Audu Otubi Jos

Following the killings in Plateau State and its attendant humanitarian crisis which has led to the displacement of many, the Mashiah Foundation in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has provided support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Area (LGA).

The number of persons reached with the relief materials are 830 individuals in both LGAs, including other support initiatives and financial supports for villages, women and adolescent girls, pupils, vulnerable households, people living with HIV, persons with disabilities, among other interventions.

Speaking at the presentation of the relief materials and other supportive items to the victims, the Executive Director of Mashiah Foundation, Pastor Bayo Oyebade, said the outreach is not the first humanitarian relief Mashiah Foundation through the support of ELCA is implementing in Plateau State.

According to him, this is the fourth intervention where 830 individuals including women, men, children, the elderly, and that persons with disabilities will receive food rations and essential supplies to help alleviate hunger and restore dignity.

He reaffirmed that Mashiah Foundation, with the support of ELCA will not repent, and that they remain steadfast in its mission to rebuild lives, strengthen communities, and promote peace, stressing that they look forward to a Plateau where every family can live without fear, where children can learn in safety, and where women and men can work together to build a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity.

“This initiative, themed ‘Humanitarian Support for the Displaced and Vulnerable Persons,’ is designed to address critical needs in food security, non-food essentials, and psychosocial support for those affected by the violent conflicts in our communities.

“As you know Additionally, 625 women and girls will receive sanitary pads to support menstrual hygiene management, while targeted psychosocial services will be provided to address the emotional and mental health challenges which emaciated from the crisis.

“As an organisation who have being working for the vulnerable in Plateau State for over two decades now, we understand how immeasurable the pain of losing loved ones and livelihoods can be. Therefore, today Mashiah Foundation stand in solidarity with the good people of Bokkos and Bassa LGA praying the Lord to comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, and restore peace to our land.

“Mashiah Foundation through its various programs and initiatives has remained a beacon of hope to the poor, the displaced, and the vulnerable. Guided by our vision of ‘building a safe world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive as God originally intended,’ our work focuses on restoring dignity, promoting equality, and strengthening community resilience which is in full alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Since 2015, our foundation has: empowered 269 entrepreneurs, providing them with business start-up kits such as tailoring, catering, shoe-making, and salon equipment whom were survivors of ethno-religious conflict or living with HIV.

“We have established 116 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAS) across Plateau State, which continue to provide financial and emotional support to conflict-affected households.

“Also, we have supported 1,035 women and adolescent girls through the provision of dignity kits to address menstrual health and hygiene. And we have provided scholastic materials to 1,848 conflict-affected pupils across Riyom, Bassa, and Barkin-Ladi LGAs, to sustain access to education.

“In addition, we have over the years distributed relief materials to more than 4,000 vulnerable households affected by conflict and displacement,” he said.

The Pastor then commended the Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Council, the District Heads, Security Agencies, faith based leaders, pastors and community volunteers for their unrelenting partnership, pointing out that they are the reason these intervention efforts have succeeded.

“And to our Pastors and church leaders, many of whom have also been personally affected by the conflict, we salute your faith and resilience. Despite your own pain, you continue to comfort, counsel, and rebuild others.

“May the Lord renew your strength and bless your labour of love. Do not be weary in well-doing, for in due season, you shall reap if you faint not,” he added.

In her remarks, Mrs. Mary Beth Oyebade of the ECLA missions said as a church, they are deeply concerned about the recurrent violence in Plateau State, particularly the increased vulnerability of women and children.

According to her, the recent spate of violence that has led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, and also caused untold hardship to the people is regrettable, and that their prayer always is that God should bring comfort to the bereaved families, healing to affected communities, and restoration to the entire region.

Furthermore, Mary Beth stressed that ELCA is committed to making contributions to alleviating these challenges while supporting advocacy for sustainable peace in Plateau State which is vital to food-producing state in the country.

She explained that they recognize the tremendous efforts by the state government, non-governmental organizations faith-based groups, and philanthropists to bring lasting peace to the affected areas, as well as the progress made in the state’s peacebuilding efforts, and their believe is that there should not be further lives lost and no more properties destroyed.

