The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has enjoined intending pilgrims of FCT to ensure they uphold Nigeria and the leaders in prayer while in the Holy land, in view of the current challenges facing the country.
He made this disclosure in Abuja during the screening exercise conducted by the NCPC officials for the intending pilgrims of FCT at the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Bishop Adegbite who spoke through the Federal Commissioner representing North Central on the Board of the Commission, Rev Dr Simon Dolly also urged the pilgrims to shun all vices capable of tarnishing the image of the country in the Holy land.
“Seek for prayers and not pleasure, continue to pray for peaceful co-existence of the nation while in the Holy land”, he said.
Earlier, the Acting Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs Rehila Isa-Baita explained that all mechanisms have been put in place for a hitch free Pilgrimage exercise, she urged the pilgrims to be orderly, keep to all rules and pray fervently for a better nation.
She commended both Ministers of the FCT – Barr.Nyesom Wike and the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmud for the efforts put in place to make the forthcoming Pilgrimage exercise a success.
The Acting Director cautioned the intending pilgrims against abscondment, she urged them to adhere to all medical advice in order to prevent any form of health challenges in the holy land.
About 350 intending pilgrims of FCT were screened preparatory for the forthcoming NCPC Pilgrimage exercise slated to commence in May, 20024.
North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has called on Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and the nine house of assembly members of the APC who were sworn in on Thursday by the Speaker to ensure a harmonious working relationship.
The forum in a statement yesterday to newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital said for the progress, peace and tranquility of the state and the North Central region by extension, there should be no rift between the legislature and the executive.
The statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, and Secretary, Sani Muhammed Kogi, said all the happenings before, during and after the Appeal Court judgement which declared the APC candidates the the winner of the election as against their PDP counterparts should be put aside to give way for the smooth operations and running of governance.
Similarly, it said, if there are issues before, during and in the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgement which upheld governor Mutfwang’s election, that will affect governance from any quarter, it should be done away with so that the people can enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“There will be no smooth running of governance and by extension development in any state if the executive and legislative arm of government are not working together harmoniously.
“That is why we are calling on the newly sworn-in nine APC members out of the 16 members to ensure that they work harmoniously with Governor Caleb Mutfwang who is of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to work together for the peace, stability and development of Plateau State, and the North Central by extension.
“We are calling on the speaker to also expedite the swearing in of the remaining members so that legislative activities can continue at once. And as we await the swearing in of the others members, we call on those sworn in, as well as the leadership of the house to desist from acts that would lead to friction among themselves or between the house and the governor.
“Plateau State is faced with a lot of security and economic challenges over the years that requires urgent attention and resolution, and it will not be proper to have the state thrown into another political crisis. In fact political crisis on its own is a speedy agent of destabilization and backwardness, and it is proper that good care is taken to avoid it
“We are calling on the members to be diligent in their legislative activities and not to allow any outside influence to push them against one another or against the executive unnecessarily. That will not be proper and it will only breed chaos and instability. They can checkmate the governor/government to perform their executive duties well without necessarily having friction or engaging in witch-hunting acts.
“Equally, we are calling on governor, Caleb Mutfwang, not to engage in acts capable of hindering the full resumption of legislative activities of the APC members, or to listen to advice from any quarter against the interest of the APC members.
“Recalled that since December last year the North Central APC Forum has been on ground working hard to ensure a hitch-free resumption of the party’s legislators and to tackle any hindrance to the resumption of the APC legislators.
“Our efforts and activities on this has been widely reported in the media since last December, and we are glad that are begining to have some result. So, nothing should be done to truncate this process that has already commenced” the statement partly read.
The statement further called on all the political actors in the state to remain calm and work towards political stability of the state, rather that engaging in acts capable of overheating the polity and cause disaffection, disunity and rancour.
