Ogunenwa Audu Jalingo.

Takum Youths Forum(TYF) and the Chamba Muslim Community of Takum(CMC) have been drawn to a recent press conference by a Kuteb sociocultural group known as Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria(KYN).

According to the Group,ordinarily they  would not have reacted but for the benefits of records, they  have decided to correct the fallacies concocted in that press release.

According to them,, KYN’s press conference was centered on what it termed “an opposition to the planned demolition of Takum Central Mosque and Ukwe Takum’s palace in Takum local government area of Taraba state”.

Also  the press conference,it  raised security concerns that residents were seen running from different directions when the rumour of the planned demolition of the mosque and the Ukwe palace filtered into the town.

The group said Of a truth, it’s ridiculous that KYN has resort to making issues out of nothing even as it is known that the Kuteb group is a trademark of lies and propaganda against the people of Takum local government area of Taraba state.

“For avoidance of doubt, Why is KYN crying more than the bereaved? Why did KYN resort to using the Takum Central Mosque for her cheap propaganda.”

They asked that When did KYN turn the mouthpiece of our Muslim brothers in Takum by lying with pant down that the Mosque will also be demolished? This is nothing but a cheap plot to whip sentiment.

“It is unfortunate that KYN and its leadership have forgotten the attack it sponsored against the Muslim community in Takum on the 21st day of May 2023 where Kuteb mercenaries invaded and killed innocent moslems, both young and old and some mosques burnt down in the outskirts of Takum that is predominantly occupied by our moslem brothers.”

The Group said It is sadly a lost of conscience for the Kuteb apex sociocultural group to forget how it is hitherto supervising the regular killing of Moslem okada riders who are mostly lure to Fadama axis by their boys and girls in the name of dropping perssengers and often strangled to death and their bodies thrown into the wells — Yet this Kuteb group shamelessly intend to leverage on the Muslim community in Takum for its usual cheap propaganda against the peace loving people of Takum in order to set confusion amongst residents.”

” it is one mischievous attempt taken far for aligning the TY Danjuma University to the purported demolition of the palace by the authority saddle with responsibility of chieftaincy issues in the state.”

The group asked if  the site of the TY Danjuma University anywhere close to the palace? No. Then why messing up issues?

” Anyway, the notoriety of KYN in attacking the personality of the elder statesman will soon be addressed in a court.”

They reasoned that it is necessary to address  the white lie of KYN claiming the palace together with the mosque was built since 1912 and housed graves of their ukwes who ruled Takum for centuries.”

They asked?. Which Kuteb ukwe ruled Takum for centuries and was buried in that palace? Was that place initially a palace? How many ukwes were buried inside that palace apart from Kuru Ali? Or was it the imaginary graves created with fictitious tomb bearers to fit their concocted imaginary ukwes of fifteen centuries where even Kuru Hassan that was deposed to Tor Donga, died and buried in Tor Donga but his tomb surfaced in that palace? Was it not in the late 80s to 90s during Kuru Ali that those tombs were created by Shiaki?

“what kind of evil desperation is that? To further ask again, Was that the first mosque in Takum? No. In fact we would not want talk much about the mosque but for records, that mosque was built by a Chamba chief by name Galumje Yamusa”.”

” it is general knowledge that the colonial administration began in Takum in the late 1800s, when some certain fictitious Kuteb Ukwes were then nowhere except for the Chief (Sarki) of Takum, Yakuba Boshi; and after him, Yakubu (Yamusa) being the 6th and 7th Kings respectively, out of the 7 Chamba Kings, being descendants of Gando their leader. The colonial administrators worked with these 2 Chamba sons as Chiefs of Takum.”

“Importantly, it is also imperative to keep records straight that it was not Takum palace before 1914 but a colonial secretariat.

“It is interesting to note that the last deposed Chamba King in Takum in 1914 by name, Yamusa, ruled in his palace where his forebears had. And that place is where the present Takum town primary health care is situated. It was after Yamusa’s deposition that Kuru Amadu was made a King by our British colonialist and such development led to a protest by Chamba people who dared the new chief on attempt to occupy the usual palace of chiefs of Takum. It was against the backdrop of the protest against the enthronement of Amadu that our colonists decided to keep him in the colonial secretariat where Kuteb people are now claiming it is Takum palace.”

