Attai Audu, Jos

North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has called on Plateau State government to endeavour the smooth resumption of candidates of their party into the house of Assembly for their legislative activities.

This followed the recent sack of all the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members of in the Plateau State House of Assembly by the Caourt of Appeal and declaring the APC candidates winner of the election, thereby making the APC the majority in the house.

Speaking yesterday in Jos the Plateau State capital at the commencement of the forum’s five days special prayer for the APC to succeed in its current numerous undertakings, endeavours and election cases in court, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said the special prayers cuts across the entire North Central states where their members are,.

The Chairman said they have however specially mobilized the forum’s officials to Plateau to prepare grounds for the home-coming of the APC House of Assembly members from Abuja after receiving their Certificate of Return.

He said being the majority in the house now their legislators ought to come and take over in a grand style, and as such a lot of facilitation is required in order to ensure a hitch-free taking over.

He then called of the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, not to interfere with their resumption, legislative activities or anything that will hamper it, saying that the recent removal of the assembly roof for renovation of the building by the state government could be an act of interference.

Zazzaga said the return of the APC legislators from Abuja to resume legislative activities should not also be met with any resistance or confrontations, adding that the PDP should also call their supporters who have been protesting against the court judgement to order.

He said as Christmas is approaching, it is imperative for the state to remain peaceful, and so the governor should endeavour to ensure the security of the state, and should not allow any political activity, including the house resumption of the APC members, degenerate into violence and disrupt the peace in the state

According to him, their prayers which will round off on Wednesday in Jos with the forum’s last quarter of the year meeting, will also centering on the Supreme Court cases of the APC governors so that they will get victory.

He commended the APC leader in the State, Simon Laong, who himself got victory at the Court of Appeal for the Plateau southern senatorial zone, saying his efforts, doggedness and political strategy has yielded lots of results for the party.

Zazzaga called on other political parties, particularly the PDP, who lost the election cases in the court at both the state and national level to join hands with the APC in order to move the nation forward.

The Chairman also called on President Bola Tinubu to remain focused and continue doing his good works, as his leadership style is unique and will gradually take Nigerians to the ‘promise land’ with a full yield of the dividends of democracy.

Attai Audu, Jos

Plateau state Government says It is working towards providing affordable housing for low, middle and high income earners in the State.

Towards achieving this plan, the state Government said it will partner with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to construct Smart Housing Units in the City centre to ease accommodation problem being faced by Civil Servant in the State.

The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven gave this hint after a meeting with the delegation from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) led by Hauwa Babakobi in Jos.

According to the Commissioner, the construction of Jos Smart Housing Units is a project that is top priority to the State government adding that, this is why the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has engaged FHA in high level discussion to ensure this people oriented project becomes a reality.

Laven also disclosed that the State Government’s representatives
meet with the leader of the delegation of Shelter Afrique Mrs. Elizabeth Ogonegbu, who is the country regional Representative
to help in providing the developer with one digit interest loan.

Shelter Afrique a Pan-African finance institution is exclusively supporting the development of affordable housing and real estate sector in African countries.

The Commissioner added that affordable housing plays a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals and families, foster social stability and contributing to the overall well-being of the people.

He also stressed that the project when completed will curb insecurity, provide employment for the productive unemployed youths that are roaming the streets and as well as encourage communal living.

He added that Housing plays a crucial role in promoting social stability in the society.

Attai Audu, Jos

A member of the National Youth Service Year Corps (NYSC) deployed to Plateau State, Mr. Martins Bassey has built and donated 3 Blocks of classrooms to Jos South Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School at Rangarasang, Rantya in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The classrooms and two offices was constructed at the cost of N6.5 million naira.

The Edifice was unveiled and commissioned by the Deputy Governor of Plateau state, Mrs Josephine Piyo.

Speaking at the occasion, the deputy governor, who was represented by the Ag. Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Universal; Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), Mr. Sunday Samuel Amuna, said the project was part of the vision of those who conceived the idea of a one year mandatory national youth service for graduates of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He said those who had advocated for the scrapping of the scheme would now have a rethink because the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

Amuna said he participated in the scheme in 1990 where he took part in the construction of the Akwa Ibom state secretariat, adding that today Bassey had reciprocated it by building classroom blocks in Plateau.
Amuna said, “Because of the security situation in the country, some people had conceived the idea of abrogating the national youth service scheme, but today we have seen the dividends. NYSC is the only scheme that unites the Nigerian youths from every part of the country and I don’t think that with what Martins has done, any person will think of scrapping it. Today we have every reason to continue with the NYSC scheme”

He described the donor as a visionary leader, whose name will be permanently etched in the history of the commission.

