Streetbell Online

By Ezekiel Dontinna

   Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos, has organised series of training for its Non-academic staff towards ensuring excellence and optimal performance.
   The One-Day training took place recently, at the University in Bokkos with Resource Persons of different fields drawn from within and outside the Institution.

   Addressing the participants, the Registrar of the institution, Yakubu Ayuba, commended the Vice Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Best, for his commitment towards building the capacity of his staff.

   According to him, the initiative was aimed at enhancing both academic and administrative growth of the university to underscore the development and dedication to staff.
   The Registrar acknowledged the operations and crucial role played by Executive Officers of the university in taking their responsibilities of records management effectively.

  On her part, the Deputy Registrar, Rhoda Falam, emphasized the institution’s serious approach to record management and congratulated participants for this great privilege of additional knowledge.
   Our correspondent reports that, the training targeted staff in the Executive Cadre of Registry Department and Administrative Officers from levels 7 to 13,   

   while the latest phase included Executive Officers responsible for managing university records.
Other resource persons included, Mathias Mwandat, Principal Executive Officer of the Records and Documentation Unit and Dagau Nenrot Veronica, Administrative Officer of the same Unit respectively.
    There were interactive and question-and-answer sessions where participants expressed appreciation to the Registrar and the University Management for this initiative.

By Ezekiel Dontinna

    A research and policy development unit of the Mulapnen Capacity Building Initiative (MUCABI)’s Centre for Criminal justice Justice and Social Inclusion, has advocated for the establishment of a National Inmates Trust Fund to fully and gainfully integrate them into the society.
    This came in a press statement signed by the Executive Director of Mulapnen Capacity Building Initiative (MUCABI), Nicodemus Samson Beska, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital recently.

      The Executive Director, disclosed according to the publication on their official website on April 1, 2024 that, the Nigerian Correctional Services, has released an inmate population of 77,934 and the data showed that, 68% were waiting trial inmates and 32% were convicted.
    He added that, out of this inmates population, 98% were male and 2% that formed part of the population were female inmates, and they would eventually be reintegrated back into the society.
   Beska, observed that with this horrific figure, rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration of inmates should be a major concern for the government and well meaning Nigerians.

    He, however, noted that the absence of material, psychological and social support at the time of their release, offenders might not be able to  break the cycle of release and re-arrest if they were left without realignment.
    According to the Executive Director, “in an attempt to finding a sustainable support for rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates in Nigeria, we have conducted a search to explore the idea of Inmates Trust Fund and its implication for the Nigerian Correctional Services.

    “The policy aims at advocating for the establishment of National Inmates Trust Fund and an Inmate’s Bank for inmates to have personalized account which has the capacity to enhance revenue generation”, he observed.
    Beska, further explained that the Inmates’ Trust Fund or Bank would allowed the Nigerian Correctional Service to raise money from the public through investment and fund drive programmes.

    Quoting from Rakis 2005, the MUCABI boss noted that a successful crime and conflict prevention strategy must address factors contributing to the large number of crimes that were committed by individuals who have served a term of incarceration and failed upon their release, to integrate the community as law-abiding citizens.
    Therefore, he called on the Federal Government to establish a Trust Fund for Nigerian inmates, backed by strong legislation and effective oversight and evaluati
   

    Change is inevitable in life, it’s constant, change for the better is what makes the world dynamic and meaningful.     

Interestingly, mankind tries to resist change. Change is not an obstacle, don’t resist it, it’s a driver of innovation.

Innovation is talking about new ideas that result in new things. Change brings progress, change brings growth. But remember that God is an unchangeable changer.

He can transform anything yet he remains constant. Job said “..All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” Listen to your heart when it’s yearning for a change.

But make sure it’s a positive change and in line with the word of God. The Lord renews. GoodMorni. Blessed Tuesday.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

    The Plateau Multi-Door Courthouse (PMDC), an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) awareness campaign, has been launched starting from Monday October 21 to Friday October 25, 2024 to educate citizens on the significance of conflict mediation.

    The campaign led by the PMDC Chairman, Hon. Justice Chrysantus Senlong, Rtd, started its day one awareness at the Secretariat junction Fly Over Jos, the State capital with press briefing.

   Delivering his welcome address, the PMDC Chairman noted that the the Multi-Door Courthouse was initiated for quick, effective and affordable resolution of disputes through the ADR.