They asked, how KYN dissipate energy and time to talk about the proposed demolition of a government property (former colonial secretariat) turned palace owing to reason given above is increasingly pitiful. How is it a crime for the government to embark on renovation exercise after that place has been ghosted for over 30years? How do KYN and cohorts expect the Chief of Takum to occupy a dilapidated edifice? To ask again,
Is that palace not a government property? Is it not one of the responsibilities of the government through the bureau for local government and chieftaincy affairs to renovate the palace to a befitting standard fit for the comfort of the new first-class chief of Takum? Is it not a normal tradition when new Chiefs are crowned their palaces are often renovated by the state government as it recently happened in Wukari and Donga? Why is KYN making issues out of that of Takum?
Why is KYN crying foul as if the palace is not government’s property, but an edifice belonging to the Kuteb people?”

” It’s unfortunate what an act of desperation and covetousness can cause in people who tenaciously want to hold on to what does not belong to them – this is so pitiful and deserve concern from onlookers!”

“Therefore, it should be noted by the public that KYN is a Kuteb propaganda group whose penchant in peddling rumours of conflicts with tendencies of inciting the peace loving people of Takum against one and other is second to none. But we are glad that the public has understood this and throwing their collections to dustbin.”

“Worthy of note is the fact that Takum is peaceful under the reign of the new Chief, His Majesty Barrister Sopiya Ahmadu Boshi III where most communities affected by the recent Kuteb and Fulani crisis have been reinvigorating. Inside Takum town, no pandemonium of any sort as infrastructural development of all shades are taking shape, especially the ongoing construction of the TY Danjuma University.
So, let the general public continue to treat KYN and cohorts as agents of darkness whose mission is to stir unrest in Takum and in whole Taraba state.” They stressed.

:*, Promises Alternative Leadership.

Otubi Audu Jos

With the October 9th 2024 Local Government Council elections fast approaching, Labour Party Chairmanship candidate for Bokkos. Local Government Counci

Major Hassan Yusufu Bukams (Rtd), has officially launched his campaign, pledging a new direction for leadership in the Locality.

While addressing a large crowd of party supporters and stakeholders, Bukams, accompanied by his running mate, Hon. Rhoda Pewan Sanda, outlined his vision for Bokkos to be focusing on security, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He positioned himself as the best alternative for chairmanship,Seat promising to tackle the pressing issues facing the local government.

Bukams highlighted security as a top priority, citing the growing insecurity in the area. “People no longer feel safe;

” they are unable to sleep peacefully. I am running for this position to address these challenges and restore safety in Bokkos,” he said.

He outlined his three-point agenda, which includes improving security, revitalizing agriculture, and enhancing infrastructure.

“Security is critical; we are facing serious challenges with lives being lost. We need to fix that. In agriculture, Bokkos is known for its industrious people, particularly in potato farming. We intend to collaborate with stakeholders to provide necessary inputs such as fertilizers to boost yields,” Bukams explained.

On infrastructure, he expressed concern over the poor state of roads in the local government, which have become largely inaccessible.

“We will work to rebuild our roads and bridges. This is achievable, and we are committed to making Bokkos accessible again,” he said.

At the event, Comrade Bulus Kaze, the state secretary of the Labour Party, spoke on behalf of the state chairman, reinforcing the party’s commitment to justice and equal opportunity. “In line with our motto, ‘Equal Opportunity and Justice,’ we ensure that all we do is grounded in fairness. When selecting candidates through our primaries, we are committed to choosing the best among many, adhering strictly to the objectives of the Labour Party,” Kaze stated.

He emphasized that the party’s elected representatives uphold these principles. “That is why our members, especially those in the House of Representatives, are known for their outstanding contributions.

“They are constantly reminded to align their actions with the party’s goals, and we ensure they remain accountable,” he added.

Responding to a question on what makes his campaign different, Bukams emphasized that the Labour Party offers a genuine alternative to previous administrations. “We are the alternative because we will not repeat the mistakes of the past. We will prioritize youth involvement in security by working with local vigilante groups, hunters, and neighborhood watch teams, while also collaborating with government security forces.”

