Mr. Garba Gowon Gonkol, the Plateau State Project Coordinator ACReSAL
By Ezekiel Dontinna
The Agro-Climatic Resilience In Semi Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has opened contract bids for rainwater harvesting facilities in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
While declaring that occasion opened, the Plateau State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Mr Garba Gowon Gonkol, said part of the requirements of World Bank was for rainwater harvesting to be in communities where reclamation was ongoing.
“Water harvesting is a very important project and activity that the World Bank cherishes very much. And this activity is also key to the State Government based on the advantages that are derivable from that activity.
“Rainwater harvesting is an activity usually sited in communities where reclamation is going on.The brain behind World Bank approving this activity is not just about reducing the impact of erosion.
“It is also for provisions of water to communities that suffer shortage of water. And so the wisdom of the World Bank is that, the impact of the rain which also causes erosion, should be minimized through the rainwater harvesting”, he explained.
Gonkol, disclosed that they had earlier opened bids for the construction of Langtang North Dam two months ago through the same World Bank water project and would soon start.
He, therefore, urged the contractors to be calm, assuring them of transparency and fair treatment because their gates were opened and due procedures would be followed.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Environment, Solid Minerals Development and Climate Change, Michael Yabisu, cautioned the luckiest contractor who might likely emerged to work according to standard or the contract would be revoked.
He noted that Governor Mutfwang the was desirous of making sure that the people of Plateau State got the best and warned that, he would not compromise anything below standard.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President
Stress and anxiety are silent killers, they are created by how you perceive your experience of life, change your perception and you will change your life.
To live is the rarest thing in the world, most people exist, that is all. There are friendships imprinted in your hearts that will never be diminished by time and distance.
One of the simplest ways to stay happy is letting go of the things that make you sad. Life is about creating yourself.
The breakfast of champions is not cereal, it’s over coming challenges and still maintain a smile. Avoid stress.
AIG Adebowale Williams, Commandant Police Staff College Jos
By Ezekiel Dontinna
In line with its core mandate, the Police Staff College Jos, has continued to train Police Officers and personnel of other security agencies on contemporary law enforcement practices to enable them tackle evolving security challenges in the country.
This time around, the elite Police training institution has trained and graduated 200 participants of the Advanced Detective Course (ADC) 79/2024 which include 162 Police Officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and 38 of their counterparts in other security agencies.
This came in a press statement signed SP Duwon Amunedon, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Police Staff College Jos, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Friday.
While addressing the course graduates earlier today, the Commandant of Police Staff College Jos, AIG Adebowale Williams, psc(+),fdc noted that the occasion is not just a celebration of individual achievements, but also a testament to the collaborative spirit that exist among the various security agencies in the country which he said was healthy for safety and security of the nation.
Emphasizing on the theme of the course, ” Integrating Technology and Traditional Techniques in Modern Investigation”, the Commandant who stated that the theme is sine qua non in today’s rapidly evolving landscape of crime, tasked the course participants to blend their foundational skills of traditional policing with innovative capabilities provided by technology.
AIG Adebowale Williams hinted that during the course, the officers were taught how to harness the power of digital forensics, data analytics and advanced surveillance techniques, master the art of effective interviewing, crime scene management, and evidence collection.
This integration, according to the Commandant is crucial, as it equips the participants to tackle the multifaceted security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies today.
He further charged the officers to continue fostering the spirit of collaboration as they experienced at the course of training by working together, sharing information and supporting one another, as no security agency can succeed in fighting crime alone.
The Commandant also thanked the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, ph.D, NPM and his management team for the successes celebrated was attributed to his uncommon commitment and support to training and capacity building of Police personnel and that of other security agencies.
The event featured presentation of certificates to the course participants and award for exceptional performance during the course.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President
To be spiritually awakened is also to be mentally and physically awakened.
The heights reached and kept by great men, were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night, accessing the arena of greatness.
It is the cumulative total of what you do daily that determines your success.
Trust your potential and take advantage of the night season and go for knowledge, that is where the deep things are revealed because deep calleth unto deep.
The Lord said “Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom” Don’t be too busy not to invest in yourself.
We’re on a mission to honor the 50 Legends/Brands Redefining Plateau State. Is there someone whose work inspires you? Nominate them today! Open link https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15t3JE7ESf/ for more details.
Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, of Plateau North Senatorial Zone
By Ezekiel Dontinna
The leadership of Plateau Indigenous Miners Association, has sought to collaborate with the Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang in promoting legal mining to reduce risks around mining sites through collaboration.
This came in a press statement signed by the SA Media to Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, Eric Dung, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital recently.
The Team led by its State Chairman, Mr Wilfred Pwajok, stated that they were at the National Assembly to familiarise themselves with the Distinguished Senator and also commend him for his modest strides since his election earlier in the year.
