Streetbell Online

By Ezekiel Dontinna– Shendam 

  All roads leading to Shendam town Wednesday went agog as the People’s Democratic Party’s Chairmanship Candidate of Shendam Local Government Council, Hon. Kemi Nicholas Nshe, attracted mammoth crowd to his campaign as he stormed home.

   The supporters earlier stationed themselves strategically from Baban-Lamba, a boundary between Pankshin and Shendam Local Government Areas, waiting patiently to receive and escort him to the venue of the rally at Shendam Mini Stadium Shendam.

    While in headquarters of the Local Government, the crowd moved steadily causing heavy traffic from Total road linking the town through the Longvel-Yelwa road, dancing and chanting slogans ‘Bulldozer’, as they fly PDP flags and posters.

    As part of his usual respect to the Custodian of Shendam land, the Candidate before heading to venue, paid homage to the Long Gamai, His Majesty, Miskoom Hubert Shaldas, to receive royal father’s blessings.

    Addressing the crowd at the Shendam Mini Stadium, Hon. Kemi Nicholas Nshe, said, they have no reason to fail this government, because it cares for the people of Shendam LGA.

    The PDP Candidate, disclosed that, “in November this year, the government will be investing Sixteen Billion Naira (₦16b) in Shendam for Agricultural Value Chan. So, we will be farming rice not as it used to be, but three times in a year.

   “That arrangement has been done and the African Development Bank and other partners are coming in to stay in Shendam and therefore, we have no reason to fail or not support this government that has everything for us.

      “We want to implore all of you that, as you go back to your Wards and Polling Units, continue to tell people what we are doing, what we will do and will continue to do for them. By the grace of God, we will launch the Maga campaign the when the Governor is back”, he assured.

      Nshe, disclosed that the Governor would be commissioning all the completed projects carried out within his one year in office in Shendam when the elections were over and called on Shendam people to support PDP.

    He, however, cleared air that, his second coming was not for any monitory advantage, but because Shendam people were dear to his heart and he wanted to develop Shendam Local Government Area.

    The Candidate, therefore, called on the people of Shendam Local Government Area to vote for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) so that, more development would come to the area because Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has come to unite and develop Plateau State.

By Bulus Gambo

“For I am convinced that neither death nGor life, neither angles nor demons, neither the present nor the future. Neither height nor dept, nor anything else in all creations, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39
On the 1st August 2024, our admirable Prof-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Karl Kumm University Vom, Prof. Ochapa C. Onazi OON went to be with God, our creator, after a brief illness. Though it was a painful exist, the deceased ran a good race and is resting in the bosom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Though the news of the passing of this erudite scholar of international repute spread like wildfire across the nation and beyond; a few days earlier; he had participated in a crucial meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees where critical decisions concerning sustainable academic excellence in the institution were discussed and endorsed.

During the meeting, the late university Don in his usual self was so brilliant in his engagements and never showed any sign of health challenges. So, when death unexpectedly came calling on that fateful day, it was a rude shock to members of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, management and staff including the students of the university who had hoped he stayed much longer to continue to be a blessing to the institution.
No doubt, the former Chairman of the Governing Council of Karl Kumm University’s significant contributions to the extraordinary growth of the institution will never be forgotten in the annals of the university’s history.
I came in close contact with Prof Ochapa Onazi some years back after I was appointed to serve as a secretariat member of the J.D Gomwalk Annual Memorial Lecture sponsored and organized by former Comptroller of Immigration, David Parrandang at the University of Jos. After the lecture, I was mandated to come-up with a press statement to which the sponsor instructed must be vetted by him before publication. After drafting the statement, I was directed to take it to his house which I did and his corrections became a souvenir I kept close to that of another erudite scholar Prof Ali Muzuri’s till date.

