Attai Audu, Jos

Plateau state Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs Comrade Ephraim Usman has charged Local Chairmen, DPMs and DFS of the Local Goverment Areas of his state to treat leveraging the digital economy at the Local Goverment level as not just a choice ,but as a necessity in ensuring economic growth that is sustainable in the long run.

The Plateau Commissioner gave this advise at the opening ceremony of a workshop on leveraging the digital economy to diversify revenue and stimulate economic growth at the Local Goverment level for Chairmen,DPMS, and DFS in the 17 LGAs of his state held at Elliel Event Centre in Jos, the Plateau state capital.

According to him, leveraging the digital economy at the local government level is about future proofing of our communities and fostering innovation.

He charged the LG workshop participants to embrace this digital transformation as a collective effort towards ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a more prosperous and connected future which is in line with Governor of Plateau state Barr Caleb Mutfwang’s agenda of ” The time is now”.
He noted that this era is dominated by technological advancements, saying” it is imperative for us for our local governments to embrace the digital frontier and by so doing,we can ,we open doors to new opportunities, innovation, and economic resilience”

He said harnessing the digital economy involves investing in digital infrastructure and connectivity, seamless access to the internet and technology which enables local businesses to thrive and reach wider markets , saying, it empowers entrepreneurs create a vibrant eco system for commerce among other things.

Earlier, the CEO of Bodmos Media Mr Bot Moses Dung in his address of welcome said the essence of this workshop is to come up with ways the local government Councils could generate revenues within the local government Councils without depending on the monthly subvention from the federal allocation account.
He also added that the workshop covers advanced editing, Photography and cenematography for LG Information Officers towards preparing them to get digital touch in information Dissemination Within their local government areas of assignment.
He added that the workshop is also meant to show case the tourism potential s of Plateau state among others to the outside world .

Usman charged the management of the Local government Councils in his state to invest in human capital to drive their initiatives forward.

The state Secretary to Goverment Arch Samuel Nachang Jatau who Declared the workshop opened, charged the workshop participants to know that digital platforms provides avenues for skill development and education.
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He stressed that empowering their citizens with digital literacy opens doors to new job opportunities and entrepreneurship .

Attai Audu, Jos

A political pressure group from Central Senatorial District of Plateau state, Kanam Progressive Youth has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider Prof. Saleh Mohammed Galadima Kanam as a possible replacement for former Governor Simon Lalong as minister should the latter decide to resign his position and move to National Assembly.

This agitation came on the heels of Labour Minister Lalong and Employment recently been confirmed as the duly elected Senator for Plateau South senatorial zone by the Court of Appeal.

The minister, few days ago had gone INEC to Pick his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fuelling speculations that he might be preferring Senatorial position against his present position of a minister.

Addressing newsmen in Jos, Plateau State on Wednesday, the Chairman of the group, Ali Abdullahi and Secretary, Buhari Zakari said that though they were not oblivious that Lalong currently represent the state in the federal executive council, “but having reclaimed his mandate in the Election Petitions Tribunal and confirmed by the Court of Appeal as the duly elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial district, in the event he relinquishes his position as minister, it will present an opportunity for the party to reward hard work, commitment and party loyalty by recommending a worthy replacement.”

The group said they were presenting Professor Kanam as eminently qualified to fill any eventual vacancy and add value to the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Prof. SMG Kanam is an erudite Professor of law who is equipped with the repertoire of knowledge, skills and experience to be a minister and member of the Federal Executive Council in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cabinet.

“He’s one the APC’s finest in the state who has a track record of excellence in service, doggedness, capacity and administrative acumen to deliver if given the opportunity as a minister. He’s detribalised Nigerian whose personality is synonymous to discipline, decorum, candor and stamina and a staunch supporter of APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Prof. Saleh Mohammed Galadima Kanam’s pedigree in academics and contributions to the political struggle over the years cannot be hidden within Plateau state political space. He contested and won election into the office of the Chairman of Kanam local government in 2008 to 2011 where his scorecard in office has endeared him in the minds of the people and earned respect and popularity within the state and beyond.

