Eid-El- Fitri:NCPC Boss , Bishop Adegbite Congratulates Muslims On Eid-El -Fitr Celebrations.
Ogunenwa Audu Jos
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Bishop Adegbite also commended the Muslims faithfuls for their successful completion of the fasting during the holy month of Ramadan and acknowledged the spiritual benefits of this observance in strengthening their faith and belief in God.
He urged them to foster inter-faith harmony, peace, and love among people of diverse faiths. Furthermore, he encouraged Muslim faithful to collaborate with the federal government and various state governments to enhance governance in Nigeria.
Additionally, Bishop Adegbite emphasized the importance of continuing to uphold Nigeria and its leaders in prayer. He also urged Muslims to pray for the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to view the government as partners in progress
He called on them to shun anything that will undermine Nation interest and ensure they support any good cause so that together we can all reap the dividends of democracy.
The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has enjoined intending pilgrims of FCT to ensure they uphold Nigeria and the leaders in prayer while in the Holy land, in view of the current challenges facing the country. He made this disclosure recently in Abuja during the screening exercise conducted by the NCPC officials for the intending pilgrims of FCT at the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board. Bishop Adegbite who spoke through the Federal Commissioner representing North Central on the Board of the Commission, Rev Dr Simon Dolly also urged the pilgrims to shun all vices capable of tarnishing the image of the country in the Holy land. “Seek for prayers and not pleasure, continue to pray for peaceful co-existence of the nation while in the Holy land”, he said. Earlier, the Acting Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs Rehila Isa-Baita explained that all mechanisms have been put in place for a hitch free Pilgrimage exercise, she urged the pilgrims to be orderly, keep to all rules and pray fervently for a better nation. She commended both Ministers of the FCT – Barr.Nyesom Wike and the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmud for the efforts put in place to make the forthcoming Pilgrimage exercise a success
The Acting Director cautioned the intending pilgrims against abscondment, she urged them to adhere to all medical advice in order to prevent any form of health challenges in the holy land. About 350 intending pilgrims of FCT were screened preparatory for the forthcoming NCPC Pilgrimage exercise slated to commence in May, 20024.
North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has called on Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and the nine house of assembly members of the APC who were sworn in on Thursday by the Speaker to ensure a harmonious working relationship.
The forum in a statement yesterday to newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital said for the progress, peace and tranquility of the state and the North Central region by extension, there should be no rift between the legislature and the executive.
The statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, and Secretary, Sani Muhammed Kogi, said all the happenings before, during and after the Appeal Court judgement which declared the APC candidates the the winner of the election as against their PDP counterparts should be put aside to give way for the smooth operations and running of governance.
Similarly, it said, if there are issues before, during and in the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgement which upheld governor Mutfwang’s election, that will affect governance from any quarter, it should be done away with so that the people can enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“There will be no smooth running of governance and by extension development in any state if the executive and legislative arm of government are not working together harmoniously.
“That is why we are calling on the newly sworn-in nine APC members out of the 16 members to ensure that they work harmoniously with Governor Caleb Mutfwang who is of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to work together for the peace, stability and development of Plateau State, and the North Central by extension.
“We are calling on the speaker to also expedite the swearing in of the remaining members so that legislative activities can continue at once. And as we await the swearing in of the others members, we call on those sworn in, as well as the leadership of the house to desist from acts that would lead to friction among themselves or between the house and the governor.
“Plateau State is faced with a lot of security and economic challenges over the years that requires urgent attention and resolution, and it will not be proper to have the state thrown into another political crisis. In fact political crisis on its own is a speedy agent of destabilization and backwardness, and it is proper that good care is taken to avoid it
“We are calling on the members to be diligent in their legislative activities and not to allow any outside influence to push them against one another or against the executive unnecessarily. That will not be proper and it will only breed chaos and instability. They can checkmate the governor/government to perform their executive duties well without necessarily having friction or engaging in witch-hunting acts.
“Equally, we are calling on governor, Caleb Mutfwang, not to engage in acts capable of hindering the full resumption of legislative activities of the APC members, or to listen to advice from any quarter against the interest of the APC members.
“Recalled that since December last year the North Central APC Forum has been on ground working hard to ensure a hitch-free resumption of the party’s legislators and to tackle any hindrance to the resumption of the APC legislators.
“Our efforts and activities on this has been widely reported in the media since last December, and we are glad that are begining to have some result. So, nothing should be done to truncate this process that has already commenced” the statement partly read.
