Streetbell Online

    Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), has assured Journalists in the state of its readiness to partner with them towards achieving the best ever credible local government elections in the state.

     The PLASIEC Chairman, Plangji Daniel Cishak, disclosed this Thursday when he led Management Committee of the Commission in a familiarisation tour to the State headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jos, the Plateau State capital ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Elections.

      The Chairman said, the magnitude of overseeing the local government electoral process was so huge that needed partnership with the media to help create awareness for people to have confidence in the electoral process.

     He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for carefully selecting these calibre personalities who have proven track record to work together and bring out the best in forthcoming Local Government Council Elections.

     Cishak opined that, “I am so happy that I am working with the calibre of people who really love this state and are not willing to drag their names into the mud. I dear say that Plateau people should expect nothing but the best of elections ever held in the state.

     “We know the critical role this Union has played and we will be very foolish to underrate what you are doing and we cannot succeed without this Union. That is why we came to familiarise ourselves with you and also with us.

       “We know the sensitivity of this job that is why we want to be closed to you so that, our information not be hidden. It is when you hide your information that fake news pop up. We want our information to be credible and transparent for the people of Plateau State”, he enthused.

        Responding on behalf of Members, the Plateau State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, expressed joy that PLASIEC understood and saw NUJ as a  critical partner towards the progress and success of this election.

      She said, “I want to you know that elections at whatever level for Journalists is a national assignment and we are not taking this coming election for granted looking at what transpired in the past elections. Be open to Journalists as you said and we will give you the need support in disseminating the information”.

       The PLASIEC team were earlier at Jos Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and they received by Zonal Manager , Mrs. Nyisom Dore. She assured the team of partnership saying, “when you talk to NAN, you are talking to all because we are professionals with 80% of fairness and balanced coverage”.

      While at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Jos Network Centre, the Zonal Director, Mrs. Rifkatu Daniel, encouraged PLASIEC to have retainer with NTA so that, all their activities would be broadcast on the national network news.

        The PLASIEC Chairman also took the team to the Jos Silverbird Communication. The Business Manager of the Station, Mr. Samson Omale, congratulated the committee on their appointment and thanked the team for identifying with them.

        He, however, disclosed that this was the first time the Management of PLASIEC visited the station in their seventeenth years (17yrs) of its existence here in Jos saying, “I am confident when I heard that announcement of this team and I said, Plateau State is in for good time when you talk of electoral process”.

   The Global Biotech Potato Partnership (GBPP), a USAID’s ‘Feed the Future Initiative’ that focuses on the development and deployment of potato varieties resistant to diseases and late blight would soon be made commercial.

   The Principal Investigator of GBPP in Nigeria who is also the Director, Root Crops Research of National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, Dr. Charles Amadi, disclosed this at the GBPP Media Interactive Session, held at National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Jos, the Plateau capital Saturday.

     The Principal Investigator said, “the Biotech Potato are the genetically modified potato varieties that are developed and are resistant to major

diseases, pests and environmental stresses which are farmer’s preferred potato varieties.

    “We have done the efficacy trial in 2022 and we are doing this regulatory trial which requires mandatory for two seasons. We have done the first year in 2023 and are doing second which is the regulatory trial this.

        “After that, we will submit the dossier of environmental release to the National Management of Biocetrice Management Agency and if it is approved, we do the national performance trial and grow multi locational outside confined fields and do on-farm trials.

        “So, we are projecting that by late 2026, we should be true with all the required trials needed to submit candidates to National Variety Release Committee for commercial release”, the root crops expert disclosed.

      Amadi, therefore, cleared doubts that the Biotech Potato which is officially known Generally Modified Organism (GMO) was safe and was extensively tested and do not cause cancer or allergy as falsely speculated.

       However, Streetbell findings revealed that some chemical dealers were not comfortable with the new invention for the fear of being kept out of market, hence the corresponding creation of falsehood to discourage farmers.

        On his part, Mr. Alex Abutu, of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), stated that they have worked with different partners to develop other varieties like PPR cowpea (beans) that was developed in 2019 saying, “in fact, till today as I am speaking with you today, farmers are yearning for the seed.

        “The demand is so high that we cannot meet their needs because they see the difference between the protected and non-protected varieties. The issue of acceptability is not a problem because we have carried farmers along in all the stages and they are participating”, he explained.

