By Attai Audu

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam has charged Christian Pilgrimage Operators to ensure the image of Nigeria is protected outside the country while on Pilgrimage .Pam gave the charge during his meeting with the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria, CTPAN at Shepherd hills Baptist Church, Obanikoro,Lagos .
Rev Pam affirmed that COVID 19 pandemic had made
the issue of travelling to Israel difficult since 2019, but with his recent visit to Israel where he met with the Israeli Tourism Minister, traveling to Israel on pilgrimage would soon commence in earnest.He explained that despite the challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic, the Commission was proactive to had embarked on its maiden Pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan which was a huge success.He stressed that the Commission recorded zero abscondment of pilgrims while in Jordan for the first time in the history of our Pilgrimage.To this end, he urged the Christian Pilgrimage Operators to leverage on the giant strides the Commission had recorded in the area of zero abscondment to ensure that no Pilgrim absconds under their watch as the Commission would not tolerate any case of abscondment..ln the words of the NCPC boss,” those who have our licence should be people of high intergrity and should be well respected”.Rev Pam decried the situation whereby some people had taken advantage of the Commission’s success in Jordan to move pilgrims to Jordan without recourse to the Commission.He reaffirmed that the era when people would go on pilgrimage without going through NCPC and without being fully registered and licenced by the Commission was over, warning that culprits would be made to face the music accordingly.He added that,” people who go on pilgrimage without doing the right thing will not be allowed to operate in order to protect the image of Nigeria”.He further stressed that for the purpose of abscondment, we will not allow any illegality henceforth for those traveling outside Nigeria on pilgrimage”.Rev Pam added that the Commission would continue to support private Christian Pilgrimage Operators who had been working closely with the Commission, especially those who are fully registered and licenced by the Commission.The NCPC helmsman urged the Christian Pilgrimage Operators to intensify the spiritual capacity of their operation so that pilgrims could enjoy the spiritual essence of pilgrimage.He also disclosed that the Commission would soon open a Desk for Christian Pilgrimage Operators in NCPC which would report directly to his office to ensure that all matters concerning them are treated with despatch.He admonished them to embark on strong advocacy and mobilization of intending pilgrims for the 2021 pilgrimage exercise.He disclosed that he would meet with the Christian Association of Nigeria,(CAN) and other stakeholders to have a buy – in for the 2021 pilgrimage.He decried the high cost of the PCR test which would make pilgrims to pay a lot in the course of accessing pilgrimage.The executive secretary of Christian Pilgrim Pilgrimage intimated that every intending Pilgrim would be required to be fully vaccinated with the two doses of the vaccine.He revealed that the possibility of having direct flight from Nigeria to Israel was discussed with the Israeli authorities and is receiving positive attention.Earlier, the President of the Christian Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, CTPAN, Rev Dr Israel Kristilere thanked the NCPC boss for considering it apposite to meet with the members of the Association at this auspicious time.He thanked the NCPC boss for his promise to work closely with the Association for better Pilgrimage.He called on the Executive Secretary to ensure that the Commission takes stringent measures against those who had refused to register with the Commission, yet taking pilgrims to the Holy Land.Rev Kristilere demanded that the Executive Secretary should ensure that he meets with the members of the Association at least twice a year so that they could keep abreast with happenings in the pilgrimage sub- sector as it affects the Association.

Attai Okwuta Audu Jos.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, has charged Nigerian youths parliamentarians on peaceful coexistence.

Wase gave this charge while receiving the Students’ Union Government (SUG), House of Parliament, University of Jos chapter during a courtesy visit on him in his office .

Deputy Speaker appealed to the youths to always embrace dialogue as a way of resolving conflicts in the society.

He assured them that the House of Representatives would do everything humanly possible within the parliamentary limit to ensure that lasting peace returns to Plateau and the country in general.

According to him, “Human lives matter to us; it doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you’re a Nigerian. We must ensure that human lives are protected as the constitution requires.

“I’m glad that all of you have conducted yourselves in a good manner. You made us proud. I want to assure you that we will do our best to improve the living condition of students.

