The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission PLASIEC is pleased to inform the public that the list of training centers for individuals who applied as ad hoc staff for the upcoming local government elections has been released.
The training sessions will take place from the 2nd to 4th October in selected locations across all 17 local government areas of the state, as follows:
BARKIN LADI- ST. MARK PRIMARY SCHOOL BARKIN LADI
BASSA- ECWA PRIMARY SCHOOL JEBU BASSA
BOKKOS- PILOT PRIMARY SCHOOL BOKKOS
JOS EAST- G.S.S FEDERE
JOS NORTH- G.S.S WEST OF MINES
JOS SOUTH- OBASANJO MODEL SCHOOL
KANAM- G.S.S DENGI
KANKE- RCM PRIMARY SCHOOL
LANGTANG NORTH- KWANPE LEA PRIMARY SCHOOL
LANGTANG SOUTH- MABUDI CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL
MANGU- EKAN PRIMARY SCHOOL MANGU
MIKANG- CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL TUNKUS
PANKSHIN- LANGKUNG MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL PANKSHIN
QUA’ AN PAN- LEA MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL DOEMAK
RIYOM- CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL RIYOM
SHENDAM- RCM PRIMARY SCHOOL SHENDAM
WASE- CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL WASE
TIME: 8AM daily
ANNOUNCER,
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR LONGMAM GEOFFREY PIENSWAN COMMISSIONER , PLANNING TRAINING AND STRATEGY.
The Nigeria Service Award is a prestigious platform that celebrates and honours exceptional individuals, organisations and institutions across the nation.
These awards recognised outstanding contributions to national development, leadership, service in both the public and private sectors.
This is contained in a press statement signed by Amb. Cletus Akhimien, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday.
Since its inception, the Nigeria Service Award has spotlighted trailblazers and change-makers who have done exceptionally well beyond expectations to make a difference in their communities and the country at large.
This year’s edition promises to be even more remarkable as we bring together the most distinguished personalities, influential leaders and organizations that have demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the growth and progress of Nigeria.
The event will features key award categories that highlight excellence in governance, leadership, business, social impact and community development.
Join us as we recognize and celebrate the true pillars of our society. This is more than an award; it’s a testament to the power of selfless service and leadership.
…..Celebrating Excellence in Service & Leadership is the focus!
Hon. Davou Dalyop Jatau, the Plateau State Commissioner of Transport
By Ezekiel Dontinna
Plateau State Commissioner of Transport, Hon. Davou Dalyop Jatau, has described Nigeria’s journey from Independence as of mixed feelings going by series of interruptions in its leadership.
He stated while in an interview with our correspondent on the occasion marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Celebration in Jos, the Plateau State.
The Commissioner said, “we actually started on the right footing as a country and we were able to come up with infrastructures that, history wise, came up with evolution that of world standard in Nigeria and Africa at large.
“The interruptions and interception of democracy with the 64 years of our Independence, has been a journey of mixed feelings with sweet and rocky journey at the same time. Be it military and civilian together”, he observed.
Jatau, therefore, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 64th Independence Celebration and commended them for sustaining democracy in the last 25 years.
He expressed optimism that, the show of interest and commitment to the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy was an indication of the fact that it has come to stay.
However, the Commissioner, somehow blamed the reckless display of corruption to the military interruptions where powers were in the hands of some few and not following down the chan to grassroots where the larger population of beneficiary account existed.
He expressed confidence that with democracy in place, every citizen has the constitutional right to the freedom of expression and benefits from the country’s Commonwealth unlike during military, describing it as a plus to the development of the country.
Following the constitution of a Committee by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State to look into the selection tussles of Rekna of Bashar Chiefdom in Wase LGA, five (5) different Rulling House Kingmakers, submitted their memoranda in defence of the process Monday.
These Rulling House Kingmakers included: Alhaji Ali Nuhu (Madakin Bashar); Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf (Sarkin Yamman Bashar); Alhaji Abdullahi Yakubu (Masun Bashar; Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Babajo (Kuyanbana Bashar) and Alhaji Yahaya Aliyu (Limanin Bashar) respectively.
The Kingmakers were also representing various five (5) Rulling Houses of Bashar Chiefdom: Gwalakan, Al-Bature, Babitan, Bagidgid and Bagara in that order, as they were flagged by members of the respective the Chiefdom.
