Streetbell Online

                              

    Karl-Kumm University (KKU) Vom, Plateau State has opened its online screening portal for eligible candidates who applied for admission into the 2024/2025 Post-UTME academic session of the  University.

    This came in a press statement signed by the University’s Registrar, Benjamin D. Dachomo,  and made available to newsmen in Jos , the State capital recently .   

                

   

The statement says, “this is to inform the general public that, an online screening exercise will be conducted for admission into Karl Kumm University, Vom for the 2024/2025 academic session.

    “Candidates who applied to Karl Kumm University, Vom and scored not less than 140 in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

   “However, interested candidates who did not choose Karl Kumm University during the 2024 UTME registration can visit any JAMB office or JAMB approved CBT Centre to effect a change of institution to Karl Kumm University.

    According to the statement, the academic programmes available include: Faculty of Science and Computing; B.Sc. Microbiology; B.Sc. Information Technology; B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry;B.Sc. Biochemistry; B.Sc. Computer Science; B.Sc. Cybersecurity; B.Sc. Physics/Electronics; B.Sc. Industrial Mathematics respectively.

     Other programmes were: Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences; B.Sc. Accounting; B.Sc. Business Administration; B.Sc. Entrepreneurship; B.Sc. Economics; B.Sc. Political Science; B.A. Religion and Philosophy in that order.

    The University, has, therefore, released the Registration and Screening Procedure and implored eligible candidates to visit the institution’s website; www.kku.edu.ng and click on ‘Admissions’.

     The Registrar, however, disclosed for further enquiries that, candidates should call: 07039626530, 08066370615, 07067674216 or send an email to info@kku.edu.ng. 

From , Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

     Stakeholders on good governance drawn from Government, Civil Society Organisations, Religious Bodies and the Media, have stressed the need for the execution of community interest based projects capable of having direct impact on the lives of citizens.

    They made this position known at a Round Table Discussion on Constituency Projects in Kogi State, held Saturday in Lokoja, organised by Stallion Times Media Services and funded by MacArthur Foundation.

    According to them, “People should be given the opportunity to make their input in projects initiated by their representatives at all levels, because they know what they want and what suits them best. We want  communities to always strive to take ownership of projects made available to them.

    “Community engagement in project planning and execution is very crucial and should therefore, not be left in the hands of their representatives alone.

  “Citizens have the right to monitor projects implemented within their constituents in order to ensure proper utilisation of funds released to their representatives for that purpose” they emphasized.

     The Stakeholders, also called on communities across the three Senatorial Districts of Kogi State, to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of  constituency Projects by their representatives as to the functionalities of their offices.

    However, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Media, Ismaila Isah, gave assurance that the present administration in the state would not relent in sustaining accountability and transparency in service delivery.

      He said, “projects diversion by officials trusted to them will not be tolerated under the present administration. Such act is a serious crime that will attract punishment irrespective of who you are. Kogi Government will continue to promote citizens engagement on Constituency Projects”.

    On his part, the Project Coordinator of Stallion Times Media Services, Isiyaku Ahmed, welcomed the participants and highlighted the objectives of the forum which include; Promoting Citizens Engagement in Initiating Constituency Projects; Encouraging Community Ownership of Constituency Projects and Mutually Concrete Tracking & Monitoring Template for Constituency Projects respectively.

    Also, Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Co-Chair, Non-State Actors (NSA), Kogi State, Open Government Partnership (OGP), therefore, called on politicians and other citizens of Nigeria to embrace the practice of true democracy.

     He added that, “Nigerians should live up to their responsibilities in holding our leaders both in the Executive and Legislative Arm of Governments accountable to their mandate”

 

    In compliance with the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC)’s guidelines for the conduct of  Local Government Council Elections, the People’s Democratic party (PDP), has conducted its Chairmanship primaries across the seventeenth LGAs with the exception of Shendam LGA.

     The State Organising Secretary of the People’s Democratic party (PDP), Hon. Gwott Yakubu Chocho, disclosed this while in an interview with Journalists at the party Secretariat in Jos, the Plateau State capital Friday.

