Streetbell Online

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

The Jasawa Community Development Association in Plateau State, has congratulated Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, on his appointment as Minister, Federal Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 This came in a press statement signed by the President of the Association, Alhaji Yawale Muhammad, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the State capital Saturday.

   The statement states, “we congratulate Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to represent Plateau State in the cabinet.

   “The Executive Council of the Association, on behalf of the entire Jasawa Community of Jos, warmly felicitates with Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his well-deserved appointment to lead the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

    “We felt that the appointment is atestament to the President’s trust and confidence in your ability to drive progress towards achieving his Renewed Hope Agenda.We assure you of the community’s full cooperation, collaboration and support to ensure your success”, it assured.

    While congratulating him, the JCDA President urged the new appointed Minister to pursue the goals of national development with due diligence saying, “please accept our sincerest regards, and we pray that Allah’s guidance and protection will always be with you”.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos, Professor Shedrack Best, has brought a significant facelift to the Institution by unveiling a brand-new signature that announced the University to the world. 

  While unveiling some projects, the VC stated that, the facelift aligned with his administration’s commitment to elevate the University to the global stage. 

     He narrated that, since his appointment as the Acting Vice Chancellor, he had closely observed from the point of entry that, one of the earliest things was the appearance of the university’s frontage which was not attractive.

      Best, noted with concern that, a university was a place of knowledge, intellect and an enlightened community, and the frontage should convey its pedigree and dignity and at least, announced When leaving or arriving that, it was a university.

    Best, commended the committee led by Architect Richard, who conceptualized the design stressing that, the entire designed bill of quantity and the construction was 100% internal saying, “it confirms that, given the right support, we have people who can make PLASU beautiful, and I will continue to promote these efforts.

    “Let me also thank those who worked hard to make this possible—from those who facilitated the relocation of the electric transformer to the management of NESCO.

   “When you look around, you will see that we have made significant changes; we removed the tree that obstructed the view of the university’s name and gate. This ensures you to clearly see this Plateau State University without struggling to read the signage.”

   “We have taken down the tree, restored the university’s name prominently, illuminated the area—only those who visit at night will truly appreciate the lighting—and we have installed new flags”, the VC assured.

   He, therefore, charged them to distinguish themselves from the surrounding communities as a university so that, visitors and students who come should come to learn something. “We cannot import inferior habits and bring them to the university; instead, they should learn from us how to live decently in a modern world.

   While at the Faculty of Law, where a new statue of ‘Lady Justitia’ was unveiled, Professor Shedrack Best, disclosed they have also made efforts to clean the surroundings after erecting the statue.

    Unveiling the Lady Justitia statue, he highlighted that the previous statue was too small and they needed to create a statue that would not only represent the Faculty of Law, but also Plateau State University.

   According to the VC, they sourced sculptors to create an imposing statue, resulting in the current ‘Lady Justitia’, who symbolically represents blind justice, unaffected by bribery. “We hope to train judges in this faculty who will uphold the ethics of the legal profession without engaging in corruption.

   The Acting Vice Chancellor, was accompanied by the University Coach Agwom Yohana, to inspect the sports complex where he expressed dismay at its condition, describing it as non-existent and unbefitting of a university.        He, however, directed the school coach to develop a master plan for a sports complex that would reflect the stature and the standard of Plateau State University.

   Meanwhile, the Registrar of the University, Yakubu Ayuba, expressed gratitude to Professor Shedrack Best for his foresight and commitment to transforming Plateau State University, affirming his administration’s pledge to support him in ensuring the best for the institution.

 By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities Hon. Dan Kwada, has sought for collaboration with the leadership of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationality Community Development Association (CONAECDA).

  In his continued visit to leaders of ethnic Nationalities on the Plateau, the Senior Special Assistant, met with them in Jos, the State capital to bridge the gap and strengthen the ties within the various ethnic Nationalities of the Middle-Belt region.

    He said, the meeting was aimed at fostering corporations, Unity and understanding between the Association and Plateau state Government in the ongoing move to give ethnic nationalities a voice to the national discuss and ensure that their welfare as Nigerians was taken care of.

   Kwada, disclosed that, the Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities Office was created by the Executive Governor Of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Mutfwang due to his dedication and passion for inclusion, considering the contribution of various ethnic nationalities in the development of Plateau State.

    He assured the leadership of the CONAECDA of his commitment to partner with them in working relentlessly towards ensuring that, the voice and the interest of the Middle-Belt were well represented in the national discourse for justice and equity.

