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Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State on Strategic Communications, Dr. Timothy Golu, has implored Social Media Influencers to deploy professionalism when passing information and be mindful of what could be capable of breaking peaceful coexistence in the society.

He stated this recently, while delivering his speech at the Strategic engagement with Youth Social Media Influencers of Plateau and Bauchi States, organised by Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) in partnership with Search for Common Ground, at the conference hall of Old Government House Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The Special Adviser, encouraged participants to consciously observe guiding principles that look into conflict sensitivity while posting any information in the public domain to help promote peaceful coexistence in the society.

He commended his colleagues for their self development capacity saying, “conflicts are inevitable, but not every conflict is a violent conflict. What we are talking about is violent conflict.There are other forms of  conflicts, but violent conflicts manifest itself more and they destroy lives and property.

“For me, conflict sensitivity should be adhered to avoid any intriguing form of breakdown of laws. So, when you are saying something, you have to say it from the background of information”, Golu advised 

 He, therefore, called on them to ensure that, whatever they report should promote peace in the society because it may not affect them now, but some day, somehow, it might affect even their families when it sparks conflicts.

Meanwhile, the former Lawmaker, has advocated for the adoption a legal framework in school’s corricolum to help educate children and people to be conscious of what we say or do in the society.

Earlier, the Director General of the PPBA, Dr. Julie Sanda, observed that the social media has not in small measure helped in educating the public, but encouraged participants to promote peace and  reconcile people, because peacebuilding was key to every development.

On his part, Head of Programme Implementation of Search for Common Ground, Godwin Okoko, disclosed that continuous training and mentorship of media influencers on conflict-sensitive reporting and peacebuilding would be carried out.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Media Temple Global, Mr. Yakubu Taddy, noted that the Social Media has come to stay, but influencers need to be conscious because if they cooked something that brings conflict, they could be victims of that same process.

By Ezekiel Dontinna

   The home coming of a young  emerging Jos-born Music Star, Mohammed Salisu, popularly known as ‘Big Drela’, of the Cashboy Records USA, is set for a showdown Sunday 22 in the Capital City of Jos with plenty gifts as pay back to his home town people.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Cash Boy Records USA, Morgan CashBoy, who is the Producer of Big Drela, stormed Jos leading and accompanying this young and emerging super star to give back to his home town.

     Addressing Journalists at the Plateau State Headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Tuesday, Big Drela, disclosed that he was born in Jenta-Adamu and bred in Gada-biyu, all of Kabong District of Jos-North Local Government Area.

     He said, “I have been to Lagos, Ghana and many places musically, but I decided to remember my home, because whoever values his home will always come back home. My home coming today is to come and give back to the home town I represent.

      “I am back  home with alot of goodies for everybody and I have been out there in Lagos representing Jos with my music all round. Although, throughout the journey, I would say it wasn’t easy to the point that I almost gave up, but I took the challenge and saw it as a distraction.

      “So, I kept working hard until I met the CEO of Cash Boy Records and to God be the glory, here l am today representing Cash Boy Records and also representing Jos, and I want to tell you that I am back here”, the original Mohammed Salisu narrated.

      According to him, “I will be having an event in Crest Hotels and Gardens Jos on Sunday September 22, 2024 which is a celebration of my journey and life because Jos has given me the exposure and power to speak to the world.

       “It is going to be a wonderful event and I expect everybody to join me and celebrate in this happiness and jubilation. I would like to give a big shout out to my fans here that I am home. Let’s celebrate!”, Big Drela shouted out.

      The young Artist who is into R&B, Mix-Raggie and Afro-fusion started his career with a passion for music from day one, because he met his father playing and singing music in the Church where Big Drela followed queue and later saw his dream of becoming a musician.

      He intends to visit all the Traditional and Religious Leaders as well as Elders to receive their fatherly blessings before staging for the main event, where free buses would be made available for people to reach the venue of the event.

     Big Drela, however, encouraged young rising musical stars and gifted young minds to take the challenge and focus on what they wanted to be in life not minding the distractions that might come with it in the course of their dreams.

   Plateau State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has, following its recent recognition by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), assured that the award would further spur them to serve humanity more.

   The State Chairman of NMA, Dr, Yilji Cashmir Kumtap, stated this Tuesday, while in an interview with Journalists in Jos, the State capital shortly after being conferred with an Award in recognition of their service to humanity.