He further disclosed that, they were in the office to intimate him about the efforts of the association in the promotion of legal mining, reduction of risks at mining sites and also foster collaborative ventures in the sector.
The Association, however, handed over an invitation to the Senator inviting him to attend its forthcoming event tagged “Miners Night” which would soon hold.
Responding, Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, who played them host in his office at the National Assembly, Abuja, commended them for following due process to have come all the way to partner with his office.
He, therefore, appreciated the association for the role they were playing in the mining sector nothing that, there was every need for the country to harness its rich natural resources for the country’s economic growth and development.
Dachungyang, stressed that with a vast deposits of natural resources, Plateau State has what it takes to use these resources for the benefit of its people.
He assured that as lawmakers, they would have to look critically at the present laws with a view to making them more people friendly so that, it would boost not the economy of the State, but the country at large.
Professor Shedrack Best, the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU)
By Katdapba Yunana Gobum
It is not out of place to revisit the history of the 17 year old Plateau State University, Bokkos; for many obvious reasons; starting from September 2005.
Yet, if it must be done, most of those who who are the harshest critics of the various Vice Chancellors, may have a rethink, particularly if they are told of the conditions under which they operated.
Like they say, a lot of water has passed under the bridge. If we wish for the understanding of the university’s trajectory, it should be in total agreement of how an institution should stay on course through due processes of administration.
Truly speaking, it would be out of place to reduce whatever has been contributed by all past administrators. They remain a signpost of development on the university campus.
To reduce the historical contributions of Profs John Wokton Wade (2005-2010), Nenfort Gomwalk (2010-2013), Doknan Descent Danjuma Sheni (2013-2918), Yohanna Daniel Izam (2018-2023), Benard Malau Matur (2023-2024) in the development of the university would amount to journalistic laziness.
Yours sincerely would never want to be counted for such an exercise. In their various persuasions, all of them, egg heads, have gone through the mills administratively and in academics, they can be relied upon on the assignment.
But situating their historical antecedence and contributions, such are enough to appreciate what they have added over the years, for the university to get to the present station.
Those who have followed developments in the university may be quick to point to certain alleged lapses of government over the years, which may have forced the Ivory Tower to remain largely inconsistent of the course the university should have followed.
Such institutions in Nigeria may not be found without the incumbency factor of the government in power. All the Vice Chancellors appointed in the past and future have reason to want to succeed while they lasted, despite the ever noticed presence of its proprietor.
Thus, within the limits of what may have been available, and for some of the alleged frustrations they may have endured; each one of them added value in several ways than one.
The university is where it is placed today consequent upon the efforts deployed in building it by the administrators over the years.
In the current circumstance where Prof Shedrack Gaya Best holds court, a number of things have happened; and they are reflective of the new drive to change the narrative that has come to be of PLASU lately.
There is no denying this fact: Bokkos local government has remained a sore point for insecurity for years. Scholarship does not flourish in this kind of environment. It will never!
The founders did not envisaged that a time would come when students and lecturers would be in their lecture halls guarded or accompanied by truck loads of security personnel. And sadly losing staff and students in the process.
But the situation calls for sober reflection of what has hit the local community where the university is situated; and by extension a concern for the state and its people.
Since coming on the saddle on February 12, 2024, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best started on a sprint. There are initiatives executed that are speaking well of him, and for which the university is being applauded.
Things can not be different in running Plateau State University. Whatever vision the Vice Chancellor has can never be any different from that of the Governor, being its Visitor. They can’t work at cross purposes.
The responsibility, given to Prof Shedrack Gaya Best; whether in acting capacity or substantively; he is expected to change the face of the university by bringing it to acceptable standard, to play the role it was set up for.
For those who know, Plateau State University has gone through circles of turbulence and uncertainty. It takes a huge amount of resolve to bring the needed changes to the institution that has been described as a ‘village university’.
Despite numerous challenges, the university has trudged and made progress in different areas. That it has grown in different dimensions since he arrived is the fact that he ‘didn’t waste time criticising’ what was done in the past; rather, he settled down to ‘improve on it’.
The institution has grown in different facets that any university should. In the words of Prof Shedrack Gaya Best: I have been keen in making sure that the university does not look like the neighbouring village. We cannot be in a village and then resemble the village’.
To get an environment that had largely remained topsy-turvy, the system needed to be normalised. ‘We began to clean the university’, after an appointment he calls ‘unusual’, and to be fair, it needed enough guts to get it done.
Prof Gaya arrived Bokkos with enough dose of it; ready to rebuild the confidence, working with the government, staff (and its unions) and security to remedy what was becoming an increasingly uninhabitable environment.
First, apart from settling accounts with university unions, he confronted what was becoming a laissez-faire attitude, where it was difficult for students to pay fees, insisting they were lords who should be respected, and exempted from such payments.
