Dr. Julie Sanda, the Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA)
By Ezekiel Dontinna
In a bid to avert the recurrence of violence in parts of Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas ahead of these celebrations, the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) in collaboration with Operation Rainbow, have organized two separate stakeholder meetings to respond to the early warning signs in the two LGAs.
The meetings which brought together traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups and security operatives amongst others, explored practical steps that both community stakeholders and security agencies would play in addressing speculations of impending attacks on helpless citizens during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Brigadier General Gakji Shipi, the Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Security and Coordinator, Operation Rainbow
Speaking at the engagement, Director General, Plateau Peacebuilding Agency, PPBA Dr. Julie Sanda, said, one of the objectives of the meeting with the various stakeholders was to respond to rumour and speculation of a repeat of the 2023 Christmas Eve attacks on communities by armed gunmen.
She maintained that, the early warning signs in the two affected LGAs of Bokkos and Mangu could not be ignored, hence the need to meet and develop action plans to address the situation.
Mrs. Lucy Umar, Director, Finance and Supply PPBA
The DG, therefore , urged all stakeholders to be vigilant and proactive in responding to the rising tensions in their respective communities as a result of the rumour of attacks making the rounds.
Sanda, added that the government of Plateau State was concern about the situation, hence the need for communities to cooperate with the government and other security outfits to ensure that, the gains of peace recorded in the last few months was not derailed before, during and even after the festive season.
Mr. Kenneth Dakop, PPBA Team Lead, Strategic Communication
She assured that, PPBA would continue to work with communities and other relevant bodies to consolidate on the gains of peace in Plateau communities stressing that, PPBA would continue to empower especially the youth and women to be part of the decision-making processes in their communities.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Plateau State Security and Coordinator, Operation Rainbow, Brig. Gen. Gakji Shipi (Rtd.), charged security operatives in the localities to treat all cases of crime and criminality with utmost seriousness and professionalism.
Participant
He noted that the Plateau State Governor was committed to ridding the State of criminals and those who may want to jeopardize the ongoing peacebuilding processes in the state.
Gen. Shipi, disclosed that Operation Rainbow and other similar security agencies have strategized to respond to any security threat on the citizens warning that, the government and security agencies have been placed on red alert to deal decisively with any individual or group that would want to cause trouble during the festivities.
Similarly, while in Mangu LGA, the PPBA Director General, Dr. Julie Sanda, called on the people to always close ranks in their quest to further strengthen the ongoing efforts at rebuilding peace and confidence in the area.
Represented by the Director, Finance and Supply, Mrs. Lucy Umar, Sanda urged the stakeholders to design action plans that would respond to the widespread rumour of planned attacks on worship centres during the yuletide season.
She decried the situation where letters of threat and planned attacks on communities in Mangu, were being circulated saying, “it is not only unfortunate but capable of disrupting the peace and security of the LGA and other neighbouring communities.
The DG, however, commended the members of the Community Peace Architecture Forum (CPAF) of Mangu LGA for taking steps to unravel the source of the threats.
She then commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) of Mangu for always working in synergy to respond to issues of conflict in their locality.
In their separate remarks, Chairman CAN, Mangu LGA, Rev. Mathew Daluk and Chairman, JNI, Alh. Hudu Manomi both promised to continue to work closely to halt any breakdown of law and order in the area.
It would be recalled that in December 2023, communities in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs were attacked by armed gunmen that left scores dead and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.
It was in response to impending rumour of another round of attacks that the PPBA in collaboration with Operation rainbow organized to engagements to explore ways of mitigating any repeat of the violence during the holidays.
While in Bokkos, there were contributions from various stakeholders like the traditional institution represented by the Saf Mangor, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Women Groups, Ethnic Nationalities, as well as, Heads of security outfits such as the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and other non-conventional security organs.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President
You gain strength, courage, and confidence from every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face.
Don’t run away from your fear, attack it, and refuse any form of disrespect not even from yourself. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
Do not allow negative thoughts to remain in your mind, for they are weeds that strangle confidence. Work until your idols become your rivals.
Focus a larger part of your time on solutions and only a little of your time on your problems. When you keep looking at the problem it becomes bigger.
Failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s the absence of not trying again. The Lord enhances.
Hon. Dan Kwada, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities
By Ezekiel Dontinna
All arrangements have concluded by the
Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State on Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities for the Maiden Middle-Belt Leaders’ Connect and Get Together in Jos.