“Since 2023, ELCA has been partnering with Mashish Foundation to address these pressing concerns in Bokkos, Bussa, Barkin-Ladi, und Mangu LGAs. This partnership birthed three key interventions aimed at restoring livelihoods, fostering peace, and providing immediate relief to those most affected by the violence.

“There is the women’s Empowerment Project which addresses the livelihood challenges faced by women in the aftermath of the attacks. Through the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), women are empowered to save money and access credit to start or expand their businesses.

“Additionally, 120 women received grants totaling N90,000 each to support micro-enterprises. There is also the Peace Dialogue Sessions initiative which engaged diverse community stakeholders, including traditional leaders, Ardos, youth leaders and women leaders

“These dialogues have fostered mutual understanding, reconciliation, and community-driven solutions, with impactful results. And then the Food Distribution for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

“Today, we are grateful to God for the opportunity to flag off the fourth intervention: food distribution to IDPs in Bokkos, and Bassa L.GAs. While this phase of the intervention will support 830 individuals, we acknowledge that thousands more are in need,” she said.

However, she apologize that their resources can only cover this number at this time and assured of their commitment to expanding their reach as resources permit.

In his address, the Bokkos Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, stated that almost all the victims who received the relief items from the foundation and Church have their houses burnt, many killed and their land grabbed.

And so, he said, that is why they have become displaced and that even though the relief materials is not enough they appreciate the donors.

Hon Amalau stressed that most of the children can no longer attend school because their parents can no longer afford their school fees, and so called on other donor organizations to assist just as the Mashiah Foundation and ECLA missions are doing.

He cautioned the recipients of the relief materials against selling the contents of the package as it will be unfair to the donors, and advised that anyone who wants to sell it should rather donate it to his or her fellow who is not privileged to be given at the moment.

Meanwhile, he called on the people to be alert, tell their relatives and neighbours alike whatever they are going to, including their farms, in the event of any attack, as well as be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or observation.

In each of the relief material packages provided to the 830 IDPs are 5kg of rice, 5Kg of beans, 5Kg of maize and 5kg of garri

Others are blankets, toothpaste, bar/laundry soap, seasoning cubes, salt and family size Pomade

Johnson Audu Jos

Former Senate Minority Leader Senator Simon Mwadkwon has given his backing to Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s re-election bid in 2027 Considering his achievements in Plateau State in the last 2 years.

Speaking with newsmen in Jos at the weekend, Senator Mwadkwon said the governor’s performance over the last two years has entrenched and demonstrated his leadership qualities, and that his continuance in 2027 is unquestionably necessary to properly reposition the state.

“By all accounts, the PDP and the people of Plateau State are comfortable with his leadership style and the accomplishments he has made in just two years. In addition, there are a number of ongoing projects that will improve the government’s reputation once they are finished” he declared.

Senator Mwadkwon expressed optimism that the People’s Democratic Party will win elections at all levels in Plateau State come 2027, saying the party’s relationship with the people of the state has been symbiotic since the inception of this democratic dispensation.

He also debunked the growing insinuation by some mischief makers that Governor Muftwang was among the governors scheming to dump the PDP for APC, adding that the governor has repeatedly dismissed the insinuation.

“It remains a baseless insinuation; the governor has repeatedly denied this. Anyway, it is not an issue to be discussed because there’s no substance in it. Our governor remains in PDP and has not discussed leaving the party with anyone to the best of my knowledge,” he declared.

On the insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern part of the country, Senator Mwadkwon maintained that state police will go a long way towards the myriad of security challenges, adding that those opposed to it have no compelling reason to support their position given the number of people killed, kidnapped, and properties destroyed.

He declared, “I am a strong supporter of the State Police. Nigeria will not be the first nation to implement this; at one point in time, when we had what was known as local government native authority police in Northern Nigeria, crime was at its lowest.

“The idea was that the police should be close to the people, but my position is that those against it may have hands in the killings. If those opposing it had been victims, either directly or indirectly, they would not oppose it. Human lives are sacrosanct and should be protected.”