    Plateau State Government, has acquired and kept in stock over four million(4m) doses of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) ready for immunising children under the age of 5 spread across the 325 Wards of the State.

   Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, disclosed this at the official flag off of the 2024 Seasonal Malaria Chemprevention (SMC), held at the Obasanjo Model School Jos, the State capital Wednesday.

    The Governor, represented by the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, said, “Malaria is the third leading cause of death among under-five children, after pneumonia and diarrhoea.      “Nigeria accounts for 3 out of 10 deaths caused by malaria in the world and the disease is more common during raining season and it can kill children if not prevented or treated on time.

     “But we are glad that there are so many ways available for the prevention of malaria in Children. These include sleeping inside Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC).

      “As one of the national strategies to reduce the burden of malaria in the country and in our dear state, the Government of Plateau State in partnership with the Federal

Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP),
and Malaria Consortium have intensified efforts to increase access to SMC which
is cost-efective. 

     “The use of SMC has proven to be one of the most effective malaria preventive interventions. Today, the Government of Plateau State, with support from Malaria Consortium, officially flags off this campaign to signal the commencement of the distribution: SPAQ to children under-5 spread across the 325 wards in the state”, he highlighted.

    To ensure a successful SMC campaign, Mutfwang, further disclosed that the state government has approved the use of over 800 health facilities and deployed over l1,000 ad-hoc staff as well as provided counterpart funding to ensure the smooth running
of the campaigns.

      “Let me use this medium to call on all traditional and religious leaders across the State to support our crusade in the fight against malaria, and all other public

health challenges.The time has come and the Time Is Now for us to champion a malaria-free Plateau State; you are expected to play your part by ensuring that our children are protected”, he assured.

        Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Board (PSDCMB), Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, confirmed the possession of drugs and disclosed that the exercise was going to last from June to October this year.

      “We received in SPAQ one, one million, seven three doses, SPAQ two; we received about two million, nine hundred and sixty doses. Meaning that, we have over four million doses for over four million children in Plateau State already and we have received them in our Wearhouse”, he revealed.

      On his part, the Programme Manager of the State Malaria Elimination Programme, Nurse Adak Kizito Guhumnan, said, the Programme would start today June 27 to 30, 2024 with ad-hoc staff going house-to-house to administer those medication and would last for four days.

         He explained that, “this is tell the public that, His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, is interested in preventing not only the malaria, but mortality rate among the under 5 years children”.

BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA 

   YIAGA Africa, a global Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has categorically opposed to all calls making the rounds for the scrapping of State Electoral Commissions (SEC) in Nigeria, describing it as unripe and cumbersome on one structure when centralised.
    The Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, stated this Monday while addressing Journalists at the press briefing organised by Plateau State Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) in respect of his visit to the newly constituted Management Committee of PLASIEC in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    He said, “as an institution, we are hoping that we will help and support institutional development of the Electoral Commission. And we are doing so with our partner, International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) whom we are actually working to support State Independent Electoral Commissions.
     “We want to lean our voice as an institution as we did issued a statement that, we are opposed to a call for scrapping of State Electoral Commissions (SEC) and we are saying that for some reasons.

        “The constitutional safeguards that are supposed to be in place that guarantee the operational and financial independence of SEC has not been put in place. So, why not use the instrumentality of law to safeguard of both operational and financial independence of the SEC?”, Itodo asked.
         According to him, “when people advocate that INEC should conduct the local government elections, they forgot that the same INEC told Nigerians that it is overburdened with alot of responsibilities. 

       “So, why should INEC be saddled with the responsibility of conducting local government council elections, when the same Electoral Commission has said that, it is suffocating as a result of the responsibilities that it has?
         “We want to tell those who are promoting the course of scrapping the SEC that, they should make INEC great because INEC responsibility of elections offences execution of undertaking, organising and coordinating elections is too cumbersome”, the global citizen observed.
             He expressed concern that, it was ironical for Nigerians to be advocating for Local Government Autonomy at one hand and calling for centralisation of electoral structure describing it as confusing in every sense, hence the need for the strengthening of the State Electoral System. 