The PSUBEB Secretary recalled that the Corper passed out last year but because of the passion he had for the project, he stayed back to complete it.
He promised to post teachers to the school as well providing chairs in the classrooms.

Chairman Building Committee, Sunday Damboyi, described Martins Bassey as an exemplary youth leader, saying that “God sent him to this community because God knows that our children need a good learning environment. When he came here he saw the need of the only community school, which is a classrooms.

” He made it a duty to leave his name in the footprint of time by erecting this legacy project. It’s not every Corper that can put up a project like this. We will never forget him”

Speaking at the occasion, the Youth Corper, Mr. Martins Bassey said education has always been close to his heart, because accessing education while growing up as a child in a rural community in Akwa Ibom State was a bit difficult for him and. having realized that Education is the only key to unlocking the potential within individuals and building a brighter future for our community, he became an ardent advocate for quality education at the University of Uyo.

” I affirm that it is through education that we can empower our young minds, equip them with knowledge, and nurture their talents and skills.” Bassey stressed.

He pointed out that this moment ,serve reminds one of the work that lies ahead in this Community School and for education in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole. It is my desire that this place will be transformed into a secondary school in the near future.

“Beyond the construction of this physical structure, I call on the Plateau State Government to address the systemic challenges that hinder access to education in this community, such as poverty, gender inequality, lack of teachers and limited resources.”

Highlights of the occasion was the commissioning of the project and taking of group photographs and presentation of gifts to the deserving corps member by the community leaders and other spirited individuals who initiated and completed this project to the community.

Adamawa,Kano Governors Bags Best Performing/ Outstanding Governors Award And Political Personality Of the Year Award.

Audu Jos.

Kano state governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has bagged an Award as the Best Performing Governor of the Year by COA Media while his Kano state counterpart Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf bagged Outstanding Political Personality of the Year Award Sponsored By COA Media.

This event, the 3rd edition of the Nigeria Service Awards took place in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory..

The Award ceremony was held at the National Press Center, Radio House, Abuja.

According to COA Media, the Award ceremony was organised primarily to inspire service for National development as well as to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in their various fields of expertise, like Leadership, Arts, Politics, Civil service, and the society amongst many others.

The event commenced with a grand green carpet entrance, graced by distinguished personalities from various sectors, giving an air of glamour to the occasion.

Attendees waited patiently for the start of the award ceremony, which promised to be an evening of recognition and celebration.

Among the notable recipients of the awards were Hon. Dr. Stephen Maduwa (Ubandoma Michika) from Adamawa State, who was honored as the Man of the Year, 2023.

Others were among others,His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, who bagged the Outstanding Political Personality of the Year Award and as well as His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State, who bagged the Best Performing Governor of the Year.

Other recipients of the award were, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), and Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Talban Minna, Sardaunan Hausa) who were both bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award as well as Engr. Akin Olateru, DG of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), who bagged the Outstanding Public Servant of the Year Award.

The Real Estate Personality of the Year award went to My-ACE China, also known as the Mayor of Housing.

Similarly,Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha, DG of the National Productivity Centre, and Amb. Dr. Musa Muhammad Maitakobi were honored with the Social Impact/Human Capital Development Award.

While in the realm of technology, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the DG of NITDA, was recognized as the ICT Personality of the Year while Debrah Jalmet, CEO of Hometown Media and Founder of the Plateau International Film Festival, received the Film Maker of the Year award.

Other Awardees were Emmanuel Babayaro, also known as the godfather and the President Emmanuel Babayaro Pioneers Football Club received the Grassroot Sport Development Personality of the Year award.

Qaribullah A. Arabi,
Chief Investment Officer at NPF Pension Ltd, was honored with the Humanitarian Service Award, Amb. Chief Obuke Francis Ogbodu (The Othuke 1 of Oleh Kingdom), CEO of Obuke Ogbodu Engineering Nig. Ltd, received the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award, Rita Oyintare Emesim, DCP of Force CID, was recognized as the Peace & Security Personality of the Year while Hajiya Farida Odangi Suleiman (Ginbiya Abuja), Former SSA on Special Duties to the Minister, FCT, Abuja, received the ICON of Woman Empowerment Award.