The statement further called on all the political actors in the state to remain calm and work towards political stability of the state, rather that engaging in acts capable of overheating the polity and cause disaffection, disunity and rancour.
North Central APC tasks Mutfwang, newly sworn-in party legislators on harmonious relationship
North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has called on Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and the nine house of assembly members of the APC who were sworn in on Thursday by the Speaker to ensure a harmonious working relationship.
The forum in a statement yesterday to newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital said for the progress, peace and tranquility of the state and the North Central region by extension, there should be no rift between the legislature and the executive.
The statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, and Secretary, Sani Muhammed Kogi, said all the happenings before, during and after the Appeal Court judgement which declared the APC candidates the the winner of the election as against their PDP counterparts should be put aside to give way for the smooth operations and running of governance.
Similarly, it said, if there are issues before, during and in the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgement which upheld governor Mutfwang’s election, that will affect governance from any quarter, it should be done away with so that the people can enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“There will be no smooth running of governance and by extension development in any state if the executive and legislative arm of government are not working together harmoniously.
“That is why we are calling on the newly sworn-in nine APC members out of the 16 members to ensure that they work harmoniously with Governor Caleb Mutfwang who is of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to work together for the peace, stability and development of Plateau State, and the North Central by extension.
“We are calling on the speaker to also expedite the swearing in of the remaining members so that legislative activities can continue at once. And as we await the swearing in of the others members, we call on those sworn in, as well as the leadership of the house to desist from acts that would lead to friction among themselves or between the house and the governor.
“Plateau State is faced with a lot of security and economic challenges over the years that requires urgent attention and resolution, and it will not be proper to have the state thrown into another political crisis. In fact political crisis on its own is a speedy agent of destabilization and backwardness, and it is proper that good care is taken to avoid it
“We are calling on the members to be diligent in their legislative activities and not to allow any outside influence to push them against one another or against the executive unnecessarily. That will not be proper and it will only breed chaos and instability. They can checkmate the governor/government to perform their executive duties well without necessarily having friction or engaging in witch-hunting acts.
“Equally, we are calling on governor, Caleb Mutfwang, not to engage in acts capable of hindering the full resumption of legislative activities of the APC members, or to listen to advice from any quarter against the interest of the APC members.
“Recalled that since December last year the North Central APC Forum has been on ground working hard to ensure a hitch-free resumption of the party’s legislators and to tackle any hindrance to the resumption of the APC legislators.
“Our efforts and activities on this has been widely reported in the media since last December, and we are glad that are begining to have some result. So, nothing should be done to truncate this process that has already commenced” the statement partly read.
The statement further called on all the political actors in the state to remain calm and work towards political stability of the state, rather that engaging in acts capable of overheating the polity and cause disaffection, disunity and rancour.
Chris Oyakhilome Foundation has expressed it’s willingness to support IDPs in Mangu and Bokkos LGA’S who were engulfed in crisis recently in Plateau State.
The foundation intervention interest to assist the Plateau IDPs was disclosed by the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation delegation who paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang at Government House, Rayfield Jos .
Leader of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation delegation and Chief Operating Officer of Love World Inc, Pastor Arinze Emmanuels, supported by Head of Operations at COFI Pastor Charity Okah, North Central Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy, Pastor Niyi Moyede and Ambassador Chris Iyama, disclosed that their visit was part of series of responses by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation to the unfortunate Christmas Eve attacks which claimed lives and properties with thousands of the locals displaced in the affected communities.
Pastor Arinze noted that the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation has been responding to humanitarian crisis situations around the world , stressing that it is the vision and work of the President of the Foundation Pastor Chris Oyakhilome that has brought them to Plateau State.
“And first of all, I’d like to bring greetings from the President of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome . we are here because of his Vision and his works, not just here but around the world. So in COFI, we major on responding to crises, humanitarian crises around the world and we also restore hope. So hearing what happened in Plateau State, in Mangu, and Bokkos in December las year ,first of all, we asked the group on ground, to do some intervention work, which they did in January.”
“And so we came from the headquarters sent by Pastor Chris himself to come and look at the situation and provide further support further help to those who were affected in those communities.”
The foundation commended Governor Mutfwang for his administration’s strides and leadership in the state which has resonated across the country.
“We’ve heard of your strides because we study environments and we have heard so much about your works in this state since you started your tenure. We are quite inspired. You know, we did some of our research and we found out that you’ve also responded with your administration to the crisis that happened”
“And we are quite happy with that. And we’re inspired as well to come and join forces with your government to provide that kind of support to get the communities that were affected. You know, and COFI, like I said, we have had interventions almost everywhere in the world. The thing is, there may not be so much noise about it, but a lot has been going on.”
