Streetbell Online

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

 The Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, has been conferred with a merit award of excellence by the University of Jos for his humanitarian and diligent service to humanity.

  This came in a press statement signed by SA Media to the Senator, Eric Dung, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

   The statement stated this shortly after Senator Dachungyang was recognised alongside other prominent personalities at the 40th anniversary of Jos University Press Limited.

   The event which was an avenue to celebrate the achievements of the Press in the last forty years, was as well to utilise the milestone and launch itself into the Digital printing era.

  The Senator noted that as a philanthropist, he  would continue to work for the betterment of not just Plateau North people, but the State in general.

   He, however, described the Jos University Press Limited as a worthy partner in the journey ahead as he planned to collaborate with it towards achieving greatness.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

  President of the Church Of Christ In Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dr. Amos Musa Mohzo, has showered blessings commending the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA) for their commitment to the development of the schools.

  He gave the praises Friday, while playing host to the National Executive Council of GOSA led by its President, Arc Samuel N. Jatau, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the COCIN Headquarters Jos, the Plateau State capital.

   The President said, “when you come for your own annual Gindiri reunion service, there are a lot of activities that we find it a little bit difficult to express ourselves in detail. 

   “The way we are looking at what the association are doing to the Church, because without the Gindiri Schools’ Associations, we do not know how Gindiri will look like at this time after many years, but you continue to keep the momentum and even improving every year.

    “That is why Gindiri is still flourishing and Gindiri is going higher and higher and out of that vision, we now have the University as a Church, the Karl-Kumm University that we have. We are always attaching it to Gindiri Schools Association”, he noted.

    Mozho, disclosed that with what the Gindiri Old Students Association were doing, they were trying to expand it to involve other institutions of COCIN to learn from them and do the same for them to achieve the aim of expanding that vision.

   He noted that, it was to show whoever passed through COCIN school that, they valued them wherever and whatever they were doing saying, “we long to see him doing the work of God as he has enjoyed during his own stay in our school. So, that is what we are trying to do with and other institutions. 

“For some of you that God has elevated in the government, we are always eager and are watching you closely to see if you are doing it right.   

  “Our head is always up when we see our people in position places are doing good. We feel honoured, we feel very happy and we are proud of you.So thank you very”, he appreciated.

    Earlier, the GOSA President, Arc Samuel N Jatau, thanked the COCIN President for squeezing time within his tight schedules to graciously grand them audience even with the closure of calendar of the Church for the year.

   He said, “we have come with joy as your children, being our Proprietor. You are the Proprietor of the Gindiri Schools. We are the newly elected GOSA National EXCO and we felt that it is only right that we come to show ourselves to our father, to get the blessings from you, before we can actually start to operate. 

   “It will interest you to know that, since we came on board, we have not really done much. Apart from the basic office things that needed to be done, we have not really done anything, because we have not come here yet. 

  “And we felt that it would be good to round up the year by seeing you so that, when we go into next year, we can start our activities fully”, the GOSA President explained. 

   Arc Samuel N Jatau, is the Plateau Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) and doubled as the President the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA).

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

  The Grand Patron of Pankshin Old Boys Association (POBA), His Royal Highest, the Emir of Keffi, Alh. Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, eulogized the contributions of Government College Pankshin describing the legacy and incredible achievements of alumni as immeasurable.

   He stated this recently, while responding shortly after his Investiture by former POBA Presidents led by Barr. Steve Abar, at the 2024 POBA National Convention, held at the College in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.

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The Royal Father, said, the college has greatly impacted knowledge in them and that, they were all gathered to celebrate the legacy of the institution and the incredible achievements of its alumni.

   “As we reunite, we remember the bonds forged, lessons learned, and memories created within these hallowed halls. We also acknowledge the impact of this institution on our lives and the opportunities it has afforded us.

   “I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our award recipients, whose contributions have inspired us all. Your dedication and excellence embodies the school’s values”, he enthused.

