Author Archives: Oracle/Kwararafa Newspapers

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state in his determination to foster a robust economy for the benefit of Plateau-citizens has sought for Collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country Representative in Nigeria.

The areas Mutfwang wanted Collaboration are on enhancing security, economic prosperity, and the standard of living in Plateau.

During Mutfwang visit to UNDP Country Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah and her team at the UN House in Abuja, Governor Caleb Mutfwang highlighted the Plateau’s potential for economic prosperity and sought for UNDP’s support in enhancing local capacities to achieve these goals.

Mutfwang requested for partnership with the UNDP to establish a lasting security network, develop agricultural value chains, and revitalize mining and tourism sectors to boost his state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang used occasion to express gratitude to the UNDP for their significant interventions, such as the robust initiatives at the Police Staff College in Jos.

He added that Plateau state would greatly benefit from the continued support from UNDP..

He informed the Country Representative that his administration inherited substantial security challenges but has revitalized the state-owned security outfit “Operation Rainbow” to aid in intelligence gathering and support conventional security measures.

“We are here to explore ways to deepen collaboration between the UNDP and Plateau State to advance the cause of improving humanity in Plateau State. We commend the UNDP for their major project at the Police Staff College, which will benefit the state,” Governor Mutfwang stated.

He also sought UNDP’s cooperation in capacity building to equip security personnel with the necessary knowledge to address the state’s security issues.

Governor Mutfwang identified poverty as a fundamental challenge and solicited partnership to build a sustainable economy by addressing the basic needs of the people.

He outlined agriculture, mining, and tourism as key economic drivers and announced plans for an Economic Summit.

He sought UNDP’s support to promote these opportunities.

The Plateau Governor told his host that the state Government has established the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission to address gender issues such as violence against women and rape. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in governance, by ensuring the deployment of resources to benefit the people.

UNDP country Representative Elsie Attafuah on his part congratulated Governor Mutfwang on his election and leadership over the past year.

She expressed enthusiasm to collaborate with Plateau state government to advance humanitarian efforts in Plateau State.

Attafuah said the UNDP would develop a template to assist states like Plateau in building resilience in agriculture, economy, and health sectors to enable them to withstand unforseen situations.

She also emphasized the UNDP’s focus on good governance, climate change, inclusive growth, and agricultural value chains and expressed the desire to transform Plateau State.

Plateau: PLASIEC Chairman Cishak Promises to Conduct Free and Fair LocalGovernment Polls Devoid Of Manipulations.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau Chairman of Plateau state Independent Electoral Commision PLASIEC) Plangji Cishak has expressed the Commitment Of his Commission towards ensuring that every Plateau citizen exercises their Democratic rights for local leaders in the forth coming elections in the state.

Addressing a press conference on thursday at PLASIEC Secretariat in Jos said him and his team were dedicated to nurturing democratic leadership structures at the local levels of government in the state, rewrite the narrative of local government elections in the state and Nigeria as a whole through transparency, fairness, professionalism and Inclusivity.
According to him, in the pursuit of their mission to uphold Democratic ideals in Plateau state,” PLASIEC intends to forge a robust partnership with the Media practitioners Political parties security agencies, development partners such as International Foundation for electoral systems (IFES) YIAGA Africa, Civil Society Organization and all critical stakeholders In the state.

He called upon citizens of Plateau state to join them in this journey by reuniting to rebuild, retool, reorganize,this Institution above individuals and narrowed interests such that they
could all be proud of one where democracy flourishes ,and governance reflects the will of the people.

The PLASIEC chairman said their vision at PLASIEC is to contribute to the growth of democractic ideals in Plateau state and positively impact democracy in Nigeria .
Cishak said ” Our mission to conduct credible local government elections in Plateau state in accordance with the established rues guidelines and global best practices should never be in doubt in the coming days and weeks in Plateau state.
He further stressed the commitment to excellence at PLASIEC and ever ready to address challenges, implement innovative solutions and maintain an open door policy to rebuild trust and restore hope in the electoral process among Plateau citizens.
He re assured Plateau citizens that together let them raise the bar and to Ensure that PLASIEC sets a standard of intergity and fairness that should as a beacon for others.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ephraim Usman has distributed 2,000 bags of rice to people of his locality in Kanam of Plateau state a head of Eid-el-Kabir Sallah Celebrations.

Comrade Ephraim Usman distributed bags of rice bears the signatures and photographs of Governor Mutfwang of the state and himself through the Ward Chairmen and individual facial verification.

