Jos plays host to the 2025 National Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers (VIOs) of the Federation in Jos the Plateau state Capital.
The three-day conference, begins tomorrow, October 28, at Steffans Hotel and Refuge, Jos and it is expected to gather Directors and Chief Vehicle Inspection Officers from all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT to deliberate on strategies to enhance national security, strengthen road safety and reform motor vehicle administration across the country.
The conference theme is “Enhancing National Security and Road Traffic Safety through Effective Motor Vehicle Administration,” is considered timely as Nigeria continues to face challenges related to unsafe vehicles, untrained drivers and weak transport enforcement mechanisms.
Speaking at a pre-conference press briefing held on Monday at the Plateau State Ministry of Information Conference Room, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, said the state’s selection as host was a clear acknowledgment of the government’s growing impact in road transport development.
He noted that within the last two months, Plateau had successfully hosted two major transportation-related events the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) conference and now the Chief VIOs meeting underscoring the confidence the transport sector has in the current administration.
Hon. Gyang highlighted several initiatives that have improved mobility and commuter safety within Jos, including the implementation of the Jos Greater Master Plan, the introduction of Tin City Metro Buses equipped with modern security features, and the installation of surveillance cameras at strategic points such as the Plateau Specialist Hospital and Hill Station roundabouts.
According to him, the government had also introduced a QR-code tracking system for commercial motorcycles operating within the Jos Bukuru metropolis, allowing passengers to verify and share rider details with their next of kin to ensure personal safety.
“These measures demonstrate our administration’s commitment to safety and innovation, in line with the objectives of this year’s conference,” the commissioner said.
Representing the National Chairman of the Conference, Engineer (Sir) Paul Bepeh, the General Secretary, Engineer Durojaye Babawale, commended the Plateau State Government for its hospitality and forward-thinking approach to transportation management.
Babawale described the conference theme as both timely and strategic, noting that effective motor vehicle administration remain central to addressing the challenges of road traffic safety and national security.
He said weak vehicle registration and inspection systems continue to pose serious threats to public safety, enabling unfit vehicles and untrained drivers to operate on the roads. He identified major challenges confronting VIOs across the country to include inadequate infrastructure, weak regulatory frameworks, limited funding, and lack of centralized digital data for vehicle records.
According to him, the three-day Jos conference will focus on digital transformation, harmonization of data, and capacity building for Vehicle Inspection Officers to strengthen road traffic administration nationwide.
“At the end of the conference, a communiqué will be issued outlining key resolutions to help reform and improve the vehicle inspection system across the Federation,” Babawale stated.
The conference will feature technical sessions, policy dialogues and expert presentations expected to chart a new course for safer roads, efficient motor vehicle management, and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
Following the killings in Plateau State and its attendant humanitarian crisis which has led to the displacement of many, the Mashiah Foundation in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has provided support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Area (LGA).
The number of persons reached with the relief materials are 830 individuals in both LGAs, including other support initiatives and financial supports for villages, women and adolescent girls, pupils, vulnerable households, people living with HIV, persons with disabilities, among other interventions.
Speaking at the presentation of the relief materials and other supportive items to the victims, the Executive Director of Mashiah Foundation, Pastor Bayo Oyebade, said the outreach is not the first humanitarian relief Mashiah Foundation through the support of ELCA is implementing in Plateau State.
According to him, this is the fourth intervention where 830 individuals including women, men, children, the elderly, and that persons with disabilities will receive food rations and essential supplies to help alleviate hunger and restore dignity.
He reaffirmed that Mashiah Foundation, with the support of ELCA will not repent, and that they remain steadfast in its mission to rebuild lives, strengthen communities, and promote peace, stressing that they look forward to a Plateau where every family can live without fear, where children can learn in safety, and where women and men can work together to build a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity.
“This initiative, themed ‘Humanitarian Support for the Displaced and Vulnerable Persons,’ is designed to address critical needs in food security, non-food essentials, and psychosocial support for those affected by the violent conflicts in our communities.