       The organising secretary, who is charged with the responsibility of collating results of the Chairmanship Primary Elections at the State Secretariat, said, the party has conducted its congresses in preparation for the forthcoming elections as scheduled by PLASIEC.

       “So far, yesterday, we conducted the primary elections to elect chairmanship candidates for the People’s Democratic party, Plateau State, where almost all the seventeenth local government conducted their primaries with the exception of Shendam LGA.

        “Secondly, all other results of the elections have been received as at the point of collation now with the exception of Quaan-Pan, Shendam, Mikang and Langtang North. These are the only local government that their results are yet to arrive here.

        “I want to assure you that, everything we have done here is moving smoothly by the grace of God. We are prepared to face any party in Plateau state which PLASIEC is the empire that would guide us and give us the rules of the game”, he assured.

        Reacting to the speculations making the rounds that there were reports of crisis during the elections, Chocho, said there were no official reports of any misunderstanding or crisis brought before his table as rumoured in some quarters.

         “Although, it is always say that in all rumours, there are some elements of truth in it. It was rumoured that the election in Quaan-Pan did not go on well and I have heard about it, but it has not come to me in person officially. Perhaps, that is what must have delayed the returning election result held yesterday at the party Secretariat.

        “That of Shendam, report have it that there was this misunderstanding between the stakeholders there and the election has been under observation. So, the Chairman has sent in yet another Committee yesterday to conduct  the election”, he cleared air.

          Hon. Gwott Yakubu Chocho, however, made bold to say that the PDP was comfortable, capable and assured that they would sweep almost all the local government because PDP was born here on the Plateau and it was in the blood of Plateau people.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

DE-LAKAZ Construction Company Limited, based in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, has dismissed its supervisor, Mr. Alexander Simon over multiple theft of construction equipment and materials.

Engr. Olawoye Kazeem, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the construction firm in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Lokoja on Friday, disclosed that Alexander Simon, was involved in the theft of Steel Grinder/Cutter, Shoves, Bags of Nails, Boot, Iron Rods and many more.

Earlier, the company had  dispatched a petition to the Head  of Security at Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana disclaiming the suspect and warning the public not to relate with him as a representative of his former employer.

According to Kazeem, “Mr. Alexander Simon is no longer one of my company workers. Please disregard him as our staff and seize the company ID card issued him on our behalf by DCP

“Alexander Simon should be disallowed entrant into the plant or anywhere else of your coverage, under the cover of working for the company. He is currently a wanted man in connection with the theft”, he alerted.

     Kazeem, however, explained that the construction firm is into civil, building, mechanical and  electrical engineering respectively.

 

   The Acting Vice Chancellor, Plateau state University (PLASU) Bokkos, Professor Shedrack Best, has joined families, friends and Associates to mourn and sympathize with the immediate family of late Professor Ochapa Onazi, the Pioneer Pro Chancellor of the University.

    The Acting Vice Chancellor, who led the Management of the Plateau State University Bokkos to the deceased compound in Jos, the Plateau State capital, said, it was difficult for him to say exactly who the late educationist was, describing him as a prolific University Administrator, Mentor and an Academician per excellence.

     While sharing his personal encounter with late Professor Ochapa Onazi, who gave him appointment with the University of Jos, Prof. Best, affirmed that the deceased has remained indelible in the life of his family and that of the Plateau State University.

     Responding on behalf of the family, the daughter of the deceased, Agbenu, nee Onazi, said, though, the passing on of their patriarch still remained a shock to them, but the sudden realization of the larger than life example their father lived brought comfort to them as a family.

    She expressed gratitude to the University community for always being there for them as prayers were offered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Moses Pyefa in that respect.

     The deceased was one time Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos and President of  the project and Gindiri Old Boys Association (GOSA) and he would be greatly missed by his exemplary leadership qualities.

 

    The unwavering spirit behind the Ngas Village market, really attests itself to the how committed and ready people are to embrace peace and unity of reasons on the Plateau.