      Items recently confiscated from traders who flaunted the Executive Order 003 of the Plateau State Government in Jos and Bukuru metropolis, have been donated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Barkin-ladi LGA and inmates at the Jos Correctional Centres.
     Speaking shortly after loading the items in a truck Monday, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, disclosed that the order clearly stipulated that items confiscated would be taken to Correctional Centres or Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

He said, “basically, it is in fulfillment of this order that we are doing this. So, we are taking them to the Jos Correctional Centre to donate shoes, clothing, toiletries to adults in prison and there we will move to IDP camp in Barkin-ladi where clothing for children will donated.
        “You know, the Governor clearly stated in the Executive Order 003 that where people fail to comply, their goods will be seized and be taken to the Correctional Centres and IDPs.

        “For stray animals, it has been said that there will be a fine to be paid and penalty for people to claim back their stray animals within the Jos/Bukuru metropolis. If you fail to pay, government is going to keep the animals.
         “So, what we are doing is in fulfillment of this Executive Order 003 that we are taking these goods to the Correctional Centre and of course, the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Barkin-ladi”, the Commissioner disclosed.

          Ashoms, however, debunked claims by some traders in Bukuru that they were not aware or adequately informed that the Executive Order 003 was in place, describing it as erroneously baseless and far from the truth because so many platforms were used to inform the public.
      
      

BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA 

  Saturdays, being the Ngas Village weekly market days at the Jos Museum Plateau State, is gradually becoming a huge site attraction as many trooped in to relax and have a feel of these sweet traditional foods, meat and drinks at weekends.

   This Initiative was specially conceived in 2018 by the Executive Council of Ngas Development Association (NDA) led by Nde Gonen Gofwen, the immediate past President, to market their rich traditional foods and drinks as well as cultural attires.

   Although, it was at first somehow low key probably, for poor information some weeks back when it was officially opened on June 8, 2024, but the story is quite different now because yesterday’s turn out was fabulously rich and lively. 

    Yesterday, being the last market day was filled to brim as Ngas traditional foods, meat, clothes and drinks were displayed for sons and daughters to buy and taste and it was awesome.

    There were Nam-ass, Mun-Shwe, Mos-kas, Mos-Naza, Ngwim-ass, Puk-kul, Puk-lengdeng, Puk-jijam, Mwan, Nam-kam and lot more. Those who came were seen eating and drinking their traditional foods as some went round to feed their eyes admiring the beautiful architectural designed traditional buildings.

   It started around 8am with few who came early, but it gradually snowballed into a mammoth crowd later in the afternoon. This appeared so unique as others from different nationalities dashed the line to be part of this great initiative.

    Apart from relaxing and having the enjoyable meals at this market, there was the economic benefits added to this innovation. It availed these women who brewed and cooked this traditional drinks and foods the opportunity to gain income.

    You need to see how these women struggled for space. The market was demarcated for individuals who have shown interest or something to sell. 

     Interacting with some great sons and daughters of Ngasland at the market, Professor N. N. Wanang, of the University of Jos said, “Ngas Village is one of the best thing that has happened to Plateau State because I look at it as a concept of bridging opportunities.

    “There was a disconnect between the older and the younger ones unlike in those days, but now with this creation, I can drive from office to Ngas Village and sit with my brothers and sisters and interact with them.

     “It is an opportunity for us again to reunite, mend fences and for older, middle class and the younger ones to meet. That is how I look at it. I am sure some of our brothers did not know. As we move along, we will continue to advocate and advertise so that, it will become a hub for every Ngas man and woman”, he hoped.

     On his part, Major JD Gongu (RTD), described the ideas as wonderful saying, “since 2018 when  the Ngas Nation hosted Museum Day, I thought the place was not functioning because I have not come here. What I have seen is beyond my expectations.

     “The crowd I have seen here is thought provoking and awesome. I just wish the Ngas Nation especially NDA and NYM take up to will this place, I am telling you, we will seize the entire crowd within Jos/Bukuru metropolis.

      “If this is the initiative of the Ngas Nation as far as this village is concerned, I think it is going to really play a very prominent role in uniting the Ngas people. I am really optimistic about the whole thing because it will bring unity and progress. I want to thank those who initiated this”, he enthused.

   Meanwhile, the immediate past President of the Ngas Development Association (NDA), Nde (Engr) Gonen Gofwen, thanked sons and daughters of Ngasland for the support given to them to achieve this great and unique feat.

    He disclosed that, “there was a need for the National Museum Centre to allocate space for Nations to own a place. We took that as a challenge and started demonstrating our capacity in having this traditional houses here and it developed alot of interest by the MOTNA Management.