As fate would have it, I was opportune to meet the late Prof. Onazi again after I joined Karl Kumm University where some of us learn a lot from him particularly during his engagement with staff when time permits. Honestly, Baba’s simplicity was one character that beats my imagination. He was so kind and ever listening to all human beings.
As former Chairman of the Planning and Implementation Committee (CPIC) of Karl Kumm University, Prof Onazi till death remained a great pillar and immensely contributed in no small measure towards the establishment and takeoff of the faith-based university by showcasing great passion and resiliency each time he was requested to contribute his intellectual thoughts.
For the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Karl Kumm University, Vom, Prof Suleiman Bogoro, OON, the deceased’s death has robbed our global intellectual community a distinguished scholar per-excellence whose contribution to the global and Nigerian education sector has re-positioned many tertiary institutions. Prof Bogoro believes that the deceased indeed left a huge vacuum which would be hard to fill considering his achievements. Bogoro who was overwhelmed by emotions when the news of Prof. Onazi reached him, in tears acknowledged the deceased’s service to both Karl Kumm, the education sector and humanity while alive.
For the Vice Chancellor of Karl Kumm University, Prof Nanven Audu Gambo, the news of the demise of the Pro-Chancellor was received with heavy heart stating that, “During the Board of Trustee online meeting held on the 29th of July 2024 which lasted over three hours, his contribution to the growth of the university was so remarkable. After the meeting was adjourned by the chairman, Prof Suleiman Bogoro, Baba raised up his hand and said he wanted to make a remark. The chairman then granted him the opportunity to speak. As humans, we could not make sense out of what Baba was saying on that fateful day, until after his demise on the 1st, August 2024.
After the chairman of the board granted Baba permission to speak, he thanked everybody, he thanked the chairman of the Board of Trustees and members, he thanked the President of COCIN and the leadership of the church entirely. And of course, I was the last person he mentioned and if I can quote him well, he said, “I like working with this Vice Chancellor, and I want all to extend their support to him to succeed on this assignment.”
“Immediately after that meeting, I had to rush to Abuja for another meeting which was slated for the following day. So, my plan was that after I return from Abuja, I will meet him as usual at his residence so that we can discuss other issues. I returned on the 31st of July, 2024 and it was in the evening. On the 1st of August, I decided after being away from the office, let me get there to prepare my table and later in the evening, I will get to the resident of Baba. I was just about preparing to take-off when I got the sad news about the transition to eternal glory of our dear father. I did not know when my phone fell from my hand. To sum everything up, Baba was a blessing to humanity, he served humanity selflessly and to the best of his ability.
Many people will not know that Baba was a Board member of Kwararafa University Wukari. In fact, the Vice Chancellor of the university called me yesterday saying he would have loved to be here with us, I am sure something held him back otherwise he would have been here with us. Baba was always there to contribute to the growth of the church also. I am sure he is resting with our Lord in heaven.”
Born on the 20th November 1936 in Igumale, Benue State, Nigeria, the late Prof Onazi was educated at the Methodist Central Primary School Igumale, then the Methodist Central School Oturpo, Boys Secondary School, BSS Gindiri and the Nigerian College of Arts , Science and Technology, Zaria.
Prof Onazi graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in zoology in 1964 from London University, Ibadan campus and a Master of Science (M.Sc) from the University of London and a Diploma of Imperial College (DIC). Ochapa Onazi graduated with a Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D) in Agricultural Education from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, where he was supervised by Professor Robert Johnson.
In 2003 Ochapa Onazi was a recipient of the National Honour of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) in recognition of his services to Nigeria’s educational sector. In 2014, he was a recipient of the National Universities Distinguished Professor Award, also in recognition of his services to Education in Nigeria and for scholarship in the field of Biological Sciences. He was at a point in time, a President of the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA).

Ochapa Onazi was a Member of the Entomological Society of Nigeria; Trustee of the Agricultural Extension Association of Nigeria; Member of the Agricultural Society of Nigeria; Life Member and Past President of the Nigerian Association for Agricultural Education; former Member of the Kansas Entomological Society; Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of London; and former Member of the Adult Education Association, USA.

Professor Ochapa Onazi was former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano (2000-2004), former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Benue State University, Makurdi (1996 – 2004) and former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Plateau State University, Bokkos (2006-2007). He was also Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2000-2002).

He was appointed Chairman of Planning and Implementation Committee (CPIC) of Karl Kumm University, Vom by COCIN Church (2006 – 2012) and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Karl Kumm University, Vom in 2021.
Ochapa Onazi before his demise married Mikiya Ruth Onazi, they are blessed with five children: Eru, Oche, Agbenu, Adadu and Ori.
Adieu Baba, till we meet to part no more.
Bulus Gambo is the Protocol and Information Officer, Karl Kumm University Vom, Plateau State.
gambob@kku.edu.ng

  By Ezekiel Dontinna–Pankshin

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved over ten billion Naira (₦10b) take off grand  for the newly upgraded Federal College of Education Pankshin to Federal University of Education Pankshin (FUEP), Plateau State.

   Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, disclosed this Monday, at the official unveiling of the University by the National Universities Commission (NUC) who were on the spot assessment in Pankshin LGA.

     The Member who was the sole sponsor of the bill for the upgrade from FCE Pankshin to the University status noted that, he was a fulfilled man because the bill was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari and minuted to the former Minister, but was kept under the carpet.

      He said, “Buhari approved the bill overriding the Ministry of Education to commence immediately, but it became a big problem giving rooms for some people in social media who hated Gagdi to go agog that I lied.Today, I am being exonerated. 

    “I went and appealed to President Tinubu that, every New University always have a problem with getting releases from Tetfund and Mr. President approved over ten billion take off grand for the Federal University of Education Pankshin”, Gagdi disclosed.

      According to him, the President has directed that the grand should be released immediately through the Tetfund to the University for its effective take off activities.

     The Lawmaker again revealed that, the Federal Government has also approved the recruitment slots of over one hundred and sixty one (161) staff to cover the gap of the University and that, he has handed the approval to Chairman of the Governing Board.

      Earlier, the Team Lead of the Ministerial Committee, Dr. Yosi Uba, who were on the spot assessment of University said, they were in the Institution to unveil and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Federal University of Education Pankshin.

    She disclosed that the exercise was aimed at providing accurate and reliable information to the Federal Government to enhance strategic preparation of the institution’s transition and successful take off as the Federal University of Education Pankshin.

    On his part, the Pioneer Chairman of the Governing Board, Funsho Olumoko, commended Hon. Gagdi for championing this course stating that, it marks a pivotal role of transformative journey to academic excellence in Nigeria.

     Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, applauded Gagdi for fighting hard for the bill to see the light of the day and promised to support the new baby.

   The family of Gombwer of Goktog Village in Ampang East of Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, has finally reconnected with its ancestral home by paying homage to their King, His Majesty, Nde Jika Golit, the Ngolong recently.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Media Officer to Ngolong Ngas, Wukaska Bako Gowon, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday.

    The statement says; “It is charitable When you have a credible and inspiring Royal Father who truly embodies the spirit of fatherliness, his impact will be immense and his subjects will always run to him to celebrate. 

    “This was demonstrated recently when the reconnected Gombwer Family of Goktog Village in Ampang East of Kanke Local Government Area, paid homage on their King, His Majesty, Nde Jika Golit the Ngolong recently”, it highlighted.

     However, the leader of the Family Emmanuel Gombwer, a Professional Basketball Player based in USA, said, the visit was to congratulate the Royal Father and introduce the family that was disconnected from its Ancestral home many years ago.

     He disclosed that, they were spread across the globe with some living in over seas but has of recent discovered their ancestral root saying, “we are grateful that the reunion of  the long estranged family is made possible through the Village Head of Tuwan in Kabwir District.

       “The family  has established a Non Governmental Organisation tagged; Alice Gombwer Foundation, to serve as a mark of respect for our late parents Mr and Mrs Alice Gombwer. Very soon, one of us who is the brain behind the establishment of Organisation will visit you to brainstorm on how the Organisation  can contribute in uplifting  the people of his Chiefdom towards improving their livelihood”, Gombwer revealed.

     Responding, His Majesty, the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, welcomed them into the Ngas Family, describing their home coming as God’s doing.

    The Monarch thanked them for all the efforts made to trace back their ancestral root which epitomized their  true spirit  of philanthropists through  their willingness to make a different in Ngas Land with selfless programmes.

    Nde Golit reiterated that the land was enough for them and needed more people who were willing to take and give back and be there for others.

  According to him, this has earned the entire family a well deserved recognition and Royal blessings, urging them to ensure that the service they intend to offer would help addressed some of the immediate and long term needs of the people.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

    The Solomon & Mary Lar Foundation, has called for the cultivation of peace where inequalities, promotion of justice and the assurance of individual value could be addressed through reaffirmed commitment to peace.

     The Foundation made the call through a message on the occasion marking International Peace Day and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State yesterday.

      The message states; “Today, as the Solomon & Mary Lar Foundation joins the rest of world in celebrating  International Peace Day 2024, we are reminded of the profound importance of cultivating a culture of peace. 

       “This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” calls on us to foster environments where harmony, understanding and mutual respect can flourish. By working together, we can build a society where peace is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.