    He, on behalf of the NMA Members, appreciated the NUJ for recognising their contributions saying, “we are elated by the Award given to us as a body in recognition of our service to humanity in the area of advancing health care and services.

      “So, as much as we are excited about the award, we also know that it is a clarion call for us to give more Service and commitment to our responsibility of saving lives. 

       “We are indeed grateful to Nigeria Union of Journalists for identifying and recognising what we have been doing. We hope that this award would bring about more service to humanity in future”, Kumtap prayed.

        The NMA Chairman, therefore, assured NUJ of a fruitful partnership to help better the lives of people through intelligent information sharing and education as they looked forward to signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with NUJ in the coming week.

 

   Founder of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), Prophet Isa El-Buba, has laid a solid rescue empowerment foundation by enrolling over ten thousand (10,000) people in Plateau State in various skills for them to be self sustaining within three months.

    The occasion which witnessed a mammoth crowd took place during the Plateau Inter-Faith Leadership Empowerment Summit, held at the Lucy Bentu Twin Theatre Jos, Saturday, where people trooped in their numbers from all over the 17 LGAs irrespective of religion, ethnic, political and tribal background.

     While addressing the crowd, the Convener who is the Founder of IBBN, Prophet Dr. Isa El-Buba, disclosed that the difficult situation people were experiencing today, was a product of the decisions made yesterday.

      He said, “today, we want to make a change that, we in Northern Nigeria from the State of Plateau will lead the States and bring about the change, because if Northern Nigeria gets it right, the Nation will get it right and if Northern Nigeria gets it wrong, the Nation will also get it wrong.

     “So, the first empowerment you give to anybody is to enlighten the person. Nigerians have been kept under this deceptive delusion for a long time in captivity. And so, they cannot free themselves while in captivity and blindness or not educated on what can do to be able to change their  stories.

      “The first is for us to be able to come from different faiths which is the first breakthrough. That, we can sit together, reason together just like God says–”Come, Let’s Reason Together”. So, when you have this ability to come together and reason together then, we can enlighten each other”, the Convener highlighted.

       The Prophet further observed that, gone were the days when people depend on the powers that be or politicians who only resurface after four years to beg for their votes, hence the need for citizens’ engagement where people could discuss and see what they could do to change their stories.

          He, however, disclosed his reasons for the empowerment as to make people stand up and be independent and contribute to nation building instead of waiting for stipends from politicians that still threw them back to square one saying, “we are building a people who can no more be manipulated by the politicians”.

      It was revealed that the targeted population for the empowerment was one thousand (1,000) and it was to train people in different skills within three months, but the show of interests coming from all faiths raised the number to over ten thousand (10,000), because of how people believe in what IBBN has been doing over time.

    Responding on the unprecedented population overflow, IBBN Founder, Dr. Isa El-Buba said, “management is not an issue, because you can see the orderliness and corporation of the people. That shows us that they respect and honour somebody.

     “So, that means that God has given us a control of the people’s minds to be able to lead them. So, the more, the merrier and that we will be able to train people in their large numbers. When we begin to see the results back home, it will be channel of impact”, he enthused.

      On his part, the former Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Selcap Dalung, blamed the political class of bringing hunger and malnutrition on Nigerians, hence the need for the emancipation of people through this Programme so that, they could live on their own.

      There were Guest Speakers drawn from different divides which included: Ambassador Dr. Kurnap Yakubu Guktur, CEO Sigma Herbal Place; Shiekh Ustaz Umar Farouq, Deputy Imam Faiba Mosques Jos and Mr. Kenneth Ameh Seidu, the Country Lead: Peace Cord Nigeria respectively. 

 

     As Journalists in Plateau State rounded up activities marking the 2024 Press Week, Rev. Dr. Ezekiel Daniel Eggah, of the ECWA Headquarters Jos has implored Journalists to continue to expose injustice, corruption and operations that would help shape the society.

     He stated this Sunday, while delivering sermon at the Thanksgiving Service of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, held at the ECWA Headquarters Jos, the Plateau State capital.

      The Cleric said, “for our brethren who are Journalists, you can uphold in fulfilling the word of truth and proclamation of the gospel. You can effectively preach the word through your profession by interjecting faith and ethical story telling.