With just days before the election, Bukams expressed confidence in the electoral process, commending the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) for its efforts.

“I would rate them 70%. Though many people have doubts, the governor has assured us that the process will be fair, and we will hold him to that promise,” he concluded.

Bukams encouraged his supporters to remain hopeful, adding that if the results are not in line with the people’s will, they are prepared to take legal action to ensure justice.

Attai Audu Jos

Bashar communities development association (BACODA) Wase local government area council of Plateau state has frowned at the suspension of their royal highness Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Isa, Rekna of Bashar by Plateau State government .

Alhaji Yunusa Ali secretary BACODA at a press conference in Jos at the weekend called on Plateau State government to change the decision of the suspension as the election of the king of Bashar Alhaji Idris was properly done according to the law and tradition of the people.

He said even though the king of Bashar Rekna has been asked by the state government to step down, they passionately appealled to the government to re access the the situation and kindly withdraw this directive for the interest and well being of the Bashar Chiefdom.

Going memory lane, they highlighted the long standing traditions of Bashar Chiefdom which stipulated that in the absence of Rekna, in respective of the circumstances the Madakin Bashar automatically assume leadership responsibilities. Saying this tradition must be respected and upheld as they are worth what binds their Chiefdom together in terms crisis or adversity such as they are currently contending with even though absolutely avoidable in the first place

The group requested the government neutrality on the porpoted contentious advance by selected individuals boasting on government patronage on the stool of Rekna of Bashar

They said they were disturbed that Bashar Chiefdom has been singled out for this treatment even when “we are aware of numerous chieftaincy complains state wide deserving attention which has not been attended to.”
“
“We have no similar report of an instruction issued for any chief to step aside while investigations are on going as is the current with Bashar Chiefdom “

According to them, this perceived disparity in treatment generate concerns and inquiries regarding in impartiality, fairness and justice.

They recommended that the state government exercise judiciousness and ensure consistent application of procedures to prevent perception of partiality or impropriety.

They called on governor Mufwang to ensure Justice in this matter, stand by the oath he took to protect his people without fear, or favour or ill will nor allow any sentiment to affect his official decisions saying we urged that the dignity attached to their long cherished tradition of Bashar people be respected in all official decisions.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has officially flagged off the campaign for the Plateau South Senatorial District Local Government elections in Shendam LGA mini Stadium.

The Plateau Governor emphasized that the forthcoming local government elections would pave the way for the much-needed development of rural communities in the state.

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed the Plateau people’s deep connection with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a party that he said represents hope and a prosperous future for the state.

He expressed gratitude to the Southern Zone for the overwhelming support he received during the 2023 elections and called on them to replicate this support in the upcoming local government elections slated for October 9, 2024.

Governor Mutfwang outlined his administration’s dedication to improving infrastructure in the Southern Senatorial Zone. He announced the approval of a substantial amount of money for the provision of electricity, alongside ongoing efforts to ensure potable water supply and a durable road network.

Governor Mutfwang also reassured the people of his commitment to running an all-inclusive government. He emphasized that individuals who contested various positions and were unsuccessful would not be left out, as his administration is determined to involve everyone in governance.

He urged the people of Plateau South to rally behind the PDP in the upcoming local government elections to usher in a new era of tangible democratic dividends for the district.

He further assured them that his administration is fully committed to delivering on its promises, stating, “By the grace of God, I will journey with you throughout this administration.”

The Plateau Governor emphasized that the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) is poised to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, and pledged to restore the era of transparent elections in the state.

Governor Mutfwang resented flags to all the PDP Chairmanship candidates in the zone.

In his remarks, the PDP Zonal Vice Chairman, North Central Zone, Hon. Dakas Shan, expressed confidence that Plateau South remains a stronghold of the PDP, predicting a sweeping victory in both the Chairmanship and Councilorship seats across the 17 local government areas.