“As a progressive, his political radiation and dexterity became manifest in the manner he pursued his Senatorial campaign to represent Plateau Central zone in 2011 with vigour. As member of the governing board of the HydroPower Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) from 2020 to 2023, his antecedents and footprints are massive and commendable.” the group added.

Dear Couples,

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Egg donation is a unique and compassionate choice, offering renewed hope and the prospect of fulfilling your dreams of having children. Countless couples have embraced this journey, experiencing the profound joy of parenthood that comes with the support of generous egg donors.

I encourage you to explore this option with an open heart, knowing that the decision to accept the gift of egg donation is a powerful step toward the family you’ve always envisioned. As your dedicated fertility specialist, working with the incredible team at ALPS Hospitals & Diagnostics , I am here to guide you through this process, offering support, expertise, and the assurance that the journey ahead is filled with hope and the promise of a loving family.

Warm regards,
Dr. Kenneth Egwuda
Fertility Expert | IVF Specialist

*Returns from Abuja to Jos for a Rousing Reception By Party Faithfuls.

By Attai Audu, Jos

Plateau citizens on Saturday turned out en masse to receive Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang at the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang, who returned into the state one week after the verdict of the Court of Appeal that nullified his overwhelming mandate, freely given by citizens during the March 18, 2023 Governorship election.

The mammoth crowd converged at the Airport and other strategic locations in Jos,and reaffirmed their total support to the people’s Governor and expressed confidence in the Supreme Court for fairness and justice.

Barr. Caleb Mutfwang had polled a total of 525,299 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda who scored 481,370 votes.

His victory was reaffirmed at the election tribunal but a panel of the Court of Appeal nullified it.

Governor Mutfwang while addressing newsmen at Yakubu Gowon Airport at Heipang near Jos , Mutfwang described whatever happened at Court of Appeal as a temporary set back and reassured the people that God will restore the mandate.

He said, “I am excited to be back home, I feel so loved by the people and I have come to say thank you to Plateau people. I have come back home to say thank you to the good people of Plateau State for their prayers, for standing with us. I want to also thank our friends across Nigeria and across the world who have stood with us, they have shown interest in what is happening on the Plateau and I want to say a very big thank you.

“I want to assure you that we began this project with God on our side and I want to assure you that God is still on our side and that by his grace, Plateau people will smile, by his grace, Plateau people will rejoice. For we bear no grudges against anyone and we are confidence in the judiciary despite all that has happened. God who control the hearts of men is going to ensure that what will bring joy to the people of Plateau State is done.

“I therefore encourage you to stay steadfast in prayer, there is no need for evil talk, we will not reply those who mean evil for us. We will continue to encourage our people to remain calm. This is our land, we will not allow anybody to destroy it, therefore we must stay together.”

He continued “There are people who are not happy with our unity. I want to plead with the people of Plateau that let us stay together. Iam proud and excited that you have made me your leader. I am proud of all Plateau people. Across the divides of faith, I have seen Muslims raise up in our defense, I have seen Christians raise up in our defence. I have seen elders, I have seen women and I have seen youths and I say this is the Plateau direction we want to go.

“I therefore, urge us to remain united, peaceful. Every journey from bondage to freedom has hiccups and there are many huddles we must cross, and whatever we have experienced so far is a temporary huddle and by the grace of God we will reach the promise land.” He stated.

* I PRESENTED IT FOR KEEPS IN NATIONAL MUSEUM

*TO TREK FROM JOS TO LAGOS FOR SYMBOLIC PRESENTATION

By Attai Audu, Jos

Aliyu Abdullahi Obobo who rode a bicycle from Jos, Plateau State, to Saudi Arabia between February 2021 to December 2022 had said he has no regret for turning down the 200,000 Riyal (about N40 million) offered for the bicycle in Saudi Arabia.