     The Emir of Keffi,  reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each another and urged them put their heads together, share their expertise and leverage their collective strengths to uplift each other.

   “We’re proud to recognize how this regime has empowered us with appointments, entrusting us to drive positive change in our communities. This gesture underscores the government’s faith in our abilities.

    “To our governor, we assure you of our unwavering support. As alumni, we stand committed to collaborating, sharing expertise, and fostering growth. Together, let’s create opportunities for each other and uplift our communities in the state.

   “Thank you, and may our reunion ignite renewed connections and purpose. May God bless us and give us the opportunity to trust our leaders and continue to pray for their success in running the affairs of our country”, the Grand Patron assured.

    Earlier, the National President of POBA Mr Kenzy Ngupar, disclosed that the Investiture of the Emir of Keffi as the Grand Patron was due to his fatherly role, guidance and achievements for the college.

   He emphasized the importance of the investiture of the Emir of Keffi as Grand Patron, to his contributions to the growth of the alumni and the development of Nigeria.

    The POBA President also identified few individuals who have impacted positively to the development of Government college Pankshin and honoured them with awards, saying it would be a continuous process.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   It was all through praise and worship at the Marvelous Gospel Power International Church (aka Marvelous Family) in Jos, the Plateau State capital, when worshipers converged last Sunday for their 2024 Thanksgiving Service.

   This special service saw other prominent men and women of God trooping from different Ministries to, together celebrate and give thanks to God for seeing the Church and members through the this year.

   While in an interview shortly after the Thanksgiving Service, the Leading Pastor, Fidelis Omeji, said it was to thank God for protecting them from January to December.

    “We are here to celebrate the goodness of the Lord because he has delivered us from several attacks of the enemy. So, we are all here to celebrate what God has done for us.

     “I want to use this opportunity also thank great men and women who God who came to celebrate with us. I feel so encouraged, I feel so challenged and I feel so loved that they are here to represent the glory of God.

    “I am happy with them around and I feel so good at this moment especially, because the month is a month of celebration for Jesus will be born on the 25th of December. So, the month is a special month”, he appreciated.

    Tsoda, described the month of December as the month of God’s visitation upon humanity and taking upon the enslavement of sin and evil bringing all to the sonship of God.

   He, therefore, encouraged christians to be steadfast with God even in the face of hardship and challenging times as they also continue to encourage and help one another with the way the country was shaking.

      “As a matter of fact, as God to man, the country is shaking, everybody is dying in poverty, in hardship and the only way out is to get hold of God and draw close to God no matter what. With him all things are possible”.

       The Pastor, advised Nigerian leaders  to be honest and be truthful in carrying out their responsibilities and called on Nigerians to encourage each other and to stand firm no matter the challenges.

     Earlier, while delivering sermon at the Thanksgiving Service, Rev. Israel Afor, commended Pastor Fidelis Omeji, for his dedication and commitment to the work of God and prayed God to uplift him to greatness.

   “He encouraged Christians to be firm saying, “you will see the power in the word of God. If you believe it, it will be on you. Say, I have told you, I have read to somebody, I have told you something that I want you to ask me right now. 

    There were special song and music ministrations by the youth band of the Church as they dance praising and worshipping God for abundance grace from January to December.

Don’t start a day with the broken pieces of yesterday, every day is a fresh start. Each day is a new beginning. Every morning you wake up is the first day of your new life.

From now moving forward, let your aim be to live a healthy and happy life. You need to be intentional in avoiding what could cause high blood pressure and stressful life, and aim at living a happy and peaceful life.

Avoid toxic people. Closure and leaving the past behind happens right after you accept that, letting go and moving on is more important than projecting a fantasy of how it could have been or what happened in the past.

The Lord said “Remember ye not the former things….;It’s a new day!

Good morning. Thank God is Friday..

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry, eat healthy and exercise.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone. For friends, you have show your self friendly, For peace of mind, you need to show kindness to others and cultivate forgiveness.

For joy, you need to be at peace with God and man. For true happiness, you need to find it within you not from someone else.