    It would be recalled that, a week before last, the management of the market decided to suspend it at the heat of rousing interests that usually snowballed into mammoth turn out every market day.

  The suspension, as earlier explained by the management, was because of the #EndBadGovernance# protest and the considered safety of our esteemed shop owners and customers.

    Interestingly enough to weigh the interests shown by our esteemed sons and daughters, was the unshaken and desperate display of eagerness to attain even with the short notice of curfew relaxation last Wednesday.

    Although, the 8 hrs which was between 10am to 10pm for people to freely move around and enjoy the market was expectedly not enough to operate, but it later snowballed into an appreciable turn out with people buying and selling last Saturday.

     Within an hour, the unexpected happened when people poured in, in numbers as if the short period approved by government, was nothing to worry about. All they wanted was to be at the market no matter how brief it could be.

     They were conscious of the time frame given by the authority concerned and complied with the order adequately. By 5pm, shop owners were seen getting set to pack their loggages with customers peacefully conducting themselves back to their various destinations.

      However, with the total relaxation of the 24hrs curfew by the Governor Caleb Mutfwang, it is expected that the coming Saturday would be with a thrilling difference.

The above pictures form part of the last week market.

The list of successful candidates for today’s People’s Democratic party (PDP) chairmanship primary elections concluded in some Local Government Areas has the following:

    1. Hon. Barr. JK Chris : Jos North 

    2. Hon. Molpun Bala: Mangu

    3. Hon. Joshua Riti: Bassa 

    4. Hon. Markus Nyam: Jos East

    5. Hon. Pwajok Stephen Gyang: Barkin          Ladi

    6. Hon. Lapching Ezekiel Golime: Kanke

    7. Christopher Audu Manship:          Quaan-Pan

    8. Hon. Bature Sati Shuwa: Riyom

    9. Hon. Nanfa Alhassan Nbin: Langtang South

   10. Hon. Silas Dung: Jos South

   11. Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem: Langtang North

   12. Hon. Salihu Ayuba Musa: Kanam

   13: Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau: Bokkos

   14: Hon. Hamisu Anani: Wase

 Others whose elections were yet to be concluded include:  1. Shendam LGA 

    1. Shendam LGA 

    2. Pankshin LGA

    3. Mikang LGA 

At the time of filing this report, only three (3) out of the seventeenth (17) Local Government Councils were made available to our correspondent as we await how the results unfold.

     In a bid to resist any possible eventuality that might have adverse effects on crop yield in the state, the Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, has cautioned farmers to always respect the climate smart agriculture calendar issued by NiMet.

     He stated this Wednesday, while in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in his office, at the JD Gomwalk Secretariat Jos, the State capital, following reported cases of dry spell witnessed in some parts of the State recently.

        The Commissioner said, “God in His infinite mercy, has helped in developing technology to help us. Technology has not come to fight us, but to help us. So, we must begin to start looking at climate smart agriculture. We must listen to extension services advices given to us.

       “You know, the Federal Government sometimes back, through the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMet), would say there is going be flooding and so on here and there, but we tend to ignore. Let us not look at it as a wishy-washy talk.

       “So, let’s learn to keep this advice especially when there is planting calendar. Let’s respect those calendars and trust that God will help us. We must be able to carry smart agriculture, because we are experiencing climate change”, he advised.

         Bugama, however, expressed concern that most farmers tend to ignore the new planting pattern that goes with the new smart agriculture and prefer to continue holding to the traditional way of planting, where they solely depend on rainy season, hence the replying effect witnessed.

       “You know, traditionally, we have people who would say they have been farming before you were born and they understand some of these things and can go ahead to plant the moment the rains touch the ground.

         “But, this is telling us that, there is a need for smart agriculture especially, the climate smart agriculture where one needs to follow the pattern and not that,  planting most be in May as used to be in the traditional way”, he encouraged.

         The Commissioner, therefore, called on farmers in the State to henceforth, follow NiMet’s predictions to help mitigate any further ugly occurrence, because their earlier predictions about  dry spell to August 18, was true and has became a reality, praying God to help take it off soon.

