed at enhancing productivity, boosting farmers’ incomes, and promoting sustainable practices.
He also commended the Governor’s bold initiatives in revitalizing the civil service for efficient service delivery.
Salaries are paid promptly, and the administration is addressing long-standing gratuities, death benefits, and pension backlogs dating back to 1986.
In response, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing the award as a reminder of the strides his administration has made to improve the lives of Plateau citizens.
He praised The Sun Newspapers for its professionalism and for carving a niche in Nigerian journalism.
“I approach this role with sincerity, viewing it as an opportunity for service.
If you fail to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the people who have entrusted you with their confidence, it’s a betrayal of trust.
While challenges and limitations may arise, we strive to do our utmost best for the benefit of the majority,” the Governor stated.
He further emphasized the importance of changing the narrative about Plateau State, highlighting its pleasant weather, immense tourism potential, and its peaceful, hospitable, and God-fearing people.
Governor Mutfwang also called on the media to support his administration in promoting the true image of the state.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast commitment to transforming the fortunes of the state for the benefit and prosperity of its citizens.
Governor Mutfwang made this pledge during a Sunday service at COCIN LCC Garki, RCC Abuja. He expressed hope that 2025 would be a year of glory and excellence for believers, emphasizing that while challenges may persist, victory is assured through God’s guidance.
Reiterating his administration’s goal of rewriting Plateau State’s narrative, the Governor lamented past efforts to tarnish the state’s reputation but proudly asserted that “Jos remains the most peaceful and cleanest city in Northern Nigeria.”
He emphasized his openness to innovative ideas that can drive the state forward, noting that his administration does not claim a monopoly on knowledge.
Reflecting on the success of the 2024 Christmas Carol and Praise Festival, which attracted dignitaries from across the nation, Governor Mutfwang announced plans to make the 2025 edition even more impactful.
“I am confident in facing tomorrow because our future is in God’s hands,” the Governor declared. “The Lord will help us overcome every obstacle. Let us remember that our economy is not dependent on earthly circumstances. God budgeted for your existence before you were born, and your life is no accident.”
Governor Mutfwang expressed profound gratitude to Plateau citizens for their prayers, support, and encouragement. He reiterated his readiness to receive counsel and constructive advice that will enhance the state’s development.
The guest preacher, Elder Yunana Malo, took his scripture reading from Jeremiah 15:16 and delivered a sermon titled “Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection.”
Elder Malo urged believers to immerse themselves in God’s word, highlighting its role as the primary means of communication with God.
“No one can truly submit to God without being grounded in His word,” Elder Malo stated.
“The word of God equips us with inspiration, direction, and instruction, addressing every aspect of life. Our victory is assured in Christ Jesus.”
The call for the Governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP), in the 2023 General election in plateau State, and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Human Virology Nigeria(lHVN), Professor Patrick Dakum to return to the All Progressive Congress(APC),as card carrying member has been intensified.
The call for professor Dakum who was ones active member of the party in the state before he decamped to labour party LP, for obvious reasons was made by the Chairman Bokkos LGA in an exclusive interview with journalists through his spokesman,Dabang Dashe.
The chairman passionately pleaded with Dakum to listen to the calls, and visit by the reconciliation team led by Rt.Hon Idris Maje, Member Representing Wase Federal Constituency who met with him early last year 2024 on the some subject matter, that APC is his political home, and have brighter political prospects in the party than any other parties in the state.
However lamented how Dakum decided to abandoned the party he sacrificed so much for and formed a formidable structure in the state ,but fled to Labour Party.
Revealed that 70 percent of Dakum’s supporters in Plateau are in the APC and not LP or the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Mabas further revealed that he has concluded plans to lead another rounds of deligations to meet with Dakum to change his mind and return back to his political home ,APC.
He praised APC on the plateau saying it remains the pride of the state ,as it has attracted more dividends of democracy than any other political parties in the state.
And listed some of the Achievements of the party in the state to include:Federal Polytechnic Nyak,Shendam LGA, Federal University of Education Pankshin, construction of dual carriageway from Akwanga to Gombe which was captured in the 2025 budget.
Others achievement of APC on the plateau according to him, is the recent Federal Government approved Federal University of Mining and Geo Sciences which is in the process, Federal Medical Centre Wase, Nigeria Open University Wase, and so many plethoras of Achievements of the party on the plateau.
“With patriotism, integrity , straight forwardness coupled with hardwork of Dakum are reasons the stakeholders of the party want him back to the party which will help to fast track the dividend of democracy to the people of plateau state.He maintained
As part of our efforts to rid the State of all criminal elements, the Plateau State Police Command has carried out a raid operation in various black spots within the Jos – Bukuru metropolis and arrested about Forty-Four (44) suspects, both male and female.
The suspects, most of whom were young adults were arrested for various offences including Twenty (20) Sara-Suka cult members, suspected prostitutes and other offences.
The Commissioner of Police Plateau State. Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, uses this opportunity to call on parents and guardians to caution their wards against keeping late nights and being in odd environments at ungodly hours.
He therefore warns all those with criminal intent to desist from such plans as the Command under his leadership will not hesitate to deal with them in accordance with the laws of the land.
In case of emergency, call the following GSM Numbers:
PLATEAU STATE POLICE CONTROL ROOM/EMERGENCY NUMBERS
07059473022
08038907662
08075391844
09053872296
PLATEAU STATE POLICE COMPLAINT RESPONSE UNIT (CRU) GSM NUMBERS:
08060545670 (PPRO)
08142326386
08037681026
08067884627
PLATEAU STATE POLICE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS BUREAU (PCB) GSM NUMBERS
In a bold demonstration of his commitment to revitalizing Plateau State’s agricultural sector and alleviating poverty, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has commissioned 20 tractors for farming communities across the state. This initiative is part of his administration’s vision for food security and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, which followed the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) Day/CRF disbursement at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang assured that the tractors would be effectively utilized to benefit both the state and its people.
