Attai Audu, Jos

Gyel Community of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State has received books, white boards markers and writing materials for the commencement of a literacy center at the community.

The materials were donated to the community yesterday by the National Library of Nigeria at the commemoration Annual Readership Promotion Campaign 2023, hosted by the Jos branch of the National Library.

The theme of the three days event which is, ‘Read your way to the Top’, is aimed at sencitizing all Nigerians, especially those in the hinterlands about the importance of reading and not only those in the city.

Activities engaged in during the three days programme included road walk, visit to market men/women to talk to them about the importance of reading while doing their businesses, visit to sellected schools to talk about importance of having library hour in the school, among other things.

Speaking yesterday at the grand finale at Gyel Community Hall, the National Librarian/CEO National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, said both the elderly or as youths, reading is key as it open one’s horizons and ensure a better life at all times.

She stressed on the need to inculcate reading in indigenous languages and also domesticate it, rather than in English language alone.

According to her, reading in indigenous languages will preserve the peoples culture and history, and that beginning to read and write in local languages boosted faster the understanding in reading and writing in English.

In her remarks, Head of Plateau State branch of the National Library, Mrs Sarah Emmanuel Mshelia, said reading develops and builds the mind, and that its importance cannot be overemphasized.

‘It is true that a person who reads is a person who leads. I am glad to inform you that since 2017, this programme has consistently been held unbroken. We were at Angware, Jos East Local Government Area in 2019, at Riyom last year 2022 and today we are here in Jos south. It is our desire that all persons, not only students find pleasure in reading.

“The theme for this year’s campaign is “Read your way to the Top”, which was deliberately chosen by the National Library of Nigeria to show our people that reading will surely take you to the very peak of your career. Therefore, never relent in your effort to get to the top by deliberately giving your time to read.

“It is worth noting that the campaign we are hosting today is also being hosted in all the six states of the North Central region of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” she said.

Highlight of the event was a reading competition among 10 sellected schools, as well as book presentation to the schools.

Attai Audu, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state on Sunday in Jos the Plateau state capital, granted amnesty to four (4) inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in his state.

Mutfwang made this declaration in an address to the people of his state while marking Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary.

Mutfwang said the pardon to 4 Inmates of Jos Prison by him was in line with provisions of the prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the constitution.

“Having reviewed the recommendations of the Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, I hereby approve as follows,”.

“Danladi Musa who was sentenced to life imprisonment for culpable homicide and having served 17 years is granted absolute pardon.

“Tali Zingtim who was sentenced to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery will serve 21 years.

“Ponzing Nanshep who was sentenced to life imprisonment for criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide will serve 21 years imprisonment.

“Dauda Joshua who was sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide will serve life imprisonment.”

The Plateau Governor urged Nigerians to support leaders in their discharge of duties and have faith in the nation despite its challenges.

“This is a duty we must uphold. Together, we can build an inclusive society where every Nigerian, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity or religion, gain access to equal opportunities for growth and development,” he said

“Equity, justice and fairness will continue to be our watchwords.”

Mutfwang assured the people of his state that he is committed to facilitating “peace, and security, and practising good governance for the good of Plateau state.

Mutfwang also promised the people of his state that the state owned security out fit Operation Rainbow is receiving the serious attention it deserves with recruitment of personnel s that would be trained to give a turnaround to security needs of the state.

Audu Okwuta, Jos.

Hon Engr Fom Dalyop Chollom has extended his warmest wishes to the people of Riyom/Barkinladi Federal constituency as they joins the People of Plateau and Nigeria in celebrating Nigeria 63rd Independence anniversary.

Engr Chollom in a statement made available to Oracle Reporters on Sunday in Jos, commended the unwavering support and commitment of his people Towards building a better and stronger constituency .

According to him , ” let’s us reflect on the significance of our collective efforts. Together, we have worked tirelessly to promote positive change, advocate for transparency, and create a more inclusive society. Your genuine support and dedication have been instrumental in our mission to shape a brighter future for our beloved constituency.”

He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering belief in the “New Discovery Movement”. Your enthusiasm, resilience, and willingness to take action inspire us all. It is through your commitment that we can continue to make a difference and contribute to the progress of our great constituency.” Chollom stressed.

” As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us renew our pledge to work towards a constituency that upholds the values of justice, equality, and prosperity for all. Together, we can overcome challenges, bridge divides, and build Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Constituency that we can be proud to call home.” Chollom stressed

” I am truly grateful to be a part of this incredible community of individuals who are passionate about creating positive change. Your support, ideas, and contributions are invaluable, and I am confident that, together, we will make a lasting impact on the future of Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency” .