Speaking to Journalists shortly after submiting the Memorandum, Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu Babajo, disclosed that they were at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to submit a memorandum to Committee constituted by Governor on review of Rekna of Bashar selection.
Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Badu, in a handshake with Baba Baraji, of the Voice of Nigeria
He said, “there was a selection of Rekna of Bashar Chiefdom on December 23, 2022 and it was done according to the Gazette, but there was a petition from some who lost in the selection challenging the process.
“That was why the Executive Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, constituted a committee to review or look into the selection process and memorandums were requested by the committee to be submitted and we have submitted our”, Babajo disclosed.
The Kuyanbana of Bashar, also explained that the petition filed by those who lost in the selection process challenging the process came almost two years after even as it complied with the Gazette and the selection process.
He, therefore, called on the people of Bashar Chiefdom to remain calm and go about their normal routine businesses believing that, the committee would do justice to the entire Bashar Chiefdom by the grace of God.
On his part, Alhaji Yunusa Garba Aliyu, confirmed the fact that some people petitioned the selection process, but they have written appropriately stating how the selection process was conducted to demand for justice for the people of Bashar Chiefdom.
Personalities in the entourage for the submission of the Memoranda were former Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Bagu, former Federal Commissioner, Public Commission, Hon. Musa Abdullahi Yalu, (the Danburam Yalu) and other prominent sons of Bashar Chiefdom respectively.
However, findings revealed that there that were no records protest or demonstrations during and after the selection, but some group of people decided to hold a press briefing in Jos after almost two years of the selection and coronation which took place on March 23, 2023 to draw the selection process back.
September 27, 2004 has remained a dark spot in our lives. It is a sad reminder of the loss of our father that date. I shall not bore you with the details of his travails; they are not necessary here.
Had he not died exactly 20 years ago this year, he would have been 94 years old.
He had been preceded by our mother’s on March 3, 2003. She worked in the background, particularly with us, her children, and women to support their families as a ministry.
Despite mother’s failing health as a result of a debilitating back pain, which saw her in and out of hospitals; she remained the mother any child would be proud of all seasons.
Indeed, we have always been. Any meeting of us discussing their life times, and the amount of reverence they have sown in our lives, always leaves us reeling in the nostalgia of their large presence in what we do.
The sad part as we remember them is the death of two of our older brothers, Philip and Josiah. They have more to tell if they were alive. Our joy is that, they finished well, and didn’t disappoint.
Before Hon Josiah YB Gobum went to sleep, he represented Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam in the Federal House of Representatives in 1999. His constituents should be the ones saying this, but we know, to God’s glory; he led well.
If not God, who would have thought that the son of a rural pastor could rise to such a position of prominence. Only the grace of God and the ministry of men could have sent him to that height.
Our upbringing under various roofs in different communities on mission work is instructive. He didn’t have much, but despite the pittance he got as a pastor; no father could be as passionate about education as he was, to send us all to school.
It is not about being boastful, they say pastors’ children are often in their world, working at cross purposes against their parents’ calling. They were called, all we needed was to support their ministry.
After Pastor’s College Gindiri from 1969 to 1972, the first port of call for mission work was Garga, a far flung non-descript village in Kanam. Initially, we were informed that he was on his way to Pankshin.
That did not materialise. Even though many things were considered, particularly our mother’s health. But the church is not a government parastatal, where someone’s influence could cancel a transfer.
His posting to Garga as first Pastor was fun. It was more fun when it dawn on us that to get there in those days, the truck was only available on a Thursday, being Ganjuwa, a local market day.
Our station, Garga is a long distance from Dengi, the local government headquarters. If there was no truck (gongoro), the only alternative was to trek the whole hog. No one wanted to miss the once-in-a- week-lorry if the need to travel arose.
We did several times; in fact, my common entrance and interview to go to form one were undertaken from Garga to Langtang on a bicycle. Tough task, but here we are some 49 years after, reminiscing the experience, and thanking God.
It was at Garga that we took farming seriously, engaging in cultivating cotton, millet, guinea corn, groundnut, maize and pumpkin. How will we not, father never relied on the church to feed him; he was born into a family of great farmers.
We discovered on coming to Garga, that the people were receptive. The Hakimin Garga, Alhaji Muhammadu Bawa was on the throne on our arrival. He loved people and together with his people, made our stay well documented and memorable until 1978, when another transfer was effected to Pankshin.
The church was neatly bonded, thanks to the different nationalities that had settled there. They came from Mushere, Ngas, Ron Kulere, Mwaghavul and Jhar.