On their request for the House to provide budgetary provision for the parameter fence of the university of Jos , Wase said although it came late as the House was already winding up on the 2022 budget, he however assured that “we will explore other areas to see how we can intervene in order to bring relief to the students of the university.”

Earlier, the Speaker of the UniJos House of Parliament, Nanshin Prosper Lakwai, thanked the Deputy Speaker for the warmth reception.

He appealed to the Deputy Speaker to come to the aid of the university by building parameter fence and hostel accommodation for the students.
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Attai Okwuta Audu Jos

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has expressed the readiness of NCPC to partner with the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria for improved health of pilgrims during pilgrimage to Holylands .

Pam made this disclosure while receiving the delegation from the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria in his office at the NCPC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja .

Rev.Pam intimated his guests on the mandate of the Commission as the only Christian faith based Agency that is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and organizing Christian Pilgrimage to any Holy Sites in the world.

According to him, “it is an operation that involves the services of the Medical Laboratory Scientists.

Pam said the Association is a platform that is very important to the existence of not only Nigerians but also humans because of how sensitive the platform is.

He charged the Association to ensure they have an improved and good service delivery, which will result to uplifting the good name of the Association and our great country Nigeria.

He however expressed his dissatisfaction on the high cost of conducting a PCR test in Nigeria and even globally.

He called on the Association to use their good offices to advocate for the supply of booster for citizens that have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so that it could help to enhance the pilgrimage exercise process.

Earlier, the Leader of the delegation who is also the 14th National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Prof.James Garba Damen thanked the Executive Secretary for the opportunity given to the Association to pay him a visit.

He also congratulated him on his well deserved appointment as the substantive Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.
Prof. Damen hinted that the Association has keenly followed the ways the NCPC Boss has been piloting the activities of the Commission since his appointment as the Executive Secretary.

According to him,“ they are impressed with his leadership style, he further stated that, they are aware that the duty of the Commission is to Cater for the physical and spiritual wellbeing of Nigerian Pilgrims as well as the health status when they embark on pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

According to him, “the purpose of their visit was to introduce themselves as the current National Executive Officers of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria and also convey their intentions to collaborate with the Commission towards strengthening the healthcare system in Nigeria.

Prof. Damen disclosed that the Medical Laboratory Scientists are the backbone of the modern medical practice, in his words, “it is mostly through medical laboratory investigations that your health status is detected.

He recommended a periodic check up for staff of the Commission to ensure physical wellbeing of staff and pilgrims.
He stated that the Medical Scientists are not fully integrated into the services of the Commission; he however solicited for the inclusion of more Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Medical team of the Commission to ensure the health status of the pilgrims is determined and monitored.

Attai Okwuta Audu Jos

The Industrial training fund Director General Sir Joe Ari on Tuesday said the recently unveiled 5-year national development plan (2021-2025) of the federal government will cost about 381 trillion Naira to implement.

Ari who made this disclore while featuring on Correspondents Chapel Media Forum in Jos, said, the plan is expected to replace the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (EGRP) which is projected to create 21 million jobs, with the aim of lifting 35 million Nigerians out of poverty, providing them with affordable housing and also geared towards promoting an export-led economy.
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The 5-year National Development Plan, according to Sir Ari has six focal areas such as economic growth and development, infrastructure, public administration, human capital development, social development and regional development.

As the leading human capital development institution in Nigeria, the ITF Ari disclosed is equipping Nigerians with technical skills acquisition as an enduring solution to the spate of unemployment in the country.

However Ari observed that Nigerians were averse to skills acquisition, but insists, that skills acquisition could create more jobs and reduce to the barest minimum the issue of unemployment confronting the nation.

Addressing the role of the Media in promoting Industrial Training fund’s
activities, Sir Ari commended members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Plateau State Council, for their efficient and effective reportage of the fund’s activities.

According to him, the correspondents’ chapel platforms had potentials to exponentially deepen the understanding and appreciation of journalists of the functions and activities of Agencies/Parastatals they covered.

Development Plan Of Federal Government To Cost 381 Trillion Naira to implement -Director General ITF Joe Ari.