This announcement came in a press statement signed by the SSA to the Plateau State Governor on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the State capital Friday.
The statement states, “Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, invites you to the Maiden Plateau Cultural Middle-Belt Leaders Connect and Get Together.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State
The event is scheduled for Sunday December 22, 2024 at the Eliel Center Jos, Plateau State capital by 2pm and would have Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, and Hon. Engr. Jerry Satmark, the Chief Of Staff to the Plateau State Government to make Key Note Addresses.
The Critical Stakeholders of Middle Belt extraction for the Goodwill messages would be key Government functionaries; CONAECDA; PIDAN; SUKAPO; Civil Society Organisations; Plateau NUJ Chairperson; Middle-Belt Journalists Forum; Coalition of Plateau indigenous Youth and a host of others.
According to the statement, the Event was part of the ongoing efforts by the Governor Mutfwang’s administration to foster unity, understanding and cooperation amongst various Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities”.
It would be recalled that, the SSA to Governor Mutfwang on Middle-Belt Nationalities upon resumption of office, embarked on a tour and sought the support and cooperation for the “Time Is Now” Administration.
He was able to reach over 100 Leaders of Middle-Belt Ethic Nationalities on the Plateau as well as critical Stakeholders of the region among which were the leadership of CONAECDA, PIDAN, SUKAPO, the Middle-Belt Journalists Forum etc.
While in an interview with Journalist in Jos, the SSA said, the get together for the leaders of various Middle-Belt ethnic Nationalities on the Plateau was the very first of its kind approved by Governor Mutfwang to foster unity, Peace and cooperation as well as to ensure inclusivity in his administration.
Hon. Dan Kwada, also disclosed that, preparations were on top gear to commence the Middle-Belt Ethic Nationalities Connect on the Plateau, to help promote culture and traditions of the various ethnic nationalities as well as to unite the people for the common goal of the region.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President
A lots of people are broken in this world, but what do you expect in a world that is waiting for the slightest opportunity to crush you. But the good news is, our God is the mender of broken hearts.
Avoid being negative at all cost, you can be living in a dark world, but your heart is full of light. Thinking positive thoughts will empower your mind and free your soul.
When you have a grateful heart, life is so beautiful, nobody gets to live life backward, look ahead that is where your future lies.
Failure defeats losers but inspires winners. Your best days are still out in front of you.
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. The Lord reveals..
Professor Nanven Audu Gambo, the Vice Chancellor Karl Kumm University (KKU) Vom
By Ezekiel Dontinna
Over fifty-nine (59) newly matriculated students of the Karl-Kumm University Vom, Plateau State, have been warned against engaging in cultism, drug abuse, stealing, consumption of alcohol and other illicit substances.
The University has also cautioned the students to stay clear examination misconduct, inappropriate use of social media, truancy, indecent dressing, ruffian behavior and any conduct that threatens the integrity their persons and the university.
The Vice Chancellor, Karl Kumm University, Professor Nanven Audu Gambo, gave warning yesterday, while delivering his speech at the 2nd Matriculation Ceremony, held at the University’s premises in Vom, Jos-South LGA.
The VC noted that, as second set of students of Karl-Kumm University, they were expected to demonstrate good sense of godliness, industry, integrity, discipline and tolerance of diversity.
He disclosed that the students would be trained to become global citizens after graduation, stressing that the Campus Life was a veritable laboratory to test their sense of tolerance of diversity, hence the need for them adhere to the University’s Code of Conduct.
“The university has zero tolerance for cultism, drug abuse, stealing consumption of alcohol and other illicit substances, examination misconduct, inappropriate use of social media, truancy, indecent dressing, ruffian behavior and any conduct that threatens the integrity of your person and the university in particular.
“The Management of the university is not compromising on the strict enforcement of students’ court of conduct (SCC). You are required to exhibit godly values such as love, compassion, tolerance, respect, humility, wisdom, courage, etc, whether on campus or outside campus”, Gambo emphasised.
Dwelling on the Motto of the University: “Knowledge, Character and Service”, the Vice Chancellor, urged them to be guided by the conduct accordingly and should exemplify these values at all times and habitually uphold the matriculation Oath you have taken.
While congratulating the newly matriculated students, he, also acknowledged the roles played by BOT led by a dynamic leader, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, OON, and the Chairman, Governing Council, Late Professor Chapa C. Onazi, OON, who passed away August 1, 2024 and Professor Hayward Mafuyai, the current Acting Pro-Chancellor for shaping the future of the University.