The people of Halle District of Mangu LGA of Plateau state have taken to the streets of Halle over moves by Mangu Monarch Mishkaham Mwaghavul to impose a district Head from, Mangu Tuluwurang Clan on them. The protesters who carried several banners with inscriptions such as ” Mangu is not the same as Halle” No imposition of District Head from Mangu District on Halle people, etc.
Spokesman of the group Umar Obadiah, in an interview, told newsmen that the history of Tuluwurang in the Mangu district is built around Mwansat while the history of Halle district is built around Ding’an/Daham. The present mishkaham mwaghavul happens to be a member of the Tuluwurang ruling clan in the Mangu district.
Mangu and Halle are two different entities with their different histories .
According to Obadiah, in 1988 a panel was set up by Plateau Goverment to look into issue of Chieftaincy stools in the state and by 1990 to 1992 the report of the panel was released and in that report only Four ruling Houses were recommended for Halle district from where a district Head of Halle could emerge.
He added that a Halle Man during the era of Joshua Dariye as Plateau governor was given form one to act as District Head of Halle before Jang who took over from Dariye abrogated all the new chiedom and district areas that he met on the ground in the state.
Obadiah said Mangu Monarch and chairman of the LGA traditional council should be a father to all rather than working behind the scene to impose one of his own from Tuluwurang Clan as the new District Head of Halle District of Mangu LGA of Plateau state.
He added that going by the report of the Panel in 1992, Only 4 running Houses of Ngar, Nshu, Mwantu, and Jivum were recommended to appoint one of their own as Halle district Head/ Mishkaham.
He added that the report of the panel, which was published in 1992 on Halle, is in possession of Mangu LGA and Plateau state government and has been gazetted. He wondered why some persons who are members of Tuluwurang Clan of Mangu District and not from Halle District and not also from any of the ruling Houses are agitating for the office of district Head of Halle under the watchful eyes of Mangu LGA monarch Da John P Hirse.He alleged.
He vowed that Halle people would continue to struggle for what rightfully belonged to them legally until the right thing is done.
Prophet Dr. Isa Elbuba, the General Overseer of El-Buba Outreach Ministries International (EBOMI) and Convener of Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) has celebrated his 42nd Spiritual Birthday on Thursday in a grand celebration held at the EBOMI prayer temple and Towers Jos.
The event, which also served as a platform to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to his 42-years spiritual journey in the Christian Faith.
Special guests, religious leaders, traditional rulers and members of the community also attended the event.
Speaking at the event,Prophet El-buba expressed his gratitude and appreciation to those who have supported and uplifted him throughout his spiritual journey.
He emphasized on the importance of honoring those who have made eternal impacts and investments in his life, describing the awards as a token of his appreciation.
“The awardees are notable for making my 42 years walk in the Christian Faith easier. My joy and gladness are to see the redemption of humanity and to honor the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords in my life and my family,” Prophet Dr. Isa Elbuba remarked.
The awards, according to him, are in line with his mandate of supporting leaders and political office holders.
Notable among the awardees were late Baba Paul Gindiri a posthumous golden award, Rev. Dr. Steve Dangana, former Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Dcn Udom Emmanuel, Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Kefas Agbu, and Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang among others
In addition to the awards, scholarships were presented to over 40 students from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State, drawn from various higher institutions.
Cheques of various sums were presented to the students to support their educational pursuits.
On his part The plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Architect Samuel Nanchang Jatau, commended Prophet Dr. Isa El-buba for his commitment to unity, love, and peace.
He made a donation of 5 million Naira to support the initiatives of the EBOMI and IBBN.
Former Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Dcn Udom Emmanuel, and the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, also sent messages of support for the IBBN foundation.
They acknowledged the immense inspiration and work of Prophet Dr. Isa Elbuba in defending the faith for over four decades, not only in Nigeria but also beyond its borders.
The celebration was enriched with soul-stirring music ministrations from renowned gospel artists such as Minister Solomon Lange, Minister Ezra Jinang, and other anointed ministers of God who added spiritual dimension to the joyous occasion.