He revealed that the government, through the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme, has mapped out plans to secure over 200 tractors to further boost agricultural activities, ensuring food security and sovereignty across the state.
In addition to the commissioning of tractors, Governor Mutfwang presented a $250,000 Community Revolving Fund (CRF) cheque to ten communities. This initiative, supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Plateau State Government under ACReSAL, aims to provide financial empowerment to rural communities.
Each community received $25,000, with the funds expected to be repaid after a specified period to empower other communities in the state.
The ten beneficiary communities include Guratop, Kerang, Zamko, Ampang West, Dinting, Jimin, Kaler, Plateau Club/Bingham, Pishe, Yashi, and Wereh.
While addressing the communities, the Governor charged them to make optimal use of the funds, emphasizing that the initiative is designed to create a revolving financial opportunity for broader community development.
“I want to thank the World Bank for the initiatives you’ve introduced on the Plateau. Let me assure you that, by the grace of God, none of these projects will fail. We are committed to ensuring that the funds and equipment are judiciously used to uplift our people,” the Governor said.
He further noted, “Beyond implementing projects, our focus is to ensure that these investments lift our people out of poverty. The bottom line is to improve the standard of living of our people by reducing poverty.”
Governor Mutfwang urged citizens of Plateau state to unite in supporting government initiatives, cautioning against divisive tendencies that hinder progress. He also highlighted the need for every available piece of land, especially in schools, to be cultivated during the coming farming season.
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, congratulated the ten beneficiary communities and underscored the importance of addressing climate change’s adverse effects on agriculture.
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He noted, “Desertification and climate change pose serious threats to agriculture, a key livelihood for Plateau residents. Through ACReSAL, we aim to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate impacts while improving their livelihoods. This initiative complements a comprehensive framework for land and water management through a 10-year watershed plan.”
Dr. Diop commended Governor Mutfwang and his team for their dedication to the project’s success and urged the communities to use the funds responsibly for the benefit of their members.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, and Chairman of Plateau ACReSAL Project State Steering Committee, Hon. Peter Kannang Gwom and Plateau State ACReSAL Coordinator, Mr. Garba Gowon Gonkol, all praised Governor Mutfwang for fostering a conducive environment for meaningful partnerships that directly benefit the people of Plateau State.
In a strategic effort to revitalize the healthcare system and address pressing challenges faced by the people of Plateau State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has awarded contracts for the renovation and upgrading of 82 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
Presenting cheques to the contractors on Wednesday at the Twin Theatre, New Government House, Jos, Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for Plateau citizens, particularly the vulnerable population, as part of his vision to enhance productivity and drive economic growth.
The Governor disclosed that the initiative is being funded under the IMPACT Project, a comprehensive program designed to create lasting improvements in the state’s healthcare system. The project will cover at least four PHCs in each of the 17 Local Government Areas in order to ensure equitable distribution of resources and services.
The upgrades will include the construction of perimeter fencing, two-bedroom staff quarters, motorized boreholes, and the installation of solar panels to guarantee uninterrupted power supply for effective service delivery.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, gave the names of the contractors to include Forest Engineering Ltd., MAICAT Nigeria Ltd., HALCYON General Merchant Limited, and Hope River International Limited. He described the initiative as a transformative intervention for Plateau’s healthcare sector.
In a related development, Governor Mutfwang has welcomed the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, on a courtesy visit to the state. Speaking during a detailed review session, the Governor expressed delight that Plateau State had hosted the World Bank delegation twice in less than a year, saying this is a testament to the growing partnership between the state and the global financial institution.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of strategic engagements with the World Bank, both locally and internationally, to share the “true Plateau story.” He highlighted several impactful projects under discussion, particularly those targeted at rural communities, and commended the World Bank’s commitment to initiatives that foster sustainable development in the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to collaborate with the World Bank and other reputable organizations to lift Plateau State out of poverty and drive meaningful progress.
Dr. Ndiame Diop, in his remarks, praised Governor Mutfwang’s exceptional leadership, describing it as instrumental in strengthening the partnership between Plateau State and the World Bank.
He expressed admiration for Plateau’s peaceful environment, scenic beauty, and vast tourism potential, and commended the Governor’s proactive approach in fostering a productiveness relationship with the World Bank.
Dr. Diop assured the Governor of the World Bank’s commitment to supporting transformative projects that will have enduring impacts on the lives of Plateau citizens.
Thousands of female students residing on campus at Plateau State University, Bokkos, can now study with ease and convenience, thanks to the installation of cutting-edge facilities in study halls within the female hostels.
The upgraded furnishings are the latest enhancements to three hostels, generously donated by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
On January 15, Dr. Felix Masok, Dean of Student Affairs, officially commissioned the first of of multiple upgraded, fully furnished study halls. He was accompanied by student union officials.
Dr. Masok reaffirmed the university’s dedication to providing a secure and conducive learning environment, and urged the students to safeguard the facilities.
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Student union officials expressed their heartfelt gratitude to both the university management and TETFUND for prioritizing their needs, promising to make optimal use of the facilities.
In the early hours of the morning of January 15th 1966 a coup d’etat took place in Nigeria which resulted in the murder of a number of leading political figures and senior army officers.