Chollom wished them all a Happy Independence Day filled with joy, hope, and inspiration.

” May our collective efforts continue to shape a brighter and more prosperous constituency for generations to come.” Chollom stressed

“Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment.

“Happy Independence Day, fellow people of Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency!”

29/09/2023
PRESS RELEASE

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

COMMENDATION TO THE JUSTICE B.M. TUKUR-LED TRIBUNAL OVER RESOUNDING VERDICTS

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Plateau State Chapter wishes to commend the Justice B.M. Tukur-led National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal including learned Justices Omaka Elekwa and A. O. Adetujoye, over its resounding verdicts since it began its judgments on the petitions before it.

For the National Assembly petitions, the Tribunal has declared APC candidates: H.E. Simon Bako Lalong as the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District; Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and Hon. Vincent Venman Bulus as Members Representing Wase and Langtang North/South Federal Constituencies respectively.

In its verdicts for the State Assembly petitions, the same Tribunal has also declared the following APC candidates as winners: Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda for Pengana constituency; Hon. Eli Bako Ankala for Rukuba/ Irigwe constituency; Hon. Sylvester Ibrahim Wallangko for Bokkos constituency; Hon. Nanbol Josiah Gomam for Langtang North-Central constituency; Hon. Mark Sunday Naah for Jos North-West constituency and Hon. Dachung Moses for Riyom constituency.
One of the sweetest victories is the declaration of the Tribunal sacking Hon. Moses Sule the PDP candidate and Speaker of the PLHA and declaring Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil of the APC as Hon. Member for Mikang State constituency.

So far, so good, the victories of the APC at the Tribunal signal a good omen for the Party, for it has greatly recovered lost grounds with every likelihood of taking over the State.
By implication, the APC now controls the majority in the State Legislature with the following spread: APC 14; PDP 9 and YPP 1. For the National Assembly, the APC now has 2 Senators and 4 Members House of Representatives against the PDP’s 1 Senator and 2 Members House of Representatives whereas the LP has 2 Members House of Representatives.

Furthermore, the judgments, coming from Justice Tukur-led Tribunal have, as usual, left no one in doubt about the transparency of the judicial decision. The judgments have further affirmed that the PDP is not only in disobedience of court orders but also lacks a valid structure for sponsoring candidates for any elective office in the State .

The APC in the state salutes the Tribunal for its courage, sound, resilience, focused and meticulous handling of the petitions before it, in spite of media propaganda, open threats, blackmail and its refusal to be induced with fat sum of looted and diverted financial resources.
We are particularly touched and humbled by Justice M. B.Tukur’s profound statement after delivering the last set of Judgments in the State House of Assembly Petitions before him that; “Those that bought you today will not trust you tomorrow”
The Party warmly congratulates its candidates and the entire APC family for the heart-warming victories recorded so far, which indicate the Party’s positive moves towards taking back the State.

Signed:

Hon. Sylvanus Namang,
APC
State Publicity Secretary

Attai Audu, Jos

Senator Nora Daduut has empowered her constituents of Plateau South Senatorial district with 400 Sewing machines,400 Grinding Machines, 25 Tricycles and as well Irrigation water pump machines to several Women and Youths in her Constituency .


The Senator Daduut represented Plateau South Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly.

speaking at the empowerment occasion in Plateau South, Senator Daduut said despite the fact that she is no more at the national Assembly ,she would continue to support the People of the Senatorial District with she could afford to better their lives .

Daduut said she understands that the best form of assistance that can be given to people is providing them with permanent means of livelihood.

In her words” I am endeared to the people of Plateau South Senatorial District ,this gesture is borne out of my desire to thank members of my constituency for their endless support while I was in office .

She Urged the beneficiaries to utilize the items as items she donated would help in tackling poverty in the Senatorial districts..

“To the beneficiaries, this is an opportunity to improve on your economic lives and activities. I, therefore, advise you to put the items given into proper use, just as I appreciate your support at all times .

One of the beneficiaries of the empowerment Celestina Mariga , expressed gratitude to the Senator for the donation saying it will help her to cater for her family .

“We are proud of Senator Daduut for always standing by her people , despite the fact that she is no longer in office ,she is still empowering her people “.

“Our Senator Nora Daduut is a true hero in the areas of fighting poverty and hardship in Plateau South .
She prayed to God to continue to bless Senator Daduut ,she added .

Joshua Audu Jos .