   He said, “most times when people are through from the Court, they are more or less like enemies for life, but in ADR system, we ensure that the parties are in control of their disputes.

    “They are in control of the processes of settling their disputes and we provide a very friendly and amicable atmosphere for the parties to put up their case and at the end of the day, parties go home satisfied that their cases have been resolved”, Justice Senlong highlighted.

     On his part, the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon. Justice David Mann, represented by Hon. Justice Nafisa Lawal, disclosed that the establishment of PMDC would help reduce the workload of Judges henceforth.

      “It is going to be easy, cheaper and less time consuming to have matters resolved. As you embark on this week long awareness campaign, we hope that this message will reach every nook and cranny of our communities”, he wished.

     Also, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Philemon Daffi, commended the initiative and promised to do everything possible to support the course of Justice and whatever would enhance justice system in the State.

     According to the Chairman, Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), she said, the development would further ease their work and advised parties to always seek other alternative ways of resolving through ADR than hanging on long term solutions.

     The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Jos Branch, Barr. Leah Dagung Hassan, described this development as apt saying, “I seem to prefer mediation rather than litigation. In fact, I feel it is a win-win situation because it brings more of peace to the community”.

      Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ayuku Pwaspo, commended Counsels for initiating the Multi-Door Courthouse and pledged NUJ’s support towards achieving this goal in settling disputes between parties.

       Meanwhile, Mrs Nene Dung, of Plateau State Gender Equality Commission, has suggested that the religious leaders should be involved in the awareness campaign so that, they would be able to solve problems within their respective faiths.

      There were awareness presentations by Prince Charles Dickson, PhD, FIDA Representative and the Market Association representative, Chief Simon Tangni respectively, as there were also questions and answers sessions.

By Ezekiel Dontinna

   The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), has, in response to the alleged non-payment of some LG elections ad-hoc staff, explained that the delay was not deliberate, but due to banking challenges.

   This came in a press statement signed by the PLASIEC’s Head of Media, Koro Yakubu, and made available to newsmen  in Jos, the Plateau State capital Monday.

    The statement states, “PLASIEC wishes to address concerns raised regarding the alleged non-payment of some ad-hoc staff recruited for the recently concluded Local Government Elections held on the 9th of October 2024.

    “The Commission understands the importance of this issue and is actively working to ensure that all payments are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

   “As of today, PLASIEC has successfully processed and completed eighty- five per cent of the payments due to ad-hoc staff”, it assured.

      According to the statement, the commission had certain challenges that slowed down the payment process for the remaining ad-hoc staff.

    It further explained that, it has identified instances where individuals’ details, such as names and account numbers, have been duplicated.

    The Head of Media, explained that some ad-hoc staff submitted unrecognized Mobile Money Operators and Micro Finance Banks details that were not recognized by the payment platform of the issuing bank, hence the resulted rejection of payments.

    She, however, disclosed that, the Commissions Electoral Officers had reached out to those affected by these issues for them to correct the errors and ensure swift payments processes.

   Yakubu, advised ad-hoc staff who still have concerns or complaints regarding their payments to visit their respective Local Government Offices for further clarification and assistance.

     She assured that, PLASIEC was still committed to transparency, fairness and ensuring that all ad-hoc staff received their rightful payments.

   “We assure you that no one will be shortchanged, and we are working diligently to resolve any outstanding matters.Thank you for your patience and understanding”, PLASIEC appealed.

  Truth is like a surgery, it hurts but cures, lie is like a pain killer, it gives instant relief but has side effects forever.

  Your goals have no expiration date, either step forward into growth or you step backwards into safety. Allow yourself time and space to wait as you work for your best future. 

   One beautiful heart is worth more than one thousand beautiful faces. True friends are very rare. if you have one, you are very lucky.

  I believe that a worthwhile life is defined by a kind of spiritual journey and a sense of obligation. 

  Embrace God! The Lord manifests…Good morning and a blessed Sunday…

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

    President of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Dr Moses Arokoyo, has disclosed that over of 2.7 million deaths experienced were caused by zoonosis due to inadequate veterinarians.

    He disclosed this yesterday, while addressing Journalists at the press briefing, organised by association in Jos, the Plateau State capital, ahead of its National Congress and 100 years anniversary come October 22, 2024.

     The President noted that, they were looking at 100 years of veterinary service delivery and also  looking at opportunities of harnessing artificial intelligence and enhancing national security especially in the area of public health.