The Coalition For Peter Obi (CPO) and stakeholders In Obidient movement have expressed unwavering dedication to the vision of rebuilding Nigeria with Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed Presidency if voted into power . . The ten Coalition groups led by CLO Liason of Peter Obi Coalition Pamson Dangyang and Haruna Maidoki Chairman Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria in a statement issued in Jos and made available to Oracle Reporters on Wednesday,said following the online meeting of the Obidient on March 21, 2024, the Coalitions respectfully and strongly want to urge the Labour Party National Working Committee to ensure the unimpeded inclusion of all willing and committed members in the upcoming congresses of the party.
According to them, to achieve this goal, they commended that the congresses of the party should commence from the grassroots level, starting from wards and ,progressing to the Local Government Areas (LGAs), and culminating at the state level.
“We believe that this strategic approach will empower party members to actively participate in the selection of their representatives .
According to them, what they need is a collective and inclusive approach to decision-making processes.
They also recommends that Screening and Electoral Committees be set up with clear mandates, and their details made public.
According to them, this approach would enhance transparency andaccountability,which are the credibility of the electoral
They advocated for a platform where every member can voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the party’s future.
According to them,Inclusivity and grassroots engagement are vital for the party’s strength and progress towards shared goals
They called on the the National Chairman of the party Julius Abure to take a look at the recommendations of the Coalitions for Peter Obi Movement, which they’ believe would benefit the Labour Party.
” We look forward to positive reforms that will strengthen the party’s internal democracy and advance its course” the Coalitions for Peter Obi stressed.
The plateau state university Bokkos academic staff union has called on Plateau state government to allow the dissolution of the governing council and the removal of the vice Chancellor of the state university professor Mallau Bernard Matur to follow due process.
The university ASUU chairman Dr Monday Hassan Zitta and Secretary comrade Deme S. Bitrus in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Jos said while the union is pleased with the effort of the state government in resolving the crisis in the university leading to the suspension of the strike action and the resumption of academic activities in the university, the union disapproves the manner in which the state government has acted in violation of the extant laws governing the university .
The duo recalled that by the time this decision was taken, the union was embroiled in an industrial disharmony with the management council and government over the failure to honour the agreement that was signed in 2022.
Rather than address the main substance of the agreement so that the strike action could be suspended promptly, the former management and council expended their time and efforts including resources in breaking the union through the adoption of divide and rule tactics, propaganda, victimization and intimidation including threats against the members of the union.
They added that Some key goverment officials had to intervene in the negotiation as the then vice Chancellor Matur, the governing council had suppressed and treated academic staff with non chalant attitude while vital information regarding the demands of the union were hidden from the visitor to the university which was responding for the strike.
While the union condemned the action of the individuals holding these offices, the union still holds in high esteem the laws protecting these offices from undue interference .
According to them, the state government has graciously and courageously taken the responsibility of fulfilling some of the issues in the agreement that was signed by the past administration .
“We wish to categorically state that without due respect to the laws governing the university, no matter how noble the intentions are such action will automately relegate the university to mere political and not an academic Institution”.
They agreed that even though the action of the state government was aimed at resolving the crisis in the university, the option of following the due process was jettisoned.
It was gathering of God’s Champions as thousands of Christian faithfuls gathered at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos, Plateau State Capital on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, for the Light Up Plateau Crusade organized by the Redeemed Church of God (RCCG), REGION 8.
At the event,Evangelist Danjuma Fwanji delivered a powerful sermon, urging Christians to rededicate their lives to God and reclaim their role as bearers of light.
Drawing inspiration from Genesis 1:1 and Matthew 5:14, Evangelist Fwanji emphasized on the significance of light, citing its association with holiness, goodness, knowledge, and insight.
He reminded the gathering of God’s people that God in the beginning, saw it fit to create light, making it an essential element in the universe.
Fwanji highlighted the impact of sin on humanity, which dimmed the light that was created by God.
