Professor Shedrack Best, the Vice Chancellor Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos
By Ezekiel Dontinna
As part of efforts to enhance service delivery, Plateau State University Bokkos, has conducted an in-house training for its library staff in preparation for the automation of the University’s library, facilitated by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund).
The training, which is the third in series was aimed at equipping library staff with the requisite skills in effectively utilisation of the automated library system.
This system was to enable library users to access to academic information digitally, bridging geographical barriers of the institution.
In his presentation with topic: “Repositioning Plateau State University Library for Effective Service Delivery in the 4th Industrial Revolution Era”, the University’s Librarian, Associate Professor Shehu Aladeh, emphasized the importance of embracing technological innovations in modernizing the library.
He noted that, the library has evolved significantly from traditional practices to digital times.
Aladeh, assured participants that the university was committed to investing in technological advancements to enhance access to online resources, including journals and seminar presentations.
The Librarian, therefore, urged staff to be adaptable to the changing technological landscape, emphasizing the need for human resource development ahead of the automation.
Also in his remark, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Services, Dr Cletus Audu, commended the University Librarian for organizing the training.
The training which brought together academics among whom were the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Ishaya Dashol, and representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.
The development marks a significant step towards the university’s goal of transitioning from analogue to digital practices, enhancing its reputation as a hub for academic excellence.
Barr. Olivia Dazem, the Plateau State Chairperson, Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission
By Ezekiel Dontinna
The Plateau State Acting Chairperson, Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission, Barr. Olivia Dazem, has encouraged Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) Women Wing, to take a harder look at the opposition again and begin to look out for the positive and good aspects of the tax reform.
She stated this recently, while speaking as the Guest Speaker with the theme: “The Position Of The Nigerian Leaders Women On The Controversial Tax Reform Bills” at the One Day National Women Conference organised by CNG Women Wing, held at Odilin’s Events Centre Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The Gender Commission Chairperson, noted that the former sharing system of revenue has the federal government getting 55%, but the current one being proposed has changed the whole thing.
According to her understanding based on the proposed tax reform, 10% would be for federal government, 55% for states while 35% would be for the local government areas.
“My little understanding means that more will come to the states. More will also go to the local government areas and little will go to federal government.
“It gives me some cause for concern because it means that federal government will take a harder look at some of those things that they are keeping in Abuja.
“And if that is the case, I would want to use this opportunity to call on our leaders in CNG to take a harder look at the opposition again and begin to look out for the good aspects of the reform”, Dazem advised.
She, called on Northern women to support the reform if it was going to make critical issues like food items, health, education not taxable to them and their children.
The Gender Expert, therefore, encouraged Northern Nigerian women to be more concerned about this bill and the good things found in those bills so that, they could all be on one page saying, “if the bill will help in promoting good governance, Northern Nigerian women should support it”.
Earlier, the National Director Women Affairs, Nankling Pamala Nanle, said the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in response to some doubts and concerns in the North, wished to draw the attention of the Tax Reform Committee on the following areas:
“The trust deficit in the North, in respect to the tax reform deal, which seems to ignore the highest concentration of the informal sector in the North.
“They have little or no idea of the details of the deal. The bulk of traders and farmers in the North, largely women, are always marginalized and manipulated by the so-called middlemen.
“I just don’t know, but hoping that this tax reform bill will probably define and integrate the benefits of this bill, that is why we are calling for direct consultation”, she reiterated.
On his part, the National Coordinator, Coalition of Northern Groups, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanch, disclosed that CNG has been going around to advocate or enlighten people on what the bill was all about.
He said, “our position is very clear. Our position is not different from that of the National Economic Council, the Northern Governors Forum, the Traditional Rulers
“We emphasize that more time is needed. Consultations should be made because we believe that the principles of democracy is consultation.
“Chances should be given for this effort for people to look into the bill, if it is otherwise, there should be a clear definition in terms of that bill”, Charanch highlighted.
The Palace of His Majesty the Ngolong Ngas Nde Jika Golit, has continued to receive condolence messages from Organisation, Communities and individuals over the recent demise of the Queen of the Ngas Maran Esther Jika Golit.
This came in a press statement signed by the Media Officer to Ngolong Ngas, Wukaska Bako Gowon, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Tuesday.
Hon. Lapching Ezekiel Golime, the Executive Chairman of Kanke LGC delivering condolence message
The Executive Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council, Hon Lapching Ezekiel Golime, led a Faith Care International Medical Out Reach Team Abuja on a condolence visit to His Majesty the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit.
He said the late Maran was the rock on which Ngas Culture and Tradition were hanging on and expressed shock that her exit has created great vacuum not only within the Traditional Council of Pankshin and Kanke, but the entire State where her husband is the Secretary of the State Council of Chiefs and Emirs.
His Majesty, Nde Jika Golit, the Ngolong Ngas receiving condolences
Golime, therefore, called for continues prayers for the family and entire citizens of Plateau State for them to bear the irreparable lost
On his part, the Captain of the Faith Free Medical Out Reach Team, Dr Yilkudi said the program was organized by the Council Chairman to salvage the people of Kanke from numerous health challenges.