Barr. Veronica Ndanusa, Executive Director and CEO of Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB), also was honored with the Humanitarian Impact Award and Daniel Johnmark
Asst. Manager/Co-producer
TV Yard Media received the Creativity & Innovation Award

Other Awardees are Hon. Engr. Satomi Ahmed, Sardaunan Jere, Member of the House of Representatives from Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, received the Best House of Representatives Member of the Year award, Bosun Ariyo MFR
CEO/Managing Director
9Town Nigeria Limited, received the CEO of the Year Award.

Speaking at the event, Brigadier General Gusau, the representative of the Chief of army staff expressed sincere appreciation to the organizers of the award ceremony.

He called for the continuous support for the military and emphasized the importance of collective efforts towards nation-building.

He urged Nigerians to remain diligent and committed to service for the overall development of the country.

The 3rd Nigeria Service Award was indeed a resounding success, further solidifying its position as a prestigious platform for recognizing exemplary individuals and Organizations.

The award ceremony was rounded up with a dinner, which saw attendees networked, shared insights, and celebrated the remarkable achievements of the awardees, as well as the collective strides made toward National Development.

Attai Audu, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state on Monday declared opened 2023 NCPC General staff Retreat of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims commission at Crest hotel Jos.

Mutfwang who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Josephine Piyo in his address said the Retreat marks the third general staff Retreat that was organised by the commission under the examplary leadership of Rev Yakubu Pam, the third substantive Executive secretary of NCPC.

The deputy governor of Plateau state Mrs Piyo, said together, they have witnessed the growth and progress of this organization since Pam became executive Secretary of the commission in 2020.

She added that she was particularly delighted to see that this year’s Retreat has been themed ” leadership transformation for strategic productivity which highlights the commission’s commitment to instigate a paradigm shift in their leadership approaches, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and effectiveness.

Mrs Piyo noted that it is through such transformational leadership that “we can create positive change and achieve our goals”

She added that this retreat present to them a unique opportunity to discuss and appreciate the challenges facing the commission.

She expressed her gratitude to Rev Pam the Chief facilitator of this retreat for his unwavering dedication to staff development and encouraged the staff of NCPC to take full advantage of this Retreat by engaging in meaningful discussions, share their insight and experiences and forge connections with their colleagues from the cooperate headquarters in Abuja.

Earlier in his welcome address Rev Yakubu Pam said this year’s Retreat is different and special in terms of content and form

According to him, this Retreat was planned in such a way that every staff should have something tangeble directly or indirectly to take home.

“This is evident from the theme of the Retreat and the topical burning issues to be discussed during the the session”

He said the primary goal of the Retreat is to instigate a paradigm shift in leadership approaches within NCPC, by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and effectiveness.

* Says a better Nigeria Is possible.

Attai Audu, jos

A Youth activist ,Mr Sam Odeh gave the advice in Jos at the maiden national conference on social justice organised by the International Organisation on Peacebuilding and Social Justice (PSJ).

The activist, who is PSJ Programme Manager, said that a better Nigeria was possible if the youths refocused, took their destinies into their own hands, and correct the anomalies bedevilling the nation’s systems.

Odeh who is also the PSJ Youth Ambassadors’ National Coordinator, described youths as tools and agents of change that any nation that wants to advance or progress cannot do away with.

“So youth are actually the nation itself. So this is why we’re holding this programme: to inspire the youth to take responsibility for the change we seek in this nation.

“They should rise in their various communities in different locations and take responsibility for leading the nation and their communities because we are not giving up on Nigeria.

“We’ve seen instances where youth are leaving this country in the name of Japa, saying that nothing can be done in this nation.

“But I’ll tell you, we are a generation of people that are saying no to Japa because we are not living in a nation that is blessed with rich mineral resources more than the countries they are going to.

“If we can inspire youth and educate them on the issues of Nigeria, particularly the wealth of this nation, I tell you, Nigeria will be the greatest nation on earth.

“I want to tell all the youths out there that they should look inward rather than external or outward to the issues of Nigeria.

“Nobody can change the nation except us,” he stated.

The programme manager told the youths that the country was in its present state because their fathers refused to do something about the problem.

According to him, PSJ was mobilising youth across the country to be alert and reinvent a better Nigeria.

PSJ Executive Director, Mr Inuwa Durkwa, said that youths were the social capital of any nation.

