Industrial Training Fund Jos Area Office has graduated 146 of National Economic Recovery Growth Program (NERGP) in Plateau state.
The program is under the technical and vocational Education and Training (TVET) component which Seeks to provide Nigerians with skills and knowledge under the National vocational qualification (NVQ) frawork which makes them employable or self reliant in a highly competitive economy.
Speaking at the event, the Jos area Manager of Industrial Training Fund Mallam Wilfred Mukan said ITF as foremost in providing in providing requisite skills and knowledge,is providing services within the best global practices to Nigeria teaming population.
He stressed that ITF is professionally implementing the national economic recovery growth Program in six trades such as Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, Carpentry, Tiling, Poultry farming, Crop production and Beauty care to a total of 146 participants who went through two months of practical and hands on training and one month of internship to practice what they have learnt.
Mukan added that in the course of the training,the trainees were taken through the Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) which equips them With the stages and what is needed in starting businesses of their own.
He added that all the trainees have been assessed and that appropriate certification would be issued out to them to further Enhance their participation in the economic space in the country
Mukan charged graduating trainees to go out and take opportunity of the great market in the country and contribute their quota in its economic growth and transformation.
He equally warned them not to sell off their start-ups packs, saying a lot has been invested in them.
Mukan commended the Director General and Chief executive of Industrial Training Fund Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun for providing the enabling environment for this laudable Program to succeed.
The DG ITF was represented at the event by Acting Director technical and vocational skills training department of ITF Mallam Ibrahim Usman Ganu.
*Canvasses Community Protection to Avert Recurrence
Ogunenwa Audu Jos
The Street Journal Publisher, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has condemned in strong terms the recent attacks of indigenous Fulanis in Ayaba village, near Igboora area of Oyo State.
He said such attack by the hoodlums is the handiwork of enemies of peace and tranquility, as the people have been living with the indigenous Fulanis for over 200 years.
He called on the government for adequate protection of the community as well as the Fulanis so as to check the recurrence of such or any further violence.
In a statement he issued on the sad incident and made available to Daily Independent, Arisekola said: “I always feel sad when some hoodlums take the law into their own hands to attack innocent people who have been living with us for so many years.
“The recent surge in reprisal attacks on innocent people is purely wicked and an act of terrorism. While it is well known that there are ongoing attacks by bandits on our soil, the government must ensure that the lives of Indigenous Fulanis, who have been living among us for more than 200 years, are protected in our villages and towns,’ he said.
He prayed that such attacks would never happen again, and urged the head of the Indigenous Fulani in Igboora town and his neighbors, Alhaji Umoru Yaro, to remain calm as efforts are not been spared to address the situation.
He said he would personally visit the troubled area and provide relief to the displaced families.
*Says current system not taking care of region’s needs
Ogunenwa Audu Jos
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has called for the adoption of the regional system of government in Nigeria where every region can take care of their needs using their natural resources, educational quality, political prowess and agriculture.
Speaking with newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital over what he termed ‘Issues of urgent national importance’ the Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said the call for the regional government has become necessary due to the marginalization of the North Central region.
He said the North Central has contributed a lot to the nation, in terms of agriculture, education, natural resources, political contributions to government and emergency of national leaders, among other vital national contributions, but yet has been marginalized over the years.
The chairman said they have been marginalized politically, he said the region is also the food basket of the nation, especially from agricultural produce from Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, etc, but their agricultural strength is not maximize at the national level to take care of the food security of the region.
Similarly, he said, they have natural resources like tin, and various other natural endowments, which can take care of the region’s economic needs, but yet not well maximized for the economic prosperity of the people.
Also, he said since the democratic dispensation from 1999, the region has contributed to the group of democracy and the emergence of many national leaders as well as presidents, but are somewhat marginalized in terms of political appointments, for example the recent contentious APC National Chairmanship position which is being taken to North West.
“So, after a careful consideration of how marginalized we have been in this nation despite our endowments and contributions to national development, we the North Central APC Forum is calling for the regional system of government.