      “Cultivating a culture of peace requires a collective effort. It involves creating spaces for dialogue, understanding and cooperation. It means addressing inequalities, promoting justice, and ensuring that every individual feels valued and heard”, it stated.

    The Foundation observed with concern that, Plateau and other states across the country, have witnessed the devastating impact of violence and conflict and that, the insecurity witnessed in the North and South East have not only caused immense suffering, but also disrupted the fabric of communities.

    It noted that, these tragic events underscored the urgent need for peacebuilding efforts that address the root causes of conflict and promote reconciliation.

     “On this International Peace Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to peace. Let us honor the memories of those affected by violence in Plateau State by dedicating ourselves to actions that foster peace and unity. Together, we can create a future where every community thrives in harmony and security.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

    It is worth celebrating to attain this gracious and golden age of 50 in life especially, when one successfully sailed through life’s huddles of existence in good health and fitness.

   Fifty years, as always been testified, is more of a sail to the glorious age of wisdom where maturity is certified and the best in one is expected to manifest. 

   It is also believe that, one has seen the good, the bad and the ugly days of life and is fit to manage all, because crawling from day one through this journey is not an easy experience.

   For Mrs. Keziah Julius Yakubu, nee Goyol, it was quite a lifelong dream worth celebrating and appreciating God for His mercy and protection all through these years.

    It was glaringly demonstrated when families, friends and well wishers trooped in to celebrate with her at the Grand Villa Conference Hall in Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday.

    The atmosphere therein the colourfully decorated hall, was really an expression of love to the celebrant. It was quite hectic all through for the organisers when families and friends danced in batches celebrating Keziah.

      The most interesting part of the celebration, was the special dance with her husband, Julius D. Yakubu, children and her mother, Nana Jana Goyol, who is of age, but could actively dance to celebrate her daughter.

      The Celebrant, Mrs. Keziah Julius Yakubu, who could not hide her joy said, “today marks a very happy day of my life. I am so grateful to God for keeping me alive and I want to really bless God for that so, I give praise and honour unto the Lord. I am over excited and overwhelmed.

      “Yes, although in life there are challenges, but in all that, I was able to be focused and I did not want to dwell on challenges, but dwelled on the sight of God who has seen me through. I don’t want to remember the pains because the joy supersedes the pains”, she enthused.

      Keziah, therefore, encouraged the younger generation to keep trusting in God and the entire system would be great noting that, with God, everything would be possible.

   She thanked families, friends and wellwishers who traveled far and near to celebrate with her and her family, praying God to continue to bless them and take them safe to their respective destinations.

     Earlier, a retired Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, who is the husband of the Celebrant, described his wife as a very loving woman and that, celebrating her at 50 was a great day for him and the entire family.

     He said, “she is a very loving woman, very patient woman and a great mother. I am proud and privileged to have her as my wife. She has coped very well with the nature of my job.

      “Many times that ones has to be away, she has been able to keep the home together. In fact, she has really, really done wonderfully well in taking care of the family. I want to use this opportunity to congratulate her”, Yakubu commended.

     He, however, advised the upcoming generation to look for good quality and not only the external beauty, but also the internal beauty because not all that glitters was gold, even as they still need the direction of God in all things.

      It was all through dance, dance and dance as people merry joyfully celebrating the Celebrant, former Miss Keziah Goyol, of Shiwer in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, who got married to Mr. JD Yakubu, of Niger State. Dignitaries from far and wide graced the occasion admits series of cheers and raspberries.

The Director General, Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda, has commended women in Mangu Local Government communities for their continued efforts in promoting peace and stability within their communities.

     The Director General stated this, Wednesday, at a one-day engagement with various women groups in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, organized by the PPBA, supported by West Africa Network of Peace (WANEP) as part of its activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Peace with the theme: “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”.

   The Director General, represented by the Director Programmes, Nantip Joseph, described, the work they were doing as not only valuable, but crucial to the larger goal of achieving a peaceful and harmonious Plateau State.

   Sanda, therefore, encouraged the women to remain committed to these efforts because such engagements and platforms were very key to peace building and should not be taken for granted.

      She said “research consistently shows a strong correlation between peacebuilding and the active involvement of women in leadership and decision-making Processes Countries that have embraced the ideals of peace and ensured that women play significant roles at all levels of governance and nation-building have experienced greater development, social cohesion, and progress”.