This was the first coup in the history of our country and 98 per cent of the officers that planned and led it were from a particular ethnic nationality in the country.
According to Max Siollun, a notable and respected historian whose primary source of information was the Police report compiled by the Police’s Special Branch after the failure of the coup, during the course of the investigation and after the mutineers had been arrested and detained, names of the leaders of the mutiny were as follows:
Major Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna,
Major Chukwuemeka Kaduna Nzeogwu,
Major Chris Anuforo,
Major Tim Onwutuegwu,
Major Chudi Sokei,
Major Adewale Ademoyega,
Major Don Okafor,
Major John Obieno,
Captain Ben Gbuli,
Captain Emmanuel Nwobosi,
Captain Chukwuka,
and Lt. Oguchi.
It is important to point out that I saw the Special Branch report myself and I can confirm Siollun’s findings.
These were indeed the names of ALL the leaders of the January 15th 1966 mutiny and all other lists are FAKE.
The names of those that they murdered in cold blood or abducted were as follows.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Prime Minister of Nigeria (murdered),
Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and the Premier of the Old Northern Region (murdered),
Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the Shettima of Borno and the Governor of the Old Northern Region (abducted),
Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the Aare Ana Kakanfo of Yorubaland and the Premier of the Old Western Region (murdered),
Chief Remilekun Adetokunboh Fani-Kayode Q.C., the Balogun of Ife, the Deputy Premier of the Old Western Region and my beloved father (abducted),
Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh, the Oguwa of the Itsekiris and the Minister of Finance of Nigeria (murdered),
Brigadier Samuel Adesujo Ademulegun, Commander of the 1st Brigade, Nigerian Army (murdered),
Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, Commander of the 2nd Brigade, Nigerian Army (murdered),
Colonel James Pam (murdered),
Colonel Ralph Sodeinde (murdered),
Colonel Arthur Unegbe (murdered),
Colonel Kur Mohammed (murdered),
Lt. Colonel Abogo Largema (murdered),
Alhaja Hafsatu Bello, the wife of the Sardauna of Sokoto (murdered),
Alhaji Zarumi, traditional bodyguard of the Sardauna of Sokoto (murdered),
Mrs. Lateefat Ademulegun, the wife of Brigadier Ademulegun who was 8 months pregnant at the time (murdered),
Ahmed B. Musa (murdered),
Ahmed Pategi (murdered),
Sgt. Daramola Oyegoke (murdered),
Police Constable Yohana Garkawa (murdered),
Police Constable Musa Nimzo (murdered),
Police Constable Akpan Anduka (murdered),
Police Constable Hagai Lai (murdered),
and Police Constable Philip Lewande (murdered).
In order to reflect the callousness of the mutineers permit me to share under what circumstances some of their victims were murdered and abducted.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was abducted from his home, beaten, mocked, tortured, forced to drink alcohol, humiliated and murdered after which his body was dumped in a bush along the Lagos-Abeokuta road.
Sir Ahmadu Bello was killed in the sanctity of his own home with his wife Hafsatu and his loyal security assistant Zurumi.
Zurumi drew his sword to defend his principal whilst Hafsatu threw her body over her dear husband in an attempt to protect him from the bullets.
Chief S. L. Akintola was gunned down as he stepped out of his house in the presence of his family and Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh was beaten, brutalised, abducted from his home, maimed and murdered and his body was dumped in a bush.
Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari had held a cocktail party in his home the evening before which was attended by some of the young officers that went back to his house early the following morning and murdered him.
Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun was shot to death at home, in his bedroom and in his matrimonial bed along with his eight-month pregnant wife Lateefat.
Colonel Shodeinde was murdered in Ikoyi hotel whilst Col. Pam was abducted from his home and murdered in a bush.
Most of the individuals that were killed that morning were subjected to a degree of humiliation, shame and torture that was so horrendous that I am constrained to decline from sharing them in this contribution.
The mutineers came to our home as well which at that time was the official residence of the Deputy Premier of the Old Western Region and which remains there till today.
After storming our house and almost killing my brother, sister and me, they beat, brutalised and abducted my father Chief Remi Fani-Kayode.
What I witnessed that morning was traumatic and devastating and, of course, what the entire nation witnessed was horrific.
It was a morning of carnage, barbarity and terror.
Those events set in motion a cycle of carnage which changed our entire history and the consequences remain with us till this day.
It was a sad and terrible morning and one of blood and slaughter.
My recollection of the events in our home is as follows.
At around 2.00 a.m. my mother, Mrs. Adia Aduni Fani-Kayode, came into the bedroom which I shared with my older brother, Rotimi and my younger sister Toyin. I was six years old at the time.
The lights had been cut off by the mutineers so we were in complete darkness and all we could see and hear were the headlights from three or four large and heavy trucks with big loud engines.
The official residence of the Deputy Premier had a very long drive so it took the vehicles a while to reach us.
We saw four sets of headlights and heard the engines of four lorries drive up the drive-way.
The occupants of the lorries, who were uniformed men who carried torches, positioned themselves and prepared to storm our home whilst calling my fathers name and ordering him to come out.
My father courageously went out to meet them after he had called us together, prayed for us and explained to us that since it was him they wanted he must go out there.
He explained that he would rather go out to meet them and, if necessary, meet his death than let them come into the house to shoot or harm us all.
The minute he stepped out they brutalised him. I witnessed this. They beat him, tied him up and threw him into one of the lorries.
The first thing they said to him as he stepped out was “where are your thugs now Fani-Power?”
My father’s response was typical of him, sharp and to the point. He said, “I don’t have thugs, only gentlemen.”
I think this annoyed them and made them brutalise him even more. They tied him up, threw him in the back of the lorry and then stormed the house.