He implored the National Assembly and the government to go to the grassroots and sample the opinion of the people on whether they want state police or not instead of relying on the elites alone to discuss the issue..

Ogugu  Audu Jos.

CRAC & partners have petitioned EFCC Chairman on Abuse of Power and Misconduct of an EFCC Officer Ibrahim Buba over Bishop Jonas Katung whose case is pending at Jos Federal high Court and not yet determined by the Court.
While the Case is pending at the Court, EFCC Legal Officer by name Ibrahim Buba at the hearing of the Case was said to have brought in Journalists from The SUN, The Punch and PM news etc to write defamatory Posts against Bishop Katung whose case before the Federal high Court was adjourned for further hearing in October 2025.

According to CRAC and Partners, an accused person is innocent before a judgement is passed by the Court and wondered why Barr Ibrahim Buba permitted and guaranteed a lot of defamatory allegations to be uploaded on several media platforms including EFCC Official Website and instagram handle having failed to state actual Facts that transpired on the 23rd of July in Court on that faithful day.

He also alleged that his Client Mr Abraham Katung who is the son of Bishop Katung was subjected to Cyber bullying , physical threats and loss in Revenue, Business Contracts running into billions of naira within a period of three years in partnership with Dellahs Global Resources
On Account of these allegations which have not been substantiated. His client have directed that the EFCC Boss should order Ibrahim Buba to remove the defamatory posts on EFCC website and official instagram handle , ensuring his demands are met.

ITF Debunks Relocation Rumours , Rea

OTubi Audu Jos.

Industrial Training Fund (ITF)has said Its attention has been drawn to reports of alleged attempts to relocate its from Jos headquarters to Abuja.

Head information and Public Affairs Tom Ngor in a Press statement issued in Jos at the weekend and made available Saturday Kwarafa Reporters said these reports stem from a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised during a recent plenary session of the Plateau State House of Assembly by the member representing Quaan-Pan South Constituency, Hon. Theodore Bala Maiyaki.

He said while the ITF appreciates the efforts of the Honourable Member to represent his constituency and Plateau State as required by his office, his motion in this instance was unnecessarily alarmist, based on false information, and risks harming the cordial and harmonious relationship that has historically existed between the ITF and the people of Plateau State.

According to Ngor ,to address any doubts or potential ill-will caused by the motion, the ITF wishes to clarify the following:

” There is no proposed relocation of the ITF headquarters from Jos, despite the Honourable Member’s claims.The relocation of agencies involves several processes, none of which have been contemplated by the responsible authorities within the ITF critical to such decisions. Neither the Management nor the Governing Council of the ITF, nor the supervising Ministry—the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment—has considered any speculated relocation.”

He noted that on the contrary, the ITF deeply values its longstanding historical ties and socio-economic contributions to Plateau State, which have been integral to its identity since 1976, when the Fund’s headquarters was relocated from Lagos to Jos.

Ngor said the ITF remains committed to fostering industrial and economic growth in Plateau State and Nigeria, with Jos as the central hub for its operations in the foreseeable future.

“The Fund welcomes dialogue with the state government and relevant stakeholders to address concerns and strengthen collaborative efforts for mutual benefit”

“In light of the above, the ITF reaffirms its commitment to its heritage and responsibilities in Jos and urges the public to disregard rumours of relocation as unfounded and misleading.”

Onoja Onoja Jos

The Industrial Training Fund (TF) has recorded a significant boost in its efforts to train and certify Nigerian artisans internationally, as City and Guilds of London (UK) has officially approved the ITF as a certified examination centre.

This development positions the ITF among six other centres across Nigeria that have received similar approvals.

The approval, which was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of City and Guilds, Kirstie Donnelly, indicated that the ITF could conduct examinations for Level 2 Diploma in Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Technology and Maintenance Technology, Level 2 Diploma in House Keeping services, Food Preparation and Culinary Art, Foundation Certificate in Basic Electronic Engineering and Basic Plumbing.
Others include Level 2 in ICT Systems and Principles, Level 3 ICT Systems and Principles, Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying, Level 2 IVQ in IT Systems Support
and Level 3 IVQ Advanced Diploma in IT Systems support.