According to Durkwa youth were the future of a nation, without which it would not achieve its destiny.

The executive director stated that anyone who wants to transform its system must educate and empower the youth to do it.

“And then, of course, the youth represent the largest portion of the Nigeria demography.

“We are talking about about 75 to 80 per cent of a demography of people that are under the age of 30.

‘What can you do without youth in any case? The elites and the politicians are using them to further plunge the nation into crisis,” he said.

Attai Audu, Jos

Minister of Labour and Productivity Barr Simon Lalong has been told to tender his resignation letter to President Tinubu having received Certificate of return as Senator elect from the INEC Headquarters in Abuja following Court of Appeal Judgement .

Plateau State Southern Senatorial Zone Citizens for Good Governance gave this charge to Lalong through its spokesman Comrade Adams Yarling .

According to Yarling, Plateau former Governor Lalong having received his certificate of return means that he should relinquish the ministerial post at that very moment.

“It is illegal to be a legislator and at the same time holding on to an executive position”.

Yarling argued that what is happening in Lalong’s mind is lack of confidence in the fraudulent judgment he procured with money .

” Lalong is aware plateau people rejected him outrightly including his ward and local government at the polls.
He is imagining how people will welcome him at home with a stolen mandate” .

According to him,Lalong and his desperate political clique invited the masquerade from the shrine, they should dance with the masquerade.” Yarling stressed.

“Plateau people are watching this unprecedented public show of shameless by Lalong and company” Yarling stressed .

Attai Audu, Jos

Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, the immediate past Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jos and Archbishop of the Eccelesiastical Province of Jos has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to organize themselves into a powerful entity towards pushing for accountability in governance in Nigeria.

Kwashi made the call on Saturday in Jos at the maiden national conference on social justice orgarnised by the International Organization for Peace and Justice.

The Cleric who is the immediate past Archbishop of Anglican Communion, Jos Archdiocese noted that the time has come to question the activities of leaders to enhance good governance.

Bishop Kwashi said Nigeria was in dire need of reformers to initiate reforms that would change the lives of Nigerians for the better.

Kwashi stated that the best of a nation is as it treats the poor, the orphans and widows.

He expressed worry that it is mostly the poor in the villages that were beeing killed by bandits and terrorists.

PSJ Executive Director, Mr Inuwa Durkwa on his part stated that addressing the challenges facing the country requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts from government, CSOs civil society Organizations and the private sector.

Durkwa pointed out that the country is facing trials, but stressed that the strength of the country lies in it’s unity, transcending differences and forming a bond that no adversity can break.

A Public Policy and Governance Specialist Hajiya Khadija Abdullahi Iya , who spoke on the role of women and Youths in National building emphasized the need to prepare Children for leadership positions at an early age.

The international Organization for Peace Building and Social Justice is a Non Governmental Organization, established to promote peace building and Social Justice in the Country.

The conference with the theme ” the role of Civil Society Organizations in Transformational leadership and Social Justice” aims at transforming deep rooted narratives that undermines peaceful coexistance through evidence based research and information.

The Keynote speaker and Vice Chancellor University of Mkar Benue State Professor Zacharys Anker Gundu says the country was facing numerous challenges and should be able to address these challenges themselves.

The Programs Manager of the NGO Mr Sam Ode noted that the program is targeting the youths because they are the future of the Country and it is time for them to take responsibility for the needed change the Country is yearning for.Over 200 Youth groups attended the conference

Over 200 Youth groups attended the conference

Attai Audu, Jos

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC is holding its 3rd General Staff Retreat in Jos beginning from the 4th December 2023.

The the third General Staff Retreat is organized by the NCPC under the leadership of the third substantive Executive Secretary of NCPC , Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam since his assumption of office in 2020.

In a statement made available to Saturday Independent, the retreat has its theme: ” Leadership Transformation for Strategic Productivity” .

The executive secretary of the Commission Re Pam said the primary objective of the Retreat is to instigate a paradigm shift in leadership approaches within NCPC and fostering of a culture of innovation, collaboration and effectiveness.

“The retreat seeks to look into key leadership principles and exploring strategies for heightened productivity and to empower participants with the tools needed to navigate the challenge of the dynamic professional landscape” he stressed.

” Some of the topical subjects to be x–rayed in the retreat include: Culture and values of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, wellbeing and work – life balance, spiritual impact of NCPC to Nigerian growth, leadership and innovations, Protocol and Etiquette, amongst others .