    He disclosed that, as veterinarians, they were gatekeepers of public health and that, over 2.6 billion of the sicknesses and diseases people experience today came from zoonotic diseases.

     “You may know that, about 2.7 million deaths result from zoonosis. Zoonosis is any disease that can move from animals to humans.

   “If we are talking about 2.7 million deaths (verified by WHO), when you mention diseases like Lassa fever, anthrax, Ebola and avian influenza, moving from chickens to cattle, it becomes even more risky.

     “If 75% of emerging diseases come from animals, any nation that fails to take its veterinarians seriously is unprepared for another pandemic”, Arokoyo observed. 

 

     He, however, expressed concern that the gross veterinarians deficit across 774 local governments areas in Nigeria became alarming because very few of them have veterinary doctors. 

      The Veterinarian, disclosed that most of the disease outbreaks started in villages or local government areas where there were no veterinarians and it  spreads to urban areas.

       He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to consider employing more veterinarians at all levels specifically, at the local government level to further improve not only public health, but economy of the Nigeria.

   Create the life you want to live, align it with Godly values, and live it every day.       Keep appearing daily and working things out and everything will turn out even better than you can possibly imagine. 

    Days become weeks, weeks become months, and months become years.

    Let your heart be light and your mind be calm because amazing things are lined up for you. 

    Find peace in the present, because the future is brighter. Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response. 

   Choose happiness. The Lord restores….Good morning and a blessed Saturday…..

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onillu, has dispelled the erroneous perceptive notions that the old National Anthem was  written by the Whites and should not be regarded.

    He stated this recently, at the the Nationwide Press conference on Sustained Value Reorientation Campaign organised by the Plateau State Department of NOA, held at the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat Jos, the State capital.

    Represented by Maryam Mukang, the Director General, disclosed that the occasion was in line with Mr President’s declaration that “We must build Nigerians to build Nigeria “through sensitisation and reorientation campaigns.

    He noted that, it was  aimed at changing the current low levels of patriotism and citizens loyalty to country and government through the National value charter and National anthem. 

    Issa-Onillu, therefore, encouraged citizens to dwell on the significance of the wordings because when you listen to the meaning of the song, it carried more weight not who wrote it.           

  “When you read the wordings of the National Anthem, it projects a binding force especially in a multilingual country like Nigeria. Our perspective need to change. 

   “The People’s mindsets need to change that whether it is coming from where or not, the aim of it is to make our children to know that we are one. “Though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”, the DG quoted.

     Earlier, the Plateau State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Kaneng Tabitha Pam-Hworo, has implored all Nigerians to look at the significance of  of Nigeria’s National Anthem composed as a powerful expression of  collective aspirations.

    The State Director, noted that the campaign served as a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices and triumphs that have defined the nation’s journey saying, “the Anthem is not merely a song; it is a rallying cry that encapsulates our hopes for unity, peace and progress.

   “This initiative represents a pivotal moment for all of us, one that seeks to strengthen the bonds of our national identity and promote the values that unite us as Nigerians.

   “In a world increasingly divided by differences, our National Anthem calls us to rise above these divisions and work toward a common goal. It inspires us to be responsible citizens, reminding us of the shared destiny we have as Nigerians. 

  

   “By understanding and embracing the essence of our anthem, we reinforce our commitment to the values it represents.  We present to you, a standardized version of the National Anthem”, she emphasised.

    Pam-Hworo, added that they have introduced the National Values Charter, a document that outlines the ethical principles that must be uphold  as a society to serve as framework for behavior.

    She, therefore, called on all citizens to unite and foster a culture that values their national identity and the principles that bind them together.

    “Together, we can ensure that our anthem is not just sung but lived, and that our National Values Charter becomes a guiding light for generations to come.

   If there is no struggle or sacrifice, there is no progress.Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.

  They want rain without thunder and lightning. Not all situations are devil driven, some are orchestrated by God. Some issues are not just subject of prayer but  subject of order. 

  It’s only when you have the courage to step off the edge that you will realize you have had wings all along.

 Life is not a tea party affair, some times you need to step out of your comfort zone to get to your promised land. 

 There is no free lunch anywhere, if U think you had one, someone else paid for it. The Lord instructs. Gudmoni. TGIF

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum

Jos Plateau has always been a destination platform for various reasons. Sadly however, for being on the wrong side of insecurity; the state almost became a pariah environment.

Tried as much as it was humanly possible to extricate itself, its people and communities from the prism of wrong accusations; that further took away the innocence of the state.