     “I urge you to utilise your platforms to highlight truth, justice and transformative messages. Journalists can serve as prophetic persons by exposing injustice, corruption and operations in our society”, he reiterated.

      Bagat, therefore, called on the Journalists to help preach the gospel of Jesus Christ by engaging, formulating and bringing up sermons or programmes that would impact positively on the spiritual development of the people.

     He, however, expressed concern that people no longer listen to spiritual salvation messages, but preferred messages that talk about economic prosperity and success promises.

      The Cleric called on believers in Christ to stand firm and face the realities of this perilous time noting that, it only takes a strong believer to say the truth the way it should or stand against injustice these days.

Earlier, the Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, thanked the Leadership of ECWA Headquarters for allowing them to use the Auditorium and appreciate God for seeing Members throughout the year.

    She said, “as Journalists, we are also faced with challenges that has to do with trauma in the course of coverage because we see alot of things that have effect on our mental health. We appealed to you all to continue to pray for the Journalists.

“That is why we are here at the ECWA Headquarters to say thank you Lord for protecting, providing and uplifting us by giving us His grace to serve our communities and the society”, Pwaspo exalted.

 The 2024 Press Week Thanksgiving Service was led by the Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, as she was flagged by former NUJ Chairmen among whom were, Mr. Chris Gyang, Mr. Katdapba Gobum, Mr. Paul Jatau and others respectively.

    President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) International, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, has extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Church to communities affected by flooding across Nigeria.         

  This came in a press statement signed by the President and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital, following recent reports of devastation caused by flooding in Borno, Yobe and other States.

    The ECWA President says, “as reports of widespread devastation emerged from states including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and others, we stand united in mourning for those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.

    “The impact of this natural disaster has been profound and our thoughts and prayers are with the countless families grappling with the aftermath. We l stand alongside our brothers and sisters, especially those who have been displaced and are in dire need of immediate assistance.

    “we call on relevant government authorities, NGOs, religious bodies and well-to-do individuals to embark on providing emergency supplies such as food, water, clothing, shelter and medical assistance to the affected areas”, he appealed.

   Bagat, further, implored government and humanitarian organisations to prioritize recovery efforts and provide the necessary resources to rebuild the devastated communities and put preventive measures to safeguard them against future occurrences.

     He, therefore, enjoined all and sundry to embody the spirit of support that defined their shared humanity and prayed that, those affected might find immediate relief and solace in their faith in God during these trying times of their lives.

 

 The Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), has, ahead of the planned National Protest, called on government at all levels to apply dialogue by listening to yearnings of citizens to avoid any possible escalation of conflicts.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Executive Directors of the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Imam Dr. Mohammed Ashafa and Rev. Dr. James Wuye, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday.

     The statement says, “as conflict mediators and religious leaders working with the people on issues bothering on peaceful coexistence, we have observed the trend of happenings and ventilation of anger by various groups on the issues superimposing them on our conflict early warning filtering screens.

  “Analyzing and mapping the generated materials, we concluded that if these are not responded to early enough, it can lead to violence and breakdown of law and order in Nigeria. It is difficult to manage and control crowd during protests. The recent experience in the country is a clear attestation to this assertion.

   “We, hereby, use this medium to call on our government at all levels to apply dialogue by engaging all relevant stakeholders, thereby, listening to the yearnings of the citizens which we believe will promotes peace and stability for the common good of all”, it stated.

    IMC posited that most protests were hijacked by mischief people and could turned into looting, destruction of innocent people’s property leading to killing which if not organized in most cases, escalated into various kinds of conflicts.

   It also observed that, such cases could be prone to religious conflict that could not be ruled out given Nigeria’s sensitive tendencies to religion stating, “as one of the most religious sensitive nation in the world, we fear that some individuals or groups can give it that coloration. 

    “With our backgrounds and experiences in about three decades of pragmatic conflict mitigation in and outside the shores of Nigeria, no nation in the world can handle refugees from Nigeria if things goes out of hand

     “It is an indisputable fact that, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa, hence the dire need for her stability because the stability of Nigeria is the stability of Africa”, the organisation observed.