The opening ceremony of the General Staff Retreat is to be declared open by His Excellency, Barr.Celeb Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau state on 4th December,2023 at Crest Hotel, Jos while the
the Chairman of the event is General. John Temlong , while the guest speaker is Prof. Danny McCain.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam is the Chief Facilitator of the the General Staff Retreat.

Rev Pam enjoins all staff to ensure effective participation at the retreat.

Every member of staff is in the nine syndicate group through the retreat planning committee.

According to the NCPC boss, ” this 2023 staff retreat would be participatory and will be different from the previous years.

” This is what informed the rich content of this year’s retreat “, he said.

The retreat will also afford all staff the opportunity to discuss and appreciate the challenges facing the Commission and also bond with one another and be in a good stead to achieve excellent service delivery and be able to advance the cause of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.

The retreat will commence on 3rd December and would run through 7th December, 2023.

All NCPC staff from the corporate headquarters and the six zonal offices across the six geo-political zones were expected to be part and parcel of the retreat.

The Executive Secretary, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam, wishes all the staff well as they travel from their different locations to Jos, the “Home of Peace and Tourism” for the 3rd annual General Staff Retreat.

Okwuta Audu, Jos

Former Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party and Member House of Representatives,Mr Emmanuel Ibeshi has urged Nigerian youths to learn skills that will make them to be self reliant and stop depending on politicians if they want to keep their integrity and self-worth intact.

Ibeshi, a former member of House of Representatives, gave this advice on Friday Jos at a maiden National Conference on social Justice ( PSJ) .

The Jos Summit is with a theme: The role of civil society organizations in transformational leadership and social Justice.

The summit which had in attendance Youth leaders from across the states of the federation was organised by International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJ).

The former publicity secretary of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) told the youths numbering over 112 talented youths that.
they should not make themselves willing tools to be used for negative purposes by politicians as a result of their idleness and poverty.

Ibeshi in paper titled “The Role of Youths in Transformational Politics” stated that by empowering themselves with skills and financial resources they would have a voice and vision of their own.

The facilitator pointed out that with financial freedom, youth could make their impact felt in the political space without denigrating themselves before politicians for pittance.

He charged Nigerian Youths to put on a new lens through which they must see themselves, their worth, their peculiar advantage and their unique contribution in the political space.

“In fact, the Nigerian youth is the back upon which all political actors ride. Truth is, the Nigerian society as is, thrives because the youth is ignorant of his worth and has not placed the right value upon himself.

“The youth is unaware of his enormous potential. Because of his ignorance, the executive exploits him. Because of his ignorance the legislature exploits him.

“Because of his ignorance the judiciary exploits him, yet the youth is the proverbial table upon which the political actors place their meals.

“The Nigerian youth must recognize the enormous role he plays in transformation and place a premium on his contribution.

“The more upright he is, the easier it is for him to market and sell his worth. The perception of his integrity quotient or character deficiency is what places a premium on his worth,’’ said.

The former federal lawmaker further advised Youths to map out clearly identified and well-thought-out transformative issues for which to impact society through specific outcomes.

He urged them to engage in various forms of civic and social actions as volunteering, campaigning, organizing, mobilizing, peacefully protesting, or advocating for causes or issues that they care about.

According to him, such actions could help the youth express their opinions, values and identities to raise awareness and influence public opinion to hold authorities accountable and to create positive change and impact in their communities and societies.

Ibeshi pointed out that the connection between youth involvement and the legitimacy of government speaks to the potential impact of active participation on a broader political landscape.

On his part, PSJ Executive Director, Ishaya Durkwa in his remarks, hinted that Nigeria is blessed with competent Youths capable of leading the country out of its leadership quagmire.

Drukwa urged the youths to refocus and be intentional in their quest to acquire and dispense good governance for the country.

“A good Nigeria is possible and that is the ideology we want inculcate into our youths.

“We are letting them know that knowledge is power, and that a people cannot rise above their knowledge. And there is an adage that people perish because of lack of knowledge.

“The massive corruption and other vices in the nation is akin to the fact that there is deficit of knowledge.

“We are identifying the issues in order to change the narrative and to change the happenings in our nation, we must mobilize youths across the nation and beyond to give the right knowledge and understanding.

“With this knowledge, they can go to their communities and begin to create awareness in a heathy way, in a non-threatening way and eventually we be able to change the narrative,’’ he said