For love, you need to start by loving God and loving yourself for you can’t give what you don’t have.

Finally; Be careful who you trust! Salt and Sugar are both white and beware of the naked person who offers you clothes. The Lord instructs…

Good morning and a blessed Thursday…..*

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   The University of Jos Staff Multi-purchase Cooperative Society (UJSMCS), has constructed and commissioned a befitting edifice worth over One hundred and seventy sixty million naira (₦176m) to help generate income for society.

  This building which was conceived and designed, has 9 shops, 2 restaurants, 2 warehouses, offices for the Cooperative, factory and a befitting banking hall to be leased to any interested bank including store incorporated in the building.

  While commissioning the building at the University’s Permanent Site in Jos recently, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, congratulated the Executive and members of the Cooperative for achieving this great fit.

    He said, “I have taken that initiative and mission to implementation and today, we can say that there is something that all of us will be proud of. I want to congratulate all members and the Exco of the multipurpose for being committed to ensuring that something like this can be achieved.

    “I believe it is a legacy that you will leave for generations to benefit from. This is something that is first of its kind, even on the platform, not only on the university”, VC noted

    On her part, the President, Plateau State Cooperative Federation (PLASCOFED), Mrs. Hanatu Mershak, described it as highly commendable and that, the EXCO has written their names on the sands of time. 

    She said, “this is what we advocate for all cooperative leaders, that whenever they find themselves in leadership position, they should do something and leave a legacy behind. This leadership has left a legacy that should be emulated by all other cooperative leaders. We are highly encouraged”.

    Earlier, the out gone President of UJSMCS, UJMCSL constructs, commissions ₦173m worth shopping complex  expressed joy and that, it was a dream comes true to have completed this over ₦173 million naira worth project within six months.

   On her part, the Director Physical Planning, University of Jos, Arc. Halima Aura, represented by Builder Markus Dada, commended the Cooperative for  commissioning this great edifice facilitated by the EXCO of the Society.            She disclosed that realized physical facility as the consultants was achieved by them and the consultancy was almost free of charge because they know what they could get from this cooperative by the special grace of God.

     While at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Indoor Theatre, Faculty of Arts, Naraguta Campus for the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the newly inaugurated UJSMCS President, Mr Ramson N. Lohfa, said, in line with the objectives of the Society as stated in article 8 of our bye-laws, they would promote the economic interest of members.

    According to him, they would be innovative with the view to diversifying revenue generation streams saying, “transparent and accountable through a robust reporting system and holding statutory meetings, foster inclusivity and equal opportunity based on the principles of equity, fairness and justice will be our focus.

    “We cannot do this alone, we sincerely crave for your unalloyed support in this task of redefining and reshaping the future of our cooperative society. We appeal for active participation of all members in the activities and programmes of the Society by attending our meetings and making quality contributions using every legitimate platform”, he promised. 

    Lohfa, assured that their role as EXCO would be to transparently execute the decisions of Congress and that, the EXCO would run the Society collectively because it was the the responsibility belonged to all of them to succeed.

    He, therefore, appealed to all members to pray for the EXCO because they need God’s wisdom, understanding, sound health and mind to perform and work with His fear.

    The Chairman of the occasion and Acting Provost of the College of Education, Associate Professor Lazarus Maigoro, commended the out gone EXCO for achieving this great fit and charged the new leadership to take the society’s direction forward.

     Also, the Guest At the occasion, Professor Maren Daniel Mallo, noted that it was no longer news that Cooperative Society all over the world were employing corporate relate estate to transform businesses to reduce cost, hence the need for UJSMCS to key into it.

   Meanwhile, the Chairperson, Standing Planning Committee and the image maker of UJSMCS Jos,, Mrs. Juliana Oladije, said, “I am so thrilled because this project was actually initiated by our predecessors, but when this EXCO came on board, they take it up despite the harsh economic realities the country is faced with.