      The Interfaith Mediation Centre, however, recalled the last national protest on hunger, high cost of living and insecurity arising from stringent measures taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as efforts to better economy which later brought untold hardship on the citizens both big and small.

 

    The Plateau Radio/Television Corporation (PRTVC)’s Chapel of the Radio, Theatre & Art Workers Union (RATTAWU), has facilitated with its General Manager, Rita Kachollom Pam, on the confirmation of her appointment as the substantive General Manager of the Corporation.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Chapel’s Secretary General, Yiltina Anuhu Gofwan, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Thursday.

    The statement said, “the Leadership of RATTAWU PRTVC on behalf of its Chairman, Comrade Muknaan S. Jibrin, EXCO and the entire members of the Union, heartily rejoices with the hardworking and dedicated  General Manager of PRTVC, Rita Kachollom Pam, on her confirmation as the substantive General Manager by the Plateau State people’s Governor and Captain of the Time Is Now Administration. Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

    “The Union received the cheering news of the confirmation with great excitement and deep appreciation to God Almighty and the Executive Governor for a Prayer answered.

    “The General Manager who is a member of the Union, immediately hit the ground running on her resumption to office from day one, has made a landmark achievement complementing that of our dear Governor in the State even while on acting Capacity”, it stated.

    The statement added that, her confirmation was a true reflection and wishes of the Union and her teaming members describing it as a clarion call on her  to do more on the already monumental achievements.

    RATTAWU, therefore, prayed and desired God Almighty to continue to endow her with sound health and wisdom to deliver on the enormous responsibility bestowed on her, pledging its unalloyed support and solidarity for her to succeed.

BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA 

  Building a purposeful unity is truly the strength and driving force of every existing society. This is achievable only when people sincerely shared values and agreed to pull off gowns and stage a direction that is beyond just identity, 

   What metamorphosed into today’s Ngas Nation started way back and not what one can dispel just like myth of classless society. The facts of adopting things that could make life meaningful and comfortable to them is traceable to the first beginning.

    Their cultural heritage and pride are those hidden valves that control the generational balloon tires that roll over the years, keeping them together as a people to this great heights. 

  Although, records have it that the struggle for greener pastures considering their adventurous nature, was what took many of them out to foreign lands, but this bond of unity has always been their pledge.

    This, has truly demonstrated itself when the Ngas Village Market came to fore. For this singular reason, there appears to be a spirit of oneness and an unprecedented reconnection among the Ngas sons and daughters.

   Some never imagined meeting or rather put, identifying each other as belonging to the same tribe, but coincidentally got connected at this special market and freely cradled arms in arms as they shared and dance cultural foods and music together.

     However, beyond just looking at the cultural and economic benefits this great Ngas Village Market has  and so attracted, it will also interest you to that it has created platforms for cementing some long forgotten relationship.

   Issues arising from either political or otherwise differences were openly thrown into the trash bins while in this market. That brotherhood was at play last Saturday when prominent sons and daughters stormed the Ngas Village Market.

     The most amazing experience last Saturday, was the show of interests even in the rains. People were seen dancing when raining for half an hour, not minding the replying chilly weather of Jos. 

     While in an interview with some prominent sons led by Nde Yakubu Gomos Campaign Team, a frontline NDA Presidential candidate, truly demonstrated how committed these people are prepared for a common front.

       Speaking to Engr. Nde Meshach Congo Maichibi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NMS Suites and Gardens Pankshin, he described the idea as awesome and a rebirth of Ngas cultural heritage.

   Carried away by how unique and rich the village is developed culturally, the Elder donated over five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000) to the course saying, “whether you like it or not home is home! No matter what money you make out there, home is home.

      “When you make money out there, the best place to enjoy your money is at home. When you inject it at home, it will be a blessing. So, let us come together and throw our differences or we loose at the end.

        “I have seen Pankshin and Kanke here in Jos, a replica of what used to be in the old days. This is awesome and will continue to support this course for our children to learn more about their culture”, he assured.

       On his part, the Director General of Nde Yakubu Gomos Campaign Team, Nde Zachariah John Piwuna, who was part of the private visit to the Ngas Village Market disclosed that, they were at the market to support the Initiative of the Ngas Nation in setting up this village.

        He said, “we believe that it is something that we should identify with and also support in whatever way we can. I was taken aback with the number of people I saw. I never expected this number of people here.