He noted that, the unwavering, self dedication of the late Maran in offering Motherly advices and excellence humanitarian services would not be forgotten.
The Captain disclosed that, the Team has reached out to all, not minding political, religious or ethnic differences and commended the Council Chairman’s efforts towards the interest of the electorates.
In the same vein, Kanke Local Government Council Women residents in Pankshin sobbed their hearts out saying, they have lost a mother whose steadfast service to humanity has reunited Ngas Women within her short period as the Maran of the Ngasland.
Speaking, the leader of the group, Dr (Mrs) Deborah Miri, said as Kanke women, they were standing with the family and other citizens in mourning the great lost through prayers for God wipe out the pains.
Also at the Palace were members of Okada Riders Association led by its Pankshin Chapter Chairman, Comrade Manji Micah Chinposhak who prayed and console with the Royal Father over the unfortunate incident.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President
Life follows cycles like the weather, know what season of life you are in and honour it.
Fight for the things you love, live your life with no regrets, think of yourself as an explorer, you cannot find anything new if you are unwilling to leave the shore.
Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time you’ve got.
Who is untrue to his own cause cannot command the respect of others.
The Lord said “Fight the good fight of faith” Nothing can stop you but you if you believe!
Late Rt Hon Usman Zumunta Musa, former Deputy Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly
By Katdapba Yunana Gobum
At an event yours sincerely wasn’t able to attend in Jos on January 4, 2025, the life and times of Rt Hon Usman Zumunta Musa were celebrated.
The event, from all intent and purposes, was not designed just to draw people to the venue. It was principally to acknowledge his contributions in changing the lives of people, even while dead.
Above all, his interventions served as an attachment to the idea of raising young men and women for quality service towards achieving a mileage in the development of their communities.
Be that as it may, the initiative is a sign post of the struggles he helped to achieve for the journey of life of many people from different walks of life, while he lived.
He didn’t deliberately choose those to receive help. He facilitated for all to get help. Little wonder, many of them were at the venue in great numbers; in what was seen as a traditional outing to support their benefactor.
Their different perspectives and comments, are, in many respects, a reflection of how he stood up for them; when they needed education but could not afford it; help to settle medical bills; and leverage the different difficult stations of his many constituents, so as to get them fulfilled.
On this score, more of his constituents got attached to his politics. It is this brand of politically conscious trajectory that has raised from Kanam and beyond an army of well informed men and women who appreciate service wherever they find themselves.
Over time, his home became a point of convergence: It brought together both the young and old to draw wisdom and mentorship.
They always left satisfied and filled to the brim; thanks to his wife, Hajia Hauwa Usman Zumunta, who has remained in the tradition of doing what is good for those who visited the family house.
One dignitary after another at the event poured encomiums on the politician whose place in history is not a product of chance. The Usman Zumunta Musa Legacy Summit and the launch of the Zumunta Water Relief Initiative were to keep his name and memory fresh and incandescent.
It was organized by the Usman Zumunta Musa Foundation, to celebrate the life and legacy of Rt Hon Usman Zumunta Musa, former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly’s contributions to leadership and community development.
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, sees the late Zumunta Musa as a father figure whose ‘life embodies the virtues of leadership, service, and selflessness. This event is a celebration of his legacy and the lessons he left for us to emulalate’.
Prof Chris Kwaja, says the impact of ‘Zumunta Musa’s life was defined by his commitment to empower others and foster unity, regardless of religion, gender, or political affiliation. His legacy challenges us to live purposefully and dedicate ourselves to the betterment of’ of humanity.
The summit’s climax came with the official launch of the Zumunta Water Relief Initiative by His Royal Highness Mu’azu Muhammad Muhammad II, Emir of Kanam.
In the words of the Emir: This initiative embodies the values of compassion and service that defines Zumunta Musa’s life’. As can be seen, the summit serves more ‘as a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to service but also as a platform to inspire current and future leaders’
Many keep saying that whether it was at Tetengi Estate Alheri, Zaria Crescent, Maman Iyabo (late Ibrahim Kuku Estate), New Legislative Quarters, Ungwan Doki, Bukuru and at Atiku Street, Rayfield, where he lived once, the story of lavish reception to all was not lacking, whenever they came visiting.
If you have ever met him, he was such a simple and easy-going person. Rt Hon Usman Zumunta Musa had a unique gift for making everyone feel valued and cherished.
While working with the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture, before he ventured into politics in 1999, he is reported to have left a track record of honesty, sincerity, and dedication to service.
While the sojourn lasted, he was imbued with an excellent character that went ahead of him, thus making those who saw service in government as a means of enriching one self.
He lived a selfless life, which greatly impacted other people’s. If there is none of those who may have benefited, one who still stands tall is Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
Dr Gagdi could rightly be said to have been sufficiently mentored by him. No wonder, it is said that a teacher expects his students to excel far above what he has achieved.
The impact of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi in PKK, Plateau and beyond cannot be reduced to happenstance. The people’s representative has a unique mission to deliver in the lives of his constituents.
Today, there are many whose lives have been turned around for the better. They include, but are not limited to: Amos Inusa Baduku, Isiaka Birni, Abdullahi Lawatla, Tanko Lawatla, and Emmanuel Bayero. There are many more; and to be fair, the summit, in the main, was to put him on the spot; even though not alive.