“Since the regional system of government is a political framework where power is divided among constituent political units, such as regions or states, we are therefore calling for the adoption of such system so that each region in the nation can use their endowments to develop themselves, without any fear of marginalization
“Meanwhile the federal government would still be responsible for matters such as national security, foreign affairs, and regulation of interstate or inter-region commerce, while the regions would have powers to administer their respective regions,” he said.
According to Zazzaga, their mission is to uplift the North Central zone, and that they are much engaged in initiating political and economic activities that would benefit the region and that they will keep pushing for the progress of the region until they achieve a favourable result.
Zazzaga said as loyal APC leaders, they have been working for the success of the North Central region and have collaborated with leaders of other parties and stakeholders from the region in this regards, irrespective of ethno-religious or political affiliations
He explained that using their forum to project the North Central region is legitimate, pointing out that even among the governors, legislators and local government chairmen, there have party or regional forums to push for their common interest
Umahi, Keyamo, Ojo Clinch Ireland-based newspaper’s super minister award.
Ogunenwa Audu Jos
An Ireland based Publisher of Street Journal Newspaper Mogaji Bowale Arisekola has named Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji Ojo as Winner of ‘Super Minister’ award in President Tinubu’s first year in office.
Others he named as winners along side with Mr Ojo were Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo and Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The winners of the Ireland based newspaper award Arisekola said emerged through a transparent and credible online poll organised by the newspaper, where the trio got the majority votes.
The poll result obtained by Kwararafa Reporters reveals that Tunji-Ojo garnered 80,967 votes, Keyamo got 79,628 and Umahi got 79,103 votes respectively.
Reacting to the result of the poll, the publisher of newspaper, Mogaji Bowale Arisekola, congratulated the ministers for emerging winners of the online poll which he said was put together as his own contribution to national development and as a means of spurring the ministers to be outstanding in their duties and not just remain sitting ducks.
In a statement on the polls and the winners, the publisher said, “Tunji-Ojo immediately hit the ground running with his reforms in the interior ministry. From uncovering 2,400 foreigners with fake National Identity Numbers attempting to acquire Nigerian passports, to home delivery of international passports to several other reforms too numerous to mention, the fruitful actions of the 42 year old former House of Representatives member hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Keyamo on the other hand quickly shown that he is up to task with the enormous responsibilities associated with the ministry of that magnitude.
He has succeeded in restoring dignity and confidence to the sector with innovative reforms in line with global best practices by always promoting national security interests.
“On his part, Umahi, a trained engineer can be said to be a round peg in a round hole in the Tinubu’s administration. His pragmatic and courageous reforms in the Ministry aimed at addressing road infrastructural deficit in Nigeria using locally sourced materials such as cement for road construction cannot be over emphasized.
“By spearheading Nigeria’s prospect in building sustainable and cost efficient and effective roads with cement concrete which is less expensive and more durable than those built with asphalt, Umahi won the hearts of the voting public.
“The poll is credible, cannot be manipulated or influenced. The poll has been designed in such a way that one cannot vote more than once, and one can see how the votes are cast. So, voters can be rest assured that their votes will count.
He said in its third edition, the inaugural edition saw Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, the Minister for Women’s Affairs emerging winner for the month of October, and that the minister came tops in the poll which had four other ministers, all contending for the ‘Super Minister’ of the month award.
The second edition, according to him, saw Atiku Bagudu the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning emerge the winner.
The former Senate Minority Leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Simon rMwadkwon PhD has felicitated with Mr. Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh.
In a birthday message, Sen. Mwadkwon described the Celebrant as an industrious, humble and visionary personality who is making remarkable contributions to the Journalism profession, strengthening of democracy, humanity and the society.
The lauded his immense impact to the present administration in the State being the image Maker of the Governor and making sure that the public are abreast with government policies, programmes and activities.
He prayed God to grant him more Years of greater impact to Humanity.