When they got into the house they ransacked every nook and cranny, shooting into the ceiling and wardrobes.
They were very brutal and frightful and we were terrified.
My mother was screaming and crying from the balcony because all she could do was focus on her husband who was in the back of the truck downstairs. There is little doubt that she loved him more than life itself.
“Don’t kill him, don’t kill him!!” she kept screaming at them. I can still visualise this and hear her voice pleading, screaming and crying.
I didn’t know where my brother or sister were at this point because the house was in total chaos.
I was just six years old and I was standing there in the middle of the passage upstairs in the house by my parents bedroom, surrounded by uniformed men who were ransacking the whole place and terrorising my family.
Then out of the blue something extraordinary happened. All of a sudden one of the soldiers came up to me, put his hand on my head and said: “don’t worry, we won’t kill your father, stop crying.”
He said this to me three times. After he said it the third time I looked in his eyes and I stopped crying.
This was because he gave me hope and he spoke with kindness and compassion. At that point all the fear and trepidation left me.
With new-found confidence I went rushing to my mother who was still screaming on the balcony and told her to stop crying because the soldier had promised that they would not kill my father and that everything would be okay.
I held on to the words of that soldier and that morning, despite all that was going on around me, I never cried again.
Four years ago when he was still alive I made contact with and spoke to Captain Nwobosi, the mutineer who led the team to our house and that led the Ibadan operation that night about these events.
He confirmed my recollection of what happened in our house saying that he remembered listening to my mother screaming and watching me cry.
He claimed that he was the officer that had comforted me and assured me that my father would not be killed.
I have no way of confirming if it was really him but I have no reason to doubt his words.
He later asked me to write the foreword of his book which sadly he never launched or released because he passed away a few months later.
The mutineers took my father away and as the lorry drove off my mother kept on wailing and crying and so was everyone else in the house except for me.
From there they went to the home of Chief S.L. Akintola a great statesman and nationalist and a very dear uncle of mine.
My mother had phoned Akintola to inform him of what had happened in our home.
She was sceaming down the phone asking where her husband had been taken and by this time she was quite hysterical.
Chief Akintola tried to calm her down assuring her that all would be well.
When they got to Akintola’s house he already knew that they were coming and he was prepared for them.
Instead of coming out to meet them, he had stationed some of his policemen inside the house and they started shooting.
A gun battle ensued and consequently the mutineers were delayed by at least one hour.
According to the Special Branch reports and the official statements of the mutineers that survived that night and that were involved in the operation their plan had been to pick up my father and Chief Akintola from their homes in Ibadan, take them to Lagos, gather them together with the other political leaders that had been abducted and then execute them all together.
The difficulty they had was that Akintola resisted them and he and his policemen ended up wounding two of the soldiers that came to his home.
One of the soldiers, whose name was apparently James, had his fingers blown off and the other had his ear blown off.
After some time Akintola’s ammunition ran out and the shooting stopped.
His policemen stood down and they surrendered. He came out waving a white handkerchief and the minute he stepped out they just slaughtered him.
My father witnessed Akintola’s cold-blooded murder in utter shock, disbelief and horror because he was tied up in the back of the lorry from where he could see everything that transpired.
The soldiers were apparently enraged by the fact that two of their men had been wounded and that Akintola resisted and delayed them.
After they killed him they moved on to Lagos with my father.
When they got there they drove to the Officer’s Mess at Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi where they tied him up, sat him on the floor of a room, and placed him under close arrest by surrounding him with six very hostile and abusive soldiers.
Thankfully about two hours later he was rescued, after a dramatic gun battle, by loyalist troops led by one Lt. Tokida who stormed the room with his men and who was under the command of Captain Paul Tarfa (as he then was).
They had been ordered to free my father by Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon who was still in control of the majority of troops in Dodan Barracks and who remained loyal to the Federal Government.
Bullets flew everywhere in the room during the gunfight that ensued whilst my father was tied up in the middle of the floor with no cover. All that yet not one bullet touched him!
This was clearly the Finger of God and once again divine providence as under normal circumstances few could have escaped or survived such an encounter without being killed either by direct fire or a stray bullet. For this I give God the glory.
Meanwhile three of the soldiers that had tied my father up and placed him under guard in that room were killed right before his eyes and two of Takoda’s troops that stormed the room to save him lost their lives in the encounter.
At this point permit me to mention the fact that outside of my father, providence also smiled favourably upon and delivered Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the Shettima of Borno and the Governor of the Old Northern Region from death that morning.
He was abducted from his home in Kaduna by the mutineers but was later rescued by loyalist troops.
When the mutineers took my father away everyone in our home thought he had been killed.
The next morning a handful of policemen came and took us to the house of my mother’s first cousin, Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams, who was a judge of the Western Region at the time. He later became the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
From there we were taken to the home of Justice Adenekan Ademola, another High Court judge at the time, who was a very close friend of my father and who later became a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
At this point the whole country had been thrown into confusion and no one knew what was going on.
We heard lots of stories and did not know what to make of what anymore. There was chaos and confusion and the entire nation was gripped by fear.
Two days later my father finally called us on the telephone and he told us that he was okay.
When we heard his voice, I kept telling my mother “I told you, I told you.”
Justice Ademola and his dear wife who was my mother’s best friend, a Ghanian lady by the name of Aunty Frances, were weeping witgh joy.
My mother was also weeping as were my brother and sister and I just kept rejoicing because I knew that he would not be killed and I had told them all.
I believe that whoever that soldier was that promised me that my father would not be killed was used by God to convey a message to me that morning even in the midst of the mayhem and fear. I believe that God spoke through him that night.