    Earlier in his welcoming address, Mr. Suleman Sukukum, who is the Secretary General of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationality Community Development Associations (CONAECDA), disclosed that the organisation was a coalition of indigenous ethnic communities in central and northern Nigeria.

    He stressed that the coalition was for those working in diverse areas such as language, education , community development as well as indigenous land rights, representing  hundreds of indigenous groups that are spread across 15 Nigerian states.

    CONAECDA Secretary, further explained that, it was established by a charter signed by over 300 Community Development Associations of the Middle Belt in October 2014 at the Eliel event Center, Rayfield Jos, with the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, (PIDAN) representing the CONAECDA National body in Plateau State.

    On his part, the Chairman Community Intervention Empowerment and Development Financing Agency of CONAECDA and Member Advisory Committee on Minority and Indigenous Peoples Rights, Prof. Nenfort Gomwalk, applauded Hon. Dan kwada for his commitment in bridging the gap towards fostering unity, corporation and understanding among various leadership of ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria.

  While also appreciating Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his wisdom and commitment by creating an office for Middle-Belt ethnic nationalities, the Chairman described decision as apt and the first of its kind.

   He also revealed that, CONAECDA has been working and has achieved a lot in building a culturally and economically sustainable communities through synergy, cooperation and teamwork, thereby encouraging communities to actively participate in governance and community development by taking ownership of autochthonous lands and culture.

    Also speaking, the President Mwaghavul Development Association and Vice President CONAECDA North Central, Sir Joseph Gwankat, said,  the organization has achieved a lot in terms of formulating conferences, strategies, Policies, Programs and facilitating implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Sir Gwankat, who currently chairs the 2024 CONAECDA Conference Planing committee shared more light on the upcoming events and sought for collaboration towards the success of the Conference.

    The North East Zonal Coordinator CONAECDA Hon. Frank Kure, commended the Hon. Dan Kwada for his interest and commitment in strengthening the ties among various Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities and called for intensify efforts in protecting the rights of indigenous people of northern Nigeria through advocacy and sensitization.

    Kure, who is also a member of CONAECDA’s Board of Trustees, expressed optimism that the meeting with the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mutfwang has set the tune for further engagement that would ensure the promotion of cooperation and collaboration with other Socio-Cultural Organisations, to help address the numerous challenges confronting various ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria.

The will to succeed is important, but what’s more important is the will to prepare. Prepare for more success.

Your heaviest artillery will be your will to succeed, Keep that big gun going. No matter how many goals you have achieved, you must set your sights on a higher one.

One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals. For when preparation meets opportunity a miracle is born.

Get set for your miracles this season. To whom brain is given sense is expected..The Lord uplifts. Good morning and a blessed Sunday..

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

  The Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, has, on behalf of the entire people of the area, facilitated with the immediate past Council Chairman, Chief Monday Kassah, on his birthday.

    This came in a press statement signed by the Director of Media, Bokkos LGC Isaac Mapis Jonathan Marawes, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Saturday.

    The statement states, “on behalf of the entire Bokkos Local Government, I, Mr. Amalau Samuel Amalau, the Executive Chairman, extends warm and heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Chief Monday Kassah (Saf Makudang Mangor), former Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairman of Bokkos LGA, on the occasion of your birthday.

    “As we celebrate this special day, we reflect on your exemplary service and leadership during your time as the council boss.

  “Your dedication, wisdom, and commitment to the progress and well-being of the people of Bokkos have left an indelible mark on our community. You have served as a guiding light, and your efforts continue to inspire many”, it stated.

     According to the Chairman, “on this joyous occasion, we pray that God Almighty continues to bless you with good health, long life, and abundant happiness. May this new year of your life be filled with even greater accomplishments, joy, and fulfillment.

   “May you continue to be a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration to the people of Bokkos and beyond. Your legacy of service and dedication remains highly valued and appreciated by all.

   “Once again, Happy Birthday, Saf Makudang Mangor! May you have a truly wonderful celebration”, Amalau prayed.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   The National President of Ngas Development Association (NDA), Nde Katkukkah Danjuma Gokum, PhD, has embarked on a spot assessment visit to Ngas Village in Jos, the Plateau State capital, to assess the level of development so far recorded.

   Accompanied yesterday by the National Secretary, Dr. Nengak Deshi, the President took his time to inspect the projects and planned project towards giving culturally recognised facelift to the Village.

   The Ngas Village Market Committee Chairman, Nde Chingdapba Ngop, the Madaki Ballang-Shipang, accompanied by his Secretary, Nde Francis kopdimma, led the President and his entourage round to some ongoing projects.