While serving the people of Katana constituency of Kanam, he was made Deputy Speaker on May 15, 2000 in the Plateau House of Assembly; with a term from 1999-2007. He opened the floodgate for three more sons from the local government area to serve in the same position.
Apart from other extra efforts to drive home the needs of his constituents; one of the most difficult tasks was being the Chairman Investigative Panel on the Allegations of Corruptions against Governor Joshua Dariye.
On October 5, 2015, the Gum-Gagdi politician who was born in 1957 and served Kantana constituency for two terms died. It is sad to recollect.
He left in his trail a worthy principle of ‘politics without bitterness’, for which the state still needs. The Usman Zumunta Musa Foundation is a welcome Initiative dedicated for the good of community development.
He is survived by his wife, Hajia Hauwa Usman Zumunta (Gambo), who, together with his children; Zuwaira, Zakiyyah, Zaharaddeen, Al-Amin, and Abdulhakim have kept his memory alive.
Dr Markus Avong, the Acting Provost, College of Health Technology Pankshin
By Ezekiel Dontinna
The Provost, Staff and Students of the College of Health Technology Pankshin have Joint other citizens in mourning the death of the Maran of the Ngas Nation, Her Majesty Esther Jika Golit, describing the death as painful.
This came in a press statement signed by the Media Officer to the Ngolong Ngas, Wukaska Bako Gowon, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital recently.
Presenting the College’s condolence letter to the Ngolong Ngas in his Pankshin Palace recently, the Acting Provost Dr Markus Avong, said, the death of the Late Maran was great loss that has triggered a lot of pains not only to the family, but the entire citizens of the State.
He remembered her immense contributions to the Traditional Council , especially the humanitarian services through kind reception accorded to the subjects of his Majesty within and outside the Palace which he said could not be forgotten easily.
Among, added that her exemplary spiritual life which has been the sources of encouragement to the family and the entire community was worthy of emulation by the people.
The Provost, however, commended, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang the Executive Governor of Plateau and other prominent Nigerians who personally paid condolence visit to encourage not only the immediate family, but the entire citizens.
He, therefore, urged His Majesty the Ngolong Ngas Nde Jika Golit the husband and entire family to take solace believing that she was resting in the bosom of the Lord.
The Allied People’s Movement (APM), Plateau State, has filed a case dragging the Councillor representing Jenta–Apata, Hon. Kim Chollom, for trespass and painting its party office at Jenta–Apata Ward of Jos-North Local Government Area.
It has also dragged the Landlord Mr Yohana Loman, to court for breach of rent agreement and for allowing the Councillor to have access to the property without the party’s knowledge even when the rent has not expired.
This was the look of APM Ward Party Office
The APM Ward Deputy Chairman of Jenta-Apata, Mr Istifanus Isa, who signed for the party in court has included the painter in order to trace or have authentic evidence before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Jos North LGA.
The party in a direct civil complaint, allegedly accused the Councillor representing Jenta Apata of conniving with the landlord’s sister to commit this offense on 7th Day of January,2025 .
The party’s prayer in the suit was on one count charge of Public office Trespass which is an offence of violation in Section 94 / 223 of Plateau State Penal Code Law.
However, when the count charge was read to the defendant by the clerk he pleaded not guilty of the charge, he pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the Complainant H.A.Shakmut, therefore, called for adjournment of the hearing to enable him prove the case against the defendant and the case adjourned to February 17th ,2025 for the next hearing.
Speaking to Journalists shortly after the hearing, the Deputy Ward Chairman of Jenta-Apata, Hon. Istifanus Isa, said the party dragged defendants to court because their party office which they rented as office, was painted without their knowledge.
He narrated that, the party office was painted on January 7, 2025 and when asked, the painter said he was contracted by the Councillor, Hon. Kim Chollom, to pain the party office white covering the party’s logo.
Isa, thereafter, reported the action to Katako Divisional Headquarters and when the Police immediately invited the painter and the Landlord for more investigation.
He disclosed further that, it was at the Police Station that the landlord rejected knowing anything about the action and that, he wasn’t aware of the person who gave him the work .
The Deputy Chairman, explained that the painter disclosed to the police who contracted him and it was the Councillor representing Jenta Apata.
However, information later filtered that the landlord sister connived and invited the Councillor to sponsor the repainting of the entire building, erasing their party logo even when tenancy has not expired.
It would be recalled that, at the heat of last Local Government Elections in Plateau State, the Jenta-Apata Ward Allied People’s Movement (APM), opted out of the race and supported candidate of their choice for the interest of the party and peaceful conduct of the October 9, 2024 Local Government Elections.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President
You meet everyone twice in this life, when they come and when they go.
There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all the sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, the joy would be gone as well.
Life is too short to wake up with regrets, so love the people who treat you right and endure the ones who don’t, believe everything happens for a reason and try to learn from every experience.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands, if it changes your life, let it! Nobody said life would be easy, they just promise it would be worth it.
The Lord restores. Say.. I am coming out stronger !
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