        “I see it in a positive light because we have culture and tradition that we must protect and preserve. I just pray that God will help us so that, we do it in a positive way and at the end of it all, the name of the Lord will be glorified”, he prayed.

        Meanwhile, the Leader of visiting team, Nde Yakubu Gomos, described the Initiative as very laudable, fact finding and a unique one that has never happened in the history of Plateau State.

      “For a people to organise themselves with all their produces and products, meeting people with love here any day and any time is a powerful Initiative.

       “This is a litmus test in galvanising the Ngas Nation economically, socially and culturally because you can see that, it is a small place and the arena is sealed, but if Ngas can go a little step further, we will get a bigger liking”, he hoped.

       While reacting to the lately interruption by westernization to Ngas cultural values, Nde Gomos, called on sons and daughters of Ngasland who are in the diaspora to come home and see what the Ngas people have in terms of uniqueness.

        “We have what it takes, so, let them come and initiate something. I have my bossom friend and brother who is an international business person and is always in America coming all the way to identify with his people. 

        “My DG Nde Zachariah John Piwuna is also here. He is also a widely traveled person. So, I am calling on Ngas people to emulate these personalities to come and identify with Ngas Nation and support this initiative”, the Elder encouraged.

        While welcoming the team, the Management Committee Chairman Ngas Village Market, Nde Chingdapba Ngop, commended the bold step taken by the Yakubu Gomos Campaign Team to against all odds, showed solidarity for the progress and development of Ngas Nation.

He said, “the tussle of NDA has come and gone and I thank you for the show of solidarity and identifying with the progress of NDA. This goes to show that, Ngas Nation is going to be more united than ever before.

“I call on the leader of the campaign team, Nde Yakubu Gomos, to continue to support NDA regardless of their differences during the election. I also thank him for this spirit of sportsmanship and it is an indication of the fact that, the Ngas Nation is one”, Madaki Ballang-Shipang enthused.

However, as if that was not enough, the PDP Chairmanship Candidate of Kanke Local Government Council, Hon. Lapching Ezekiel Golime, led his team to the Ngas Village Market amidst mammoth crowd and was taken round to see how exceptional the village was set up.

        The candidate who could not hide his joy and happiness promised to support the Ngas Village Market in achieving its pressing needs. There and then, he offered to build a modern toiletry facility within the market.

        Without any delay and to the surprise of the Ngas Village Management Committee, Golime, immediately mobilised materials to the market a day after and construction kick-started with the hope of completing it before next market day.

         Sincerely, the Ngas Village is gradually attracting massive turn out with people from different backgrounds trooping weekly to witness this market.

Saturday before last, a Cultural Promoter in Nigeria and Africa, Mfon Udoh, was at the Ngas Village Market to see for herself all that was happening there.

      She said, “the last time I came here, it was for photo works and there was nothing much here, but what I am seeing today is beautiful. I can see people coming out to appreciate and celebrate their culture.

       “I really feel at home seeing alot of people coming to identify with me and I feel so happy. It is beautiful! If every culture can adopt this, it will be great because this is not just a market, but it is where you bring your people together.

        “So, aside from meeting in their own personal villages while in town, they are still connected because they have a common ground to meet almost every time. My take home is, culture is beautiful! Wherever you are, celebrate your culture, celebrate every culture”, Udoh encouraged.

          It is our sincere prayers that, this Ngas Village Market would continue to promote the needed unity of not only Ngas, but the Plateau State and the entire Nation, looking at how peaceful it has been over time. God bless Ngas Nation! God bless Plateau State! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

  Some aggrieved members of the Plateau State Chapter of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), have raised alarm accusing the Comrade Makwin Arandong led executive of violating the terms of reconciliation earlier reached.

  The reaction came when the aggrieved members led by one Comrade Izere Maxwell Igyem, stormed the Plateau State Headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jos recently, to address Journalists.