    The Director, however, reminded the women that their contributions were vital to not just  their communities, but to the broader quest for sustainable peace and development in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole. 

    She encouraged them to view their involvement in the peacebuilding process as part of a long-term, transformative process that would ultimately benefit future generations. 

   The Peace Expert, urged them to continue to be champions of peace, as their active participation was a key factor in the ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society.

   On his part, the Technical Early Warning Early Response (EWER) Advisor of WANEP, Mr. Manji Mangrock, charged the women to be committed to the ongoing peacebuilding process in their communities. 

    He shared insights on communal efforts made by women in other communities where PPBA and WANEP were currently implementing interventions stressing that, it has been helpful in strengthening social cohesion in those areas.

   Mangrock, further disclosed that the one-day engagement was part of activities to commemorate the International Day of Peace 2024, sharing some of the in-roads made by similar interventions in some communities.           

  He, thereby, narrated where some belligerent members were transformed into responsible citizens and were currently contributing immensely to the growth and development of their communities.

     One of the participants, Harira Basambo, while in an interview said “as a Fulani community Peace ambassador with Youth Peace Ambassadors Network Mangu LGA, I had participated in a youth camp in 2011 which exposed me to peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives. 

   “And since then, I have supported and organized peace rallies and sensitization engagements in Mangu Local Government Area especially, following the outbreak of violence in April 2023”, he disclosed.

    Similarly, Linda Jumba, a member of Women Wing, Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) of Mararaban Pushit, stated that, “as an association, part of our role is to mediate in cases of conflict in our communities.

   “And as a result of the conflict that displaced many and made them vulnerable, particularly those staying in IDP camps, we have continued to create awareness on gender issues such as rape and personal hygiene, and it has raised the level of consciousness on such issues. We are also supporting them with food items and other necessities”, she highlighted.

    Streetbell blog reports that, the one-day engagement was organized under the Peace Action for Rapid Transformative Nigerian Early Response (PARTNER) Project being implemented by a consortium of partners in nine states including Plateau. 

    The project has three broad objectives of building early warning system, peacebuilding and the promotion of social cohesion in the affected states respectively.

    The Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA), has, in recognition of his immense contributions to the progress of the association, planned to immortalise late Professor Chapa Onazi, who died recently at forthcoming convention.

     The Co-Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the GOSA 2024 Convention,  Dr Solomon Mangvwat, who stood in for the Chairman, Chief Latep Dabang, disclosed this Friday while in an interview with Journalists at the GOSA Secretariat in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    The Chairman expressed sadness that their one time President and founding fathers of association died recently saying, “even as we are planning for the Convention, it is with heavy heart because we lost Prof. Chapa Onazi.

      “He was among the First Sets of the Gindiri school and only two are now left. We used to call them the “Living Ancestors”. We want to plan one of the best convention and this is going to be a legacy of people like Prof. Chapa Onazi.   

  “Prof. Ochapa, really mentored us and got us this far and we there not fail, but keep on the track of excellence of GOSA because it is “For Light And Truth”. So, Onazi, is one man while living even, he has proven himself. 

     “There is no way GOSA will not immortalise him and others. We have done it for JD Gomwalk and so many others and we will immortalise Onazi”, he assured.

       The Committee Chairman, further disclosed that GOSA has been immortalising its members who have distinguished themselves which was why they tagged this year’s theme as: “Nurturing Excellence: Strengthening The Bonds For Brighter Future”.

      He, however, disclosed that the forthcoming GOSA Convention would be to unite them because togetherness gives us the strength saying, “when you come together, there is nothing you cannot do and I think, that’s the strength of GOSA.

 

   By Ezekiel Dontinna

 It was quite a thrilling show with colourful display yesterday in Jos, the Capital City of Plateau State, when citizens poured out in their numbers on this special day to peacefully matched major streets in celebration of the 2024 International Peace Day.

   As early as 8am, people converged at the Old Airport Junction Jos ready for the Peace Walk, one of the activities organised in commemoration of the Day by the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) in partnership with GIZ as it was supported by numerous partners. 

    The Peace Walk which started at the Old Airport Junction was led by the officers of Federal Road Safety Corpse (FRSC) in order to control traffic. The crowd that participated in the walk matched to Plateau Hospital Round About, dancing in styles and back to the Secretariat junction where the celebration twirled to end.