The approval follows multiple visits by the examination body to ITF training facilities nationwide beginning in December 2023 soon after the inauguration of
the incumbent Management in the Fund, culminating in a Train-the-Trainer workshop for 22 ITF officers who will be responsible for training trainees in the approved fields and supervising examinations.

The Director-General of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun noted the significance of the approval stating that “this approval is significant as it will enable Niger
ian Artisans to gain internationally recognised qualifications and potentially up
opportunities for jobs worldwide, thereby positively impacting the poverty and
unemployment situation in the country. It also aligns with the ITF mission to set and evaluate Training Standards as well as provide need based Human Cap
ital interventions in line with global best practices.

“1t is also especially crucial for the Skil-Up Artisans (SUPA), which is a programme implemented by the ITF for the Federal Government to train, retrain, certify and licence Nigerian artisans to international standards.
“SUPA aims to enhance the employability of artisans both locally and internationally by providing access to internationally recognised certifications thereby fostering self-reliance”, noting that apart from City and Guilds, ITF is currently interacting with international certification bodies like Alberk QA and others for
similar certification.

Dr Oqun stressed that “we believe that if our efforts come to fruition, Nigeria will become a major exporter of skilled manpower alongside countries like India,
China and Indonesia, which will in turn earn Nigeria foreign exchange.
“Already, the ITF is in communication with Some Embassies and foreign missions to determine their artisanal needs to accommodate them in training under the Skill-Up Artisans Programme”:.

Vacation: Knowledge Fountain School proprietress cautions against child abuse

Audu Otubi Jos.

As the primary and secondary schools across the country is rounding off the session and to commence on long vacation, the proprietress of Knowledge Fountain School, Mrs Philipa Edo has warned against child molestation, sexual abuse and other acts against children.

The proprietress of the school, which is located along Old Oron Road, in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital sounded the note of caution when she interacted with newsmen with respect to her school’s 3rd year anniversary and graduation ceremony coming up tomorrow, 24th July, 2025.

She however proffered measures to check child abuse and also called on the parents, guardian and other care givers to be vigilant and monitor the children carefully.

“As we approach the long holiday season, it is crucial to address a topic of utmost importance, which is the protection of our children from the dangers of pedophilia. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is a responsibility we all share.

“This notice aims to educate you about pedophilia, the risks it poses and practical steps you can take to protect your children. Pedophilia is a psychiatric disorder where an adult or older adolescent experiences a primary or exclusive sexual attraction toward children.

“It is vital to understand that children are vulnerable and require our utmost care and vigilance to keep them safe from such dangers.

Who is a Child?
A child is anyone under 18 years.

“Child molestation, also known as child sexual abuse, involves various indecent sexual activities between an adult and a child. These can include rape, which is any form of penetrative or non-penetrative sexual intercourse with a child.

“Making a child watch Pornography, exposing genitals to children and indecent touching and fondling are all inappropriate,” she said.

Shockingly, she revealed, over 95% of sexually abused children are abused by someone known to them or their family, which can include family members, neighbours and co-tenants,
friends and acquaintances,
schoolmates and classmates.

Others, according to her, include teachers and coaches, religious leaders,
caregivers and domestic staff,security personnel and drivers, among others.

On the protective measures to child abuse, she said: “To protect your children from pedophilia, talk to your children about inappropriate behaviour and boundaries, encourage open communication and assure your children that they can come to you with any concerns.

“Monitor your child’s interactions with others, including family members and friends, and beware of your child’s online activities and educate them about internet safety.

“Also establish clear rules about physical boundaries and privacy, pay attention to changes in your child’s behaviour, such as anxiety, withdrawal or fear of certain individuals.

“And take note if your child suddenly refuses to be alone with someone or avoids certain places,” she added.

Meanwhile, she pointed out that besides the quality of teaching and a conducive learning environment, the administration of Knowledge Fountain School is very serious with the children’s moral upbringing, and so they endeavour to instill good morals, behaviour and discipline in the children.