The present Hakimin Garga, Alhaji Garba Muhammadu Bawa, is like his father. Meeting him last year, 2023 at Dogon Ruwa sparked feelings of a lost and found brother. He recalled all the names of my siblings without difficulties thanks to the bond built by his late father.
The house of one of the famous Islamic teachers resident at Garga, Mallam Ali Dandak as others were opened to us. Today, he and his children, as many others still consider us part of Garga. No society can exist without a mutually beneficial relationship.
Christmas or Sallah celebration in Garga was fun. The fact that we were always dressed in khaki shorts without a shoe did not draw attention; rather, we reveled thanking God in it and used same when school resumes in January.
Exchange of food items at Christmas and Sallah between adherents of the two religions was infectious. The dance procession from Ungwan Mission to the Hakimi’s Palace was a spectacle to behold each year.
We were born six, from a union that was contracted in 1952. Five happy boys and an ever smiling girl, Matan Kawu, Suzanne. She got married early enough in life, and made up for her education later.
Her husband, Michael Bilgas, a prince of the Dimlong family, buried himself in civil service work and evangelism, until life was snuffed out of him by an enemy’s bullets during one of the crisis in 2018 in Jos.
Simon (Saminu), Malam Dogo, God helping him has remained constant in nursing and church work. He, it was, who insisted at some point that because the church choir members were always not on time, he would rather pull out.
He did. Back in the day in Pankshin, he bought a talking drum to be used during Christmas and New Year church dances. With several church members, they would sing and dance round Pankshin until the early hours of the morning.
Kichime, the last of the six has been a footballer, coach, politician and social worker rolled into one. God also gave him a distinct ability to pick herbs for various ailments, a trade our father also built on without any formal training.
If these have not affected lives, his training in agriculture must have led many on the path of profitability at home and on large scale farming business across some communities.
As we grew, some cousins and other children were brought to live with us. All we were told by our parents was, they were our siblings. None of us bothered to ask where some of them came from. Indeed they became part of us, nonetheless, and we lived happily with each one of them.
There are still living wonderful cousins whose love for the Gobum family transcends just mere talkenism; they are a collection you can’t throw away. We are fond of them, just as they are of us.
Now we know better; the world can only grow better, if love goes around. They both love people to a fault, and expected nothing in return, because God is love himself.
Gender was not a consideration for whatever form of chores with our mother. Everyone of us went to the farm; cook; wash plates and clothes for the siblings; pounded and sieve grains; and to be fair, no one had room to complain, except when ill.
We have always relished in the fact that both parents are ‘still alive’. After all, each time we meet anyone who knew them, they also relish their different perspectives of who they were to them.
Come to think of it, what better memories can a son or his siblings keep of their parents than what people tell us of their impact in their lives and of communities, where they worked?
Our father was the radio man of the house; as he listened to news all day long, except if he was asleep. In fact, he was always with a transistor radio, sometimes even on the farm.
Indeed he was instrumental for me going into journalism. I knew each local and international radio stations as early as in primary school. I recall that in Pankshin, he would insist I buy a newspaper each day; even if it meant I stayed hungry.
Has anyone come asking for a record of an event in the past from him and did not get it? That was not possible; he kept every detail of any major event anywhere he was.
Not one event passed without entering his record book. Whether it was rain, accident , harvest, vaccination, birthday and visit, he recorded such. No wonder, our birthdays were never concocted.
From Tabulung, to Gyanggyang, COCIN Bible School Boi, Gindiri, Garga, Manung (Pankshin), Vel Fwor, Ballang Kalep, Ballang Shipang, Duk, Bwarak, Tambes, Chigwong, Dungung and Mwel, he was ever present.
Starting from Lerpye, Rong, Kubut, Gyanggyang as far back as 1959, it has been tempestuous in charting a course for all the local congregations. He was with his people at Tabulung from 1966 to 1969. Nevertheless, the story is not all negatives, it is one that makes us proud.
Planting churches became a grace that did not fail him. A host of other places, God gave him the grace to plant churches but were not limited to Gajin Duguri, Zalli, Yalun, Dada, Kyaram, Gyembau, Yuli, Angwan Gyero and Gyangyang all in Kanam.
Where they existed, he visited to encourage and making new friends; that we are today beneficiaries of those relationships built over the years. Even if the benefit were not monetary, I am able to confirm that his investment in people far outweigh what will be put in the pocket.