Also present where a number of skaters and para-skaters displaying their different talents. Stone-Ezel drummers who were mostly teenagers and colourfully dressed, cheerfully entertained the Peace Walk to the admiration of people as they dance although the celebration.      

  Other critical stakeholders and representatives of organisations like Rotary Club, peace promoting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the umbrella Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) and Youth Groups fully participated and walked to the streets enthusiastically. 

The most interesting part of it all was the show of interest and commitment by these stakeholders. In fact, hardly would one differentiate between the young and old particularly, in how they matched gallantly. It truly demonstrated how prepared Plateau people were ready to sustain peace. 

While speaking shortly after the Walk, the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his Special Adviser on Peace Building, Hon. Monday Nyam Ajiya, congratulated Plateau people for marking yet another International Peace Day celebration.

He described the celebration as very unique and well organised, commending the organisers of this year’s celebration for the job well done. “We can only have peace when we love from our hearts. I urge us to imbibe the culture of peace in our hearts.

 “That is the only way we can have development in Plateau State, just as you can see in what the Governor is doing in the area of peace and the resultant benefits it has brought in terms of development everywhere. Without peace these things will go in vein”, Ajiya admonished.

Accompanied at Peace Walk, was the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on Strategic Communications, Hon. Dr. Timothy Golu, who came in solidarity with the peace celebration. He noted that this was the first time they were gathered genuinely, devoid of any political colouration to advocate peace.     

  “I want to appreciate the Governor and our numerous partners who believe deeply in the peace process on the Plateau. Peace is unique and you cannot do anything without peace, because it is a human item that most be prioritised. 

“We need to organise ourselves since there is no complete person without peace. We need peace to organise our families and it is not optional. No human being, no family and no Nation can be an island.  

“I want to tell you that, the State Government is intentional about peace movement because, if you look around, no State is giving the kind of attention to peace like Plateau. They only talk about it academically and politically, but here on the Plateau, we talk about it fundamentally from our hearts”, he enthused.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner, Gender Equality and Opportunity Commission, Barr. Olivia Dazyem, described this year’s theme: Cultivating the Culture of Peace in Plateau State”, as apt considering the precarious situation the country was faced with. 

“For us in Plateau State, that has been our business, and I want to thank all Agencies and Civil Society Organisations, who have always worked tirelessly to support the peace building structure on the Plateau.

 “We are very proud of the CSOs in the State and for us in Plateau State, we have identified that for us to move forward, we need to sustain our struggles in the defence of the peace structure on the Plateau”, she advocated.

Dazyem, therefore, encouraged the Civil Society Organisations to sustain partnership with Government for them to build a Plateau that would be unprecedented even with the challenges faced in recent times praying that, with God on their side, Plateau would achieve peace.

Earlier, the Director General of Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda, while addressing the crowd, thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for the support and standing firm in the pursue of peace and believing that, conflict was just a distraction.

 “We need to get together to promote social cohesion so that, we can get to work for property. That is why we are coming out to identify with peace and to make a bold statement that, we are peace loving people.

 “With the history we had on the Plateau, it is important for us to replace it with the culture of peace. You know, alot has been done in different years that’s why we are reaping the fruit now, and that’s why we are standing here today”, she observed. 

On her part, Muege Dilmeghani, of GIZ, commended the people and partners who sacrificed time to turn out en-masse for the International Peace Day Celebration in Jos, the Plateau State capital. 

There were goodwill messages by different representatives of CDOs led by the President of the umbrella body, Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), Ndam Bali, who graced the occasion.

 

    Plateau State Chapter of the Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF), has congratulated Hon. Dan Kwada, on his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Middle Belt Nationalities.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Plateau State Coordinator of  MBJF, Ezekiel Dontinna, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council and members and made available to newsmen in Jos, the State capital Thursday.

     The statement states; “The Middle Belt Journalists Forum MBJF, Plateau State Chapter, heartily felicitates with Hon. Dan Kwada on his recent appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Middle Belt Nationalities to His Excellency, Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. 

   “Your appointment did not come to us as a surprise in view of your track records in championing the course of the Middle Belt and it’s people. Your appointment is a testament of your hard work and relentlessness in ensuring peaceful coexistence in the Middle Belt zone. 

     “We view your appointment as a confirmation of your believe in the Middle Belt ideology, hence the need for the MBJF to align with you in working towards uniting the various ethnic nationalities that make up the zone”, it stated.