“As you know Additionally, 625 women and girls will receive sanitary pads to support menstrual hygiene management, while targeted psychosocial services will be provided to address the emotional and mental health challenges which emaciated from the crisis.
“As an organisation who have being working for the vulnerable in Plateau State for over two decades now, we understand how immeasurable the pain of losing loved ones and livelihoods can be. Therefore, today Mashiah Foundation stand in solidarity with the good people of Bokkos and Bassa LGA praying the Lord to comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, and restore peace to our land.
“Mashiah Foundation through its various programs and initiatives has remained a beacon of hope to the poor, the displaced, and the vulnerable. Guided by our vision of ‘building a safe world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive as God originally intended,’ our work focuses on restoring dignity, promoting equality, and strengthening community resilience which is in full alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Since 2015, our foundation has: empowered 269 entrepreneurs, providing them with business start-up kits such as tailoring, catering, shoe-making, and salon equipment whom were survivors of ethno-religious conflict or living with HIV.
“We have established 116 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAS) across Plateau State, which continue to provide financial and emotional support to conflict-affected households.
“Also, we have supported 1,035 women and adolescent girls through the provision of dignity kits to address menstrual health and hygiene. And we have provided scholastic materials to 1,848 conflict-affected pupils across Riyom, Bassa, and Barkin-Ladi LGAs, to sustain access to education.
“In addition, we have over the years distributed relief materials to more than 4,000 vulnerable households affected by conflict and displacement,” he said.
The Pastor then commended the Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Council, the District Heads, Security Agencies, faith based leaders, pastors and community volunteers for their unrelenting partnership, pointing out that they are the reason these intervention efforts have succeeded.
“And to our Pastors and church leaders, many of whom have also been personally affected by the conflict, we salute your faith and resilience. Despite your own pain, you continue to comfort, counsel, and rebuild others.
“May the Lord renew your strength and bless your labour of love. Do not be weary in well-doing, for in due season, you shall reap if you faint not,” he added.
In her remarks, Mrs. Mary Beth Oyebade of the ECLA missions said as a church, they are deeply concerned about the recurrent violence in Plateau State, particularly the increased vulnerability of women and children.
According to her, the recent spate of violence that has led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, and also caused untold hardship to the people is regrettable, and that their prayer always is that God should bring comfort to the bereaved families, healing to affected communities, and restoration to the entire region.
Furthermore, Mary Beth stressed that ELCA is committed to making contributions to alleviating these challenges while supporting advocacy for sustainable peace in Plateau State which is vital to food-producing state in the country.
She explained that they recognize the tremendous efforts by the state government, non-governmental organizations faith-based groups, and philanthropists to bring lasting peace to the affected areas, as well as the progress made in the state’s peacebuilding efforts, and their believe is that there should not be further lives lost and no more properties destroyed.
“Since 2023, ELCA has been partnering with Mashish Foundation to address these pressing concerns in Bokkos, Bussa, Barkin-Ladi, und Mangu LGAs. This partnership birthed three key interventions aimed at restoring livelihoods, fostering peace, and providing immediate relief to those most affected by the violence.
“There is the women’s Empowerment Project which addresses the livelihood challenges faced by women in the aftermath of the attacks. Through the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), women are empowered to save money and access credit to start or expand their businesses.
“Additionally, 120 women received grants totaling N90,000 each to support micro-enterprises. There is also the Peace Dialogue Sessions initiative which engaged diverse community stakeholders, including traditional leaders, Ardos, youth leaders and women leaders
“These dialogues have fostered mutual understanding, reconciliation, and community-driven solutions, with impactful results. And then the Food Distribution for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“Today, we are grateful to God for the opportunity to flag off the fourth intervention: food distribution to IDPs in Bokkos, and Bassa L.GAs. While this phase of the intervention will support 830 individuals, we acknowledge that thousands more are in need,” she said.
However, she apologize that their resources can only cover this number at this time and assured of their commitment to expanding their reach as resources permit.
In his address, the Bokkos Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, stated that almost all the victims who received the relief items from the foundation and Church have their houses burnt, many killed and their land grabbed.
And so, he said, that is why they have become displaced and that even though the relief materials is not enough they appreciate the donors.