The Plateau State National and State House of Assembly election petition tribunal has affirmed the election of Hon. Joseph Nannim Langyi (PDP) as duly elected member Representing Langtang North- North State constituency and dismissed the petition of Hon.
Hon.Nimchak Abel (APC) for lack of merit.

Hon.Nimchak Abel (APC) has filled a petition challenging the election of Nannim Joseph Langyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in March 18th 2023 general election.

Justice Emmanuel Nwazunke of panel 2 who read the judgement, said the petitioners has failed to discharge the burden of prove of over voting alleged in the petition.

He said the petitioner petition is predicated on issues of non compliance to the electoral act 2022 ,that the 3rd Respondent PDP didn’t have structure in plateau State to sponsored and nominate the 2nd respondent to contest for election in Plateau State .

The Tribunal confirmed that PDP has solid structure in the State after the Congress held on the 25th September, 2021 at Langfield resort in Jos South Local Government of Plateau State.

The tribunal further said that the petitioners is neither member of the 3rd Respondent to challenge the nomination and sponsorship of the 2nd Respondent .

The tribunal highlight those qualified to challenge the candidature of a particular party in an election to include an aggrieved Candidate of the same Party who contested and lost for an obvious reasons perceived to have been caused by either the 1st or 3rd respondent as the case may be.

As against the background ,the trial Tribunal dismissed all the petitioners petition for lacking in merit as the petition is tantamount to waste of the Tribunal’s precious Judicial time.

The Judge also harped on the petitioners lack of locus standi to challenge the nomination and sponsorship of the 2nd Respondent because he is not a member or a card carrying member or doesn’t participated in the primaries of the 3rd Respondent to institute a suit against the respondents .

So many documents tendered as related to the petition were struck out for incompetent and didn’t add value to the Tribunal.

According to the judgment ,” INEC monitored the conduct of the repeated Congresses held by the 3rd Respondent in compliance to series of judgments by Hon.Justice Ishaya Kunda ,Hon. Justice S.P.Gang and Justice Arum Ashoms of State High Court including Federal High Court judgment of Justice Dorcas Agishi and the Appellate court respectively .

In an interview with Journalists after the judgement Hon. Joseph Nannim Langyi called on his opponent and his supporters to join hands with him to move Langtang North-north state constituency to greater heights.

Onoja Onoja Jos

The Platform Foundation, a Jos based NGO saddled with the responsibility to raise responsible generation has assisted nothing less than 3000 Internally displaced persons in Plateau state in the last 5 years of it’s establishment.

Director of the NGO Alex Ntino in an interview with newsmen in Jos,the Plateau state capital,said the reason behind the establishment of The Platform Foundation 5 years ago was for him and partners to contribute their own quota to the development of the society.

According to him, they have been trying to raise a responsible generation as government alone can not do everything.

Ntino said they have helped hundreds of Internally displaced persons (IDPS) scattered all over Plateau state, assisted 50- 60 house holds.

” We takes food, clothes to them in IDPS camps at Heipang, Riyom and other places within the state”

According to him,since they started,they have touched many lives on the Plateau, stressing that every year, they Organises what he called IDP Christmas party where they celebrate Christmas with Internally displaced persons ( IDPs).

He added that at Dogon nahawa community of Plateau were hundreds of people were killed some years ago by armed terrorists,that incident, generated trauma in the lives of the locals who survived the attacks, several women became widows and many children became orphans and that as part of their own humanitarian gesture, they have rendered assistance to the victims of the near genocide in that traumatized community.

He added that they have established literacy enhancement Program primarily to help students at Dogon nahawa Goverment secondary School where recruited volunteers teach them English and other subjects to improve their standard of education.

He added that the affected students were given clean water and food from time to time and other assistance as required.

Ntino said in 10 years time, they wish to reach to many people and troubled Communities in Plateau state and other states in northern Nigeria, assist people to come out of crisis, house victims of crisis and assist students from crisis ridden Communities through their literacy enhancement Program.

Attai Audu, Jos

Salisu Nakande a son Associate Professor Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande has been Appointed Special Assistant (SA) to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on ICT Policy.

The young Nakande is the second son of former minister of state for Information and Communications, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, who at a time represented Plateau State at the Federal Executive Council.

Dr. Nakande has been a precocious pace setter since his early days in school, a quality which earned him a First Class in Computer Science before going ahead to do a Masters degree and a Ph.D in Brunnel University in the United kingdom (UK) and earned his Doctoral Degree (PhD) at the age of 25 .

Having established his academic prowess, young Salisu,a computer scientist decided to impart knowledge on the younger ones by taking appointment as a lecturer at the Base University, Abuja and later ABTI American University, Yola.