In the estimation of some people, Plateau could not be trusted to be a good host. They alleged that Plateau was hostile to visitors, while not taking into consideration the tribulations the state kept going through.

The more the murderous attacks on the state increased, the deeper its fortunes sank. But before long, the picture of the innocence of the state had made inroads into the hearts of many; who hitherto had been made to believe Plateau and its people were hostile.

Love or hate Plateau State, it remains the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’. It is a destination, which, in the estimation of many, has not been fully utilised; as its peers have long been in the big leagues of the states benefiting from tourism.

Those who sought to obliterate the peace of the Plateau people may be uncomfortable that the never-say-die spirit is, in the main, back and working for the good of the state.

If anyone gave Plateau the space to bring life back to tourism and other recreational initiatives, it is the people themselves; who, knowing the power of the state’s endowment would not want it to be wasted.

There is no hiding the fact, Plateau State has entered a phase of using its enormous endowments to develop its tourism industry. It does not need to be told, tourism is the new black gold, here and in many states.

When the Jos Family Christmas Festival, an initiative of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, began in 2023, it was not meant to be an experiment. It was an idea whose time has already come.

In fact, it was not meant to test the waters, it was the harbinger of the good things that were being expected in the tourism industry. The maiden voyage, in all honesty, indicated that it was well received; and it needed to be continued, but on a bigger scale.

No wonder, in an industry where there are willing partners to invest in the initiative, all that there is to start is the buy-in of the government. It is possible for this, given the enthusiasm of the Plateau State government.

At the unveiling of the Jos Family Christmas Festival at the Usuji World Events Centre on October 14, 2024, a clearer picture of what the initiative was all about was revealed, thanks to the Plateau State Tourism Corporation.

Its key partner, Eco System Africa through its CEO Rume Ogane, reeled some of the major events expected to hold in the month of December.

With a theme: Beautiful Experience, the number of activities expected during the festival are varied and interesting. The assignment has been well noted and well organised as to get value in entertainment and business activities.

Consider a few of them: Food landscape, bonfire, art exhibition, little Miss Tourism, cultural afloat dance driving round the city, runway fashion show and family cooking competition as well as family dance competition among others.

They are uniquely put in place such that theatre performances, raffle draw, music, poetry and spoken words will be done in partnership and collaboration. The bottom line is for the festival to be unique to Plateau but competitive with others outside the state.

If you are not in Jos for the month of December, pray, say where else you would like to be? Attention will shift to Jos the ultimate tourism destination, as other partners: Plateau International Firm Festival, Tour Plateau, Jos Hikers Polo Club have keyed into the initiative.

The festival, in the words of George Chuwang Pwajok, General Manager of the Tourism Corporation is to ‘drive tourists’ traffic to Plateau, to experience our unique landscape, rich culture, and hospitality. Instead of brief stops, we are creating immersive experiences where visitors can connect with our people, culture, and environment’.

But even more, the goal for the initiative is to make Jos as the must-sought after holiday spot, thereby bringing economic growth and supporting local businesses thrive.

When Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang made him the General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Chuwang Pwajok did not need handouts to get to work.

Long before he was handed the job in the third quarter of year 2023; for many who knew, he was an insider in the industry already.

They knew that It was just a matter of time before the latent acumen resident in him would manifest itself in the industry.

They were not wrong. The space created for him came pretty expected and more interesting given the state’s desire to be far removed from just being considered in name as ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’.

The ideas he initiated that started to manifest almost immediately, having mounted the saddle were what anyone in the industry would expect.

Without desparaging some of the past activities the industry had done, it is without doubt that lessons have been learnt; what is being planned is a resolve to get better than what used to obtain.

Mr Incredible, Nigerian rapper and Honorary Special Adviser on Entertainment and Creativity for Plateau State, Jude MI Abaga, is enthusiastic that it ‘is an opportunity for global recognition of our arts, culture, and people’.

Hon Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, Plateau’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, speaking matter of factly, reminded Nigerians that Plateau’s climate is ‘perfect, our people are welcoming, and our landscape is breathtaking’.

The state is indeed ‘fully prepared with enhanced security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all’. There can be no better assurance of the safety of the visitors than this.

Echoing this sentiment, Sir Rume Ogane, CEO of Eco Systems Africa and a key festival partner, insist that ‘My Jos Is Safe’ slogan should be on the lips of every tourism lover. If everyone did, the city’s appeal would be felt everywhere.