Professor Nanven, however, described Late Professor Chapa C. Onazi, as a great elder statesman, an institute university administrator, a consummate public servant, and a faithful servant of God and that, his death was a great lost to the University.
Professor Musa Inusa Fodio, the Vice Chancellor ANAN University Kwall Professor Hayward Mafuyai, the Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Karl Kumm University (KKU) Vom
On his part, the Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Professor Hayward Mafuyai, congratulated the University Management for successfully completing the admission exercise for the 2024-2025 academic year.
He said, “today’s event is a testament to the remarkable ability of the Management led heavily by the Vice Chancellor, to consolidate on the foundation which was laid last year when the University commenced academic activities.
“The management has no doubt demonstrated the capacity to navigate the current situation through the challenges associated with pioneering an institution such as this. I already alluded to the fact that this institution is like no other”, Mafuyai enthused.
Also, the Vice Chancellor, ANAN University Kwall, Professor Musa Inusa Fodio, congratulated the Management of KKU saying, “the BOT and Pro-Chancellors are all here. You all deserve congratulations because of the role you have played in taking KKU to the present stage.
“More specifically, we need to actually congratulate the Vice-Chancellor and his very good matchmaking team for doing great work in this university because you have just brought the university to where it is”, he commended.
Ambassador Dr. Nendi Ruth Fidelis, nee Obadiah, the Plateau State Chairperson of No Woman, No Nation
By Ezekiel Dontinna
A renowned Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), No Woman, No Nation, has empowered over ten thousand (10,000) registered women with organic fertilizer to help improve agricultural produces yield across Plateau State.
The NGO is for Women Empowerment Initiatives Forum with a Motto: Build the Nation, Build the Woman”, and the founder of NO WOMAN, NO NATION is Ambassador Prince Akintola Oluwasanyo Julius.
The Plateau State Chairperson of No Woman, No Nation, Ambassador Dr. Nendi Ruth Fidelis, nee Obadiah, disclosed this while in an interview shortly after concluding her tour in Jos, the State capital Monday.
She disclosed that the “No Woman, No Nation” is a NGO and it was non-political, non-religious and non-ethnic organisation that cut across the 36 States of Nigeria with each State having its Chairperson.
The State Coordinator noted that, they have the National Representatives, the State Representatives, the Local Government Representatives and also Wards Representatives at the grassroots with Plateau State having 17 Coordinators across the LGAs.
She explained that, “in each Local Government, we have about 28 EXCO, including the Coordinator because No Woman, No Nation, intended to reach the grassroots, using that structure in each Local Government through the 28 EXCO.
“It aims at empowering women through economic, independent leadership, development, skill enhancement, connecting government and professional institution with humanitarian developers for a better society across Nigeria.
“In No Woman, No Nation, we educate women, girl child on health rights and opportunities, gender balance, peaceful and conducive business environment for the women to strive. That is why, you see, we mobilize women across the 17 local government”, she explained.
According to the Ambassador, the No Woman, No Nation Plateau State chapter started in February 2024 and from there to the time of our inauguration on October 24, 2024, the Organisation has over 10,000 registered women on the Plateau.
She, however, disclosed that they have their strategic plan to be embarked upon by January 2025, God’s willing, and would be on how to empower women in order to boost their agricultural activities.
The Plateau State Chairperson, therefore, explained that it was for this reason that a fundraising was organised to enable them buy organic fertilizer and distributed to these women.
“We were supposed to distribute it during the inauguration, but because of the crowds that trooped to be part of this occasion overflowed to 51,000 women. So we were unable to distribute the organic fertilizer to them.
“And that was why we embarked on a thank you tour to each Local Government across the 17 local government, in order to appreciate them and also distribute the organic fertilizer to them.
“Because it was arranged, we distributed them in such a way that each Local Government Coordinator will collect for her members”, nee Obadiah explained.
She outlined some of the local government with high number of registered members to include: Mangu, which have over 1,400 women; Pankshin has 1,200 women; Bassa 1000; Wase, 700 women and with many more coming.
While embarking on the tour starting from October 10 to December 10, 2024to distribute these organic fertilizer in each local government, the Chairperson presented one litre of the organic fertilizer each with uniforms to all registered member.
Some Local Governments were given up to 3,000 to 2,000 containers of the one liter, while some got 120 to 200 depending on the number of registered members and it went round like that across the 17 LGAs.