           Meanwhile, he has encouraged those who had lost their crops completely to the dry spell to plant other short time crops within this period, because the prediction by NiMet revealed that, the rains would last to the end of November.

           Bugama, cleared air that the disaster was of the climate change, but government would try its best to see if it could offer some kind of interventions for the affected by doing an assessment saying, “we are here for the best interest of Plateau State and not just to change the traditional cultural pattern.

         “My prayer is that, people will begin  to listen when we talk and be able to follow the smart agriculture pattern. Smart agriculture says, you must listen to the Experts when they give advice on this”, he prayed.

 

The Election Tribunal sitting in Bauchi State on the recent by-elections held in Plateau State for the National Assembly, has dismissed the petition filed by Ambassador Chris Giwa of the APC against the election of Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, of the ADP.

    This came in a press statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Senator on Media, Eric Dung, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital, shortly after being declared winner of the election by the tribunal.

    The dismissed petition clared Prince Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, who is the serving Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly Abuja, as validly elected at the Rerun Elections conducted by INEC in February this year.

     It would be recalled that the Appeal Court had earlier called for re-run of the 2023 Senatorial and House of Representatives Elections that saw Sen. Simon Mwadkon, and Hon. Musa Agah, as winners.

     In the light of this, Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, of the ADP emerged winner of the re-run election held early this year, but was challenged by his close contendent, Ambr. Chris Giwa, of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In the similar vein, the tribunal has also dismissed a similar petition filed by Shafi’u Sahlan, of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) against the election of Senator declaring again, Prince Dachungyang, as validly elected Senator at the Rerun Elections conducted by INEC in February this year.

Speaking shortly after the judgement, Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, described the judgement as welcomed one and a hope for democracy, because the Election Petition Tribunal in Bauchi has proven that by upholding his election as the duely elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Distinguished Senator, who stated this through his Special Assistant (Media) Eric Dung, noted that what happened today is a reaffirmation of the popular will of the people of Plateau North Senatorial District to serve them as their Senator.

The Senator, however, reiterated that he has never for once lost sight of the huge responsibility that comes with the demands of the office saying, “right from Day-One, it served as a spring-board to do my outmost best in ensuring that what rightfully belongs to the people of Plateau North does not slip bye.

     “I want to appreciate the tenacity of my fellow contestants who took the legal route to ventilate their grievances with the electoral process. Be rest assured that nobody lost today. If anybody won today, then we are all winners.

“I believe that this singular decision of the petitioners has greatly added to the quality of our electoral jurisprudence. It is in line with this that I invite all of you with open arms to join me, so that we can work together to deliver quality representation and democratic dividends to our people whom we all seek to serve”, he assured.

The lawmaker, used the opportunity to also commend the judges for their tenacity, diligence and patience adding that, their conduct was examplary in ensuring that justice prevails at the end of the day which demonstrated the spirit of doing the right thing at the right time.

While appreciating the people of Plateau North Senatorial District, Senator Dachungyang, said, “I can only but assure you one thing. To serve you, our dear Plateau State and Nigeria is all I have come to do at the National Assembly and the victory belongs to God Almighty whom we all serve.”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State has described late Chief Cashmir P. Kumtap, Ngu Dakyil (Turakin Mupun) as a patriotic and committed leader, who has contributed immensely to the development of his immediate Community and the state at large.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor, Gyang Bere, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Saturday, shortly after his demise.

     The Governor said, Late Chief Kumtap, who was former President of Mupun Cultural and Development Association MCDA), had lived a selfless and fulfilled life, leaving a significant impact on those who crossed his path. 

     He stated that, the elder statesman would be remembered for his kindness, generosity and benevolence which goes beyond familiar bonds saying, “his endless legacy of justice, empathy and unwavering commitment to peace and unity will forever be cherished. 

    “The demise of Chief Kumtap brings immense grief not only to immediate family, but the entire Mupun community and the state. His immense contributions to the peace and unity of the state was immeasurable and will be missed.