    “Despite that, this Cooperative Society decided to look inward and worked with the Directorate of Physical Facilities to ensure that this edifice see the light of the day. I am super excited and I want call on all members to continue to support the leadership of the cooperative.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   Plateau State Government, is set to unveil alot of programmes that would fully engaged youth among which would be the handing over of BAC Farm for agricultural activities.

  The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Ephraim Usman, disclosed this when he received in audience the newly elected leadership of Plateau Youth Council (PYC) in his office Thursday.

   He said, the cardinal points of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, was agriculture because he was doing quite alot to ensure that agriculture remained the main stay of his administration.

   “Alot of programmes for the youth will be unveiled that was why the Governor has to acquire back the BAC Farm. And alot of discussion is going on the issue of BAC Farm it may be handed over to the youth”, Usman disclosed.

    The Commissioner, expressed concern that, successive governments did not pay serious attention to the issue agriculture and left the initiative of former Governor Jonah David Jang, especially the ASTC to collapse.

     Earlier, the newly elected Chairman, Plateau Youth Council, Comrade Panan Dapal, described agriculture and security as key to the development of Plateau State and commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for putting more attention to agriculture.

      He promised to ensure that, government efforts and investment in securing the land was complemented by the youth through agriculture because the land was green and fertile as always said by Governor Mutfwang.

     “We will ensure that agriculture is taken very seriously so that, as we are secured we will have something to eat because we will be a menace to society when we are hungry”, Dapal reiterated.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner also received on a courtesy visit, the Christmas Carols and 9 Lessons’ Planning Committee, comprising of NTA/FRCN/TVC led by its Chairman, James Yakat Din.

Anyone can love you when things are alright, it takes courage to love when things are not good and it does not feel right, without courage, wisdom bears no fruit.

The stupid neither forgive nor forget, the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.

You can change the ending to your book at any time, just remember that you are the author of your life as overthinking is the greatest cause of unhappiness.

The superior man is modest in his speech, but excels in his actions.

The Lord resolves….GoodMorning, blessed Wednesday….

By Ezekiel Dontinna

    In a bid to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS in the State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State has increased funding for the control of the dreaded virus to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goal by 2030.
   He has also awarded the contract for the renovation of the Plateau State AIDS Control Agency’s office complex to ensure a more conducive environment for multi-sectoral HIV response efforts.

    The Governor disclosed this Monday, while delivering his speech on the occasion marking 36th World AIDs Day 2024, held the Crest Hotel & Gardens Jos, the State capital.
    Represented by his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang said, “I am pleased to announce that our administration has significantly increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs this year.

   “These resources are directed toward enhancing prevention services, expanding access to testing and treatment, and providing comprehensive support for individuals living with HIV.    

     “Moreover, we have awarded the contract for the renovation of the Plateau State AIDS Control Agency’s office complex to ensure a more conducive environment for multi-sectoral HIV response efforts”, he disclosed.
    The Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his commitment and passion in providing the enabling environment for them to operate and to change the narrative in the health sector.

     Delivering his keynote address,Prof. Oche O. Agbaji, described the theme for 2024 World AIDS Day: “Take the rights path: My health my right”, domesticated in Plateau state as “Take the rights path to end HIV/AIDS” truly highlighted the critical role of protecting and promoting human rights in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
    Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA), Mrs Esther Turaki, expressed concern that there were new infections coming up hence the need for them, hence the need to address the issue of stigma and discriminations which were major cause of accessing treatment by people living with HIV.

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum

It appears Jos art has a unique way of telling the stories of Plateau State. It is a fact,no one can prove to the contrary.

From every day story often told or even heard, they serve the people’s yearnings; to know and more, a reminder of the richness therein to preserve.

Lately, the tourism industry in Plateau State has been largely rediscovered (or so I think) and directed in the most special way; thanks to the foresight of the new Sheriff, Mr. Chuwang Pwajok, the General Manager of Plateau Tourism Corporation.

In an interview in the Tribune recently, he stated that the state’s tourism endowments have repeatedly been hyped, yet the political will power to harness the resource remains largely in the realm of thought.