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Attai Audu Jos.

Award winning Actor and hip hopp Rapper Ice Prince, Panshak Henry Zamani has thrown his weight behind the aspiration of Former comptroller of Nigeria Custom Service, Nde David Victor Dimka(DVD) Plateau Governorship race for 2023.

Ice Prince, the Hip hopp Rapper gave his backing to DVD Movement at the weekend in Jos when he visited Nde Dimka Victor to renew family ties and let the world know that he is part and parcel of the Movement that will take Dimka to Little Rayfield come 2023.

Ice Prince who used the ocassion to console Nde Dimka over the loss of his son recently, said “We lost our junior brother Master Timothy Ritji Dimka when I was out of town, so I had to come home to share in the grief. Now that the mourning period is over I must also key into the DVD Movement and bring my all to ensure Victory for DVD come 2023. I am fully in the Campaign and you will be seeing me lighting the trail.” He stressed.

According to him, his uncle David Victor Dimka was an officer’s officer while in the Nigeria Customs Service and ” I know that with him at the helm of affairs, Plateau State will once again be the Home of Peace and Tourism. I see prosperity in the horizon. See you guys at Rayfield Government House in May 2023 when we shall light up Jos celebrating DVD as the next Governor of Plateau State.”

Responding, Nde Dimka Victor David fsi welcomed the Ice Prince back home and thanked him for his messages during the bereavement.

He assured him that the DVD Movement has gained traction and that his support is the needed boost that will electrify the political arena given his large followership which was a source of pride to the family.

“You are an asset from Plateau State who has garnered national and international fame. We shall ensure that security becomes our foremost priority so that investors, tourists and those who trace their roots to the Plateau will return.”

Dimka added that” We will pursue an inclusive governance so that everyone will have a sense of belonging and contribute to the development of the State. You are a national icon hence our joy that you have come to key into our vision and mission. We will bring the age old values of hardwork, forthrightness fairness and integrity that our people hold very dear in all our decisions if God by his grace grants us favour.”

Nde Dimka Victor David wished the award winning actor and hip hop rapper who is popular for his “Oleku” and “Aboki” tracks a successful outing in Jos.

Attai Audu Jos.

GIZ-SEDIN in collaboration with NICOP has organised a one day workshop on value chain on business enabling environment issues for business concern s in Plateau state.

The program is meant to equip owners of small and medium business concerns
and promotion of employment and identify business enabling environment constraints in the Plateau business environment.

Addressing the participants at the workshop held at Crest Hotel Jos, Comrade Chizoba stated that the program is meant for economic growth, promoting business enabling environment, and fostering entrepreneurship in the state.

The participants were taken through tips for effective business enabling environment advocacy and development of advocacy messages; mainstreaming gender in associations and addressing specific gender constraints for women value chain actors, among others.

Chizoba Nnabugwu, a facilitator at the training program,noted that, “Plateau State has the best quality of ginger but is not listed among ginger producing States in the country, meaning that there is a gap that must be corrected.

Hauwa Mankilik a staff of GIZ at the event spoke on mainstreaming gender in association and addressed specific gender constraints for women value chain actors.

She urged them to promote gender equity and fairness, saying this will help them achieve most of the components of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

She disclosed that “Nearly 70% of the world’s poorest people are female and that two-third of people in the world who cannot read are female, this is because women are not allowed to go to school.

“Investing in women and girls is the single most promising economic, political and social opportunity of our time. … Nigerian women constitute 70%-80% of the agriculture labor force, yet small farm holders have just 14% holding rights on land where they farm.”

She lamented the exploitation of women in agriculture by middlemen and urged them to “build the capacity of women in business on direct access to market and form cooperative societies to handle the marketing of products,”

Hauwa stressed that “gender-sensitive value chain intervention can contribute to poverty reduction.

Attai Audu Jos

Taroh Vanguard Group of Langtang North LGA of Plateau State on Wednesday shut down all the major roads leading to the Local government council and vowed to resist with their blood the ongoing illegality and impunity being perpetrated by Plateau State government to forcefully install Barr. Zulfa Rimven of APC as chairman of the council against the judgment of a Jos high court.