He said preferred the bicycle to be kept in Nigerian museum as a national monument for the unborn children to grow up and connect with the history, and to also be able to see the bicycle that was used to make the history.

Therefore, he said, he decided to rather have the bicycle kept and to hand it over to the winner of the February 2023 Nigerian Presidential election for onward deposit in the museum.

Obobo who hailed from Nassarawa State however noted that he has received many praises, well wishes and warm welcome from people for his feat, and that it was at such function in Saudi Arabia that one Egyptian pilgrim offered to pay him 200,000 Riyal for the bicycle.Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel.

Addressing newsmen on Wednessday in Jos, he said bringing the bicycle back to Nigeria to be kept in the museum is as a result of his deep patriotism and love for his country, adding that his reason for the pilgrimage was for spiritual fulfilment and not for monetary gains.

He further explained that he will be embarking on foot from Jos to Lagos to commence the process of handing over the motorcycle to the Nigerian government for onward keep in the museum. According to him, the take of time is 3pm this Friday from 1st Gate in Dadinkowa area of Jos South.

Obobo said upon his arrival to Nigeria from the Holy Land and hosting in Lagos, the bicycle was then left in custody of Chairman of Kosofe local government area, Moyosore Ogunlewe.

He thanked the Lagos State officials and the Hausa community in Lagos for playing crusial role in his home-coming, adding that upon his arrival in Lagos he will liaise with the leaders for further activities.

Explaining why he embarked on the journey from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia with bicycle, he said it was out of his love for the Islamic faith, the Holy Prophet (Mohammed) and his desire to perform the pilgrimage in his lifetime, but that he could not afford the fare and other expenses involved.

He said he traversed three countries before arriving Saudi Arabia, namely Niger, Chad and Sudan, adding that he did not initially had visa to Saudi Arabia and that he had so stay in Sudan for some months to get his visa fixed for him by the Nigerian ambassador to Sudan before proceeding.

Obobo said his pilgrimage eventually turned much more eventful and fulfilling, even more than many privileged people who went with ease, because the news of his adventure got him a hero’s welcome and as a result he got a special treatment and went to wherever he needed to go to in Saudi Arabia and during the course of the pilgrimage.

He said on during his journey, he came across many wild animals but God protected him, and that he equally came across Boko Haram but they did not harm him.

He said members of the Boko Haram said they heard about his adventure in the news, and only requested water from him, after which they directed him on the right path to follow.

Attai Audu, Jos

Academic Staff Union of Plateau state University, Bokkos has cried out to the university’s stakeholders and the general public of the discriminatory and unlawful policy adopted by the university Management in the payment of October last month Salary to it’s workforce .

PLASU- ASUU Chairman and Secretary Dr Monday Hassan Zitta and Deme Bitrus in a press statement issued to newsmen in Jos on Wednesday and made available to Oracle Reporters, said It has come to their attention that the October salaries were disbursed selectively, with non-academic staff receiving their salaries while academic staff were excluded.

“This discriminatory approach adopted by the management raises concern about the university’s commitment to fair labour practices and the general welfare of its academic workforce”

They stated unequivocally that the management’s action runs contrary to Section 17(3) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which prohibits discrimination of Staff on any ground in the workplace and that citizens of Nigeria must not be subjected to any form of deprivation.

According to them, the University’s Management action is a flagrant disobedience and disrespect of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the extant Labours Act in Nigeria.

“This action is dangerous to our democracy and the rule of law and portends a bad example of a labour/management relationship if not quickly addressed.” they warned.

Press Release

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS,
PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER,
KALWA HOUSE,
YAKUBU GOWON WAY,
JOS.

19th November 2023

Following the victory of the Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, the APC gubernatorial candidate at the Court of Appeal Tribunal in Abuja today, the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has called on all its members to celebrate the victory with utmost modesty and decorum.