   The leader of the group noted they were at the NUJ to address a pressing matter that threatened the fabric of their Union (NULGE) saying, “we want to first appreciate the efforts of the NULGE National President and headquarters towards reconciliation in Plateau State.        “However, it is unfortunate that the
incumbent President and his team have already violated the terms of this reconciliation, casting a dark shadow over the legitimacy of our union’s democratic processes.
    “They have unilaterally shifted the branch elections to take place after the State Delegates Conference (SDC), a clear contravention of the agreed-upon reconciliation terms. This move is a naked attempt to manipulate the electoral process and maintain their grip on power”, he disclosed.
     The group also accused the President of failing to set aside what they termed as manipulated selection of
delegates that denied some departments a democratic voice in the
selection process. 

    They described the action as an undemocratic and that, the incumbent president’s stranglehold on power, was to silence the voices of members and undermine the union’s democratic
foundations.
    However, the group demanded on behalf of all NULGE members that, a branch elections must precede the SDC, as has been the case in Plateau State, to ensure a fair and democratic selection process.

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum

In one fell swoop, three professional Journalists: Ezekiel Ademola Major Adeyi, Taye Obateru and Godfrey Dana’an have been elevated to the rank of Professor in different fields.

The three are of the Department of Political Science and Mass Communication of the University of Jos respectively.

All of them were in the field and practicing before relocating to the University of Jos. One would conclude that it was a move to greener pastures; however, knowing them as we do, it was to enable them be at the best of the trade.

It is interesting, all three kept going as if they were infected by an academic bug. The three are products of the same university, but for their higher degrees, they were received from various universities at home and abroad.

The bottom line is not where those degrees were acquired; it is in the quality of what they have impacted in the lives of the students who have passed through them.

We must not be oblivious of what the society has benefited in various ways from their reportage and activism over the years. They had reported on various subjects and taught different courses; thus changing the pathways of many students to become what they are today.

Those who know, will admit the place of both endeavours: Get the experience of both worlds, and it won’t be surprising when one is being celebrated the next day.

The celebration, therefore, cannot be lost in the deluge of congratulatory messages received from those who know their worth. They are, in several respects, worthy of the encomiums they have received; what with a challenge to do more.

Journalists need both worlds for greater visibility and impact. It is however to be noted, their craft is what sells them as well as draw the attention of the world to their works.

All of them are imbued with the finest of craft in their mouths and with their working tools. Since their elevations, their proteges have inundated media spaces with what they have been blessed with; but more for coming under their tutelage while in school.

But, it is important to note the quality of scholarship they brought to bear since joining the staff of the two departments in the University.

Those who have felicitated with them on their elevation, say they are not surprised; given their diligence and sheer commitment to academics. Now that the feat has been attained, the other caps being awaited will come without any hassles, knowing that they deserve such.

Let me state without being invidious, the trio are ‘home boys’; one should be proud of. The reader will soon get to know, and appreciate why they are referred to as ‘home boys’.

Ezekiel Ademola Major Adeyi is from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, but was born in Mangu Halle, and had his primary education at Baptist Transfered Primary school Dorowa Babuje, Barakin Ladi LGA Plateau State. He attended Ogbomoso Grammar school, Ogbomoso in the then Western state.

He is now a Professor of Governance, Identity Politics and Development Communication, and the current Head of the Department of Political Science all of the University of Jos.

Both of his parents were buried in Mangu, Halle. He joined the Nigeria Tribune in 1987, moved to Punch 1994, and then to Tell Magazine 1999. Major left for University of Jos in 2004.

Taye Obateru is from Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. He joined Vanguard in April 1987 and was in Ilorin until he was transferred to Jos in November 1987.

For many years, he was Deputy News Editor, Middle Belt for Vanguard Newspaper. He is now a Professor of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.

The last of the ‘home boys’ but certainly not the least, Godfrey Dana’an is from Kwalla, Qua’an -Pan LGA of Plateau State.

He is the second child of a Catechist who worked with the Catholic missionaries in Kwande. Had he not set sight on academics, he would have been a priest; taking after the vocation of his father.

His primary and secondary schools were at Transfer/RCM School Kwalla and St. Murumba’s College, Jos.

He joined The Nigeria Standard in 1999 and left for the University of Jos in 2004. He was secretary of PPC Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. It was in PPC that he enrolled for the bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication at Unijos.

It was also at PPC that he volunteered to join the team that established The Word of Life newspaper (a publication of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos) and became the editor of the newspaper after the death of Mr. Peter Kuptong.