“The recent one we did was in Turkey. The earthquake that happened in Turkey, I think, it was last year. We had two interventions there in that country, and they were able to visit all the camps there. And we provided quite enormous amount of relief to those that were affected. We were also in India and we try to provide support in different areas, education, food, medical support and all of that. So we did that in India”.
“When Haiti had an issue, earthquake several years ago. We were also there to support that country. And as you know, now there’s war in Israel, Gaza, between Palestine and Israel. And also as I speak now, we have a team in Israel right now trying to see what we can do to help those nations, to sort out the issues and help those who are having crisis or who are affected by the war going on in that country.”
“So we are very committed and we are excited to work with your government to see how much we can provide to assist and to support. We have been talking with those on ground who have been working in those communities, and a lot has happened already from different organizations. But we feel that when we join forces with you, like already really did earlier, we can do so much, one achieve a lot with your government.”
“So we thank you for receiving us.we bring greetings from our Pastors. At COFI, what we do is we work with our churches on ground to have that body working strongly. So anytime there’s a crisis, they are always the first response from those on ground.”
“And we came here to look at what’s on ground and see what we can do. And even though it’s more like a fact finding mission, but also, we’re going to do something substantial before leaving the state, hopefully in the next few days. So we thank you for your hospitality. We’re glad to meet your cabinet. Thank you for your leadership in the state. And I believe that this will start or introduce a whole new relationship on a different level with the organization. We are happy to work with your government. We are happy to also provide the support as we would to the citizens of the state as they require it.”
Responding the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang on behalf of his administration and the people of the State thanked Pastor Chris for the show of love and solidarity.
“It’s a great pleasure for us to receive you this morning in Government House. We feel excited and very honestly delighted that you would be concerned about us. It means so much to us and I want to, on behalf of the people and government of Plateau State express our profound gratitude to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and the entire leadership of the ministry and the foundation.”
“This is what the scriptures admonish and we see that this is what you are doing in fulfillment of the very word that he [Pastor Chris] preaches, that those who are strong should help those that are weak. And you have come to us at the moment of our vulnerability and we cannot forget it. Our prayer is that the good Lord who steered your hearts to come this way to hear our own macedonian cry, may He grant you the desires of your heart. May he grant you the resources to do more.”
“And all we are praying for, Pastor Chris, is that may God help him to fulfill his the plan of ministry. So we thank you very sincerely for coming and by God’s grace. In fact, I was telling some of my staff that I need to take out a week to go to Lagos and be able to visit some of these key leaders of the church who have shown tremendous concern towards us. And we really, really appreciate it. And we pray that this, this would further strengthen the unity that is amongst us and we project the Lord whom we serve.”
Governor Mutfwang assured the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation of his administration’s support for the work while also pledging future collaborations in resettling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their ancestral homes.
He also used the opportunity to enumerate the nature of work before his administration in facilitating the return of IDPs back home.
“So we are quite delighted and I’m sure that our people are on ground to be able to connect with you and guide you accordingly on where to intervene.One of the greatest areas of need for us now is actually how to move our people out of IDP camps back to their settlements. We are trusting God that before the rain begins ,we will be able to move them back to their homes if not all, a substantial number. That means that we have to provide security. We have to rebuild some of the homes. We have to also give them some economic empowerment so that they can be able to settle back into their communities.”
“Truth is, most of the people that have been dislocated, they are not used to begging. They are not used to receiving hand ups. They feel more fulfilled when they are doing something for themselves. And so many of them are passing through a mental torture having to stay in IDP camps.”
“We appreciate it all that is coming, but the way our people are wired is that they take pride in laboring with their hands. And that’s why we are determined by God’s grace to make sure we facilitate their return to their ancestral homes. So this is a kind of cooperation and collaboration we seek to build in the coming days and see how God will help us to be able to do that.”
“Greetings to Pastor Chris Oyakilome. God willing, I’m sure we’ll get to see one on one. And I have followed this ministry for some years and we thank God for the impact it is making.”
“And so by God’s grace, I’ll find time and I’ll be able to come fellowship together. So thank you for coming and as you return, God bless you.”