     “On behalf of my family, the government and the peace-loving citizens of Plateau State, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Dr. Yilji Kumtap, Chairman Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Plateau State Chapter and the entire family”, the Governor consoled.

     Mutfwang, therefore, commended the unwavering dedication and moral counsel of the deceased in moulding the younger generation to contribute their quota in building a decent and progressive society and prayed God to grant the family comfort and the solace to bear the irreparable loss.

 

   All necessary business strategies have been reached by the Plateau State Government to shoot Nigeria with the best and leading power supply sales across the region in no distant time.

   Governor Caleb Mutfwang, disclosed this yesterday, while explaining some of the points raised on the differences in the electricity tariffs at the town hall meeting with the protesting #EndBadGovernance# youths at the Government House Little Rayfield,Jos, the State capital.

      He revealed that, the government was in the process of improving the transmission line from the Northern Zone down to the Southern Zone where 32KVA capacity power source each would ran down to both from Central and the whole of Southern zones.

      Mutfwang, however, disclosed further that, there existed a private investors planning to build a solar farm in Panyam, but frustrated and he has encouraged him to come back to site saying, “we are looking at how we can develop some mini grids across the State sooner.

     “So, be patient with us. The journey have started though a bit slow, but will soon gather momentum and we will soon get out of it. We are making sure that, in the next three years, by the grace of God, Plateau will be the next and best seller of electricity”, he assured.

     The Governor, while responding to the concern raised on why the differences in Abuja tarrif and that of Jos Electricity Distribution unit, promised to work together with the citizens to study the availability pattern in the next two weeks and ensure that tarrif were synchronised.

     Earlier, the Director of the Plateau State Energy Agency, Engr. Gamde, implored citizens to forward their complaints to the agency in event of any differences discovered in the tariffs’ charges of ₦209:80k for band ‘A’ and others so that, they would approach JED.

   He said, “currently, the national tarrif for band ‘A’ is ₦209.80k. People who are in that line in Abuja pay the same thing. But, those who are in band B pay ₦63.26k with other categories paying as low as ₦58, ₦40 and ₦39 respectively.

     “If you are not receiving electricity for twenty hours (20hrs) and you are paying at that rate, you are entitled to protest by writing a protest letter or you can even bring it to our office and I will take it up with the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED)”, he assured.

      OVER fifty-three (53) political youth groups in Jos-North Local Government Area, have unanimously endorsed Hon. Huzaifa Ibrahim Abdullahi, as the sole candidate in the forthcoming Plateau State Council elections come October 9, 2024.

    The endorsements which came today Sunday, when the groups led by Sadis Muhammad Albasu and Gloria Audu, pronounced their positions, describing the  candidature of Hon Huzaifa, who is contesting on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP), as timely and was of their peer as a youth.

    “We are all here as youth from across 53 youth groups that made up of Jos North LGA as Muslims and Christians, having seen your tangible philanthropic stride,  we feel that it is important to make our unknown support to you.

    “We will do all that is political and lawful to give our support to ensure that you win the general election for the seat of Chairmanship of Jos North Local Government Council,” Albasu said.

    On her part, the secretary of the coalition, Gloria Audu, said, Huzaifa’s selfless services to the people of Jos North LGA, irrespective of any religious or ethnic consideration has prompted their support for him.

    “You have been an inspiration to the youths, as our peer that has joined the contest, we are happy that your contest for the seat of chairman has come at the right time, it is timely,” she said.

    Responding, the candidate, Hon. Huzaifa Ibrahim Abdullahi, said, “it wasn’t my intention to vie for any political elective or appointive position, but my peers amongst the Muslims and Christians, persuaded me to first aspire and I am now contesting the chairmanship position of Jos North LGC.

    “I assure you that, we will continue to do the best we could to ensure good governance if elected. Our philanthropic support to our people will not temper with our political aspiration. I thank you all for the show of love and support,” he said.

      Hon. Huzaifa, therefore , enjoined the youth to always be law abiding and also make sure they come out to votes during the election.