The Appeal Court had in a unanimous judgement this afternoon, nullified the election of the the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang mainly over the PDP’s LACK OF STRUCTURE and non adherence of Court Orders.

The Chairman of the APC in Plateau state, Hon. Rufus Bature who is highly elated by the Appeal Court’s ruling in favour of its party’s candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, appealed to members and supporters of the APC in Plateau state to remain calm and refrain from any provocative acts that would affect the peace and tranquility of our beloved state.

According to the party Chairman, though the APC has emerged victorious after a lot of patience and respect for the sanctity of the Courts where it painstakingly appealed against the ruling if the first tribunal, the party is appealing to the PDP to call on its supporters to accept their loss in good faith and call on its members not to embark on anything that will lead to the breach of peace in the State.

According to the chairman, there is no victor and no vanquished as Plateau state and its people remain brothers and sisters who should work for the common good of the state.

The acrimony and disaffection which prevailed in the wake of appeals should be put behind us as Plateau state was reduced to a laughing stock which is most regrettable as our people are reputed to be peaceful and accommodating hence its being referred to as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

Hon Rufus called on security agencies in the state to be on red alert and vigilant to avert any acts of break down of law and order.

Hon. Rufus Bature commended the Court of Appeal Court Judges for their meticulous, impartial and very professional handling of the Appeal.

He congratulated its gubernatorial,. candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda and his Deputy, Hon. Pam Bot Mang over their well- deserved Victory and commended their patience, tolerance and statesmanly disposition while the trials lasted.

He urged them to be magnanimous in victory and work earnestly towards uniting the state and its people regardless of religious or ethno- sectional considerations.

Signed:

Hon Sylvanus Namang,
APC State Publicity Secretary

Attai Audu, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has strongly condemned the baseless and defamatory allegations circulated by certain individuals, accusing judges of receiving a $5 million bribe for the nullification of his victory.

In an official statement released in Jos on Friday to newsmen and a copy made available to Oracle Reporters, Governor Mutfwang vehemently condemned the publication and attributed it to the deliberate actions of his detractors aimed at sowing discord between him and the esteemed judges and other constituted authorities.

Expressing his deep concern over the matter, Governor Mutfwang demanded for thorough investigations by security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the libelous publication.

He emphasized the need to ensure that these individuals face the full consequences of the law with a view to setting a precedence that discourages similar misconduct.

Governor Mutfwang unequivocally distanced himself from the false narrative, dismissing it as mere fabrications crafted by individuals who are being manipulated as pawns by the opposition party in Plateau State.

Governor Mutfwang noted that the latest move is an attempt to tarnish the image of the PDP Government in the state, and pointed out that such malicious actions will not deter his commitment and confidence in the Judiciary.

Reaffirming his unwavering support for the judiciary, Governor Mutfwang warned those disparaging the justices and respected leaders, to desist from their destructive activities immediately or face the severe consequences of their actions.

Attai Audu, Jos

The Coordinator of Caprecon International Development and Humanitarian Foundation, Mr. Dollin Wilson Ovaroh Holt, has expressed confidence in the upliftment of Nigeria in terms of breeding of good leaders and human development if proper reading culture is inculcated.

Speaking at the launch of a Book Club in Jos the Plateau State capitalin conjunction with the Women and Girl-Child Rescue Development Initiative (WGRDI) and the National Library of Nigeria, Jos,
Mr Holt, said reading broadens ones mind and help in self-discovery and societal gains.

According to him, the book club is important to help boost positive thinking in the society, pointing out that it is going to make people grow as it has made him grow into whom he is today as a product of reading.

He said his foundation is a UK based non-profit organization with a branch in Nigeria, and that their mandate is education and training and personal development, under which, is the promotion of a reading culture.

“Our mandate is Education and Training and Personal Development, under which, is the promotion of a reading culture. We aim to inculcate in the mindset of our audience, young people mostly, the importance of reading as a tool for personal advancement and a means of broadening knowledge and thinking critically.