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of gift from the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation to Governor Mutfwang and from Governor Mutfwang to the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State Arch Samuel Nanchang Jatau, Chief of Staff Government House Bldr Jeremiah Satmak, Cabinet Commissioners, Special Advisers, Heads of Government Parastatal and some Principal Senior Assistants to the Governor
The people of Halle District of Mangu LGA of Plateau state have taken to the streets of Halle over moves by Mangu Monarch Mishkaham Mwaghavul to impose a district Head from, Mangu Tuluwurang Clan on them. The protesters who carried several banners with inscriptions such as ” Mangu is not the same as Halle” No imposition of District Head from Mangu District on Halle people, etc.
Spokesman of the group Umar Obadiah, in an interview, told newsmen that the history of Tuluwurang in the Mangu district is built around Mwansat while the history of Halle district is built around Ding’an/Daham. The present mishkaham mwaghavul happens to be a member of the Tuluwurang ruling clan in the Mangu district. Th
Mangu and Halle are two different entities with their different histories .
According to Obadiah, in 1988 a panel was set up by Plateau Goverment to look into issue of Chieftaincy stools in the state and by 1990 to 1992 the report of the panel was released and in that report only Four ruling Houses were recommended for Halle district from where a district Head of Halle could emerge.
He added that a Halle Man during the era of Joshua Dariye as Plateau governor was given form one to act as District Head of Halle before Jang who took over from Dariye abrogated all the new chiedom and district areas that he met on the ground in the state.
Obadiah said Mangu Monarch and chairman of the LGA traditional council should be a father to all rather than working behind the scene to impose one of his own from Tuluwurang Clan as the new District Head of Halle District of Mangu LGA of Plateau state.
He added that going by the report of the Panel in 1992, Only 4 running Houses of Ngar, Nshu, Mwantu, and Jivum were recommended to appoint one of their own as Halle district Head/ Mishkaham.
He added that the report of the panel, which was published in 1992 on Halle, is in possession of Mangu LGA and Plateau state government and has been gazetted. He wondered why some persons who are members of Tuluwurang Clan of Mangu District and not from Halle District and not also from any of the ruling Houses are agitating for the office of district Head of Halle under the watchful eyes of Mangu LGA monarch Da John P Hirse.He alleged.
He vowed that Halle people would continue to struggle for what rightfully belonged to them legally until the right thing is done.
The former Senator representing Plateau South at National Assembly Senator Napoleon Bali and former member House of Representatives Hon Beni Lar and others have visited victims of the March 25 communal clashes in Mikang and Langtang North local government areas of Plateau State .
The clashes between the duo border communities left eight people dead and over thirty others injured with properties worth millions of naira destroyed
The communal clash between Motul and Tarok ethnic tribes over a parcel of land on March 25 led to the death of eight people with several others injured and thousands displaced in two local government areas of Plateau State.
Senator Napoleon Bali in company of former House of Representatives and state Assembly members among others went on the visit to the troubled communities to commiserate with the victims at an internally displaced persons camp presented relief materials and cash donations.
They gave an assurance that the state government will work to restore peace in the affected areas.
Responding, the Council chairman for Mikang local government Daniel kurgmi said a resettlement committee has been put in peace to handle the situation and that normalcy is gradually returning to the affected communities.
Some other stakeholders who accompanied the senator Bali said the timely intervention of government in handling the situation is key as this has brought some relief and succour to the victims while applauding the effort of the Senator in distributing this relief materials.
Some of the victims Lucy Nanjul and Julius tanmak says the visit by the critical stakeholders will bring lasting peace in the affected communities after the crisis.
Prophet Dr. Isa Elbuba, the General Overseer of El-Buba Outreach Ministries International (EBOMI) and Convener of Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) has celebrated his 42nd Spiritual Birthday on Thursday in a grand celebration held at the EBOMI prayer temple and Towers Jos.
The event, which also served as a platform to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to his 42-years spiritual journey in the Christian Faith.
Special guests, religious leaders, traditional rulers and members of the community also attended the event.
Speaking at the event,Prophet El-buba expressed his gratitude and appreciation to those who have supported and uplifted him throughout his spiritual journey.
He emphasized on the importance of honoring those who have made eternal impacts and investments in his life, describing the awards as a token of his appreciation.
“The awardees are notable for making my 42 years walk in the Christian Faith easier. My joy and gladness are to see the redemption of humanity and to honor the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords in my life and my family,” Prophet Dr. Isa Elbuba remarked.
The awards, according to him, are in line with his mandate of supporting leaders and political office holders.