I am aware it was tasking and discouraging particularly in Pankshin in those days where a new initiative was always viewed from the prism of territorial enlargement.
No wonder, such efforts were literally frustrated, insisting as we often heard, ‘why do we need to go outside Manung. What we have is enough to accommodate us.’
It is history today, there are numerous COCIN congregations scattered in Pankshin town, for instance, and even needing more, if the church wanted to.
Being at Manung (Pankshin) from 1978- 80, and Bible School Fwor as its Principal from 1980-85, our lives changed in different directions. Five of us were all in school, while Philip was long gone in 1976.
God opened a door for a bank job for me in 1980 at the Pankshin branch of Bank of the North Ltd. Even while I was on its payroll, I went to the School of Preliminary Studies, Keffi, and later transferred to Maiduguri; from where I left for studies in Zaria.
God laid in the heart of Mallam AA Abdulmalik, my manager then to assist me. That intervention helped sustain me while in my undergraduate studies.
We do not beat our chests. He was doing the work of His Master who had called him from pagan worship to the Kingdom. God is our witness, if we have added other extraneous details to his work.
Going through his tour of duty was an experience a pastor would love to have. The joy that you had congregations eager for the word was enough to cheer him on. The fact that new grounds were yet to be conquered, brought about the winning mentality.
It showed in virtually all the places he was transferred to. The local politics of the people was not a business he got involved in. It was mission work he was concerned about.
One day before the 1979 elections, since I have never heard him talk about politics, I asked him naively, thinking since one of the church elders, Nde Yakubu B Chigwong was an influential member of the NPP, he should be supporting that party or another. Since then, I knew that as a pastor they belong to all.
By the time they left Dungung in 1993 (having lived there from 1985-93) on transfer to Tabulung his place of birth, we knew it was time to prepare for retirement from active service in 1996. Dungung became a home we always dreamt to return to: Good people and hospitable to a fault.
Apart from his pastoral duties, he was found worthy to serve in other sensitive positions such that the ministry will not suffer. They included, but were not limited to RCC Secretary, Secretary Medical, Treaurer and leader of Extension Bible School etc.
On December 8, 1996, he retired from the services of COCIN. His later years were dedicated to teaching and reconciling people and communities. By then, we had come of age, but they were ever present in our activities. He knew why; as children, we could always be children.
He was brought home to finish what he had started. It was a home coming of some sort, of a son of the soil. He knew the terrain and very much understood the assignment back at home.
Tabulung may have been quiet but they had lots of friends. They were mostly children who found his company rewarding. They left their homes in droves early morning to visit ‘Khe Raskang’; a name they commonly called him with.
He taught them lots of things, just as we also learnt from them. Since they found him loving, they ate his food, played and slept on the stone pavement outside the house. They stayed long hours until their mothers or older siblings came to collect them.
Most remember, and identify us whenever we meet, as children of ‘Khe Raskang’. That, in itself is reassuring of the bond between them and us.
In our hearts, we are aware God has been merciful; keeping his promises to sustain and fully aware that his ‘goodness and mercy shall follow me (us) all the days of my life (our lives): and I (we) will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever’.
We know God’s plans will never fail. Only him has been our Ebenezer, and only he could have brought us this far.
*Character refined is destiny preserved, self discipline is a battle you must win if you want to secure a glorious future.
Our habits would either break us or make us. Any bad habit that you refuse to deal with in the present would deal with you in the future.
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” Character matters in everything. Beauty without manner cannot sustain you in a relationship.
Intelligence without character cannot make you outstanding. Power without discipline will end in futility.
Never take advantage of others, as it may not end well. The Lord refines…GoodMorning and blessed Monday..*
Dara Gyang Dalyop Dudu, in the middle saying no to violence, yes to peace
By Ezekiel Dontinna
Plateau State Coordinator of HeForShe Network, Dara Gyang Dalyop Dudu, has described peace and security as the best weapons that could be used in fighting hunger and poverty in any society.
He stated this recently, while addressing members of Civil Society Organisations and partners shortly after a Peace Walk from the Secretariat Junction to the NUJ Secretariat Jos on the occasion marking International Peace Day.
The Coordinator said, “peace is absence of crisis. Without peace, definitely, there will be poverty. When you are talking of fighting poverty, the first thing you should fight is insecurity.
“So, the weapon to fight poverty is peace and security. We have seen a moment of insecurity on the Plateau but today, we want to appreciate God for restoring peace on the Plateau.