To ensure that the battle is won on different fronts, a number of things; though energy sapping have so far been executed. Thus, to ward off herders from the precinct of the university, the fencing of its perimeter walls through TETFund with observetory towers and CCTV are underway.
Even though it is a battle, he believes he is ‘winning, I don’t believe that a university should be a grazing ground for any body, hence we have to stop the herders from extending their destructive attitude into the university’.
It is interesting that the university began with ‘three faculties; today, there are nine with a School of Postgraduate Studies, and 10 Directorates. In the next session, we’ll introduce two new faculties: Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences’.
With students population hitting the ten thousand mark, about 85-90 percent live off campus on account of insufficient hostels. That is being worked upon to be reduced through partnership with Bua and Dangote Cement to build hostels to enable a sizeable number of students live on campus.
PLASU, from all intent and purposes is stable; the hitherto hostile students-school relationship has given way to dialogue and understanding. The environment is wearing a new look, even as its physical composition has taken an identity worthy to be called a university.
The hope in the future in making road network, hostels, buses, water, ICT, electricity, solar available and strategic and many more are some of the acting Vice Chancellor’s major preoccupation.
But above all, the university must have to grow to compete with its peers, knowing that ‘the scope of education is that you can tell it’s boundaries’. While getting staff to build capacity, the institution must stop ‘inbreeding’ of Plateau people alone, but ensure that deversity is encouraged.
The university should attract people all over the world; knowing that the strength of a university is in the capacity of its staff.
In his current position, Prof Shedrack Gaya Best knows that an opportunity has been given, no matter its nomenclature, it will be apt to make a statement in the assignment; by making it better and efficient.
New leadership of the Radio, Television, Theater and Art Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Plateau Radio, Television Corporation (PRTVC) Chapter has emerged.
The Chairman, Credentials Committee, Comrade Nansel Gimba, who is State Secretary of RATTAWU, announced the results after a keenly contested elections and declared Comrade Yiltina Anuhu Gofwan, as the elected Chairman and to be deputised by Comrade Sarah Chungwom respectively.
The positions of Secretary General went to Comrade Geoffrey Azi, with Comrade Sam Pam, as the Assistant Secretary while the position of Financial Secretary went to Comrade Tiseh Milaham in that order.
Others included: Comrade Amina Mudan (Treasurer); Comrade Victor Fom (Auditor) and Comrade Mary Lar, Public Relations Officer (PRO) with Comrade Jeremiah Bot and Comrade Sarah Dahip, as Ex- Officio and Woman leader respectively.
Speaking shortly after being sworn in as the newly elected Chairman, Comrade Comrade Yiltina Anunu Gofwan, thanked the entire members of RATTAWU for the trust they have in him to be elected as their Chairman and promised not to throw away the confidence reposed in him by them.
He promised to focus on the Staff welfare, especially in terms of promotion and other things that every staff should be entitled to saying, “the issue of weigh-in allowances of Radio, Television and Theatre at Workers Union of Nigeria that was approved ten years back will be pursued.
“Unfortunately for us in PRTVC, we started enjoying it some years back. But, someone removed it from our payroll and as it is today, we are no more enjoying that weigh-in allowances.
“But I want to give you the benefit of doubts that, we will continue to pursue that issue and by the grace of God that weigh-in allowances of PRTVC RATTAWU staff will be returned back because it was approved.”, Gofwan assured.
According to him, “and again I want to look at the issue of conversion and so many other problems that are bedeviling staff of PRTVC. I believe that by the grace of God, we are going to look at that area as well and I assure you that with God on our side we will deliver”.
He expressed concern that, other Media Sectors like NTA, Radio Nigeria and National Film for Gallery and Arts as well as others in the state were enjoying that allowances, hence the dire need for them to ensure that the allowances were returned to the staff of PRTVC.
However, the newly elected Chairman noted that, there was no winner, no loser and that, there was no victor, no vanquish and called on them to join hand with him to move the corporation forward.
He emphasized that the interest of PRTVC superseded every other interest and whatever they have in mind, let them bring them on board because he has a lot of programmes and items on ground to achieve as a Union.
“I believe that together we will achieve the needed things that are mostly needed in this corporation. So I pray, and I would like to extend my hand of fellowship to my sister who lost in this election.
“We are together and will continue to be together. She has been my sister and by the grace of God, we will work together”, the PRTVC RATTAWU Chairman assured.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President
When your passion and purpose are greater than your fears and excuses, you will find a way. Remember this: Fear is temporary, but regret may last forever. Take the leap, even when it’s scary.
Making the right decision might not feel good right away, but it doesn’t mean it was the wrong one.
We live in a world of contrast, it’s sad we are among people who can’t seem to grasp the differences surrounding them.