     “In fact, it will interest you to know that, even film makers were exposing the good site, having seen the set up of the Ngas Nation. Our target now is to make this place very lively and valuable.

      “We have applied to quite a number of organisations. In fact, we have applied to  one Government Programme to install tanks and by God’s grace, this will come sooner or later. Also, one of our sons, the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel k. Dewan, has shown commitment to drill a borehole for us”, he narrated.

     Gofwen thanked the Member representing Kanke Constituency Hon. Joseph Gokum, for donating funds amounting to a million naira for construction of most of the structures at the Ngas Village. He also thanked the Management Committee of the Ngas Village led by the Madaki Ballang-Shipang, Nde Chingdapba Ngop.

       The Ngas Elder rated the turn out high and promised to bring his family for them to enjoy this beautiful home, calling on the Ngas Nation to give the same support he enjoyed while as President to the new Executive because he saw potential in the new Executive.

       However, while sampling of opinions of some marketers at the Ngas Village, Mrs. Rinret Walbe Gowal, who sells Mun-shwe with Puk-fori, Puk-jijam, Puk-lengdeng, beer and other traditional foods said, the patronage was great and that she has made huge sales saying, “we pray that by next week more people will come for us to make more sales.

         For Dorcas Augustine Gompil and Nenzar Yusuf, who sell Mos-Naza and Mos-kas, it was a good market day for them because they were able to sell all and felt they should have brewed more. They pray God to help them progress in their businesses.

        Mr. Alex Merkuk Kutji, who sells bottled beer described the turned out as impressive compared to what happened last week and expressed optimism that the market would flourish when adequate information was passed to other Ngas sons and daughters and that, it would bring progress to Ngasland.

     All efforts to reach the Nam-ass seller proved abortive because of how busy she was attending to customers. She was surrounded by people who wanted to buy and it was tough for our correspondent to get her attention.

        Interestingly, however, the market was not left for Ngas people alone as Chris Azak, from the Afizere Nation was part of game. He described the initiative as a way of preserving culture by bringing new innovations into play saying, “when you check round the Museum, there is nothing of this nature and in fact, I am so impressed.

        “I pray this market will grow and change the narrative about how peaceful Plateau people are. This is great and commendable and should be promoted”, Azak prayed for the Ngas Nation.

        There was a minute of silence observed in honour of the immediate past Vice President II of Ngas Development Association (NDA), Late Nde Kuriya K Deyin, who was among the key players in this initiative. It was led by Nde Francis Kopdimma, the Secretary of Ngas Village Management Committee as all those who came stood up in respect to the deceased. May his soul rest in peace with the Lord. Amen!

Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State has engaged representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group to attract investments in agriculture, tourism and mining to revitalise the state’s industrial sector. 

  The Governor and Dan Croft Dan Croft, Regional Industry Manager for Infrastructure in Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa

  This was contained in a press statement signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital shortly after a meeting yesterday, led by Dan Croft, Regional Industry Manager for Infrastructure in Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa.

    The Governor emphasized the need for partnerships to revive several legacy projects that have been abandoned in the state in order to put them to productive use for the benefit of people of the State. 

    He, specifically, called for investments in the power sector, agricultural value chain, storage, irrigation systems, the revitalization of Jos Wildlife Park to boost tourism and generate revenue as well as reconstructing the Jos Abattoir for meat processing and export.

     Stressing on the State’s favorable investment climate, Governor Mutfwang explained that the clement weather of the state, the hospitable nature of the people and the institutional framework his administration has put in place were some of factors that would support massive investments in the state.

    He, therefore, assured potential investors who would want to invest in the state of a secure and conducive environment for their ventures.

    Responding, the Regional Industry Manager, Dan Croft expressed the International Financial Corporation’s interest in investing in Plateau State, noting that they would implement a proven investment model to ensure that the state receives optimal and appropriate investments. 

      However, both parties agreed to form a technical team to develop a framework and work out the modalities for the smooth commencement of investments in the state.

BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA 

His Majesty, the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, has lauded the contributions of Shiwer sons and daughters in ensuring development in not only the immediate community, but at both state and national levels.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Press Secretary to Ngolong Ngas, Wukaska Bako Gowon, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital shortly the King received in ordinance the District Head of Shiwer, Nde Wukwe Morgak Jim Gotom and Maran (Queen) Shiwer, Nana Napar Diryilmwa in his palace in Pankshin recently.