Hon Amalau stressed that most of the children can no longer attend school because their parents can no longer afford their school fees, and so called on other donor organizations to assist just as the Mashiah Foundation and ECLA missions are doing.
He cautioned the recipients of the relief materials against selling the contents of the package as it will be unfair to the donors, and advised that anyone who wants to sell it should rather donate it to his or her fellow who is not privileged to be given at the moment.
Meanwhile, he called on the people to be alert, tell their relatives and neighbours alike whatever they are going to, including their farms, in the event of any attack, as well as be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or observation.
In each of the relief material packages provided to the 830 IDPs are 5kg of rice, 5Kg of beans, 5Kg of maize and 5kg of garri
Others are blankets, toothpaste, bar/laundry soap, seasoning cubes, salt and family size Pomade
Former Senate Minority Leader Senator Simon Mwadkwon has given his backing to Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s re-election bid in 2027 Considering his achievements in Plateau State in the last 2 years.
Speaking with newsmen in Jos at the weekend, Senator Mwadkwon said the governor’s performance over the last two years has entrenched and demonstrated his leadership qualities, and that his continuance in 2027 is unquestionably necessary to properly reposition the state.
“By all accounts, the PDP and the people of Plateau State are comfortable with his leadership style and the accomplishments he has made in just two years. In addition, there are a number of ongoing projects that will improve the government’s reputation once they are finished” he declared.
Senator Mwadkwon expressed optimism that the People’s Democratic Party will win elections at all levels in Plateau State come 2027, saying the party’s relationship with the people of the state has been symbiotic since the inception of this democratic dispensation.
He also debunked the growing insinuation by some mischief makers that Governor Muftwang was among the governors scheming to dump the PDP for APC, adding that the governor has repeatedly dismissed the insinuation.
“It remains a baseless insinuation; the governor has repeatedly denied this. Anyway, it is not an issue to be discussed because there’s no substance in it. Our governor remains in PDP and has not discussed leaving the party with anyone to the best of my knowledge,” he declared.
On the insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern part of the country, Senator Mwadkwon maintained that state police will go a long way towards the myriad of security challenges, adding that those opposed to it have no compelling reason to support their position given the number of people killed, kidnapped, and properties destroyed.
He declared, “I am a strong supporter of the State Police. Nigeria will not be the first nation to implement this; at one point in time, when we had what was known as local government native authority police in Northern Nigeria, crime was at its lowest.
“The idea was that the police should be close to the people, but my position is that those against it may have hands in the killings. If those opposing it had been victims, either directly or indirectly, they would not oppose it. Human lives are sacrosanct and should be protected.”
He implored the National Assembly and the government to go to the grassroots and sample the opinion of the people on whether they want state police or not instead of relying on the elites alone to discuss the issue..
CRAC & partners have petitioned EFCC Chairman on Abuse of Power and Misconduct of an EFCC Officer Ibrahim Buba over Bishop Jonas Katung whose case is pending at Jos Federal high Court and not yet determined by the Court. While the Case is pending at the Court, EFCC Legal Officer by name Ibrahim Buba at the hearing of the Case was said to have brought in Journalists from The SUN, The Punch and PM news etc to write defamatory Posts against Bishop Katung whose case before the Federal high Court was adjourned for further hearing in October 2025.
According to CRAC and Partners, an accused person is innocent before a judgement is passed by the Court and wondered why Barr Ibrahim Buba permitted and guaranteed a lot of defamatory allegations to be uploaded on several media platforms including EFCC Official Website and instagram handle having failed to state actual Facts that transpired on the 23rd of July in Court on that faithful day.
He also alleged that his Client Mr Abraham Katung who is the son of Bishop Katung was subjected to Cyber bullying , physical threats and loss in Revenue, Business Contracts running into billions of naira within a period of three years in partnership with Dellahs Global Resources On Account of these allegations which have not been substantiated. His client have directed that the EFCC Boss should order Ibrahim Buba to remove the defamatory posts on EFCC website and official instagram handle , ensuring his demands are met.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Youth Wing in a bold move has declared its unwavering support for the Tax Reform Bill proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This endorsement comes after careful consideration of the bill’s pros and cons, particularly its key objectives.