“It is our firm belief that good leaders must first become good readers. This underscores our desire to carry out projects aimed at such. In so doing, we intend to form a partnership with reputable organizations sharing our philosophy of reading as a vital platform for human advancement,” he said.

In her remarks, Head of Plateau State branch of the National Library, Mrs Sarah Emmanuel Mshelia, said the Book Club is a right step in a right direction as the idea will enhance teaching and learning environment.

She urged the club members whom she said have now also become book ambassadors to engage in research and write books, including historical ones that there are almost none even in Plateau.

Mshelia said establishing a book club at the state branches of the National Libraries is part of their mandate as a stipulation by their National Librarian witnessing their summer reading competition last year.

And thankfully, she said, they now have a Book Club on the Plateau, adding that there are also other extracurricular activities the club will be engaged in like scrabble, chess, different games, as well as reading and writing competition.

She urged the members of the club and relevant stakeholders to also write books, particularly books in local dialets which connect more with the people, but that such books are scarce.

The Library Head said their activities will also take reading and writing programmes to the grassroots and those in the hinterlands because by so doing they will impact more on the society and instill effective reading culture.

On her part, the Executive Director, Women and Girlchild Rescue and Development Initiative, Bridget Dakyes, said in the society today, on the social media space as well as in Plateau State, there is poor reading culture among young people and that needs to be addressed.

She said the importance of reading cannot be overemphasized, adding that parents should ensure that their wards read books, authors should write books with local content.

Dakyes said development cannot take place without people acquiring some form of knowledge through reading, but that books that the young ones should read are those that are contextual and they can relate with the stories/content.

She explained that although it is good to read books that will give one global understanding, but reading books that are mostly from the other part of the world will be more like fiction to the reader without much meaningful attachment. Hence the need for writing and reading of books with local content.

She said they have already mapped out action plan to move the Book Club forward, stressing that they will reach out to and engage with communities, organizations, schools, etc to deepen the reading culture for self and societal development.

Here are more pictures :

By Attai Audu, Jos

Plateau Women in their hundreds on Wednesday staged road protest in Jos the Plateau state capital demanding justice for Governor Caleb Mutfwang ahead of this week Court of Appeal judgement on Plateau State governorship election tussle between Mutfwang and APC governorship candidate in the 2023 general election .

Plateau women defiled the cold weather on Wednesday in Jos Tincity to storm the popular secretariat junction fly-over demanding for Justice for Governor Caleb Mutfwang and 16 State House of Assembly members whose case are pending for determination before Court of Appeal Sitting in Abuja.

The demonstrating women were seen all dressed in black attire and holding fresh green leaves in their hands calling on the Court of Appeal Abuja to ensure that justice is served in the case of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the APC Governorship candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda.

Speaking while addressing the women, the former Minister of Water Resources Hon. Sarah Reng Ochekpe and PDP State women leader Mrs Martina Dakur said the case of Plateau calls for serious concern as similar cases like that of Lagos and other states from Southern states have been fairly treated by Court of Appeal Sitting in Lagos which ruled that cases such as that of Plateau is a pre-election matter.

“Infact one of the case there was disobedient to Supreme Court order but “the Court of Appeal in her wisdom said is a pre-election matter and the law is clear on that”.

“When it has to do with people from Plateau state, it will become both pre-election and post ele-election matters. So what are they telling us or is Plateau state not in Nigeria? The whole thing is so disheartening that is causing serious tension in the state as the mandate of the people are being taken away by the Court of Appeal.”

They also noted that the Judiciary which suppose to be the hope of the common man is now becoming some thing else while calling on the relevant authorities and those who want to steal the power of the people through the back doors to have a rethink.

According to them Plateau people will stand firm with governor Caleb Mutfwang and urge the Court of Appeal and the judiciary as a whole to do justice not injustice as was done to the elected Plateau federal lawmakers from the state.