Also speaking, the Plateau State PDP Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan; Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau; Senator Napoleon Bali; Hon. Hamisu Anani, PDP candidate for Wase Local Government Area; Chairman of the PDP Elders Forum, Hon. Raymond Dabo; and the PDP Zonal Chairman, Plateau South, Hon. Simon V. Domle, all extended their appreciation to the people for their unwavering support. They reiterated that the PDP is committed to transforming lives and improving living conditions across the state.

Earlier, Governor Mutfwang paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, Miskoom Martin Sheldas III, the Long Gamai of the Gamai Nation and Chairman of the Shendam Traditional Council.

The Governor expressed his gratitude for the traditional ruler’s support during the 2023 elections and thanked God for his healing and recovery. He appealed for continued support ahead of the local government elections to foster development in the Council Area.

In response, His Royal Highness, Miskoom Martin Sheldas III, thanked the Governor for the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of the people of Shendam LGA to support the Governor’s transformative political ideology.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has received praises for leading an all inclusive administration on the Plateau aimed at bringing the people together and provide them with high-quality services and effective governance.

This commendation was made by the leaders of cultural Organizations and ethnic nationalities resident in Jos when they received the Senior Special Assistant SSA to the Governor on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada during a familiarization visits.

It would be recalled that not too long after his appointment in August this year, Kwada made clear his desire and intention to meet with the leaders of the over 100 middle Belt nationalities resident in Plateau.

Consequently , the SSA on Middle Belt nationalities commenced his tour with visits to the Secretariat of PIDAN, Berom Cultural and Educational Organization (BECO) in Bukuru Jos South, the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SUKAPU), Plateau State, the Tiv and Zhar communities, respectively.

Dan Kwada stated that the exercise was aimed at uniting the different nationalities who shared in the same struggle and to forge a common front to deal with the challenges confronting them including insecurity and land grabbing.

During the separate visits, the SSA posited that Governor Mutfwang was very passionate and concerned about the challenges confronting the Middle Belt region. “This formed the basis for the creation of this office for the very first time in the history of Plateau State.

“And the main reason is for inclusiveness and to ensure that we all speak with one voice because our issues or challenges are peculiar, most especially the challenge of insecurity and land grabbing will bridge the gap”.

At BECO Secretariat, Bukuru, where the SSA was received by the BECO President world-wide, Da Gyang Dudu and members of his Executive, the BECO President appreciated Gov Mutfwang for picking Dan Kwada for a position he described as very sensitive saying the office does more beyond what the eyes can see.

He held that the Middle Belt is not just about nationalities but a movement rooted in ideology.

The BECO President believed that identity remained the fundamental element in connecting the nationalities. “Identity becomes the very fundamental element in connecting who we are.

“Before you say Middle Belt Nationalities, there must be some form of identity and this identity is what we want to connect and see how we can fuse it together to make Nigeria a better nation for each and everyone of us”,

Dara Dudu further noted with disenchantment how the Middle Belt person has been subjected to all kinds of oppression and marginalization in all ramifications. “It is on record that some federal establishments or ministries are the exclusive right of people in other regions and not those from the Middle Belt.

“No matter the level of education, experience and exposure of a Middle Belt person, he will never be appointed to head certain positions or ministries.

“Why are we not considered or treated as part or members of this sovereignty?

“Why are the people of the Middle Belt being used for the comfort of people in other regions?, Elder Dudu asked rhetorically.

In the light of this, the BECO President commended the ingenuity of Governor Mutfwang for seeing the need to create such an office and the appointment of Dan Kwada to head it.

The SSA’s next place of visit was the SOKAPU’s temporary secretariat at Zawan Junction, where its Chairman, Professor Abraham Dogo says it was the first time a Governor would recognize the body on the Plateau; a sentiment that would be shared by all the other nationalities visited by the SSA. He pledged the total support of the SOKAPU community to the administration of Governor. Caleb Mutfwang.

At his Palace, the Ter Tiv Plateau State, Chief Peter Aper said that Governor Mutfwang has by the laudable step, proved that he intends to foster the bond of unity that the state and Nigeria at large so yearns for.

In his submission, the Chairman of Zhar Community, Plateau State, Ibrahim Yusuf also applauded the initiative by Governor Mutfwang saying that the governor has already shown that he is committed to embracing all irrespective of their differences or affiliations.