Chairman of NTA Park in Jos Plateau State/Malgam Transport, Ibrahim Maikudi, has appealed to the Plateau State government to reconsider any moves aimed at closing down the park, saying that the park has been very useful and has contributed to the economic prosperity of state since its 20 years of operation.
Speaking with newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital yesterday on the information they heard on radio about the likelihood to close down the park, the Chairman said they are a formidable private park and not a roadside park.
The Chairman said they pay tax to the government as well as other necessary levies, and that they have helped in checking insecurity in the state by arresting criminals, kidnappers and bandits alike with arms and ambition and other dangerous weapons.
According to him, they have been supporting the government in its developmental efforts of the state, and are willing to do more, especially in the transportation sector which is key in the development of any state or the nation at large.
Also, he said the park is centralized and it’s a neutral park for both Christians and Muslims who are comfortable with it to transport from the state to other states and vice versa, unlike that of Bauchi park where Christians cannot comfortably go to, or any park in Jos South or in areas Muslims cannot go to.
“On the 13th of May (last month) some persons told us that they heard on radio that Jos South local government is planning to relocate roadside motor parks, and I said no problem, as we are a lawful private motor park and not a roadside motor park.
“However I reached out personally to the local government chairman to get more details and to find out what is actually happening, and the chairman asked me if I got any relocation letter. I told him I didn’t get anything of such and he said that there is therefore no cause for me to worry. We even wrote to the local government and yet we didn’t get any reply. But we kept hearing rumours of plans to either relocate us or close us down outright.
“This is a privately-owned motor park which we opened about 20 years ago and we have the permit and all the criteria to become a motor park. We are one of the best motor parks on the Plateau and we even have effective technology to detect criminals as well as CCTV cameras.
“For instance, we were the people that arrested the young man from Zamfara with arms and amunitions last week and handed him over to the Police. We have been arresting other criminals over the years, including drug peddlers who we do hand over to NDLEA or child traffickers whom we hand over to Civil Defence. So we have been helping the government to check insecurity, because we in the transport sector are the worst hit if there is insecurity.
“So, we believe that government owned parks can work hand-in-hand with the privately owned parks. For instance there are government hospitals and private hospitals, and also government schools and private schools. So government cannot just close the private enterprise down except if found wanting in one way or the others.
“Government facilities alone cannot accommodate the needs of the people in the society, and the privated bodies are well needed to boost the economy. In America, for instance, most enterprise are privately owned, and government only regulates them.
“Besides, one of the advantages of this park is that it is centrally located and serves as a neutral ground for everyone, considering the ethno-religious crisis which rocked the state and some persons are afraid to go to some areas.
“Also, our prices are affordable, and we ply many routes across the country. In one of the parks, from Jos to Abuja is N9,000, while in another park it is N15,000. But we are still carrying for N6,000. We are arguably the only park which did not exorbitantly increase its transport fare in the face of the fuel subsidy removal, and we have been helping the masses to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.
Maikudi further said that they are always open to working with the government in moving the state forward, as well as deepening their corporate social responsibility and providing any infrastructure within their ability, including opening opening up some routes connecting the park and repairing some of the linkage roads.
He said over one thousand (1,000) drivers are benefitting from the park, businesses have sprung up in and around the park and has created lots of employment opportunities for people, while the total investment sum in the park is over N500 million.
Plateau state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affair Comrade Ephraim Usman has constructed blocks of classrooms in the Nangar and Garshe communities of Kanam local government area for his people.
Usman initiative was aimed at improving the educational standards in the benefitting communities and to providing conducive learning environment for the children of the locality .
The gesture he said was to fulfill part of his campaign promises to his people.
The classroom blocks were established as the first formal educational structures in these communities, replacing the makeshift learning spaces that were previously used.
This groundbreaking move was praised by various personalities in the state, including the Mutfwang family and some local government TIC chairmen who attended the dedication ceremony.