Notable among the awardees were late Baba Paul Gindiri a posthumous golden award, Rev. Dr. Steve Dangana, former Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Dcn Udom Emmanuel, Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Kefas Agbu, and Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang among others
In addition to the awards, scholarships were presented to over 40 students from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State, drawn from various higher institutions.
Cheques of various sums were presented to the students to support their educational pursuits.
On his part The plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Architect Samuel Nanchang Jatau, commended Prophet Dr. Isa El-buba for his commitment to unity, love, and peace.
He made a donation of 5 million Naira to support the initiatives of the EBOMI and IBBN.
Former Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Dcn Udom Emmanuel, and the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, also sent messages of support for the IBBN foundation.
They acknowledged the immense inspiration and work of Prophet Dr. Isa Elbuba in defending the faith for over four decades, not only in Nigeria but also beyond its borders.
The celebration was enriched with soul-stirring music ministrations from renowned gospel artists such as Minister Solomon Lange, Minister Ezra Jinang, and other anointed ministers of God who added spiritual dimension to the joyous occasion.
Some leaders and chieftains of the All Progressive Congress (APC) from the North Central region has called for the zoning of the National Chairmanship seat of the party to the region.
The call was made after their meeting which held via zoom on Thursday, which also had in attendance leaders of the North Central APC Forum, as well as other party bigwigs from the region.
Briefing newsmen on phone in Jos the Plateau State capital on the outcome of meeting on behalf of the APC forum/chieftains, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga said the North Central has tremendously contributed to the development and sustenance of the APC over the years and so deserves the National Chairmanship position of the party.
Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election explained that the North Central region has also been a formidable force and support base of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and as such the president and convention planning committee should take their demand very seriously and assist accordingly.
He said since the post military era, the North Central has largely contributed to the democratic growth in the nation, and it would be fair and equitable therefore, for their party (the APC) to acknowledge this effort and zone the National Chairmanship seat to the region.
According to him, the region has strong men and women that can fit in and perform creditably well as the party’s National Chairman, including people like Chief Amos Gizo, Engr. Sani Ndanusa, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (powerful woman), Gbenle Adeyemi, Ahmed Aliyu Tijani, Mrs Mary Nieyor Isa, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, Yahaya Bello (immediate past Kogi State governor), Yewuti Zubaru Jibrin, Mohammed Audu, among others.
He stressed that they are already liaising with other stakeholders, interest groups as well as members/supporters of the party from the region in order to have a united front and pursue their cause of clinching the National Chairmanship seat.
He called on the APC national leaders to carefully consider their quest, adding that their role right from the 2015 election to the 2023 election was very critical towards the success of the party at the polls.
Zazzaga pointed out that they will not spare any effort to pursue their cause as their mission is to do things that will generally uplift the North Central zone.
Furthermore, he said they will continue to remain loyal to the APC and continue working for the success of the party in one way or the order.
Their next move, according to him, would be wider consultations, advocacy visits to the national and regional (North Central) leaders of the party, as well as other relevant bodies in order to push for this cause.
Coalitions of ten groups for Peter Obi (CPO), a stakeholder in the Obidient movement and steadfast supporters of the Labour Party have expressed it’s unwavering dedication to the vision of rebuilding Nigeria with Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed remains resolute.
A group of ten Coalitions took this decision during it’s online meeting of the Obidient on March 21, 2024,
In a Letter written to National chairman of Labour Party Comrade Julius Abure and a copy of it made available to newsmen in Jos , they strongly urged the Party National Working Committee to ensure the unimpeded inclusion of all willing and committed members in the upcoming congresses of the party.
To achieve this goal,they recommend that the congresses commence from the grassroots level, starting with the wards, progressing to the Local Government Areas (LGAs), and culminating at the state level.
” We believe that this strategic approach will empower party members to actively participate in the selection of their representatives for the National Convention and in ensuring a collective and inclusive approach to decision-making processes.”
“We also recommended that Screening and Electoral Committees be set up with clear mandates, and their details made public”
This approach they said will enhance transparency and accountability, which are essential for the credibility of the electoral process.
They emphasized that for the democratic values and transparency, “we advocate for a platform where every member can voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the party’s future, stressing that.inclusivity and grassroots engagement are vital for the party’s strength and progress towards shared goals.
The ten collation groups appreciated the National Chairman’s leadership role and hope that he would look into these recommendations, which they believe will benefit the Labour Party.
“We look forward to positive reforms that will strengthen the party’s internal democracy and advance its goals”
Kwararafa Reporters 