     The forum, believed that the appointment would further spur him to do more in advancing the course of the Region, considering his doggedness in advocating and advancing the course of justice, peace and equity in the Region.

    It, therefore, assured Dan Kwada of its readiness to collaborate with his office to ensure that, his succeed in carrying out the new assignment urging him to give his best and should not  betray the trust reposed in you by His Excellency.            MBJF, described Plateau State  as the glue of the Middle Belt and Nigeria and thank His Excellency for creating the office of the SSA on Middle Belt Nationalities which was attestation of his policy on inclusiveness. 

      The Forum, however, prayed that Hon. Dan Kwada, would be able to carry out this huge task effectively, assuring him of its unreserved support through advice and prayers always. 

     “As Middle Belt Journalists, we will not rest on our oars to avail you the opportunity to disseminate information on issues affecting the Middle Belt Region.

     “The Plateau State Chapter of Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF), hereby conveys members appreciation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for finding Hon Daniel Kwada worthy to serve in the TIME IS NOW administration. 

    “We want to assure you that, MBJF will continue to give your administration the needed support in promoting your dreams for Plateau State, Middle Belt and Nigeria at large. Long Live, Plateau State! Long Live Middle Belt! Long Live, the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”, it prayed.

 

    The Special Task Force of Operation Save Haven (OPSH), has arrested Five (5) notorious gun-runners in Plateau State and recovered arms and ammunition during intelligence driven operation.

     This came in a press statement signed by the Military Public Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, Major Nantip Zhakom, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

      The statement states; “Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in pursuance of one of its core mandate of mopping up illegal arms and ammunition in the Joint Operations Area, arrested 5 notorious gun-runners and recovered arms and ammunition in an intelligence-driven operation carried out in Plateau State. 

      “The operation commenced from midnight of 16 Sep 24 to the early hours of 17 Sep 24. The troops raided the hideout of a gunrunner identified as, Mohammed Sani, at Naraguta Mining Area in Bayameni along Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA of Plateau State which the suspected gunrunner and 4 others were arrested.

     “Weapons and ammunition of different calibres were also recovered as listed below: Two AK-47 rifles; One Fabrique Nationale automatic rifle; Fourteen AK-47 magazines; One Fabrique Nationale magazine; 5,316 rounds of 7.62 MM (Special); Ninety-Eight rounds of 7.62 MM (NATO) and

43 rounds of 9 MM”, it stated.

     According to the statement, the suspects were undergoing interrogation for useful intelligence to aid in arresting other members of the syndicate as well as decimating the gunrunning supply chain. 

   The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Lead Consultant of Jos Business School, Nde Ezekiel Gomos, OFR, has observed that the economic policies of present administration might not soon help end the hardship being experienced in Nigeria.
   He observed this while speaking as Guest Speaker, at the 2024 Press Week Colloquium/Award of the Plateau State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at the Crespan hotel and suites Jos, Thursday.
      Speaking on a topic: “Amidst Nigeria’s Economic Crisis: The Quest for Good Governance”, the lead consultant said, until well-intentioned policies of government were backed by governance, the economic crisis would continue to linger.
    “Nigeria’s economic crises will not abate any time soon because the fundamentals–inflation rate , exchange rate and unemployment rate are very fragile. The GDP growth rate of 3.19% is too slow to reverse these  fragile fundamentals.
  “Many of the policies of the Government  may have been well intentioned, but are they well thought out? No matter how well-intentioned and well-thought-out economic policies are, the lack of good governance will weaken their implementation and make them ineffective”, Gomos observed.
  He, however, posited that, what Nigeria  needs now  was  good governance which should be effective and just with  transparent management of public resources that would strengthen the institution’s Bismark Rewane.
    Gomos, revealed further that, the BAT’s  flagship goal of $1 trillion economy (from $384bn) by 2027 would not be achieved even in the next six years if Nigeria was not ready to ensure good governance.
     On his part, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Osibuzo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look into the hardship Nigerians were passing through because no Nigerian was sleeping including the leadership.
     While stressing on the Colloquium Topic, the Plateau State Council Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mrs Ayuku Pwaspo, said the agitations by Nigerians for best governance was what gave birth to the choice of this theme: “Amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges: The Quest for Good Governance.” 
     She commended the Guest Speaker  Nde Ezekiel Gomos,OFR, for doing justice to the topic, describing him as a  big force who was knowledgeable enough in the economic industry with an extensive and varied experiences on the issue at stake.