   The statement said, “the Shiwer Community in Kanke Local Government Council of Plateau State remains the pride of the Ngas Nation both in terms of leadership and developmental strides.

     “God has blessed the community with sons and daughters who  are always at the will  to offer themselves for the service of the community and Ngas Nation.

    “I want to encourage you to continue to displace that true character which you are known for anywhere you have the opportunity to serve. I will continue to count on you prayers in my efforts to lead the Ngas Nation”, it stated.

    Earlier speaking while delivering the message of the community, the National President of  Shiwer Development Association, Nde Shedrack Golen congratulated the King on his selection as the 6th Ngolong Ngas of the Ngas Nation.

    He explained that, the visit was to also pray with him to have the wisdom in  promoting the cultural values, Unity and  to encourage him to always pursue equity and justice in approaching issues.

    Delivering his remark,His Highness, the Ngolong Shiwer, Nde Wukwe Morgak Jim Gotom said the community was highly honoured by the reception accorded to them and  expressed  support over his policies assuring that, they would not relent in giving advises that would push the Ngas Nation towards the needed Unity.

    On her words, the Queen of Shiwer, Nana Napar Diryilmwa,  described the meeting as an opportunity to further cement the existing cordial relationship with the king and her people and made a called for continues prayers for peace to continue to reign in Ngas Land and the Nation at large.

    Highlights of the visit was presentation of Shiwer Traditional waived  Curtain and other items to His Majesty, the Ngolong Ngas by His Highness, the Ngolong Shiwer, Nde Wukwe  Morgak Jim Gotom.

 Ngolong Ngas commends Shiwer sons and daughters

BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA 

His Majesty, the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, has lauded the contributions of Shiwer sons and daughters in ensuring development in not only the immediate community, but at both state and national levels.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Press Secretary to Ngolong Ngas, Wukaska Bako Gowon, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital shortly the King received in ordinance the District Head of Shiwer, Nde Wukwe Morgak Jim Gotom and Maran (Queen) Shiwer, Nana Napar Diryilmwa in his palace in Pankshin recently.

   The statement said, “the Shiwer Community in Kanke Local Government Council of Plateau State remains the pride of the Ngas Nation both in terms of leadership and developmental strides.

     “God has blessed the community with sons and daughters who  are always at the will  to offer themselves for the service of the community and Ngas Nation.

    “I want to encourage you to continue to displace that true character which you are known for anywhere you have the opportunity to serve. I will continue to count on you prayers in my efforts to lead the Ngas Nation”, it stated.

    Earlier speaking while delivering the message of the community, the National President of  Shiwer Development Association, Nde Shedrack Golen congratulated the King on his selection as the 6th Ngolong Ngas of the Ngas Nation.

    He explained that, the visit was to also pray with him to have the wisdom in  promoting the cultural values, Unity and  to encourage him to always pursue equity and justice in approaching issues.

    Delivering his remark,His Highness, the Ngolong Shiwer, Nde Wukwe Morgak Jim Gotom said the community was highly honoured by the reception accorded to them and  expressed  support over his policies assuring that, they would not relent in giving advises that would push the Ngas Nation towards the needed Unity.

    On her words, the Queen of Shiwer, Nana Napar Diryilmwa,  described the meeting as an opportunity to further cement the existing cordial relationship with the king and her people and made a called for continues prayers for peace to continue to reign in Ngas Land and the Nation at large.

    Highlights of the visit was presentation of Shiwer Traditional waived  Curtain and other items to His Majesty, the Ngolong Ngas by His Highness, the Ngolong Shiwer, Nde Wukwe  Morgak Jim Gotom.

BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA 

The National President of Ngas Development Association (NDA), Dr. Katkukkah Danjuma Gokum, has, on behalf of Ngas Nation sympathized with family and Ngas over the demise of Nde Kuriya K. Deyin, the immediate past Vice President II.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the NDA National Public Secretary Andrew Amos Gogwim, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    The statement said, “in a solemn and somber mood, the National President of Ngas Development Association (NDA), Dr. Katkukkah Danjuma Gokum led other National Executive Committee members of the association to convey the condolences and sympathy of the entire Ngas Nation over the demise of it’s immediate past Vice President II, Nde Kuriya K. Deyin. 