Narrating their experiences on reaching Bassa Local Government, Dr Nendi Ruth Fidelis, nee Obadiah, said, “Wow! When we first went to Bassa, the women all came out including the non-registered member and on that day, some were even struggling to register.
“And from there, we proceeded to Jos-East. While in Jos-East, the women there too came out, but they were not much compared to Bassa. They were up to 300 women, but their reception was very wonderful.
Samples of Organic fertilizer bought by No Woman, No Nation
“In fact, in some of the local government areas, even their chiefs came out. In local government like Jos-North, the wife of the Chairman came out to receive us and she gave us a warm reception.
“While in Jos-South LGA, the Chairman’s wife and the Deputy Chairman who are woman came out to receive us. So, you see, all that we are into, we are not trying to stop anybody, but we are just like a pressure group trying to bring women together so that, tomorrow we can be proud to say that, a lady can stand for us. Yes, we do not want to go hand in cup begging, but, at least, we can bring out a female Governor, God’s willing”, she prayed.
The Ambassador, therefore, called on women to come out and join this No Woman, No nation, because it is a non-political and non-religious organisation, and was ready to empower a woman with what they have mobilised within them.
She revealed that the organic fertilizer was not given to them by any politician, but was the result of what they mobilised within themselves through a fundraising together to support their agricultural activities of rural women.
Nee Obadiah, noted that although, there were some women who were not farmers, No Woman , No Nation wanted to add value to what they were doing, particularly business women and some farmers.
“We just started with organic fertilizer and we said, even if you are not a woman farmer, you can give it to your fellow woman.That is empowerment because to us in No Woman, No nation, empowerment does not rely on sharing money.
“That is why, when some people were saying during inauguration, “we are coming to share money”, I said No! We don’t share money, but we empower them through trainings which is part of our strategic plan by January.
“We will now start going to local government by local government to train our women on packaging, especially how they can package our local government-made product.
“You know, each local government is blessed with a particular agricultural produce. So we want to train them on how they can package their product for export.
“Like now in Pankshin, Kanke Local Government Areas, they have olive oil. We’ve already started mopping the olive oil and selling it to other women in Gombe, Kano, Abuja, Lagos etc. So you see we have add value to their business.
“If they are used to selling 10 jerry cans in a month, we, in No Woman, No Nation are mopping it from them to help create the market for them so that, within them they can go round mopping what they have, because a woman alone cannot produce 10 jerry cans, but she can mop from her fellow women.
“If this one have one bottle, another one will have one or four liters and so, they mop it together and then we create the market for them, thereby adding value to their business and creating a market for them because anything you produce and you don’t have market for it, it is not even worth it. It’s not even advisable”, she highlighted.
The Plateau State No Woman, No Nation’s Chairperson said, they were looking for partners and supporters and as state Executives, they would continue to mobilize themselves to make fundraising within themselves to support the women in the rural area.
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the GOC 3 Div and Commander Operation Save Haven (OPSH)
By Ezekiel Dontinna
The General Officer Commanding 3 Armour Division and Commander, Operation Save Haven (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalam E. Abubakar, has cautioned Journalists to observe ethical considerations and respect the confidentiality of those involved in operations.
He stated this recently, while declaring opened a One-Day Media Training for Journalists on Ethics and Security Considerations in Media Coverage of Military Operations, organised by Plateau State Correspondents Chapel of NUJ in collaboration with OPSH, held at GreatKlinks Hotel Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, OPSH, Brigadier General M.O. Agbi, the GOC described ethics as the foundation of credible journalism and it totally relied on the journalist to deliver accurate, fair and balanced reportage, especially during conflict and crisis times.
He added that, ethical considerations in military operations were pbeyond just accuracy, but also involve respect for confidentiality for sensitive information, respect for dignity and life of those involved in the operations.
“This also involves the commitment to never institutionalised in a way that would incite fear or misunderstanding.
“Therefore, while reporting military operations, you must consider accuracy and verification of information, because these reports can lead to omission and undermine public trust.
“You must not forget to be sensitive to the families and communities impacted by conflict in the course of your reportage. Security consideration in military coverage is paramount”, Abubakar advised.
He, therefore, urged reporters to consider balance and objective reporting, avoiding biases that would affect public sensation about operations or the intent for military.
On his part, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, advised the media to always give more positive reports about the military and other forces.
This, according to him, would boost the morale of the populace, and reduce the complicity given to the terrorists and people that were perpetrating evil.