“Today as we come together irrespective of tribes or religion, we have pushed one factor, and that factor is P.E.A.C.E! So, we have pushed in peace and so shall it be with all of us and our nation Nigeria”, he prayed.
Dudu, also observed that as a people, they needed peace of the heart to coexist because without it, the country would suffer all forms of vices that could brought the nation down.
Emphasizing on this theme for the International Peace Day: “Cultivating the Culture of Peace”, the Elder noted that it was something every person must be deliberate about it and not to play lips service to it.
On her part, the Representative of the WPS Media Network, Nene Dung, called on citizens to learn how to live together as brothers and sisters and do away with mutual suspicion and be their brothers’ keepers.
She said, “I want to call on all citizens of Plateau State irrespective of where you come from. Whether you are from Plateau State or not, we must work toward the peace of Plateau State and it is only when there is peace that government can deliver dividends of democracy”.
Also, the Chairperson Of Women Mediators, Plateau State Chapter, Grace Joseph Gora, prayed God to let peace continue to reign in people’s hearts, homes, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
She, therefore, called on citizens to ensure that peace surrounded them wherever they go saying, “if you are not at with yourself, what do you expect from your neighbour? So, since we are preaching peace, let it be anywhere you go for people to see the peace in you”.
The International Peace Day Celebration Walk was organised by UN-Wonen WPS Structure made up of WPS Media Network; the HeForShe Network and the Women Mediators Network respectively.
Mr. Selman Dashe, the National Chairman of Basic 85 SPS Keffi Alumni, delivering his acceptance speech
By Ezekiel Dontinna
Basic 85 alumni of the old School of Preliminary Studies (SPS) Keffi, has elected its new Executive Council with Selman Dashe, as the Chairman and deputised by Prof. Sarah Lwahas, to oversee the affairs of association in the next three years.
Others included: Mr. Yakubu Taddy, as Secretary General to assisted by Abubakar Sadiq, while the positions of Treasurer and Financial Secretary went to Joan Dabes and Saidu Agbole respectively.
Also elected were Mr. Habila David as Auditor; Barr. Christopher Kigun (Legal Adviser) and Allahbura Ambrose, as the Welfare Secretary of alumni in that order.
While declaring all the officials duly returned elected, the ELCOM Chairman, Barr. Simon Barry, described the election as free and fair without rancour or sentiment, commending members for the show of maturity and sportsmanship.
He prayed that the newly elected Executive Council would take the association to a greater level, considering the collection of intelligent and highly respected calibre of people in the movement.
Earlier, the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Mr. Yakubu Taddy, commended members for the show of commitment and suggested that, next convention should be either be in Nasarawa State to encourage members who found it difficult to attend.
Responding on behalf of the elected Executive, the newly elected Chairman of Basic 85 SPS Keffi Alumni, Selman Dashe, thanked members for the confidence reposed in them and promised not to fail, but work towards uplifting the welfare of its members.
He said, “on behalf of my colleagues here as EXCO, we accept the responsibility with great humility because we are here to serve. So, we really need the support of each and everyone of us here so that, we move to the next stage.
“Going further, we have to put a standard operating procedure and have a very smooth identity where our internal welfare will be looked at now that most of us are in the six floor of our age.
“So registration of our identity will now be known by the special grace of God as; “Basic 85 Foundation”. As a Foundation, it means we can attract money internally and externally aside from our donations”, Dashe highlighted.
According to the Chairman, this would enable members who could not afford their medical bills to have access to Health Insurance Scheme through collaboration with the States and Federal Government.
He, however, immediately constituted two committees with Barr. Simon Barry, as the Chairman of the Basic 85 Foundation Committee and Prof. Sarah Lwahas to Chair the Welfare Committee respectively.
The Chairman also suggested that the Basic 85 SPS Keffi Alumni should have the Emir of Keffi as the Grand Patron of association and it was unanimously agreed by the Congress.
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who is a member of the Basic 85 SPS Keffi Alumni, thanked the Set for support given to him during electioneering campaign and after and promised to continue to support this noble cause.
Represented by the Plateau State Executive Chairman of Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Sunday Amuna, the Governor said, “I want to assure this gathering that, going further, I am identifying with the group because I am part and parcel of the group.
There was a paper on presentation by Dr. Nandom Abu, welcome address by Nehemiah Garage as it was moderated by Victor Dawurung, respectively.
Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the newly elected PIDAN President
By Ezekiel Dontinna
A new leadership of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, PIDAN, the umbrella body of all the Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities Development Associations, has emerged with Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, as the President.
This came in a press statement signed by the outgone association’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Stephen Sarki Musa, and made available to newsmen yesterday, shortly after the election held at the Plateau State NUJ Secretariat Jos, the State capital.
In the election, held under a friendly and family atmosphere through an unopposed, Ambassador Sheni was affirmed by 53 of the 55 members of the PIDAN National Council.
Also elected alongside Amb Sheni are Da Gyang Dudu Dalyop, 1st Vice President; while the position of the 2nd Vice President when to Alpha Dakota John.
Other members elected into the new Executive Council of PIDAN were, Danjuma Auta, Secretary General; Pofun Joshua Ndom, Treasurer; while Prof David L. Wonang was returned as the new Financial Secretary
In the only contest in the election, Dankama Sunday Emmanuel, polled 27 votes to become the new Public Relation Officer, PRO, as against 26 votes won by Mr. Akos Z. Mashingil.
In an acceptance speech, Amb Sheni extolled the contributions of the outgoing EXCO, led by Prof Aboi Madaki and commended them for raising PIDAN to enviable position.
“The enviable position PIDAN has attained today is principally as a result of the hard work, sacrifices and contributions of the outgoing Executive Council; who worked tirelessly,” Amb Sheni said.
The new President assured that they will, with the cooperation of the Council try it’s best to, within the context of its constitutional mandate take the Association to greater heights.
He thanked Council members for the confidence reposed on them, assuring that the mandate bestowed on the new Executive Council, will not be misplaced.
Earlier in his speech, the outgoing President, Prof Aboi Madaki thanked the PIDAN family for the support they gave during their tenure, adding that their cooperation manifested in the raising profile of the Association.
Prof. Madaki acknowledged the significance of the election, saying that “Today represents a special day in the life of our organization because we have observed the growth of PIDAN from a small association with very little influence to an interesting organization with potentials representing the core interest of Plateau Autochthones and liaising with relevant stakeholders at home and in diaspora.”
The outgoing President added that because of constant engagements with membership of PIDAN, “We have witnessed the emergence of highly respected sons and daughters of Plateau taking the responsibility of leading their Autochthones Development Associations, thus enriching the quality of representation and perception of the public about PIDAN.
Prof Madaki tasked the new leadership to reposition the Association, adding that “PIDAN should be in a position to set the political and socioeconomic framework for development of the state and allow the politicians fill in the content of what is required to achieve the goals captured by the framework.”
Meanwhile, the inauguration and swearing in of the new Executive Council has been fixed for October 19, 2024.To this end, a 5 member inauguration committee headed Agaldo Gideon, was constituted to handle the event.
Nde Jonathan Ishaku, the Centre Director, Middle Belt for Advocacy, Research and Documentation
By Ezekiel Dontinna
The Centre Director, Middle Belt Centre for Advocacy, Research and Documentation (MBCARD), Nde Jonathan Ishaku, has made a case for the minority groups in Nigeria urging Journalists to investigate issues of political marginalisation and their struggles in gaining voice in decision making process.
Hon. Dan Kwada, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau and Convener of the Engagement
He made the case Thursday, while making remarks at an Interactive Engagement Meeting organised by Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Hon. Dan Kwada, in collaboration with the Plateau State Chapter of the Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF), held at the Greatlinks Continental Suites Jos.
The Centre Director, who is a Veteran Journalist, Author & Essayist, implored Middle Belt Journalists to highlight the region’s ethnic and religious diversity and the challenges of maintaining peaceful coexistence.
He also charged Middle Belt Journalists to write stories or reports on efforts that could develop the agricultural sector and promote small-scale businesses in the region.
The Veteran Journalist, therefore, said, “the journalist could investigate issues of political marginalization and the struggles of minority groups to gain a greater voice in decision-making processes.
“They could also explore the impact of insecurity, such as the activities of armed herdsmen and the challenges of internally displaced persons, and how these issues affect the region’s development.
“The journalist could document the role of traditional leaders and religious institutions in promoting peace and social cohesion, as well as the efforts to address religious-based discrimination and intolerance”, Ishaku reiterated.
He, therefore, emphasised on the Middle Belt journalist’s perspective that provide a nuanced and contextual understanding of the key development issues facing Nigeria, with a focus on the unique experiences and challenges of the region.