With enhanced security, diverse entertainment initiative, and a commitment to economic growth, the Jos Family Christmas Festival is set to make Plateau State a festive hub for visitors from far and near.

By Dan Kwada 

When Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, inaugurated Members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) Monday June 10, 2024, he made a commitment that it was the beginning of a new dawn in the annals of PLASIEC and charged the appointees to uphold the tenets of democracy through free, fair and credible elections assuring that his administration would not interfere into its activities.

The Governor said, “I want to assure Plateau people that we will raise the bar of credible and reputable local government elections; we will ensure that true democracy takes place at the local levels”.

He went ahead to disclose that, it was  why he carefully selected such calibre of persons in the committee, particularly the Chairman, Mr Plangji Daniel Cishak, who has been in the system of conducting elections for many years.

I am sure, not many believe him then and I don’t blame anyone because they believed and made references that it would be the same old story, just like it was during the last two local Government elections on the Plateau, which they described as the most shameful, disgraceful local Government elections and one that gave Plateau a bad name.

Today, the October 9th Local Government Election In Plateau State has come and gone and it’s been described as a watershed moment in Plateau history as Governor Mutfwang continues to receive praises for his leadership and unwavering commitments, for keeping his promise for a free, fair and credible election, making it the first time citizens voices was truly heard within the last 8 years in Plateau.

No doubt, It is a new era of Transparency and accountability as Governor Mutfwang’s Vision for a better and united Plateau has inspired hope in the hearts of citizens, making Plateau a beacon of hope for Nigeria, showcasing the possibility of conducting credible and trustworthy elections.

This milestone wouldn’t have been a reality and the success of it can be attributed to the collective efforts of the PLASIEC team, under the leadership of Mr Plangji Cishak for setting the pace, Conducting the polls in line with legal provisions despite the time frame, fostering a conducive atmosphere for the elections.

Before the elections, PLASIEC had embarked on assessment tours of the 17 Local Government Areas to ascertain the level of preparedness and maintain transparency. The commission’s chairman, Plangji Cishak, led these visits, emphasizing the importance of free and credible polls. These tours also provided an opportunity for stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political party leaders, religious leaders, civil society groups, and security agencies, to pledge their support and commitment to the commission’s success.

The engagements of Civil society organizations, Media, Security Political Parties, National Orientation Agency (NOA)and other critical Stakeholders by PLASIEC played a significant role in sensitizing and engaging the People ahead of the Plateau 2024 local government election. 

The commitments and support by notable Civil Society Organisations like the Yiaga Africa, Centre for Peace Sustainability and Social Justice Tolerance (CPSST) and Project n19, Centre for the Advocacy of Justice and Rights (CAJR) helped foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among stakeholders, contributing to the election’s success as well as playing a significant role in promoting democratic governance and civic engagement in Plateau State.

Perhaps, the Game-Changer in the October 9th Local Government Election in Plateau State is the introduction of the Voters Verification Software (VVS) by PLASIEC, the very first of its kind in the history of Local Government Polls in Plateau and Nigeria, an innovative technology which revolutionized electoral processes in Plateau, ensuring accuracy of voter information, prevented electoral malpractices, and promoted transparency during the exercise.

The Appreciation cannot be complete without acknowledging and commending Plateau Citizens (Kudos) for their impressive turnout and active participation in the Election, their commitment to democracy and civic engagement is truly commendable. By coming out in mass, they have demonstrated their desire for peaceful and credible elections, setting a shining example for others to follow.

The combined efforts the People of Plateau have paid off, as the election’s triumph demonstrates the strength of cohesion and resolve. They should be pleased of the fact that their involvement made sure the people’s will won out.

Citizens active engagement has paved the way for a brighter future for Plateau State. Keep up the good work, and continue to make your voices heard.

Most importantly, the election’s success has fostered a sense of hope and renewal in Plateau State and Governor Mutfwang has already sworn in the 17 newly elected chairmen, charged them to be accountable and transparent during their tenure.

Perhaps this signals a new beginning for Plateau State, with the potential for increased public engagement and democratic participation in future elections; however, citizens’ ballots can now be counted in Local Government Elections, unlike in the past.

As the newly elected officials begin their tenure, they are poised to address the state’s pressing challenges and work towards a brighter future for all citizens inline with The TIME IS NOW agenda of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang’s administration in Plateau State.