The philanthropist encouraged the people of Kanam to embrace the present administration’s efforts as led by Governor Mutfwang, assuring them of more dividends to come their way under this dispensation.

The beneficiaries and recipients of Comrade Ephraim’s benevolence were visibly elated and, could not hide their appreciation and praise for his relentless show of love to the people. .

They posited that Chief Ephraim would make a good representation at National Assembly if given the opportunity in the next dispensation, saying that has been their collective resolution to put all hands on deck for the manifestation of their collective wish.

Chief Ephraim Usman took time out his busy schedule to visit the families of the late Husaini Adafa, , Hajiya Lami Alhaji. Hashimu, Garga, and Sule Musa, to offer condolences to the families .

Commissioner Ephraim Usman emphasized the importance of humanity and relationships beyond political affiliations.

Political heavy weights of the Kanam LGA such as Hon. Abbas Wokdung, Local Government Party leadership and close associates accompanied him on the Visit.

Across section of top politicians across political parties who were at the event praised comrade
Ephraim’s kind gestures and empathy towards the needy in the society and prayed for more open doors on the Commissioner Ephraim Usman.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ephraim Usman has distributed 2,000 bags of rice to people of his locality in Kanam of Plateau state a head of Eid-el-Kabir Sallah Celebrations.

Comrade Ephraim Usman distributed bags of rice bears the signatures and photographs of Governor Mutfwang of the state and himself through the Ward Chairmen and individual facial verification.

The philanthropist encouraged the people of Kanam to embrace the present administration’s efforts as led by Governor Mutfwang, assuring them of more dividends to come their way under this dispensation.

The beneficiaries and recipients of Comrade Ephraim’s benevolence were visibly elated and, could not hide their appreciation and praise for his relentless show of love to the people. .

They posited that Chief Ephraim would make a good representation at National Assembly if given the opportunity in the next dispensation, saying that has been their collective resolution to put all hands on deck for the manifestation of their collective wish.

Chief Ephraim Usman took time out his busy schedule to visit the families of the late Husaini Adafa, , Hajiya Lami Alhaji. Hashimu, Garga, and Sule Musa, to offer condolences to the families .

Commissioner Ephraim Usman emphasized the importance of humanity and relationships beyond political affiliations.

Political heavy weights of the Kanam LGA such as Hon. Abbas Wokdung, Local Government Party leadership and close associates accompanied him on the Visit.

Across section of top politicians across political parties who were at the event praised comrade
Ephraim’s kind gestures and empathy towards the needy in the society and prayed for more open doors on the Commissioner Ephraim Usman.

By Mogaji Wole Arisekola

Over the years, there has been some missteps among world leaders and presidents which has eventually resulted to them falling down physically in varied undignified ways.

But no matter how presidential and dignified one is, such unexpected things can happen. But such natural phenomenon doesn’t make that person a failure in the discharge of his duties or national assignment. Again, no one is infallible in that respect.

Unfortunately, in today’s media and social media space, such incidents are awkwardly scrutinized, misrepresented and often perpetuated through memes on social media, all in a deliberate attempt to extend their impact beyond the immediate moment.

But undoubtedly, Tinubu’s stumbling on stage during the Democracy Day event in Abuja isn’t something anyone should feel merry about. The President has only joined the list of world leaders who have had public falls, including Biden, Trump, Obama, Xi Jinping, Arap Moi, Jomo Kenyatta, among others.

To give a further insight into this, it is imperative to take a look at the global happenings of such, and their seemed or seamless distinction as the case might be

A PERSPECTIVE OF OTHER WORLD LEADERS WHO FELL DOWN AT PUBLIC OUTINGS

President Joe Biden’s fall at the US Air Force Academy captured global attention. However, he is not the only political figure to have such an incident.

From Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s 2019 slip, dubbed the “great fall of China,” to Gerald Ford’s 1975 tumble from Air Force One, such incidents often become fodder for public scrutiny and humor.

When high-profile figures fall, it disrupts their image of invulnerability. Bart Cammaerts, a professor at the London School of Economics, noted that these moments break the carefully constructed public images of politicians. For Biden, critics used the fall to highlight his age and question his fitness for office.

Seeing politicians in these vulnerable moments can be oddly compelling. Dan Stevens, a professor at Exeter University, remarked that such incidents are gripping because they reveal a loss of control from people who usually manage their public image meticulously.