Nde Jonathan Ishaku, commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State for the vision in creating the office of Senior Special Assistant on Middle Belt Nationalities to cater for the affairs of the Middle Belt describing it as great achievement.
“For too long, the idea of the Middle Belt has often been dismissed as a fiction but by this creation Governor Mutfwang has become the first Middle Belt governor the give concrete existence to it.
“However, it is one thing to create the office and quite another to give relevance to it. By organizing this interactive meeting with members of the MBJF, Hon. Kwada has proved that he understands his assignment very well and is determine to make a success of it”, the Veteran commended.
Earlier, the Convener of the Interactive Engagement and the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, disclosed that the Middle Belt Region issues were under-reported hence the need for MBJF to pick up the challenge and tell the world their stories.
He commended the older Middle Belt Journalists for their resilience in fighting the course of the region from day one and encouraged the younger Journalists to emulate that spirit by charting a new course together as a team in projecting the zone.
On his part, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on Strategic Communications, Dr. Timothy Simon Golu, lamented the failure of previous North Central Governors to show much interests in building a strong and united states towards the development of zone.
On his part, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Caleb Mutfwang, disclosed that the Governor has approved the repair of roads from Jos to Nasarawa and Abuja, and to provide support for internally displaced persons in Plateau State.
Other highly respected Veterans Journalists among whom included; former Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Gregory Yenlong, former Plateau State Council NUJ Chairman and Managing Editor of The Nigeria Standard Newspaper, Nde Katdapba Y Gobum, former Director of Press and Public Affairs to former Governor Jonah Jang, Mr. James Manok, former Plateau State NUJ Chairman and the Current Managing Editor of The Nigeria Standard Newspaper, Mr. Paul Jatau and Chief Nayak Daman among others.
Mr. Plangji Daniel Cishak, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), delivering his address at the Stakeholders Meeting
By Ezekiel Dontinna
In its efforts to ensure fair and transparent Local Government Council Elections, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), has introduced the use of Electronic Components with Voter’s Verification Software.
The PLASIEC Chairman, Plangji Daniel Cishak, disclosed this yesterday while delivering his address at the Stakeholders Meeting, organised by the Commission ahead of the October 9 Local Government Council Elections in Jos, the State capital.
The Chairman disclosed that, since swearing-in, they had prioritised the engagement with stakeholders across all 17 local government areas for them to gather insights and input from the people of citizens to understand their expectations and concerns.
He, therefore, disclosed that, “this election will also mark a significant milestone in the history of PLASIEC, as we are introducing electronic components for the first time, including a state-of-the-art Voter Verification Software developed exclusively by our ICT team.
“This innovation is designed to ensure that only eligible voters can cast their votes, a crucial step toward making sure that the voices of the Plateau people are heard and respected”, Cishak assured.
The Chairman, reiterated that they have established contacts with various election observers who would monitor the electoral process and providing an additional layer of transparency and credibility.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for entrusting them with the immense responsibility of overseeing this crucial electoral process and promised to justify the confidence placed in them assuring that, they were committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.
Mr. Plangji Daniel Cishak, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), making his address at the Stakeholders Meeting
By Ezekiel Dontinna
In its efforts to ensure fair and transparent Local Government Council Elections, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), has introduced the use of Electronic Components with Voter’s Verification Software.
The PLASIEC Chairman, Plangji Daniel Cishak, disclosed this yesterday while delivering his address at the Stakeholders Meeting, organised by the Commission ahead of the October 9 Local Government Council Elections, held in Jos, the State capital.
The Chairman disclosed that since swearing-in, they had prioritised engagement with stakeholders across all 17 local government areas for them to gather insights and input from the people of citizens to understand their expectations and concerns.
He, therefore, disclosed that, “this election will also mark a significant milestone in the history of PLASIEC, as we are introducing electronic components for the first time, including a state-of-the-art Voter Verification Software developed exclusively by our ICT team.
“This innovation is designed to ensure that only eligible voters can cast their votes, a crucial step toward making sure that the voices of the Plateau people are heard and respected”, Cishak assured.
The Chairman, reiterated that they have established contacts with various election observers who would monitor the electoral process and providing an additional layer of transparency and credibility.
He, earlier, expressed appreciation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for entrusting them with the immense responsibility of overseeing this crucial electoral process and promised to justify the confidence placed in them assuring that, they were committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.
Streetbell Online 