Stand up to your obstacles, do something about them, and you find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have.
The Lord inspires. Good morning. Thank God is Friday..
And at the Main Event on Date: December 25, 2024 Venue: Crest Hotel & Gardens, Rayfield Road Time: 12 PM Gate pass: 1k, V.I.P 10k, table for 4- 50k, vendor 10k
with plenty of giveaways including cash prizes, and many more
For inquiries, call: 07068767353, or 0703 385 5085, or 08030417157
Join us and be part of one of the biggest Ember celebrations! BBQ AND BURN FIRE 🔥💐🎉🍾💥💥💥👯♀️🕺💃
Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival initiated by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State in Jos, truly defines and exposes the hidden love and a collective drive toward bringing back a united “Plateau of our dream” Being the first of its kind in the history of Plateau State and Nigeria, it is mind blowing to believe that government could take the task of hosting and funding such a groundbreaking event for the unity of its citizens.
The show of interest by people in this three days event, really depicted how prepared Plateau is to reclaim its lost old glory of being “The Home Of Peace and Tourism”. The idea behind this special day celebration, no doubt, demonstrated the importance in unity. We must commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for identifying this critical driver for peaceful cohesion.
Noting how important it is to the unity of Plateau State and Nigeria, two former Nigeria’s Head of States–General Yakubu Gowon and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, left all schedules to be part of this occasion. This truly added a significant colour to the event.
To say the least, these two Nation’s great leaders did not only attend the opening ceremony, but were throughout part of the event from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1, 2024. While at the Ten Commandments Arena in Doi, Jos-South LGA, venue of the occasion, one could see people from all walks of life trooping in daily to be part of this special day.
To explain how dear this Festival was the government and people of Plateau State, the State Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Arc Samuel N Jatau, chaired the Central Planning Committee and was co-chaired by Bldr Jeremiah Satmak, the Chief of Staff to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, respectively. However, it was all through quite busy for the security personnel as they struggled to control the mammoth crowd. It was like never before seen in recent times, such an event attracting population of this magnitude.
The traffic this event drew was unimaginable as motorists struggled their ways from PRTVC Round about in Rayfield to the venue. This, apart from those who live around the area, there were people who opted to trek to just have feel. People were not mindful of the chilly and hash weather Jos is known for. Majority came prepared with their winter jackets to keep themselves warm as they enjoy the beautiful and wonderful voices echoed under the Doi rock.
In fact, the beautiful sight attraction of the Festival was how colourful the venue appeared. The Choir rendition, had another thrilling performances from COCIN United Choir, ECWA Jos DCC Women Fellowship, Ngas Christian Traditional Choir, Catholic Combined Choir, Plateau Unity Choir and Plateau Carol Trumpeters. Also displayed at the occasion, were the Mwagavul Traditional Christian Choir, the Berom Traditional Christian Choir, Jos University Orchestra and Very Rev. Prof. Pic Onwochei and the legendary gospel musician, Panam Percy Paul in that order.
It was more or less a music festival as gospel musicians like Pam Monday, Ezra Jinang, Solomon Lange, Tapshak Timothy, Neken Chuwang, Kate Miri, Nenfort James, Solomon Damulak, Job Manja, Gloria Ejembi, Jid Vocals, Margret, Sammy Brass, Misse Adams, Gold Sax, Manzing Sanda and Kespan among others. Reflecting on the old ugly days of crises, General Gowon, commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for bringing back the hope the Plateau man saying, “let us pray to God that we are now beginning to see the end of all these crises.
Pray to God so that God can touch the hearts of all those who are that way inclined to create problems. For Nigeria, pray to God, for God to touch their hearts, change them and make them contribute to peace and wellbeing of one another, and of Nigeria”, he prayed. Also pouring praises on Governor Mutfwang, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said. “I thank God Almighty for making it possible for us to be part of this Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival.
“I appreciate Governor Caleb Mutfwang for this godly initiative. It is evident that this idea came from God, and I believe He will continue to nurture it through you, Governor.Your commitment to peace, security, stability, prosperity, and progress in Plateau State is evident in this initiative”, he commended.
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, thanked the dignitaries who came from far and hear to part of the memorable occasion. “As we grow in our faith and spiritual maturity, achieving unity will become easier.
“This event is not just about celebrating Christmas; it is about planting seeds of peace and reconciliation that will transform not only the church, but also the state’s economy and our relationships with one another,” he emphasized.
The occasion was graced by prominent dignitaries among whom were, former Governor Jonah David Jang, of Plateau State, Ambassador Mary Lar, Wife of the pioneer National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who was the Mother of the Day, former Chief of Defence Staff, Martin Luther Agwai, Former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna, former Plateau State Governor, Chief Joshua Dariye, former Military Administrator, Bitrus Atikum, among several others.
Streetbell Online 