Whoever he was the man spoke with confidence and authority and this constrains me to believe that he was a commissioned officer or a man in authority.
These mutineers who carried out this mutiny and coup were not alone: they got some backing from elements in the political class who identified with them.
Some have said that it was an Igbo coup whilst others have said that it was an UPGA (referring to the political alliance between the Action Group and the NCNC) coup but that is a story for another day.
Whatever anyone calls it or believes two things are clear: the consequences of the action that those young officers took that night were far-reaching and the way and manner in which they killed their victims was deplorable and barbaric.
Such savagery had never been witnessed in our shores. There has never been another night like that and the results of that night have been devastating and profound.
In my view not enough Nigerians appreciate this fact.
Some in our country cannot forgive those who participated in the mutiny and though I do not share that sentiment or disposition this is understandable.
Others believe that those young men (they were all in their 20’s) did the right thing and claim that those killings were necessary and heroic.
This is a sentiment which I not only despise but which I also find unacceptable and appalling.
There is nothing heroic about rebellion and the cold blooded murder of innocent and defenceless men and women.
The coup affected the country in an equally profound manner because the events of that night led to a counter-coup six months later. It was a devastating and disproportionate response.
Sadly after that came the horrendous pogroms and slaughter of the Igbo in the North which eventually led to the civil war in which millions of people died, including innocent children. This was also horrendous and deplorable.
Yet the bitter truth is that if the new Head of State, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi who himself happened to be Igbo, had done the right thing and actually prosecuted the ringleaders of the coup namely Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Anufuro, Major Ademoyega, Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu, Captain Emmanuel Nwobosi, Captain Okafor, Captain Ben Gbulie and all the other young officers that planned and executed the mutiny of January 15th 1966 after it was crushed, there would have been no northern revenge coup six months later.
I have not added Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna (who was actually the leader of the coup) to the list because he could not have been locked up or prosecuted by General Aguiy-Ironsi simply because he ran away to Ghana immediately after the mutiny in Lagos failed and after he and his co-mutineers were routed by Lt. Col. Jack Yakubu Gowon and his gallant officers.
For some curious reason after the coup was successfully crushed, General Aguiyi-Ironsi just locked these young mutineers up and he refused to prosecute them.
This bred suspicion from the ranks of the northern officers given the fact that Aguiyi-Ironsi himself was an Igbo.
The suspicion was that he had some level of sympathy for the mutineers and the fact that they did not kill him during the course of the mutiny only fuelled that suspicion.
The northern officers also felt deeply aggrieved about the wholesale slaughter of their key political figures that night.
In my view that, together with Aguiyi-Ironsi’s insistence on promulgating the Unification Decree which abolished the federal system of government and sought to turn Nigeria into a unitary state, made the revenge coup of July 29th 1966 inevitable.
The revenge coup was planned and led by Major Murtala Ramat Mohammed (as he then was) and it was supported and executed by other young northern officers like Major T.Y. Danjuma (as he then was), Major Martins Adamu and many others.
This is the coup that was to put Lt. Col. Jack Gowon (as he then was) in power and when they struck it was a very bloody and brutal affair.
The response of the northern officers to the mutiny and terrible killings that took place on the night of January 15th 1966 and to General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s apparent procrastination and reluctance to ensure that justice was served to the mutineers was not only devastating but also frightful.
300 hundred Army officers of Igbo extraction who were perceived to be sympathetic to the January 15th mutineers were killed that night including the Head of State General Aguiyi-Ironsi and the Military Governor of the old Western Region who was hosting him, the courageous Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi. This was very sad and unfortunate.
What happened on the night of January 15th 1966 was indefensible, unjustifiable, unacceptable, unnecessary, unprovoked and utterly and completely barbaric.
I beg to differ with those that believe that there was anything good about such a mutinous bloodbath and this is especially so given the fact that it was carried out by a small handful of ungrateful, cowardly and treacherous men.
Blood calls for blood: when you shed blood, other people want to shed your own blood as well and sadly this is the way of the world.
The minute the shedding of blood in the quest of power becomes the norm we are all diminished and dehumanised: and this applies to both the perpetrators and the victims.
The January 15th coup set off a cycle of events which had cataclysmic consequences for our country and which we are still reeling from today.
I repeat with greater detail, this included the Northern ‘Revenge’ coup of July 29th 1966 in which 300 Igbo officers and an Igbo Head of State (Gen. Aguyi-Ironsi) were killed, the pogroms in the North in which over 30,000 Igbo civilians were killed and a civil war in which 3 million Igbos (including 1 million children) and hundreds of thousands of Nigerians were cut short.
What a tragedy!
Coups may have happened in other countries in Africa but that did not mean that it had to happen here.
In any case the amount of blood that was shed on the morning of January 15th 1966 and the number of innocent people that were killed was unacceptable.
It arrested our development as a people and our political evolution as a country.
Had it not happened our history would have been very different. May we never see such a thing again.
Yet regardless of the pain of the past I believe that we should do all we can to put these matters behind us.
We must not allow ourselves to become prisoners of history. Rather than being propelled by pain and bitterness and becoming victims of history, we must learn from it, be guided by it and move on.
We must learn to forgive, even if we do not forget and, equally importantly, we must first establish the truth about those ugly events and understand what actually transpired.
What happened that night traumatised the nation. None of us has been the same since.
I can identify with that because I was a part of it, I witnessed it and i was a victim of it.
Yet by God’s grace and divine providence my father’s life was spared: not because he was special but simply by the grace of God.
Every day I think about those that were killed that night and I remember their families.