Also, the President, Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), Ndam Bali, said, “when you observed your ethics and for security consideration, strike a balance.
“And our reason why we keep asking for striking on the balance is, sometimes when these things happened and as peace network, we don’t have the numbers and it hampers the world”, he reiterated.
The Plateau State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs Ayuku Pwaspo, appreciated the Military for the support they have received so far. “We enjoyed this partnership and we assure you that we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders in the Plateau project.
“For us as Journalists, we also have ethics like other professionals. We are glad that we have this opportunity to understand the rudiments and importance of the Military”, she noted.
Pwaspo, therefore, urged her colleagues to stick to the ethics and continue to reflect on the ethics of analysis and foster peace and unity in our country.
Earlier, Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Mr Polycarp Auta, assured that as Journalists, “our role is vital in informing the public while navigating the complex ethical landscapes.
“Today, we will discuss best practices for reporting in Conflict Zones, theimportance of understanding military protocols, and the ethical implications ofour coverage.
“Together, we aim to foster a responsible media environment that respects both the need for transparency and the necessity of security.This exercise will enable us understand the nexus between free press and national security, how to build public trust and the structure of the military and its legal frameworks”, he emphasized.
Mr. Polycarp Auta, Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Plateau State NUJ Council
Auta, noted that the training would further expose them to some of ethical and security considerations, as well as the protection of sources while reporting military operations.
Professor Nanven Audu Gambo, the Vice Chancellor Karl Kumm University (KKU) Vom
By Ezekiel Dontinna
The Vice Chancellor, Karl Kumm University (KKU) Vom, Professor Nanven Audu Gambo, has charged the newly admitted Students for the 2024/2025 Academic Session to adhere to the University’s Code of Conduct.
He gave the charge recently, while delivering his opening remarks at the Orientation Session organised by the Students Affairs Department of KKU in Vom, Jos-South LGA of Plateau State.
The Vice Chancellor, urged the new students to take the programme very seriously saying, “your ability to achieve your life inspiration depends on what you are going to do.
“Especially, the topic discussed by our father, Reverend Professor Pandam Yamsat, which will be talking to you about values, and how those values fit into the student’s code of conduct.
“So take your time and read it thoroughly so that, you do not go against the students code of conduct. I want to believe that after this programme you will be changed agents not just on campus, but even beyond the University community”, he advised.
Gambo, however, assured that the Management was doing everything possible to ensure that the students got a 21st century quality education that would prepare them for life after University.
He, therefore, noted that the University had a befitting centre for entrepreneurship and would be equipping the centre for students to have an opportunity to learn one or two trades or skills so that upon graduation, it could be used.
Earlier, the University’s Coordinator, Students’ Affairs Department, Dr. Bulama Bulus, said, the programme was to help them adapt the University’s culture and to navigate through their programmes
“It will also give you an opportunity to have an understanding of our rules and regulations, how we operate and dictate it. And so I want you to take advantage of this program because it is going to determine how far you will stay here.
“If you want to leave very soon for graduation, then you play with this programme. But if you really want to finish and finish well, then take advantage of this programme and I assure you, you will leave this place better than you came in”, he encouraged .
There were paper presentations by KKU Registrar, Mr. Benjamin D. Dachollom, with a topic: Code of Conduct and Registration and Rev. Professor Pandam Yamsat, on Significance of Personal and Institutional Values respectively.
Other Speakers included: Dr. Julius Okojokwu, of the University of Jos on topic: “Academic Excellence and Integrity; Navigating Challenges and Embracing Prerequisites for Success”; Dr. Linus Vem, (Entrepreneurship; A panacea for graduates’ Unemployment Crisis In Nigeria) and Dr. Nentawe Gurumdimma, (Beyond the Buzz: Accelerating Research and Scholarship with Artificial Intelligence “AI”) in that order.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President
Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise. Reputation grows like a mushroom, character grows like an oak tree, a thing done right means less trouble tomorrow.
Are you a leader, be focused and act quickly when trouble and divisions is perceived. Don’t fold hands when followers are scattering because of foolish advice.
Beware of half truth, you may get hold of the wrong half. Be careful of advice to take when on the seat of power. When pursuing peace ego must be dropped.
Go extra miles. “Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your confidence in a companion; Guard the doors of your mouth From her who lies in your bosom”.
The heart of man is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it” Peace is encouraged, pursue it at all cost.
Streetbell Online 