He equally promised the support of the Zhar Community in the state to the Mutfwang administration to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy.

The SSA was accompanied by many personalities including Hon. Danjuma Azi, former Member, Jos North/West State Constituency and currently, the Secretary, Jos North PDP Chairmanship Campaign Council. The visit to other communities continues.

It would be recalled that the Middle Movement has expanded beyond the former six states of Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and FCT to include; Southern Kaduna, Southern Bauchi, Southern Gombe, Southern Yobe, Southern Kebbi, Taraba and part of Adamawa.

Attai Audu Jos

The Global President Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) Prophet Isa El-Buba has launched the maiden edition of the Plateau Interfaith and Leadership Empowerment Summit.

The initiative for better and brighter Nigeria (IBBN) is an NGO, which focuses on empowering thousands of participants through vocational training and leadership development..

The maiden scheme was Held at the Plateau Cultural Center in Jos at the weekend
Thee event aims  to equip individuals from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds with skills to foster self-reliance and community growth

Speaking at the event, Prophet Dr. Isa El-Buba, Convener of IBBN, said the goal of the summit was to empower individuals by providing them with knowledge and skills that will help them become self-reliant so that they could  contribute to the nation-building.

. “The first empowerment is enlightenment,” he said.

He , emphasized that Nigerians need to break free from the delusion and dependence on political handouts.


“We want to ensure that when people are empowered, they can stand, run, and contribute to society.”

Despite the initial target of 1,000 participants, the summit saw attendance swell to nearly 10,000.

Prophet El-Buba expressed confidence in managing the large turnout,.

He appreciated the orderliness of the event and the commitment of the attendee adding that the initiative aims to build a citizenry that can no longer be manipulated by political elites,.

He also stressed the importance of personal transformation and self-reliance.

On his part,Sheikh Uztaz Umar Farouq Muhammad, Deputy Imam of Fiber Mosque and National Director of IBBN, also spoke on the significance of the program in fostering unity.

He highlighted that the initiative encourages people to view one another as equals, regardless of religious or cultural differences. “God created us to be one, like a building where each wall protects the other,” he said. 

Also ,Mr. Ameh Kenneth Seidu, Country Director for Peace Corps Nigeria, stressed the importance of education, both formal and informal, as a tool for community enhancement.
..
He called on young people to actively engage in socio-economic, political, and spiritual spheres, warning that disengagement could lead to challenges at local, sub-national, and national levels. “Thirdly, young people must be empowered through employment.

According to him, Self-discovery is key; adding that they must harness their talents and resources to create opportunities, rather than waiting for government jobs.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Amb. Tony Young Godswill, National Secretary of IBBN, highlighted the significance of the summit in promoting unity and empowerment.

He called on private individuals, organizations, and the Plateau State Government to actively support the initiative.

The summit comes at a time of heightened social and political tensions in Nigeria, with IBBN leaders advocating for citizen engagement and empowerment as a means to bring about positive change in the nation.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau state University branch of Academic staff Union of Universities ( ASUU) has expressed it’s unwaivering with the branches of Academic staff Union of the Universities (ASUU) at Kogi state university, Lagos state university,, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,Ebonyi State university,Ambrose Ali University and as well as other University branches  in their struggle for justice, Academic freedom and an end to victimization of members by the Universities adminstration in the country.

Chairman, PLASU branch of Plateau state University Comrade Monday Zitta Hassan in a signed statement made available to Oracle Reporters on Wednesday in Jos, said in the case of Kogi state university, he accused the  state government of deliberately sacking 120 staffs of Academic staff Union since 2017 for embarking on a lawful Industrial action demanding better working conditions, payment of earned allowance,and improved University Funding.

Plateau state University branch of Academic staff Union of Universities ( ASUU) has expressed it’s unwaivering with the branches of Academic staff Union of the Universities (ASUU) at Kogi state university, Lagos state university,, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,Ebonyi State university,Ambrose Ali University and as well as other University branches  in their struggle for justice, Academic freedom and an end to victimization of members by the Universities adminstration in the country.