We share a common bond and we are all partakers of an ugly and frightful history.
I tell myself: “were it not for divine providence, my father would have also died and I would not have been what I am today, because he was the one who educated me and did everything for me.”
If nothing else I know there was a purpose for that.
We must resolve among ourselves that never again will people be attacked in their homes, dragged out, abducted and shot like dogs in the middle of the night.
Never again will women, wives, children and the unborn be slaughtered in this way.
Never again shall we witness such barbarity and wickedness in our quest for power.
Never again must any Nigerian suffer such brutality and callousness.
May the souls of all those that were murdered on January 15th 1966 continue to rest in peace and may God make Nigeria great again.
(Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Fika, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism and a former Minister of Aviation).
The Edo State 2024 Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kachi, has directed parties to begin verifying documents submitted by the petitioners.
The case, EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, involving Ighodalo Asuerinme and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was adjourned to January 17, 2025.
At the hearing on January 15, the counsel representing the petitioners, tendered certified electoral documents and requested they be marked as exhibits. The respondents’ counsel, objected, stating the documents must first be filed and registered.
He had argued that filing was unnecessary but agreed to comply with the court’s ruling. He noted that the respondents had received copies of the documents two weeks earlier without objection.
The tribunal then ordered each party to nominate two representatives for immediate document verification. Respondents’ counsel blamed delays on the petitioners’ failure to follow due process. The tribunal adjourned, citing the large volume of documents.
In the earlier petition of the day filed by Dr. Bright Enabulele and the Accord Party, against Monday Okpehbholo and 2 others, three witnesses testified. Cross-examinations revealed inconsistencies in their statements.
The first witness, Mr. Egbigere from Akoko Edo LGA, admitted he did not know the number of polling units in his area and lacked an INEC agent tag. He also failed to report alleged incidents of ballot theft.
The second witness, Ms. Daisy Nwachuku from Oredo LGA, served as a polling agent but had limited knowledge of the election details. She identified Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner but could not recall exact figures.
The third witness, Mrs. Victoria Ogbebor, faced discrepancies in her testimony. She struggled to provide accurate voting details and contradicted parts of her witness statement.
Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, has called on Nigerians to uphold and consolidate the essence and feats achieved by Fallen Heroes’ sacrifice.
Dakum asserts that the armed forces put their lives in harms way, where so many of them lost parts of their body and lives to keep the country one and united; and have also faced the same fate in not only protecting the territorial integrity of the country, but combating and flushing out insurgency ranging from Maitasine, Boko Haram to Islamic State’s of West African Province, ISWAP; and also bandits, kidnappers and secessionists terrorizing the peace and internal security of the country.
Professor Dakum give the charge in a press statement dated 15th January 2025 signed by his Media Consultant Shabul Mazadu and made available to this medium in Jos.
The Epidemiology and Public Health Professor, School of Medicine Maryland University, Baltimore USA, quoted John 15:13 saying, “Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.”
He said the Fallen Heroes have truly exhibited genuine friendship and proven their love by laying down their lives for us to be alive, united and secured.
And the appreciation that we can show to them is to uphold the values and essence of their death because reverting to the causes of secessioning, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping is betrayal of their lives’ and body’s sacrifices.
He called on politicians, clergy, ethnic and regional chauvinists who embarked on the destruction of our national cohesion by perpetrating discord, mutual suspicion and hatred along ethnic, religious and regional lines threatening our corporate existence to think twice and desist so that the lives lost by the Fallen Heroes will not be in vain.
Dakum added that there is no how Nigeria can attain nationhood with corruption and throes of segregation, nepotism, unhealthy and insatiable quest for wealth, injustice and other vices tailored towards disunity, bad governance, and oppression of the less privileged and minorities.
The former Commissioner of Health and Information advocates, love, respect, appreciation and corporation in patriotic front for the Military to succeed in securing our lives and properties; and to also remember and reach out to the families of the Fallen heroes.
Finally, he appeals to all to pray for the Armed Forces to succeed in their war with insurgents, bandits and kidnappers, and to pray for their families and those of the Fallen Heroes.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has pledged to improve the lives of legionnaires in plateau state.
The governor made the promise during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, promised to devote time, attention, and resources to ensure their well-being.
He said to kick-start this initiative, he approved free transportation for seniors aged 70 and above.
The governor acknowledged the importance of remembering the sacrifices of security personnel, who risk their lives to protect Nigeria’s citizens ,,commended their gallantry and extended his respects to those who have served, retired, or paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The event, held at the JD Gowlk Secretariat Round About, was attended by dignitaries including the GOC 3 Div, Chairman of Legionnaires in Plateau State, and the Commissioner of Police.
The highlight of the occasion was the release of pigeons, symbolizing peace.
Former Chairmanship Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Hon, Ishaya Itse has Strongly Advocates for total overhaul of the principal officers of the Plateau state House of Assembly.
This comes after he alleged that they lack the political will to support Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s efforts to deliver democracy dividends to the people of Plateau State.
Itse expressed his concerns in an exclusive interview with this medium in telephone interview in Jos, stating that the state assembly has become a place for self-serving interests rather than serving the people.
He urged Governor Mutfwang to take urgent steps to address the excesses of the affected members, particularly the principal office holders, to avoid political damage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He Appeals to governor Mutfwang for the interest of fairness , inclusiveness and gentleman agreement to consider other zones for the position of speakership for the state House of Assembly more preferably from the Southern Zone , for equity and fair Play.
Itse praised Governor Mutfwang’s administration, saying that the people of Plateau State have never had it so good, with the governor carrying everyone along regardless of political, tribal, ethnic, or religious differences.