Not done with that, he moved to the University of Sheffield and later Manchester University where he was lecturing before his current appointment as SA to Nigeria president.

Dr. Nakande has been a celebrated child prodigy both due to his excellent academic records, his deep knowledge in information technology and patriotic zeal which had seen him leaving his base at the UK several times to come and contribute his quota to the development of Nigeria.

With the focus of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on fast tracking the development of the country through technology driven innovations, Dr. Nakande comes as a natural choice for the job as he possesses the leverage to make optimum use of his deep knowledge and talent given his age, vibrancy and exposure.

The appointment has been received with glee in Plateau as it confirms the genius of the citizens and willingness to contribute to the development of the country.

By Attai Audu Jos

The Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state Hon Markus Artu, has condemned in totality the killing of the Ardo of Panyam Adamu Idris Gabdo.

The Mangu TIC Chairman in the statement he personally signed and made available to Newsmen in Jos on Sunday, described the Killing as barbaric and an act of Criminality by enemies of Plateau who are against the Peace being enjoyed in the State.

Hon. Artu while condemning the act assured the People of Mangu, that the security operatives are on the trail of the Perpetrators of the evil act and will soon be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

The Mangu Council Chairman who on behalf of the entire Mangu Council authority distance itself from the incident said the People of Mangu had since resolved to live in peace with each other, irrespective of tribe or religion and would not allow anyone to come between them.

He described the incident as a deliberate act by hoodlums who are bent on throwing the council area into another round of Chaos at a time when relative peace has been achieved and the people are returning back to their ancestral homes due to many efforts made by the State Government under the leadership of State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang.

While appealing for calm amongs residents of the council area, Hon. Artu calls on citizens to go about their lawful activity and cautions them against taking the laws into their hands as the Government is doing everything possible to sustain the Peace already being enjoyed in the state.

Ardo, Adamu Idris Gabdo, was reported to have been killed by yet to be identified criminals in the wee hours of Saturday 23, September 2023.