Chairman, PLASU branch of Plateau state University Comrade Monday Zitta Hassan in a signed statement made available to Daily Independent on Wednesday in Jos, said in the case of Kogi state university, he accused the  state government of deliberately sacking 120 staffs of Academic staff Union since 2017 for embarking on a lawful Industrial action demanding better working conditions, payment of earned allowance,and improved University Funding.

Hassan also alleged that at the Lagos state University,  the management of the university dismissed the Officials of the local chapter of the union in 2017 and 2019 simply because they insisted the state university admission should respect the rule of law, including unlawfully elevation of the vice chancellor to the rank of Professor in 2019.

According to Hassan, the two scenarios, the University of both KSU and LASU  have refused to reinstate the affected staffs despite the various investigate panel reports that absolved them of any offence or infraction.

Hassan therefore called on the affected Institutions to stop persecution of ASUU members and respect the recommendations of the various panels reports by reinstating the unlawfully dismissed staff.

*Says action for selfish interest and aims at undermining party, Tinubu’s administration.

Otubi Adeniro Lafia

.The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has condemned the endorsement of the embattled national chairman of the party
Abdullahi Ganduje, by the Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum and Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

Speaking with newsmen yesterday at the forum’s headquarters in Jos the Plateau State capital on Saturday, the Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said the courtesy visit Sule paid to the party secretariat in Abuja on Friday to pledge his support for Ganduje was for selfish and personal interest and not the interest of the North Central region, the APC or the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The chairman said such endorsement by Governor Sule which is coming when the party stakeholders from the region are pushing for the return of the National Chairmanship position to the North Central is not only insensitive and mischievous, but also an act of betrayal of the entire region.

Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election pointed out that governor Sule knows well that the National Chairmanship position according to the party arrangement and zoning ought to be for the North Central after the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu who is not only from the North Central region but also from Governor Sule’s own state of Nasarawa.

And so, he said, for gov Sule to openly come out and betray his state and the entire region shows that he is someone who is not after the progress of his own state, the North Central region, and he is not a man of equity and justice.

“Governor Sule is not a founding member of the APC because he came in along the line, and so he does not understand the progressive ideology and drive of the party.

“That is why he is doing things contrary to the concept of the party stakeholders, chieftains, bigwigs and members, as well as supporters.

“Besides we all know that in the 2023 election, the APC in Nasarawa State didn’t perform satisfactorily under governor Sule; this is obvious in the number of the legislators won by the party as well as the ones the opposition parties clinched.

“It is also a known fact that governor Sule didn’t do well also at the 2023 polls, and if not for the judiciary which upheld is election, anything could have happened and APC would have lost the state.

“By and large, what has been governor Sule’s contribution to the progress of the APC since he joined the party? Again, what has been his development indices and strides in Nasarawa State? With the increase in allocation gotten by the states today, what has Nasarawa State been able to do or has to show under Governor Sule?

“And time and again, we have had grumblings in many quarters about the leadership style of governor sule in the state which many frown upon.

“Therefore, he is not a good ambassador of the party and he is by no means in a position to speak for the North Central region or stakeholders of the party,” he said.

He therefore called on all the North Central governors to disassociate themselves from governor Sule’s endorsement of Ganduje immediately, stressing that whatever he is doing is for his selfish interest and not the interest of the North Central region.

“Moreover, we all know that governor Sule is not a firm supporter of President Bola Tinubu, and he will do anything to bring his administration to dispute, and endorsing Ganduje is one of such, since Ganduje has already incurred legal liabilities and other disaffections for the party as the National Chairman.

“And even the Edo and Ondo election which Ganduje leadership produced the APC flagbearers could be another mistake as he lacked the legitimacy to do that as his position is being contested and unrecognized,  so his action in Edo and Ondo could be another future legal liability,” he added.

E

Attai Audu Jos

President and founder of the Living Stone Assembly International, a Jos based Church Assembly has celebrated his 64 birthday birthday Celebration in Jos along side with his 35th wedding ceremony with his beloved wife Mrs Momma Katung.