However, he warned that allowing the state assembly to continue with their self-serving ways could jeopardize the governor’s good intentions and take the state back to the dark days of bad governance
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Plateau State chapter, expressed dismay over the alleged diversion of Christmas and New Year palliatives provided by the State Government by the office of Senior Asistant (SA) to the governor on Inter- Party Affairs,John Akans.
This was revealed to journalists in an interview with some opposition party members, APM , AAC, and others who claimed that the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Mr. John Akans failed to present any palliatives to IPAC in the state as received.
When contacted, the state IPAC Secretary Hon.Aminu Hadi admitted that their members approached the office of the adviser to governor Mutfwang on Inter- Party Advisory Affairs, John Akans seeking for their share of food items, but the leadership is yet to receive any yet.
“Yes, it’s true that some members asked for their share of food items from the state government; some even alleged we received the items but refused to share them.
“We have earlier submitted IPAC request for the food items before Christmas to the office of the governor, but we haven’t collected any from the state government up to this moment.
Hon. Hadi adviced IPAC members to remain calm as a committee will be set up to unravel those behind the diversion of the items with the view of bringing them to justice no matter their position in government,or highly Place in society when our chairman return from
Abuja.
However appreciated Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s concern for IPAC’s affairs in the state and encourage the governor to continue the good work he started in the state.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called on pilgrims from the state to use this year’s pilgrimage to deepen their relationship with God and fervently pray for peace and unity in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
The Governor made the charge on Monday during a farewell ceremony for the intending pilgrims at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, Plateau State. He urged the pilgrims to seek a transformative encounter with God in the Holy Land that would leave a lasting impact on their spiritual lives.
“I pray that this trip to Jerusalem will not just be an ordinary journey for you but will serve as a platform for a life-changing encounter with God. May this experience positively transform your lives, benefit your families, and leave a legacy for generations to come.
“There are individuals accompanying you on this trip who carry the presence of God in their lives. I encourage you to return as carriers of God’s presence as well. True Christianity reflects in our character and productivity at work, and this is an opportunity to deepen your relationship with the Lord,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang further noted that the state government had facilitated the pilgrims’ journey to the Holy Land and was in discussions with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to expand the runway at the Jos Airport to enable international airlifts directly from Jos.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Bishop Jwan Zhumbes, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for sponsoring the highest number of pilgrims in the country.
He encouraged the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors of Plateau State in the Holy Land and return spiritually renewed.
During the ceremony, Rev. Associate Professor Caleb Dami delivered a sermon titled “New Jerusalem Dweller”, drawing insights from the books of Hebrews and Revelation.
He reminded the pilgrims that while the journey to earthly Jerusalem requires great sacrifice, they should aspire to dwell in the heavenly Jerusalem, whose cost has already been paid by Christ.
The pilgrims received farewell prayers from the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubi. They are to be led to the Holy Land by Rev. Professor Pandam Yamsat.
Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU) has secured approval from regulatory authorities to launch six new academic programs, marking a significant milestone in the university’s effort at expanding its academic offerings.
The new programs include degrees in Medical Sciences (MBBS), Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharm D.), Statistics (B.Sc.) and Religious Studies (B.A); as well as the endorsement of professional bodies for its programs in Law and Nursing Sciences.
The development was announced by the Acting Vice Chancellor/Chairman of the university’s senate, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best during the 92nd Regular meeting of Senate on January 10, 2025.
The NUC’s approval for the university’s New Academic programs is contained in a release dated 13th January 2025 signed by the Acting Public Relation Officer of the institution Masara Kim and made available to this medium in Jos.
Prof. Best credited the achievement to the unwavering support and commitment of the State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang to the university’s progress.
“The result is that now we have gotten approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for all of these programs,” announced Prof. Best.
The NUC gave PLASU the green light to proceed with these programs, following resource verification visits to assess the university’s preparedness last year.
Additionally, the Council of Legal Education and Nursing Council have formally approved the newly established Law and Nursing Science programs respectively.
Prof. Best expressed gratitude to the regulatory authorities for supporting the state government’s efforts to promote learning at PLASU. He also pledged the management’s commitment to staff welfare for optimal productivity.
“The stability of the academic calendar depends on the quality of academic relationships within the university,” Prof. Best acknowledged.
“As long as it is within the purview of the university and the management, there is nothing of a welfare nature that belongs to any union that this management is sitting on.”
Prof. Best appealed for patience over delays in implementing the new national minimum wage for staff of the university.
“I know that the way to stay in peace with people is to give them what is due to them. That is the principle of management. But some things are of a process nature,” said the Acting VC and Senate Chairman.
“The minimum wage involves a process. It has commenced for civil servants, but the university is outside the civil service system. However, we are doing our best negotiating with officials at the state level,” he said.
In other developments, the senate received reports on the resumption of academic activities after the Christmas and New Year breaks.
Efforts to improve campus security are also underway, including the issuance of ID cards and approval of access to hostel accommodation for appropriate categories of students.
As PLASU continues to expand its academic offerings, it remains committed to providing quality education and promoting a safe and secure learning environment.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, has extended his condolences to the entire Ngas Nation over the demised of the wife of the Paramount ruler.
The SSA in a press release issued in Jos, Saturday, condoled the Paramount ruler
Nde Jika Golit, and the entire Ngas speaking people over the loss of his wife,
Her Majesty, Esther Golit.
The press statement is presented here unedited “The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the Ngas Paramount Ruler, HRH Nde Jika Golit, and the entire Ngas nation, on the passing of their beloved Queen Consort, Her Majesty, Esther Golit.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of this remarkable woman, whose contributions to the Ngas nation, Plateau State and the entire Middle-Belt will never be forgotten.