Here are other notable world leaders’ fall:

1. Hillary Clinton (2016). Clinton stumbled during a 9/11 memorial service in New York due to illness. The incident, attributed to pneumonia and dehydration, became a campaign issue, with her rival Donald Trump questioning her stamina for office.
2. Donald Trump (2020). Trump’s unsteady descent down a ramp at the U.S. Military Academy in 2020 led to criticism and the hashtag #TrumpIsNotWell. Trump defended himself, blaming the ramp’s steepness and slipperiness.
3. Gerald Ford (1975). Ford fell while disembarking Air Force One in Salzburg. The fall was widely broadcast and mocked in late-night comedy, reinforcing an image of clumsiness.
4. Xi Jinping (2019). Xi nearly fell off a stage in Russia during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a moment dubbed the “great fall of China” by commentators.
5. Robert Mugabe (2015). Mugabe stumbled down steps in Harare. The government denied the fall, blaming poor carpeting.
6. Vladimir Putin (2019). Putin fell during a victory lap in an ice hockey game, highlighting the vulnerability of a leader known for projecting strength.
7. Boris Johnson (2015). Johnson slipped during a charity tug-of-war game, adding to his image of a disheveled and nonchalant politician.
8. Helle Thorning-Schmidt (2015). The Danish Prime Minister fell while exiting the Elysee Palace in Paris, quickly recovering to take questions from reporters.
9. Margaret Thatcher (1982). Thatcher’s fall after meetings in Beijing was seen as symbolic of Britain’s waning power during negotiations over Hong Kong.

The aforementioned are some of the world leaders who have fallen down at public functions and glare, but that has never meant they were failure, or immune to such. And so, that of president Tinubu should also be seen from such perspective.

Interestingly, every fall is given often christened mockingly in the media. For instance
Xi Jinping’s 2019 slip which was called the “great fall of China”.

Surely therefore, that of our President, Bola Tinubu, should also be given a name. And considering the superb, nationalistic and impactful democracy day speech he gave in the morning before the public outing, his fall should be called, “the silver jubilee democratic honour”.

Mogaji Wole Arisekola is the publisher of The Street Journal Magazine and also the National Chairman of the Association of Online Media Practitioners in Nigeria (AMPCON). He writes from Ibadan

By Mogaji Wole Arisekola

Over the years, there has been some missteps among world leaders and presidents which has eventually resulted to them falling down physically in varied undignified ways.

But no matter how presidential and dignified one is, such unexpected things can happen. But such natural phenomenon doesn’t make that person a failure in the discharge of his duties or national assignment. Again, no one is infallible in that respect.

Unfortunately, in today’s media and social media space, such incidents are awkwardly scrutinized, misrepresented and often perpetuated through memes on social media, all in a deliberate attempt to extend their impact beyond the immediate moment.

But undoubtedly, Tinubu’s stumbling on stage during the Democracy Day event in Abuja isn’t something anyone should feel merry about. The President has only joined the list of world leaders who have had public falls, including Biden, Trump, Obama, Xi Jinping, Arap Moi, Jomo Kenyatta, among others.

To give a further insight into this, it is imperative to take a look at the global happenings of such, and their seemed or seamless distinction as the case might be

A PERSPECTIVE OF OTHER WORLD LEADERS WHO FELL DOWN AT PUBLIC OUTINGS

President Joe Biden’s fall at the US Air Force Academy captured global attention. However, he is not the only political figure to have such an incident.

From Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s 2019 slip, dubbed the “great fall of China,” to Gerald Ford’s 1975 tumble from Air Force One, such incidents often become fodder for public scrutiny and humor.

When high-profile figures fall, it disrupts their image of invulnerability. Bart Cammaerts, a professor at the London School of Economics, noted that these moments break the carefully constructed public images of politicians. For Biden, critics used the fall to highlight his age and question his fitness for office.

Seeing politicians in these vulnerable moments can be oddly compelling. Dan Stevens, a professor at Exeter University, remarked that such incidents are gripping because they reveal a loss of control from people who usually manage their public image meticulously.