The new thinking in town is now working for the good of the industry. It is possible after all, that the giant can be woken up from slumber; and play the role expected of it.

The state Tourism Corporation, headed by Mr. Chuwang Pwajok is hot on the heels of a pleasant development that gladens stakeholders’ hearts; moreso, when initiatives so far by the corporation are taken into account.

The recent activities put up by the corporation have got major players in the industry greening from both sides of the mouth. The flood gates of initiatives are, if anything, revealing of how tourism should be undertaken for profit.

No wonder, Enchanting Plateau: An Exhibition, a project of the Plateau Tourism Corporation which started on November 27, 2024 and ended on December 1, 2024 is meant to write the story of the state through arts.

How better can that be. The story of Plateau State can be better told by the people themselves. From the efforts of the exhibition Curator and of Plateau Tourism Corporation, good education is received without questions.

The creativity of participants in the exhibition, according to the state Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and the endowments by nature are able to sell the state to the world.

He noted in copious terms how top government officials and in the private sector are praying to retire to Plateau State. What perhaps have often affected the state are the negative stories that have been sold to the world: That Plateau is not safe; it is not habitable. We are our worst enemies, because we don’t appreciate the beauty God has given us.

In the last one year, the governor stated: We have proved the lie on that story. The state has hosted ambassadors. We have hosted many top rated national conferences and many more in the months to come.

‘We can provide the platform for that if we eschew bitterness and the pull him down syndrome of what is good about the state, according to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

He reiterated thus: Once we tell people what is good about us, we can draw them to the state. Plateau is ours to promote. Indeed, Plateau is yours to sell to the world.

‘It is the influx of people into the state that builds the economy. Once people stay away from here, we will continue to lavish in poverty. We have a lot of things that will bring people into Plateau’.

Plateau Tourism Corporation General Manager, Mr. Chuwang Pwajok believes the exhibition cannot only be a celebration of arts and talents, but of the beautiful landscapes of the state and its rich cultural heritage.

As General Manager of Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Mr. Chuwang Pwajok is ‘continually impressed by the tremendous creativity that springs from the state. Plateau State has always been known as the home of creativity and a village of talents, and this exhibition with countless number of creative tales told in different forms are a testament to that fact’.

We dare say, ‘art tourism plays a significant role in exporting culture, preserving heritage, uniting voices, and showcasing the beauty of a place through tourism. In fact, the World Bank projects that tourism contributes to 8.8% of job creation and 9.1% of the world’s GDP.’

The current administration in Plateau State, according to Mr. Pwajok hopes to take advantage, as ‘this exhibition aligns with the vision of making Plateau State a leading destination for artistic and cultural tourism not only in Nigeria but in the continent at large’.

Importantly, this ‘exhibition reflects the transformative power of collaboration between artists, art lovers, stakeholders, and different audiences in their bid to uplift the state. It is an avenue of not only giving these artists platforms for the expression of their arts, but one that exposes the potentials in Plateau State that needed to be harnessed’ to serve as a hub of tourism and creativity.

The artists whose works were exhibited will suffice for mention here, even as the attraction they brought to the different stands is an indication that it was well conceived and received.

The artists who were on the exhibition platform cut across state boundaries, with varying degrees of experience and excellence. But more compelling are the stories they tell through their mediums.

With their antecedence and proclivity, they massively resonate the mood of the Plateau people; who are indeed on the journey of recreating the tourism potentials of the state through such initiatives.

They are indebted to all the participants at the exhibition. The list is long and may not be exhaustive, however, they include: Ben Duamlong, Ezekiel Udubrae, Ephraim Dankyes, Nyam Abok, Mark Rwang, Joseph Yawus, Jacob Enemona Onoja and Musa Tukurah.

Others Danjuma Sumdi Misok, Remchi Viga, Kureng Dapel, Gabriel Adetona,Ezea Stanley Chibuzo and Kenneth Juliet Ugochukwu. There are many on the list.