    The President, Dr. Katkukkah Danjuma Gokum, encouraged the Management Committee of the Ngas Village to intensify efforts towards setting a culturally unique village that depicts the true Ngas tradition.

By Kesmen Samson Markus

   During the appointment and inauguration of Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak as the Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), I had the privilege of attending the swearing-in ceremony alongside other members of the commission at the Government House.      In his speech, the Governor tasked the Chairman with conducting free, fair and credible elections. He also advised his party members to work diligently, warning them not to assume it would be business as usual, where candidates were simply selected.

    Initially, I regarded the governor’s statement as a typical political promise. However, upon further reflection, I realized that, given the governor’s reputation as a man of his word, aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), would have to work equally hard to succeed.

   Repeatedly, in various public forums, the Governor assured the people of his commitment to ensuring that the elections would be transparent and credible.

   From that point on, I was convinced that these elections would be quite different. The commission, and especially its leader, Hon. Plangji, became the focus of public scrutiny, as many wondered if the process would be compromised as it often had been in other states.

 At the time, many States had conducted their Local Government Elections, with the ruling party sweeping all the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions—elections that resembled mere selections and coronations. 

This had become the norm, and few voiced serious objections, believing it was simply the way things were done.

   In Plateau State, however, the situation was different. Historically, elections conducted by PLASIEC were marred by irregularities, often leading to widespread crises.

   I recall visiting the commission on August 31st, 2024, where Hon. Plangji assured my friend and me that he was committed to delivering free, fair and credible elections. I studied him closely, trying to determine whether I could trust his words.

   Fast forwarding to election day on October 9th, 2024, I followed the process closely and was initially disappointed, as I had assumed that the announcement of winners would followed the familiar pattern of other states. I was wrong. 

  To my surprise, the elections concluded with the PDP winning the Chairmanship in all 17 Local Government Areas, albeit with narrow margins in some cases.          However, the Councillorship Candidate positions were won by Candidates from PDP, APC, NNPP, and YPP, unlike the one-sided results seen in other states. In fact, rerun elections were held in certain areas to determine the final winners.

   Throughout the entire process, Hon. Plangji remained steadfast. Despite pressure from various quarters, including political actors, he refused to compromise the integrity of the elections.

    Having observed the process from beginning to end, I can confidently conclude that Hon. Plangji did not just oversee the most transparent elections in the history of PLASIEC, but perhaps one of the most credible in Nigeria’s electoral history.

  This has earned the Commission awards and recommendations from 

Worldwide Youth Peace Mission (WYPEM) Nigeria Progressive Youth Congress National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Peace and Unity Organization amongst other organisations and individuals.

  Honourable Plangji Daniel Cishak, has truly successfully written his name in gold!

   In conclusion, I congratulate the Hon Chairman Plateau State Independent Elections Commission, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, as well The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for setting a new record in Plateau State and indeed Nigeria.

The most dangerous and deadliest prison in life is the prison of the mind. When one’s mind is limited, his life is limited.

New beginnings require a new mindset, a new mindset is a new life set, get your mind right so you don’t fall back into the old patterns.

The most important thing to do if you find yourself in a hole is to stop digging.   

In your life, you’ve lived, you’ve loved, you’ve lost, you’ve missed, you’ve hurt, you’ve trusted and you’ve made mistakes. But most of all, you have learned. Your passion is your paycheck.

The Lord said, “But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..” Mind transformation is life transformation.

Good morning and Thank God is Friday…

 

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, has taken a significant step to prioritise sustainable development towards addressing poverty, hunger and quality education in the state.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Plateau State SDGs’ Project Coordinator Mrs Nanbam Danjuma-Lot via the agency’s Information Officer, Mathias Shenang Yengoet, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the State capital Thursday, on the occasion marking United Nations Day.

    The State SDGs’ Project Coordinator, noted that the United Nations Day Celebration served as a reminder of their shared responsibility to create a more just, inclusive and sustainable world. 

   She reiterated that, they were particularly mindful of the growing challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation and the urgent need for action to safeguard the planet for future generations.

   “In Plateau State, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, we have made significant strides toward the realization of the SDGs.

   “Governor Mutfwang’s administration has prioritised sustainable development through initiatives that address poverty, hunger, quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy as well as strong institutions for peace and justice”, Danjuma-Lot disclosed.