YOWICAN In a Communique signed and issued by National Chairman Amb Hon. Belusochukwu Michael Nwere and National Secretary, Bako Adashu Elijah, emphasized that the bill’s benefits cannot be overstated.
They added that benefits include Improved Efficiency Increased Revenue and Support for Business Growth.
“We, members of Christian Association of Nigeria Youth wing wholeheartedly thrown our support towards the Tax Reform Bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu. This comprehensive reform aimed to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes, to enhance efficiency and eliminate redundancies across the nation’s tax operations
The CAN Youth Wing believes that the Tax Reform Bill will Simplify Tax Obligations eliminating multiple taxations and making Nigeria’s economy more competitive.
The Communique noted that the Bill will Harmonize Tax Administration streamlining tax processes across federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
Additionally, they said the bill aims to Enhance Revenue Collection creating a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board and establishing the Office of Tax Ombudsman to protect taxpayers’ interests.
The CAN Youth Wing is urging all Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu in his efforts to transform the country’s revenue base and block loopholes that could lead to income loss.
The Christian Youth organization also calls on the president and his tax reform team to continue engaging stakeholders and gaining support for this landmark reform.
“We call on the president and his tax reform Team to continue to engage all relevant stakeholders in explanation of the importance of this bill and to gain more support to this landmark reform and work together to create a more efficient, effective, and equitable tax system for Nigeria”..
The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Bishop Stephen Adegbite has embarked upon on strategic engagements with relevant stakeholders to chart a new course for Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria, especially with regard to the up coming 2024 Main Pilgrimage exercise scheduled to commence on 22nd December, 2024 .
To this effect, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has paid a sensitization visit to Ekiti State where he was granted audience by the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye.
Other dignitaries present at the sensitization visit was the Chairman of Ekiti State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board who also doubles as the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ekiti State chapter, Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye.
He was accompanied on the visit by the Zonal Coordinator NCPC South West Zonal office, Lagos , Mrs Bunmi Ayodele and the Head of Protocol NCPC, Pastor Stephen Adewara, amongst others.
NCPC: Total Restoration to Come to Nigeria, Says NCPC Boss, Bishop Adegbite
Otubi Audu Jos.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will experience total restoration.
He stated that God will restore the country to its former glory.
Bishop Adegbite made this declaration in Abuja , during a courtesy visit to the NCPC Corporate Headquarters by the executive members of the Northern Christian Youth Round Table for Peace and Progress Initiative.
The NCPC helmsman thanked President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for considering him worthy of his appointment as the fourth substantive Executive Secretary of NCPC.
Bishop Adegbite expressed confidence that by next year, Nigerians would witness massive transformation unprecedented in the country’s history.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu would work tirelessly for Nigeria’s progress, just as he did in Lagos.
The NCPC boss emphasized the importance of prayer for the government and encouraged his guests to continue to pray for President Tinubu and those in government. . “Continue to pray for Mr. President, continue to pray for us in government; we will not let God down, we will not let the church down, and we will not let our families down,” he said.
Bishop Adegbite explained that President Tinubu is working closely with the leadership of the two dominant faiths in the country, positively impacting the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) across the states.
Earlier, the leader of the Northern Christian Youth Round Table for Peace and Progress Initiative, Mr. Wami Iliya, commended Bishop Adegbite for his invaluable service in Lagos. He applauded him, particularly for accommodating the people of the Middle Belt.
Mr. Iliya explained that due to Bishop Adegbite’s love for humanity, accommodating spirit, and leadership style, he has become a father figure to all. He enumerated some of the challenges facing his association, including unemployment opportunities for their youths and overt marginalization due to their faith, among others.
Mr. Iliya reiterated that it was due to these challenges that they visited NCPC to identify with Bishop Adegbite as a father figure and request his spiritual guidance.