Dana’an prepared for the journey in journalism. Consider these: Diploma in Mass Communication (Unijos), BA Mass Communication (Unijos), MA Mass Communication (UNN), PhD Media and Cultural Studies (University of Salford, Manchester, UK).

Together with Taye Obateru, he also received professional training at the Scripps College of Communication, Ohio University. They are both beneficiaries of the Salford and Ohio training programmes.

Promoted to the rank of Associate Professor on October 1, 2020. The current promotion is Professor of Communication and Media Studies, with effect from October 1, 2023.

Dana’an currently Heads the Department of Mass Communication, University of Jos, having assumed this position in May 2021 and was re-elected for another two years in 2023.

Dana’an is a visiting professor at PLASU, National Open University, National Film Institute Jos and St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos, and was also a visiting lecturer at Bingham University, Karu.

From the family of the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, their hardwork, dedication and commitment to excellence in Journalism have been acknowledged and celebrated.

There is everything right for them ‘to continue to impact lives by imparting knowledge and building the capacities of young persons to meet current challenges, particularly in the media industry, in line with global standards’.

Being aware they are NUJ’s ambassadors on the campus; they’re first treated as journalists, on account of their pride in the profession.

It is acknowledged that there are a lot more of young journalists who are going to be shepherded in the industry by them in the years ahead.

It is a milestone, for which Journalists are proud of; knowing that this elevation to their new rank may ‘raise the level of the teaching, mentorship, guidance and example you have sacrificed for all these past years’.

This, for me, and perhaps for many more, to celebrate them; is to task them further. They will be able to overcome, knowing them as we do.

   Businessman and a Philanthropist, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, of Jos-North LGA has donated a car and other sensitive campaign materials in support of Hon. JK Chris and Alhaji Kabiru Garkuwa, movement ahead of October 9 Local Government Council Elections.

   The ceremony which started around 10:30am at the Hill College of Nursing and Midwifery Jos, the Plateau State capital witnessed a massive turn out of PDP supporters who came in solidarity with the Jos-North PDP.

     While presenting these materials to the Chris/Garguwa Campaign Team, the Philanthropist reasoned his decision of supporting JK Chris and Alhaji Kabiru Garkuwa movement to the good work Governor Caleb Mutfwang was doing in the state.

    He said, “Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has been doing wonderfully well. He has been helping the masses in the area of education and welfare  and that is why I feel I should support towards the development of Jos-North LGA and Plateau State as a whole.

   “I know Alhaji Kabiru Garkuwa, for his sincerity, integrity and focus that is why I am supporting them so that, we succeed together in this course. I am calling on citizens to come together irrespective of religion, tribes and political parties to support PDP”, he appealed.

   Responding, the PDP Chairmanship Candidate of Jos-North Local Government Council, Hon. Barr. JK Chris, thanked Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, for the support given to the PDP in Jos-North LGA saying, “it is great privilege that a Community Leader and a Philanthropist support us massively in our quest for leadership.

     “He has seen us and found us worthy of this support. This support is truly massive and he has supported us with means of movement and lots of materials. You can see the large crowd that he has drawn just to support us.

    “So, it is a thing of joy to us and we really appreciate him for this kind of support. We are calling on the general public to support this government because this is a testament to the kind of leadership we have under the leadership of Barr. Caleb Mutfwang”, he assured.

    He, therefore, thanked the Governor for creating a platform for the young to explore their talents by coming together irrespective of religion, tribes and of the communities they all come from assuring that, it was going to be a blessing to Jos-North Local Government and Plateau State.

     Meanwhile, the PDP Chairman of Jos-North Local Government Area, Hon. Azi Elisha, expressed joy for the support shown to his party by this great Philanthropist saying, “I am not surprised because the work our political leader of the party, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has been doing in the state is great.

       “I want to assure the people of Jos-North Local Government Area that, we, the PDP, are projecting a candidate that will unite the people of Jos-North LGA irrespective of religion, tribes and political affiliation and Jos-North will be the most peaceful area by the grace of God”, he appealed and prayed.

       The occasion was graced by the political echelons of PDP among whom was the Deputy Chairmanship Candidate of Jos-North Council Alh. Kabiru Garkuwa, former Plateau State House of Assembly Member, Hon. Yakubu Choji, the immediate past Transition Implementing Chairman of Jos-North Council and a host of others.