   She, therefore, opined that the “Time is Now” administration of Governor Mutfwang would continued to partner with the United Nations and other international agencies to implement projects that promote climate resilience, economic empowerment and social development across the state.

    The Project Coordinator, also disclosed that, the State Government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, would intensify efforts towards combating environmental degradation.

 This, according to her would be achieved through afforestation programs, sustainable agricultural practices and climate-smart infrastructure that would align with SDG 13 (Climate Action) to reflect the commitment to greener and more sustainable future for Plateau State.

    While celebrating this year’s United Nations Day, Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma-Lot called on the people of Plateau State to embrace actionable attitudes that would foster sustainable change. 

    “We must recognize that, true development can only be achieved when we all take responsibility for our actions through conserving the environment, supporting gender equality, advocating for social justice, or promoting peace.      Our individual and collective actions are essential in driving the transformative change that the SDGs represent.

   “The task before us is urgent, but with dedication and collaboration, we can build a Plateau State that not only achieves the SDGs, but also sets an example of sustainable development for Nigeria and beyond. Together, let us continue to work toward a more just, peaceful and prosperous future”, she enthused.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

 Senator of the 9th Assembly representing Plateau South, Professor Dame Nora Ladi  Daduut, has congratulated Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, on his appointment as Minister, Federal Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

 This came in a press statement signed by the Senator and made available to newsmen Thursday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, describing the appointment as well deserved considering his antecedents as  an accomplished academia.

   The Senator, urged Dr Nentawe to bring his wealth of experience to bear on this new job as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to the development Nigerian citizens.

   She described Dr Nentawe as an illustrious son of  Plateau with deep experience in public service and expressed  confidence that, given his track record, he would steer the ministry towards  more greatness. 

  Dame Daduut said, “on behalf of my family,I extend my warmest congratulations to a worthy son of our state, Dr Nentawe on his  appointment as the new Minister of Humanitarian affairs and Poverty reduction.

   It would be recalled that, Our Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, was the former Plateau State All Progressive Congress (APC)’s Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections.

The greatest tragedy in life is people who have sight but no vision. Vision can turn a barren land into a paradise.

Vision connects you to your destiny and future, it’s the ability to think progressively, and it’s a mental image of future possibilities.

Hear this, your feet will never take you where your mind has never been. Dream big, then dare to wake up and accomplish it.

The pitfall in life is not to fail to reach your dream, but to fail to have a dream to reach. Vision is God’s purpose for your life. Find purpose.

The means to accomplish it will follow. Knowing who you are is the foundation of your greatness.

The Lord said, “Without vision, the people perish….” Good morning and a blessed Thursday..

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has, through its intelligence gathering, discovered a Yahoo Yahoo Academy, named Hustling Kingdom (HK) operating at Agingi, Rukuba Road of Jos-North, Plateau State.

   The State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, disclosed this Wednesday, while parading series of suspects with various offends at the Police headquarters Jos, the State capital.

   Addressing Journalists at the press briefing, the Commissioner said, “we received a report on October 20, 2024 at about 10:30 am that, one Ateh Anthony Idoko and Daniel Idoko both 23 years who are internet fraudsters (Yahoo-Yahoo), conspired to traffic young boys who have just graduated from Secondary school.

    “They secluded residence, locked them up and seized their phones having shown them how to masterfully defraud people via romance scam and other cyber related frauds. They forced them to go into the internet and continue to defraud innocent would-be victims and in the event where they refuse to cooperate, the ring leader would beat them mercilessly with horsewhip.

    “Upon receipt of this information, the Divisional Police Officer Rantya Division under my strict directive, immediately mobilized men and swung into action, raided the hideout where Eleven (11) suspects were arrested, including the Two (2) principal suspects”, he disclosed.

   Adesina, however, noted that investigations were currently ongoing and they have intensified efforts with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects and would ensured that they faced the full weight of the law.

    Also paraded were two suspects, both female, who were arrested for child trafficking of four (4) children rescued by the Police where the Commissioner assured that, the case was under investigation and would be charged to court upon conclusion.

    Other suspects paraded included: arrest of suspect for unlawful possession of locally made firearms and recovery of firearm; arrest of suspect for in possession of live ammunition and arrest of suspect for armed robbery and recovery of locally made pistol respectively.

      He, therefore, thanked the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM for the provision of critical operational assets that facilitated the successes the Command recorded throughout this period.

     The Commissioner also thanked the citizens of Plateau State for their support and input in the fight against crime and criminality, encouraging them to keep partnering with the Police to ensure a better and more peaceful Plateau State saying, “When you see something, Say something”.