The classrooms were dedicated to late individuals in the community and one in memory of late Kaka Briskila Mutfwang in Garshe and the other in memory of late Mama Naomi Santali Usman, the mother of Comrade Hon. Epriam Usman in Nangar.
These structures mark the first formal educational buildings in the communities, replacing makeshift learning spaces that were previously used, such as under trees or in neighbors’ compounds
The Project executor Comrade Usman while Speaking at the event, expressed his commitment towards enhancing educational opportunities and stressed the importance of quality education in combatting crime and securing a better future for the next generation.
Usman hinted that his initiative was in with the vision of Plateau Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration resolve to provide conducive learning environment and eradicate poverty through quality education for citizens of Plateau state.
At the event Comrade Chief Hon. Usman handed over the classroom blocks to the Mutfwang family, who then passed them on to the Chairman of SUBEB, Plateau State.
He urged SUBEB to consider building additional classrooms to aid learning in the communities and pledged to provide uniforms and books for the students.
Dr. Samuel Mutfwang on his part,expressed his gratitude on behalf of his family for the classroom block dedicated to late Kaka Briskila Mutfwang and noted the significance of the gift in enhancing education in the community.
He called on the community to take care of the structures and emphasized the importance of education for their children.
The Chairman of SUBEB in the state, Hon. Sunday Samuel Amuna on his part , pledged to equip the classrooms with high-quality furniture and warned against the misuse of government school facilities.
He encouraged the communities to take ownership of the project and promised further support from the government if the structures and furniture were protected.
The headmaster of the school in Garshe, Mr. Habib Yusuf Aliyu, expressed gratitude for the new classrooms and highlighted their positive impact on learning.
The ALGON Chairman of Plateau State, Hon. Hamisu Anani, and the Special Adviser to the Governor in Intergovernmental Affairs, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kanam, praised Usman for the initiative and urged the communities to safeguard the classroom blocks for the benefit of future generations.
He commended Chief Usman for his dedication to improving education in Kanam.
DAVID PHILEMON Ministries International (DPMI) and Church on Fire International (COFI) has launched an empowerment project in Jos aimed at fostering economic independence within the community.
This initiative was launched at Church on Fire International in Faringada, Jos, Plateau State.
The Project underscores the organizations’ commitment to their social responsibility.
As part of this project, a full laundry business start-up kit was provided, including a washing machine, three pressing irons, a refrigerator, and a fully furnished shop with rent paid for two years.
This gesture marks a significant step in supporting local entrepreneurship and community development.
At the launch,Pastor Reuben King Ahmed highlighted the motivations behind this charitable act.
“To the glory of God, our spiritual father, Apostle Dr. David Philemon, has always championed the act of love and generosity.
“This empowerment project is a manifestation of our commission’s core values—wiping away tears and bringing joy to mankind,” he said.”
Also Speaking at the event Apostle Joseph Rims, Vice Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Plateau State chapter, spoke on behalf of the PFN Chairman.
He encouraged other churches and ministries to emulate this example, emphasizing the dual mission of the gospel to redeem souls and transform lives.
“What we witnessed here today is a reflection of Jesus’ teachings—doing good and touching lives. This act of kindness not only aids individuals but also enhances the spread of the gospel,” he stated.
The beneficiary, Mr. Igomu Christian, expressed his gratitude and excitement.
“I am deeply blessed by this gesture. Initially, I only asked for a washing machine, but Apostle Dr. David Philemon went beyond that by providing a fully set-up business and even a deep freezer for my wife to sell soft drinks. This empowerment will enable me to become an employer and mentor others, contributing positively to the economy,” he said.
Mr. Christian also urged the government to take a cue from this initiative, emphasizing the importance of practical support over mere policy declarations.
“Implementing small, impactful projects like this can significantly enhance the economy and improve lives,” he added.
This empowerment project by DAVID PHILEMON Ministries International and Church on Fire International serves as a beacon of hope and a model for community-focused development efforts.