Her Majesty’s wisdom, kindness, and generosity inspired countless individuals, and her legacy will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to her people.
As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary matriarch, we take comfort in the knowledge that her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and may her selfless devotion to her people, her wisdom and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her community continue to inspire and guide you.
During this difficult time, I urge the Ngas Nation to take comfort in the fond memories of Her Majesty’s remarkable life and legacy.
We pray that God will grant the Ngas nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and that Her Majesty’s soul will rest in perfect peace.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Hon. Dan Kwada
Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities.”
A conglomeration of 15 church denominations of similar beliefs established in 1955 on the auspice of Tarayya Ekklisiyoyi Kristi a Nigeria, TEKAN, meaning Association of Churches of Christ in Nigeria, has advocated for the cut in the cost of governance and boost in standard of living in the country.
In a communique signed and issued by its President and Secretary, Revs. Joel Stephen Billi and Augustine Akawu Elisha, at the end of its 69th general assembly at Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ, ERCC, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Saturday 11th January, 2025, TEKAN, called on the three tiers of government to reduce the exorbitant cost of governance at their levels and translate it to bettering the living conditions of the citizens especially massive investment on agriculture for sufficient food production to meet domestic consumption and export.
According to TEKAN, the gesture will clamp down inflation and its adverse effects bred by floating of the naira and subsidy removal.
While commending some of the Federal Government’s policies on cushioning the effects of suffering prompted by Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, subsidy removal, TEKAN said there are more that need to be done.
The church conglomeration which frowned at the lingering insecurity bedeviling some parts of the country and hampering farmers from massive food production, called on the government to intensify efforts to end it, and on affected communities to intensify efforts to form vigilante groups and collaborate with security agencies to defend their domains within the ambit of the law.
Patrick Dakum, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine Maryland University, Baltimore USA, and the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria IHVN, mourns the death of Rev. Festus Sati Dashem, a Senior Pastor, Administrator and instructor with Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, whose demise ensued on January 8, 2025, at Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, after brief illness.
Professor Patrick Dakum’s commiseration is contained in a statement dated 11th January 2025 signed by his Media Consultant Shabul Mazadu and made available to this medium in Jos.
Dakum commended Festus for assiduously working on the Lord’s vineyard when he was alive by being one of the pioneers of establishing COCIN in Lagos, preaching and teaching the word of God with verity and humility in all the COCIN branches he served, and for being a seasoned administrator and instructor in the church.
The Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, also eulogized the deceased for being a true husband, father, brother and uncle to his wife, offspring, siblings, niblings and piblings, likewise a sincere friend to friends, associates and allies.
His death according to Dakum is a huge loss to not only his family, but the Church, Mupun nation, Plateau and the entire body of Christ.
Dakum calls on the bereaved to see the passing away of Festus as home calling to be with the Lord, as such, they should not be overwhelmed by grief, but take solace in the Almighty God who promised not to leave nor forsake his people in their time of troubles, grief, needs and challenges.
And prayed that God should strengthen and console them with his cozy and comely love, and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, has extended his condolences to the entire Ngas Nation over the demised of the wife of the Paramount ruler.
The SSA in a press release issued in Jos, Saturday, condoled the Paramount ruler
Nde Jika Golit, and the entire Ngas speaking people over the loss of his wife,
Her Majesty, Esther Golit.
The press statement is presented here unedited “The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the Ngas Paramount Ruler, HRH Nde Jika Golit, and the entire Ngas nation, on the passing of their beloved Queen Consort, Her Majesty, Esther Golit.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of this remarkable woman, whose contributions to the Ngas nation, Plateau State and the entire Middle-Belt will never be forgotten.
Her Majesty’s wisdom, kindness, and generosity inspired countless individuals, and her legacy will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to her people.
As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary matriarch, we take comfort in the knowledge that her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and may her selfless devotion to her people, her wisdom and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her community continue to inspire and guide you.
During this difficult time, I urge the Ngas Nation to take comfort in the fond memories of Her Majesty’s remarkable life and legacy.
We pray that God will grant the Ngas nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and that Her Majesty’s soul will rest in perfect peace.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Signed:
Hon. Dan Kwada
Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities.”
It is with heartfelt empathy, on behalf of myself, family, Consolidation for Greater Plateau, friends and well-wishers, I sympathise and commiserate with the Ngas paramount Chief, HRH Nde Jika Golit, and the entire Ngas nation, over the passing away of their Queen Consort, Her Majesty, Esther Golit.
The death of the Maran (Queen Consort) of Ngas land is a profuse loss to not only the Paramount Chief and Ngas nation, but Plateau Central Zone and the entire state, considering the exquisite and magnanimous roles she played as Paramount Mother which had greatly impacted lives devoid of exclusivity and recourse to her kinsmen and subjects, but transcending borders and ethnic nationalities.
Her enthusiasm and penchant for a serene, integrated and Prosperous Ngas Nation and beyond exhibited through benevolence from a motherly heart with total support and loyalty to the Paramount Chief, is worthy of emulation and will greatly be missed.
I call on HRH, the Ngolong and the entire Ngas nation to see the passing away of Maran of their land as an act of God and be consoled in the Almighty as the giver and taker of life, with the assurance of his enduring presence in our time of need (s) and bereavement (s) and be strong and of good courage.
May the Almighty God comfort you all and grant you the strength to bear the loss.
Signed:
Prof. Patrick Sunday Dakum
CEO IHVN
Plateau State Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 General Elections
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