BY Celestine Toruka, NCPC ABUJA

Just recently, on 14th September, 2023 to be precise, Rev. Yakubu Pam, the third Substantive Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Association Of Nigeria, CAN 19 Northern States and FCT as well as the founder and Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Peace Joint Committee, SKPJC, visited Fadan Kamantan, in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State on a Peace building mission over the attack on St. Raphael Catholic Church by bandits.
It would be recalled that on the 7th September, 2023, the congenial and serene atmosphere of Fadan Kamantan changed within a space of 1 hour between 8:30pm to 9:30pm when suspected bandits and kidnappers stormed St. Raphael Parish, Kafanchan Catholic Diocese and engaged in unbated gun shot at the Parish House.
The Seminarian, late Na’aman Stephen who had completed his Apostolic work with the Church and was set to leave the next day before the incident occurred, but was sadly killed in cold blood while taking refuge in the rest room.
In desperation and disappointment, the suspected bandits set the residence of the Parish Priest ablaze since they were unable to kidnap him and the Assistant Parish Priest.
In spite of this, the Parish Priest and his Assistant by God’s mercy were able to come out of the inferno without being burnt.
It is instructive to state that prior to the Peace building mission of the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam on 14th September, a fact-finding team of the Southern Kaduna Peace Joint Committee with his directives already visited the affected Church with a view to unravelling the real situation of things in the Parish.
The Committee under the leadership of Rev. Pam, aside visiting the scene of the tragic incident, also visited the paramount ruler of the Community, the leadership of the Muslim Community as well as the youth leaders.
The 10 Man Peace Committee which comprised both Muslims and Christians formally submitted their report to the Chairman of SKPJC, Rev. Pam on 7th September, 2023. It was the findings of the Committee that necessitated the visit of the NCPC helmsman coupled with the approval of Mr President..
It is important therefore to affirm that the SKPJC as a body was formed at the Throne Room, Kafanchan in 2021 with the sole mandate of engendering peaceful co-existence among diverse ethnic nationalities in the 11 local Government Areas that make up the Southern part of the State, otherwise known as Zone 3.
Rev. Yakubu Pam over the years has been seriously involved in peace building initiatives in various communities across the country. As a global peace Ambassador, his name is now synonymous with peace building.
It is not surprising therefore, that even the immediate past President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari ,directed him to continue in his peace building role while serving as the No1 Christian Pilgrim Officer of the Federation. To this end, he created a Peace Desk in the Commission shortly on assumption of office in 2020.
Since then, he has been engaged in Peace building programmes across the country. He Mediated in the Southern Kaduna crisis with the convocation of a three day Peace Summit in Kafanchan in 2021 which helped to de-escalate the crisis then. He also intervened in the Tiv Versus Jukun crisis North Central Nigeria, the pockets of crisis in Plateau State as well as some of the strategic peace meetings held with Christian leaders in Lagos, Enugu, South-East Nigeria and South-South in 2021.
In the same vein, President Bola Tinubu has also given the NCPC boss the approval to continue to carry out his peace building mission across the country which gave him the mandate to visit Fadan Kamantan.
During his visit to St. Raphael Catholic Church, the NCPC boss in an emotion laden voice said it was only by a miracle that the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo was alive and standing with the members of the peace team.
He expressed shock at the devastating state of things at the burnt residence of the Parish Priest where everything was completely burnt to ashes, including all the personal belongings of Rev. Fr. Okolo. Consequently, he called on the Federal and State Governments to step up action on the security of the Fadan Kamantan Community and Nigeria as a whole. He equally tasked the people to cooperate with one another so that the security challenges facing their community and the country would be decimated.
He further called on well meaning Nigerians and the government to come to the aid of St. Raphael Catholic Church so that a new parish residence would be built for the Priest.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo, the Parish Priest of St. Raphael Catholic Church, said he was psychologically traumatized with his experience on the night of 7th September, 2023.
He was short of words to explain how he managed to come out of the inferno, but for God’s mercy and miracle, he said . He regretted the loss of his Seminarian who was not lucky enough to escape the dastardly act of the bandits.
He called on the Kaduna state government to help beef up security presence within the vicinity and environs of the Church.
Rev. Pam also visited the palace of the paramount ruler of Fadan Kamantan, HRM, Adamu Alkali whom he described as the ‘Chief Mourner.’
He informed his royal host that the government of Kaduna State was pleased with the pivotal role his 10 man peace committee has been playing in Southern Kaduna.
Rev. Pam admonished the youth of the community to shun anything that would breach peace in the area and should not resort to take laws into their hands on account of what has happened.
The founder and Chairman of SKPJC and his team also visited the Muslim leadership at the Fadan Kamantan Mosque, where he appreciated them for their show of love and solidarity which they demonstrated on 7th September at St. Raphael Catholic Church. He urged them to continue to educate their members on the importance of inter-faith harmony among their followers.
The question crying out for answers is, what is the way out of these security quagmire that has befallen us as a people?. How did we get to this point where one can hardly differentiate who is a bandit, a kidnapper or a suspected terrorist? Is only time will tell.
This is a clarion call for all Nigerians to rise to the occasion by detecting and exposing every suspicious movement in our neighborhood. The issue of security cannot be left in the hands of the government alone, we must support the government and the security agencies to hit a big nail on the coffin of insecurity in Nigeria.
What happened at St. Raphael Catholic Church on 7th September, was a sorry and gory tale situation. Anyone who visited the scene of the incident will certainly betray his emotion because of the gravity of what happened and the act of wickedness and callousness of the perpetrators of such heinous crime against humanity and the Church.
Fundamentally, the statement by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okolo which was corroborated by Rev. Pam that the incident at St. Raphael Catholic Church had no religious coloration as the attackers were bandits and kidnappers, this should not be taken with a pinch of salt so that no one should attribute any religious undertune to the incident.
Importantly , we need the likes of leaders of Rev. Pam’s personality to continue to mediate in the murky waters of peace building in Nigeria, because the work of peace building is onerous, demanding and tasking, it has no finishing line. The fact remains that without peace, there can never be any meaningful development in our nation.
What Rev Pam needs is the support of the government both at the Federal and State level and well meaning Nigerians to galvanize support for his peace mediatory role across the length and breathe of the country.
He has the capacity, resourcefulness, zeal, humanity and reach to effectively navigate through the waters of peace building across troubled communities in the country. He is no doubt tested, proven and result oriented.
Rev Pam deserves all the support he needs from Nigerians to enable him and his team genuinely unite, reconcile, and de- escalate tensions and crisis amongst troubled communities.
His approach to peace building is practical engagement which is more of a calling than mere assignment, hence his intervening efforts so far have yielded positive dividends over the years.
President Bola TInubu should be commended for approving his peace building initiatives across the country.
Indeed, it is a truism that our people deserve to sleep with their two eyes closed and should be able to breathe fresh air, especially with the ‘Renewed Hope ‘ mantra of President Bola TInubu led administration.

A stitch in time, saves nine.
BY Celestine Toruka
Deputy Director and Head Media and Public Relations
NCPC