   “The President and his entourage who were received by the wife of the deceased, his relations and the Chairman of NDA, Jos North Branch, conveyed the sadness of Ngas Nation over the death of Nde Deyin.

    “Nde Gokum eulogied and appreciated the enormous sacrifices that late Nde KK made to ensure that Ngas Nation remained united.

    “Deyin’s death has left a big vacuum in our hearts and Ngasland looking at his consistency and passion for anything that has to do with the growth and development of Ngas Nation. Nde KK will be sorely missed”, it stated 

    The NDA President was accompanied by the National Vice President I, National Treasurer, National Director of Socials II, National Publicity Secretary I and National Publicity Secretary II. May the soul of Nde Kuriya K. Deyin rest in peace!

The Library Department of Plateau State University, Bokkos has taken steps to improve the skills of its staff through an in-house training program.

The was aimed at enhancing effective and efficient service delivery of staff in line with the University’s core goals of teaching, research and community service.

 The University Librarian, Associate Professor Shehu Alladeh, stated this during the first in-house training, which featured paper presentations. 

In his lecture, Associate Professor Alladeh emphasized the importance of purposeful librarianship and encouraged staff to efficiently use their time in the service of the University community.

    On his part, the Registrar of Plateau State University, Bokkos, Yakubu Ayuba commended the University Librarian for initiating the training program and called on other departments to emulate the feat.

   He also emphasizing on ethics, importance of punctuality, honesty and diligence as necessary qualities for career growth cautioning against any form of indiscipline.

    The University Bursar, Laurence Longsan advised staff to cultivate a savings culture, seek professional guidance when applying for loans and be patient as management engages the State Government towards the six months payment of palliatives for PLASU staff. 

    He also highlighted on some welfare packages executed by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best’s led management, including the prompt payment of salaries and the clearance of three years earned allowances owed to workers.

     Participants at the training session praised the Plateau State Government led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for the attention given to the University and promised to accord loyalty for his policies and programs.

Executive Secretary of the  Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims welfare Board, Hon. Alh. Daiyabu Dauda, has announced the death of one his pilgrims, Isma’ila Musa, of Mangu Local Government Area, who died at the Annur Specialist Hospital today.

  This came in a press statement e-signed by the Executive Secretary and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital after spending a month almost in admission.

    He said, “I, the Executive Secretary of the Muslims Pilgrims and Welfare Board, regret to announce the demise of one of our Pilgrim in makka today at the Annur Specialist Hospital where he was admitted since on 31st May, 2024.

    “He is by name ISMA’ILA MUSA  from Mangu Local Government  Area of Plateau state. We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family,  the Government and People of Plateau state and  prayed for Allah to accept his hajj and grant him eternal rest. 

May Allah give his  Family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, Ami

    The Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Julie G. Sanda, has condemned the Monday unrest in Bukuru market of Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing the disturbance as a threat to the state hard earned peace.

     This was contained in a press statement e-signed by the Director General PPBA, Julie G. Sanda, and made available to THE NIGERIA STANDARD in Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday.

     She said, the reported disturbances in Bukuru market was allegedly triggered by an attack on some officials of the Task Force mandated to enforce Executive Order 003 of the Plateau State government.

      “This, unfortunately, resulted in loss of life, various degrees of injury and the destruction of property belonging to traders and innocent patrons. We commiserate with those who tragically lost loved ones and were adversely affected by this unfortunate incident. 

      “We note that Executive Order 003 is aimed at regulating the indiscriminate erection of buildings and uncontrolled vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos-Bukuru Master Plan. The skirmishes that led to the losses should be roundly condemned by all peace-loving citizens of Plateau State”, she lamented.

       According to Sanda, “we urge all persons concerned to seek non-violent approaches by seeking solutions to whatever concerns and grievances they might harbour with respect to the ongoing exercise.

       “It is meant to restore orderliness and ensure the security of lives and property of all citizens. Rather than indulge in acts that are inimical to our collective peace and safety, citizens should employ dialogue and other alternative means of resolving issues of conflict”, the PPBA DG advised.

     She, therefore, commended the security operatives for their prompt response in quelling the unfortunate situation and for their utmost professionalism in addressing the situation.

      The peace building expert, assured that PPBA would continue to work with concerned stakeholders to ensure that it consolidate on the gains of peace that it has achieved so far as it builds a Plateau that was at peace with itself and the rest of the world.