According to the protesters, Justice Kunda of Jos high court in his recent judgement ruled that Joshua Laven of PDP should remain as Chairman of the council till October 2022.

The pressure group in their hundreds cutting across different political parties blocked Langtang/ Shendam road, Langtang/Jos road carrying APC, PDP ADP and YPP flags demanding that Governor Lalong should as a matter of urgency allow the rule of law to prevail in Langtang North LGA by directing the State commissioner of Police to allow Hon. Joshua Laven and his deputy Hon. Daniel Balbong and the counsellors resume duty without further delay.

The protesters blamed governor Lalong as the architect and brain behind the leadership crises rocking the Langtang North council.

They wondered why Lalong is making desperate attempt to install his stooges on the people against the order of a state high court which ruled that Hon Laven should be reinstated immediately as the duely elected chairman of Langtang North LGC to complete his constutional three years tenure in office which lasts till October, 2022.

Boniface Ndam, the convener and coordinator of Taroh Vanguard group told newsmen on Wednesday that governor Lalong should be held responsible for any blood shed on Taroh land as a result of his desperate attempt to impose Barr. Zulfa Rimven on the people.

He argued that the political interest and ambition of governor Lalong is not worth the blood of anybody in Taroh land and Plateau State adding that the events unfolding in Langtang North and the entire state is fearful which calls for serious concern .

He stressed that concerted effort must be made to nip in the bud the growing tension in the locality before it is too late.

Taroh Vanguard leader also expressed worry that Langtang North is the only council that has two chairmen.

He further stressed that Hon. Joshua Laven was Sworn in by Governor Lalong in 2019 for 3 years in Office as the duly elected Langtang North council chairman under the platform of PDP as affirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction, wondering why the same governor Lalong has turned round to stop the Chairman from completing his 3 years in office as provided by the Constitution .

They called on Barr. Zulfa Rimven to stop parading himself as the chairman of Langtang North LGC warning that any attempt to sign any official documents or transacting business on behalf of Langtang North LGC is illegal and unconstitutional.

Also speaking on behalf of the Taroh elders, Elderstatesman Robert Soldier said they were appealing to governor Lalong to allow the chairman Joshua Laven to complete his three years tenure in office.

According to him, the Taroh elders are peace loving people who are in the forefront of ensuring the unity, progress, and development of Taroh land and Plateau State in general.

Attai Audu Ogwugwu.

A Grassroots based group from Barikin Ladi Local Government Area ably led by Hon Ezekiel John Makada, the Majority Leader of the Legislative Council with three of his colleagues and other astute political influencers have thrown their weight behind DVD 2023 Governorship Aspiration in Plateau state .

The group during they visit to DVD Movement Headquarters at it’s Rayfield Office, it’s leader Jakanda stated that after a careful analysis of the political scenario, they arrived at the conviction that the DVD Movement offered the best template that will arrest the challenges of insecurity which Barikin Ladi has borne the brunt since 2001.

” The pedigree of Comptroller of Customs Nde Dimka Victor David fsi (rtd) especially his in-depth experience and knowledge of security was a premium that endeared them, hence their unqualified decision to support the DVD Movement'”.

The group leader stressed that many members of their group were unable to come but assured that they are up to the task and will deliver Barikin Ladi to the DVD Movement.

Welcoming the overwhelming support from the Legislative arm and other critical stakeholders of APC in Barikin Ladi, Nde Dimka Victor David fsi the Captain of the DVD Movement stated that his vision is to build a secured, prosperous and United Plateau State anchored on the fear of God.

He assured that God willing there will a return to the pristine days when investors and tourists flocked to Plateau State because of our natural endowments and the peace that prevailed.

“Security is everything and when the people of Plateau State give the DVD Movement the mandate, there will be a decisive change in the management of the situation in the State.” He reiterated.

Other groups from Jos South and Jos North LGAs have paid solidarity visit to DVD Movement and gave their backing to DVD Governorship Aspiration in the last one month from all parts of Plateau state.