Towards addressing water scarcity and demonstrate Christian Social responsibility, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Plateau Province 4, has dedicated a new borehole for community use in the Algadama area of Jos, Plateau State.
Towards addressing water scarcity and demonstrate Christian Social responsibility, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Plateau Province 4, has dedicated a new borehole for community use in the Algadama area of Jos, Plateau State.
During the dedication ceremony, Pastor Akintade Samuel, the Pastor in charge of Plateau Province 4, emphasized that the project aligns with the directive from the General Overseer, Pastor E.A. Adeboye. “Our commitment to Christian Social responsibility (CSR) led to the establishment of this borehole to serve the water needs of this community. The water is free for all, with no charges or fees involved. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for the residents,” Pastor Samuel stated.
Pastor Samuel highlighted that this is the second such project undertaken by the church in recent months, following the dedication of another borehole in the Abattoir area. He assured the community that the borehole would be operational at least four to five times a week.
Pastor James Daniel Adekunle Gabriel, the Assistant Pastor in charge of CSR for Plateau Province 4, explained the motivation behind the project. “This initiative is part of our mandate under Pastor Adeboye’s leadership to impact communities positively. Recognizing the severe water scarcity in Algadama, we were determined to address this need. Through research and faith, we managed to pool resources and make this project a reality,” he said.
Pastor Gabriel also elaborated on the broader mission of the church’s CSR efforts, which focus on providing essential resources like water and food to those in need, following the teachings of Jesus.
The community’s leader, Mai Angwa Da Stephen Mancha, expressed his gratitude for the church’s efforts. “This initiative sets a remarkable example for others to follow. I will inform all Mai Angwas in Jos North about this exemplary act. I extend my thanks to our provincial pastor, the CSR committee members, and everyone who contributed to making this borehole a reality for our community,” he remarked.
The borehole dedication by RCCG Plateau Province 4 stands as a testament to the church’s commitment to addressing local challenges and enhancing the well-being of the Algadama community through practical and impactful initiatives.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rt. Rev. Professor Msg Cletus Gotan, has emphasized the need for unity in Nigeria, stating that it is essential for the country’s progress.
Speaking at a meeting with the NCPC board, management, state pilgrimage leaders, and Christian pilgrimage operators in Nazareth, Israel, on May 31, 2024, Gotan stressed that unity is vital for championing the cause of unity in the country.
He referenced John 17:20-21, emphasizing Jesus’ teachings on Christian unity and encouraging Christian leaders to emulate this by strengthening unity among themselves.
Gotan expressed optimism that God would grant the NCPC board the grace for excellent leadership and emphasized the importance of selflessness.
“The gain of our nation cannot be known without unity,” Gotan said.
“In NCPC, you and I have the responsibility to worship together, so that truth and love should continue to bind us together.”
He affirmed that Christianity has a strong tradition of pilgrimage and highlighted the importance of reconnecting with God and learning about the history of Christianity.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Her Excellency, Mrs. Agatha Afoekelu, welcomed the group and acknowledged the significance of pilgrimage in Christianity.
She commended the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of NCPC, and emphasized the need for pilgrims to conduct themselves properly and avoid negative tendencies.
“Pilgrimage is not a jamboree, but a serious spiritual exercise,”
Afoekelu said. “The holy land is holy and will continue to be holy.”
She disclosed that the Nigerian Embassy is working closely with Israel’s Ministry of Interior to ensure the comfort and security of Nigerian pilgrims.
Bishop Adegbite on his part,expressed gratitude for the retreat, which he said was conceptualized by Christian Pilgrimage Operators.
He highlighted the transformation in NCPC’s image since his appointment and assured that the Commission would ensure everyone’s satisfaction.
“We are one family, and we will leave a remarkable mark behind,” Adegbite said.
“This retreat is a period of spiritual rejuvenation, and we are here to seek the face of God.”
Kwararafa Reporters 