Here are other notable world leaders’ fall:

1. Hillary Clinton (2016). Clinton stumbled during a 9/11 memorial service in New York due to illness. The incident, attributed to pneumonia and dehydration, became a campaign issue, with her rival Donald Trump questioning her stamina for office.
2. Donald Trump (2020). Trump’s unsteady descent down a ramp at the U.S. Military Academy in 2020 led to criticism and the hashtag #TrumpIsNotWell. Trump defended himself, blaming the ramp’s steepness and slipperiness.
3. Gerald Ford (1975). Ford fell while disembarking Air Force One in Salzburg. The fall was widely broadcast and mocked in late-night comedy, reinforcing an image of clumsiness.
4. Xi Jinping (2019). Xi nearly fell off a stage in Russia during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a moment dubbed the “great fall of China” by commentators.
5. Robert Mugabe (2015). Mugabe stumbled down steps in Harare. The government denied the fall, blaming poor carpeting.
6. Vladimir Putin (2019). Putin fell during a victory lap in an ice hockey game, highlighting the vulnerability of a leader known for projecting strength.
7. Boris Johnson (2015). Johnson slipped during a charity tug-of-war game, adding to his image of a disheveled and nonchalant politician.
8. Helle Thorning-Schmidt (2015). The Danish Prime Minister fell while exiting the Elysee Palace in Paris, quickly recovering to take questions from reporters.
9. Margaret Thatcher (1982). Thatcher’s fall after meetings in Beijing was seen as symbolic of Britain’s waning power during negotiations over Hong Kong.

The aforementioned are some of the world leaders who have fallen down at public functions and glare, but that has never meant they were failure, or immune to such. And so, that of president Tinubu should also be seen from such perspective.

Interestingly, every fall is given often christened mockingly in the media. For instance
Xi Jinping’s 2019 slip which was called the “great fall of China”.

Surely therefore, that of our President, Bola Tinubu, should also be given a name. And considering the superb, nationalistic and impactful democracy day speech he gave in the morning before the public outing, his fall should be called, “the silver jubilee democratic honour”.

Mogaji Wole Arisekola is the publisher of The Street Journal Magazine and also the National Chairman of the Association of Online Media Practitioners in Nigeria (AMPCON). He writes from Ibadan

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Celebrations .

Bishop Adegbite in a statement issued and made available to Daily Independent noted that Nigerians have reason to celebrate the country’s unfettered democracy, which began in 1999.

He expressed optimism that despite current economic challenges, there is hope for a better future.

The NCPC boss praised democracy as the best form of government, guaranteeing citizens’ fundamental human rights.

He urged President Tinubu to continue working towards transforming Nigeria and commended his administration’s initiatives aimed at addressing economic challenges.

Bishop Adegbite described President Tinubu as a true democrat who has fought for democracy throughout his life.

He encouraged Nigerians to have faith in their leaders and uphold them in prayer, urging the church to continue praying for the best President’s success and good health.

Bishop Adegbite thanked Nigerians for being part of history as the country celebrates Democracy Day, of “Renewed Hope and Satisfaction.”

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has congratulated Nigerians for accepting democracy as the best model of governance in the nation and called for its sustainability for the development and progress of the country.

Governor Mutfwang, in a statement in Jos to mark Democracy Day which was made available to Kwararafa Reporters described June 12 as a landmark moment for Nigeria:

“It was on that day in 1993 that Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional divides came together to vote, symbolizing a collective desire for democratic leadership.”

June 12, the Governor said, also honours the memory of the 1993 Presidential elections which were regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

Mutfwang said democracy remains the best form of governance where the people have the power to decide who governs them.

“As we commemorate this day, we should also acknowledge the strides we have made in establishing democracy as Nigeria’s governance model.

” In that regard, political stakeholders must uphold fairness, equity, justice, and the rule of law in our electoral process.”Mutfwang stressed

He paid glowing tributes to the nation’s patriots who struggled, and even made the supreme sacrifice, for Nigeria to return to democratic rule, pointing out that through their relentless efforts, Nigeria has experienced 25 years of uninterrupted transformative leadership since the inception of the current democratic dispensation.

Governor Mutwang called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare and security of the people as well as work towards safeguarding the country’s unity.

He knowledgied the security and economic hardships the citizens of Nigeria are going through and appealed for patience, pledging his administration’s commitment to transparent, accountable and inclusive governance.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

In a significant move to aid conflict-affected communities, the Plateau State government has launched an extensive farming intervention. This initiative, facilitated through the Agricultural Service and Training Center and Marketing Limited (ASTC) under the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to cultivate 6,000 hectares of farmland across the state’s three senatorial districts.

The Plateau state Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang commissioned this mechanized farming intervention to address the severe disruption in farming activities caused by recent conflicts.