He added that even though Bishop Katung has gone through many challenges in the process of proper gating the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, God is not through with him yet,saying at 64,God is opening a new chapter in his life and ministry.
On his part,the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Jonah David Jang and former Governor of Plateau state commended Bishop Katung and his wife for 35th wedding celebration and giving thanks to God for Bishop Katung 64 birthday celebration in Jos.

The event which took place at the Church auditorium located at Miango road Jos was witnessed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and his predecessor Senator Jonah David Jang.

Speaking at the epoch making event which had the presence of many clergy men of God from Kaduna and plateau state, Governor Mutfwang who was represented by his Abled Commissioner of science, Technology and innovation Professor Obed Gossele paid glowing praises of Bishop Dr Jonas Katung and his wife Momma contributions to the religious and business growth of Plateau and beyond within the Middle belt and entire Nigeria as a whole.
Mutfwang urged Katung to use the celebration of his 64 birthday day to touch more lives on the Plateau and body of Christ and to the glory of God.
Guest Speaker at the event Rev Gideon Para-Mallam a great evangelist on the Plateau said dignatries from all walks of life were at the church auditorium to celebrate with Bishop Katung and his wife Mrs Momma despite challenges. He urged them to rejoice always and give thanks to God for what He God almighty has done in their lives.
He Commended for more growth in Bishop Katung Ministry and Church and praised him for always standing in the gap to pray for peace and unity in Nigeria and it’s leadership.

Represented at the event by Rev Francis Bumba, Jang wished the duo of the celebrants good luck in their endeavors..
Son of the celebrants, Abraham Katung thanked all the well wishes who witnessed the celebrations of both his father and mothers wedding anniversary celebration and his father’s birthday Celebration.
He described his parents as the best parents who thought him and his sister how to hold in life while growing up.
On their part, both Bishop Jonas Katung and wife Momma Katung gave thanks to God for seeing them through lives challenges, stressing that there is always light in God.
They both cut their wedding anniversary cake and feed themselves to the admiration of the well-wishers who grace the epoch making event held at auditorium of the The living stone Church.
Prophet Isa El-Buba, Rev S.O Academe of Church of eternal life Zaria road, several Clergy men of God within Jos and Kaduna prayed for Bishop Katung and wife at the ceremony which celebrated with praises to God from choristers who graced the event.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called for the Federal Government’s intervention through the utilization of available ecological funds to reclaim mining ponds that have become life-threatening hazards across communities in the state.

Governor Mutfwang made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, at his office in Abuja.

He briefed the Minister on Plateau State’s significant contribution to the development of Nigeria’s mineral sector but lamented that the state has been left to deal with the devastating environmental impacts of mining, which have turned into dangerous death traps for host communities.

“We are hopeful that by leveraging our partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, we can secure Federal Government interventions through ecological funds to remediate these hazardous sites.

“Remedying these mining ponds is not only vital for public health but also holds the potential for significant economic benefits. Plateau State plays a crucial role in strengthening the national food basket and has the potential to turn agriculture into a foreign exchange earner. Hence, the reclamation of these sites is essential,” the Governor stated.

Governor Mutfwang also advocated for enhanced collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational entities in training Nigerian youths in gem cutting and polishing, which would contribute to the nation’s GDP. He urged the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to incorporate gem training into their curriculum to equip Nigerians with this valuable skill.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the Minister for the zeal and innovative approaches he has introduced in managing the mineral sector and reaffirmed Plateau State’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to develop mutually beneficial business opportunities.

Responding, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, welcomed Governor Mutfwang and his delegation, acknowledging that Plateau State’s historical significance in Nigeria’s mining development.

“We are keen to partner with Plateau State on developmental projects, particularly in elevating the profile of miners and mineral development in Nigeria. There is much to learn from the practical experiences of those who have been involved in mining for years.

“As we move forward with our mineral development policy formulation and execution, Plateau State is pivotal. We are open to collaboration, cooperation, and joint efforts to transform our mineral sector for the benefit of all stakeholders, especially the host communities and subnational entities,” the Minister said.

The Governor’s entourage included the Managing Director of Plateau State Mineral Development Company, Mr. Matthews Dawap; Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom; and Chief Technical Adviser to the Governor, Manji Wilson, among others.