However, he emphasized that the advent of Christ brought a second light, symbolizing redemption and restoration. He urged Christians to be grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, which reinstated the light in their lives.
The evangelist lamented the lack of light in Nigeria, attributing it to the myriad of challenges faced by Nigerians, including insecurity and corruption. He called on Christians to embody the light of God in their actions, both within the church and in their daily lives, as a beacon of hope and righteousness.
Pastor C. T Oni, the Regional Overseer of RCCG Region 8,on his part, echoed Evangelist Fwanji’s sentiments, urging attendees to take the word of God seriously and make the gathering a transformative experience.
He emphasized on the importance of each individual’s role in God’s plan and encouraged them to embrace the message of redemption.
While reinforcing the call to reconnect with God, Pastor John Sam Tayo, the Regional Youth Pastor, urged Christians to turn away from sin and accept the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. He urged them to embrace the opportunity for spiritual renewal and transformation.
The one day light up Plateau crusade also featured a prayer session which was led by Rev Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, the PFN Plateau State Chairman, for the restoration of Plateau State, as well as uplifting musical performances and worship sessions that filled the atmosphere with reverence and devotion of Gods people who turned up for the event.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has been called upon to decamp from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) so that his good works and value can be more appreciated.
The call was made on Wednesday by the North Central APC Forum in Jos the Plateau State capital during their first quarter of the year meeting to review the state of the party in the region as well as the economic and security situation of the region.
Speaking at the meeting, the APC Forum Chairman, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, commended the governor for working with all and sundry in the state in his quest to advance the state, saying that his developmental strides so far, his approach to stimulating peace and tranquility and his meek nature is encouraging.
Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election however stressed that for a robust a robust achievement of the governor’s agenda and the development of Plateau State, the governor should decamp to the APC.
He said the governor’s decamping would not amount to relegating his former party to the background, but will rather strengthening him to develop Plateau, saying that Nyesom Wike is a good example of someone who seeks development for his people and the nation using any vital and handy platform or party.
“Governor Caleb Mutfwang has so far shown that he is a progressive governor through his works, words and deeds since assuming office. But for him to advance more, he should consider joining the APC.
“This is because joining the APC will put him on the same page with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu who has the interest of Plateau in his heart and has been doing his best to advance it.
“Besides, Governor Mutfwang will be on the same page with his other counterparts in the North Central who are of the APC, and together they will have a common ground and work for the interest and development of the region in general and their specific states in particular.
“Also, most of the legislators from the state are in APC, and they can work hand-in-hand to move the state forward, because the relationship between the executive and the legislature cannot be overemphasized in the pursuance of progress and development.
“So, if governor Mutfwang joins the APC his value will be better appreciated and his good intentions and works would yield result more rapidly,” he said.
He further explained that after the Supreme Court judgement which upheld the election of Governor Mutfwang, his spirit of sportsmanship and magnanimity in victory is not in doubt, but he can do more by drawing his other contenders closer so that they can all put their hands on deck to move Plateau State forward.
The APC Forum Chairman said Plateau State has several development challenges and security situations that requires the coming together of all the stakeholders irrespective of political parties or ethno-religious differences.
So, he said, Mutfwang should put framework in place that will seamlessly relate with his contenders at the polls, especially Nentawe Yilwatda of the APC and Dr Patrick Dakum of the Labour Party, because they are both embodiment of knowledge too and their wealth of knowledge is needed for the progress of the state.
He urged the governor to continue seeking the wise counsel of people like former governor and senator Joshua Dariye, Jonah Jang, Jeremiah Useni, Simon Lalong, among others, because their guidance and advice is also vital for the growth of the state.
Zazzaga also called on all his party (the APC) leaders, members and supporters to join hands with the governor as he initiates, plan and executes policies that will uplift the state and bring the dividends of democracy to the people.
In a show of Love,unity and support, political appointees and leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State on Tuesday gathered at the New Government House Little Rayfield to celebrate the 59th birthday of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whom they described as amiable and industrious Governor..
The Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Josephine Piyo, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, especially in the face of the state’s developmental challenges.
She offered prayers for his continued wisdom, health, and longevity to foster growth and prosperity in Plateau.
Arc. Samuel Jatau, Secretary to the Government of the State and Engr. Jeremiah Satmark, Chief of State Government House on their part , commended the Governor for his exemplary service and support to all political appointees. This, they said, has enabled them to effectively contribute to the state’s advancement.
PDP Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan at the event, reflected on the party’s decision to endorse Governor Mutfwang for the gubernatorial race, and expressed confidence in the positive changes that are on the way and prayed for divine support for the Governor’s continued leadership and governance.
Justice Blessing Lyop Dalyop, President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Jos, acknowledged the significant achievements made under Governor Mutfwang’s administration and prayed for divine guidance to ensure success throughout his tenure.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, represented by Hon. Musa Ajiji Madaki, extended warm birthday wishes to the Governor on behalf of the legislature, expressing optimism for his leadership.
Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam delivered an inspiring message, highlighting Governor Mutfwang’s divine preparation for his role and praying for the fulfillment of God’s purpose in his life.
Hon. Hamisu Anani, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON)on his part,expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state and pledged continued support to advance Plateau’s development.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang expressed his appreciation for the celebratory gestures and reaffirmed his commitment to leading Plateau to greater heights, especially in the areas of security, unity, and prosperity for its citizens.
The event was rounded up with prayers for the Governor’s life preservation and protection which was , led by religious leaders including the COCIN President and the Chaplain of the Chapel of Grace, Government House Jos among others
The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Bishop Stephen Adegbite has said it is a new dawn and a new beginning for NCPC and Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.
He made the disclosure during his first strategic meeting with the states Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers at the NCPC Corporate headquarters, Abuja.
According to him,” as we begin our journey together, it is a new dawn; a new beginning”.
He explained that the stakeholders must see themselves as partners in progress with the Commission.
Bishop Adegbite described the states Pilgrimage Leaders as major stakeholders of the Commission as such are expected to play pivotal role in the advancement of Christian Pilgrimage in their various states and Nigeria as a whole.
He added, ” nobody can toil with your group”.
He urged them to see pilgrimage as a passion and not a jamboree.
His words:” every year I go on pilgrimage something new must happen, therefore let us see pilgrimage exercise as a passion and there is reward for it”.
The NCPC helmsman affirmed that Nigeria is passing through challenges just like every other nation. But he urged them to continue to pray that the Lord would heal our land.
He further urged them to rebuild the confidence in themselves because time is of the essence and life itself is ephemeral.
He thanked them for the sacrifices they have made in the past and the ones they would make in the future.
He assured them that he would operate with honesty and integrity and every one would be carried along.
According to the NCPC boss,” together we will move Nigeria forward and we will change the narrative”.
Bishop Adegbite hinted that the Commission would soon advertise its expression of interest in both local and international print media for prospective service providers to bid for the 2024 pilgrimage exercise
.According to him”, it is no longer going to be business as usual, but business unusual ,as openness and sincerity would be the hallmark of his leadership.
He reiterated that due process would be followed religiously under his watch .
His words, ” I am not going to indulge in illegality’.
Speaking, the Chairman of Conference of States which comprises Chairmen and Secretaries of states Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Rev Isaiah Magaji congratulated Bishop Adegbite on behalf of his colleagues for a well deserved appointment by President Bola TInubu as the 4th substantive Executive Secretary of the Commission.
In the words of Rev Magaji, ” we always try by all means to carry each other along”.He said,” carrying us along in every activity of the Commission counts a lot”.
He assured the NCPC boss of their maximum cooperation.
He further solicited the assistance of the NCPC boss in reaching out to their state governors on sensitization drive as this would help in leveraging their efforts in their various states.
Oracle Reporters 