The wife of Late Chief Solomon Lar, the First Civilian Governor of Plateau State and Pioneer National Chairman of Peoples democratic Party Professor Mrs Mary Lar, reminiscing on the life and times of the elder statesman said he told her on his death bed to take message of peace, love and unity to the People of Plateau and Nigeria as a whole.
She spoke at the opening ceremony of a 2-day conference on Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, organised by Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Political science and Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies of the University of Jos on Thursday in Jos.
According to her, her husband after a long and happy marriage and following the tragic loss of their son, Lar, while on his deathbed, urged her to spread the message of peace, love, and unity to their community and Nigeria as a whole.
She emphasized the importance of instilling values of peace, love, and unity in children from a young age, which she perceived as a foundational for a harmonious society.
She shared the story of a seven-year-old student and his understanding of peace, love, and unity, highlighting feelings of safety, happiness, and togetherness within the family and community.
Mrs. Lar said, “Following Solomon’s passing, I felt compelled to honor his last words by establishing a foundation dedicated to promoting these values, which reflects on the significance of respecting the wisdom of elders and the importance of community support.
She expressed gratitude to community leaders and members for their support and emphasized the need for collective efforts to uphold the values of peace, love, and unity.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, said Chief Lar is remembered as a good man who left a lasting legacy in Plateau State and Nigeria with many people identifying with him and his contributions.
He urged the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation to expand its scope beyond family ties to include others who share Lar’s vision, which would help in preserving and growing his legacy.
The Plateau governor emphasized the importance of recognizing Mrs. Lar, who is still alive and has made significant contributions as a professional and former ambassador.
He encouraged the Plateau people to turn adversity into strength for growth and unity.
The government of Plateau State pledged financial support of N10 million naira to the Foundation to aid in its ongoing work. Other donations were made to the Foundation.
Speaking at the Programe, Lar Political s0n
and trained loyalist Ubandoma Laven described Chief Lar as Political giant and colossus whose Shoes is hard for any one to step in.
He described Lar as Ambassador of peace and Political giant that was equal to non except God.
.A University Don Prof.Anthony Ojonimi Onoja has Leda team of experts to draft and validate the first Nigerians Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2025-2029 )
Ogwunewa Audu Jos
He presented the Draft of the first ever National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy for Nigeria (2025-2029) to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and a wider relevant stakeholders for validation at Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
The event was declared opened by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, (CON).
This feat was the culmination of a collaborative efforts between the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), WorldFish, the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, the Agricultural Policy Research Network (APRNet) and a dedicated team of experts (Policy Drafting Team) led by the President of Agricultural Policy Research Network (APRNet) and the Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Development, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Anthony Ojonimi Onoja (Professor Extraordinarius, University of South Africa).. . The CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods funded this project which started in 2022.
According to Professor Onoja, this was his contribution to sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Nigeria with the overall aim of providing protein security (food security), job creation and poverty reduction for his country, Nigeria.
“We expect the launch and successful implementation of this policy by next year.” He stressed.
A University Don Prof. Anthony Ojonimi Onoja has led a team of experts to draft and validate the first Nigerian Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2025-2029) .
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has declared that Nigeria is passing through a period of restoration.
Bishop Adegbite made this statement while hosting the Executive members of the Women Wing of Christian Council of Nigeria FCT Chapter in Abuja.
“We are passing through a restoration period in Nigeria, we are going to be restored… Very soon you will see the true dividend of democracy,” Bishop Adegbite said, urging the Christian women to continue praying for President Bola Tinubu, who he believes is determined to lift the country to a higher pedestal.
Bishop Adegbite also enjoined the Christian women to always uphold the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, in prayer, describing her as “The Esther of our time, virtuous woman, very dogged servant of God”.
Adegbite thanked the Christian women for their visit, acknowledging the significant role women play in all aspects of life, including the ministry of Jesus Christ. He assured them of his commitment to serving the church and facilitating cleansing and restoration.
The Chairperson of the Women Wing of Christian Council of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Lady Adesola Omoware, thanked Bishop Adegbite for his warm reception and pledged the group’s unwavering support for his vision and mission. She acknowledged Bishop Adegbite’s close relationship with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a testament to his love and respect for women.
Oracle Reporters 