These conflicts have not only led to the destruction of farms but also instilled fear among farmers, exacerbating food shortages and driving up the prices of farm produce.

Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources
At the official flag-off event in Mangu Local Government, Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, emphasized the readiness of both ASTC’s staff and equipment.

“Today marks the beginning of a comprehensive engagement in the field,” he stated. “The strategy is to provide mechanization services to displaced communities and help them return to their livelihoods.”

The intervention includes the provision of seeds to ensure bumper harvests and focuses primarily on displaced communities. However, the scope may extend to other areas as resources allow.

“Our major goal is to resettle displaced communities back into their farming activities,” Bugama added.

To ensure the safety of farmlands, the initiative will utilize agro-rangers and local self-help groups for early warning signals.

Bugama assured that the government would implement a monitoring system, including the use of drones, to protect the investment and prevent incursions into the farms.

Addressing the high prices of food items, Bugama noted that the initiative would help increase food production in the state’s major food-producing belts.

“Governor Mutfwang is deeply concerned about the hunger problem, and this intervention is a deliberate effort to boost food production and reduce prices,

“For the communities, these services and seeds are provided free of charge.”

Dr. Susan Bentu, the Managing Director and CEO of ASTC,on her part ,expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for approving the mechanized cultivation intervention.

She detailed that the four-weeks cultivation would cover areas in the Northern, Central, and Southern Zones of Plateau State, with specific focus on maize, potatoes, and rice, depending on the zone.

Bentu highlighted ASTC’s commitment to supporting farmers across Plateau State. “ASTC is a household name not just in Plateau State but in Nigeria. We are dedicated to assisting farmers, whether in rain-fed or dry seasons,” she said. “This intervention program is entirely free for the communities, with the state government covering all costs.”

The cultivation which will last for about 4 weeks will see ASTC cultivating in areas of the Plateau Northern Zone to include; Jol (Riyom)/sho (B/Ladi), Wereng & Kwi (Riyom), Rim & Bachit (Riyom), Vom -Chol (Jos South), Jos East. and BARC FARMS.

then in the Central Zone will cover; Tam & Alogom (Mangu), Vodni & Pushit/Pushit Dam (Mangu), Changal & kombili (Mangu), Washna & Larkas (Mangu), Longkat Irrigation Chip (Pankshin), Mabel & Butura ( Bokkos) Manguna and Mbar communities. while that of the Southern Zone will include areas of Wase River, Shendam Dam, Jenta Yelwa, Shimangkar, Pandam/ Sabon Gida (Namu) and Gidan Adamu

The intervention will involve three teams operating across the state, ensuring that the 6,000 hectares target is met. Bentu assured that ASTC’s day-to-day functions would continue alongside this special assignment. “Our vision is to raise self-sufficient farmers, financially stable and empowered, contributing to the state’s food security and economic stability,” she affirmed.

This large-scale intervention is set to significantly impact the agricultural landscape in Plateau State, providing much-needed relief to conflict-affected communities and bolstering food production for the entire region.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajjudeen Abbas has described member House of Representatives representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency at House of Representatives Hon Daniel Asama as a very resourceful lawmaker who has contributed to the business of law making at the green Chambers since he came into office.

Tajudden stated this on Sunday in Jos at a well attended Church thanksgiving Service by Reps member Hon Daniel Asama .

The House of Representatives speaker Tajudden Abbas was represented at the event by Hon Ishaya Lalu.

He congratulated the celebrant Hon. Asama describing him as a young person with passion and commitment for service.

The immediate past governor of Plateau state Senator Simon Lalong on his part urged Hon Asama to use every opportunity he has to make a mark not only within his Constituency, but in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Aso speaking, former Governor of Plateau State Chief Joshua Dariye congratulated the celebrant and asked him to always keep in touch with the people on whose behalf he is functioning in Abuja.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also congratulated Hon. Asama and emphasized the need for people oriented service as a way of building a greater Plateau.

Preaching at the colourful event ECWA General Secretary Rev. Ayuba Asheshe in a sermon read from 1 Samuel 1 stressed that leadership is ordained by God as an act of service and not personal aggrandisement.

While thanking God for the opportunity given him to serve, the celebrant Hon. Asama said he owes all to God and various people who have assisted him in various ways and mentored him in politics over the years.

He specially thanked his constituents for reposing their confidence in him, assuring that he will not let them down, but serve to the best of his ability.
Politicians, Clerics and well wishers of Asama graced the epoch making event.