Jos : Tinubu will defeat the coalition group in 2027 – Bishop Jonas Katung Predicts.Otubi 

Audu  Otubi Jos.

The President and founder of the Living Stone Assembly church in Jos, Bishop Jonas Katung has described the coming together of Nasir El-rufai , Atiku Abubakar and others to work against Tinubu’s re- election in 2027 will not succeed.

According to Bishop Katung in an interview said President Tinubu is not Jonathan and that President Tinubu despite the forces that fought against him in 2023 general election, won the Presidency.

According to Bishop Katung, it would not be simple to defeat him now that he is operating from inside Aso Rock.

“they are not angels, he said former governor El- Rufai ruled kaduna State for eight years and caused so many religious problems in the state and that peace could only return to the state when his predecessor governor Uba Sani came onboard.

He said what them Opposition are doing in coalition group is to whip up tribal sentiment

, “Tinubu should probe members of the coalition by investigating their past activities.”

Bishop Katung who is Secretary General of Council of Northern Pentecostal Bishops said that going by their past activities, he said the people in coalition group should not be in power, describing them as a group of vampires who should not be allowed to take over Power in Nigeria.

According to him, the key figures in the coalition are former members of the PDP and APC and that they have nothing new to offer Nigerians.

He said after the First Lady Mariam Babangida’s pet project better life for Nigerian Rural women, the next First Lady that is doing well is Senator Remi Tinubu, going from state to state to launch her project ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ to support her husband to succeed.

He said the combination of the president and his wife is what Nigerians want at this moment.

He added that in the last two years “we have seen what the government could do compared to what the past government did, saying why are the coalition members playing with the rest of Nigerians?;

” It is good to go with what we can see than empty promises from empty vessels with the heart of deceit who are only after their selfish interest.” he stressed.

According to him, the coalition group is dead on arrival because they are going no where, all their members have questions to answer about their past roles in government. Bishop Katung stressed.

   

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Home Latest NewsAcademic Staff Union Of Plateau State University Demands Negotiated Settlement On Staff Earned Academic Allowances

Latest News

Academic Staff Union Of Plateau State University Demands Negotiated Settlement On Staff Earned Academic Allowances

written by Onoja Audu June 14, 2025



Plateau State University Academic Staff Union has denounced the unilateral decision by the state University Administration to impose a Paltry amount of money as mainstream Allowances (EAA)into the salaries of Academic Staffs without reaching an agreement with the union .

The Chairman of the union Dr Monday Hassan Zitta and Secretary Dr Lomka Iliya Kopdiya in a statement in Jos at the weekend which was made available to Kwararafa Reporters  hinted that by not going into agreement with the union before implementing anything  was a serious contentious matter that could lead to an industrial action.

According to the two union leaders, Earn Academic Allowance are usually computed and paid at the end of Academic session based on the ratio of staff and students after a period of teaching assessment and project subversion .

According to them, following a strike action before now the past Plateau state government significantly increased the monthly subvention to the University to cater for payment of EAA, but sadly the University administration chose to use the increased subvention for other purposes.

“To resolve the problems and agitations of the union,and conscious of the disadvantages of the proposal ,the management agreed that payment of EAA should be mainstreamed into monthly salaries instead of seasonal computation”

The Union leaders said that this has been done in other states universities with conditions acceptable to both the administration and the union, but lamented that instead of commending them by appreciating the gesture, the university authorities decided to ignore Union’s correspondences on the matter and hastly imposed a token amount that is the least compared to other state university with mainstreamed EAA in their monthly salaries.

They recalled that in a committee’s report, the union recommended reasonable and justifiable figures to be negotiated for , but regretted that the payment was abandoned on the excuse that the federal government has taken a position on the matter which could not be substantiated.

They appealled to the general public to interven in this matter by calling on the state government to address this and other problems as soon as possible before it leads to declaration of total, comprehensive and indefinite action .

The two union leaders also demanded that the university authority should either revert to the Seasonal computation method or consider and pay the justifiable and reasonable amount as recommended by the union and as stated in the Professor Bulus Gyang committee report.

They also asked for the payment of outstanding fifty percent of the 2923/2024 earned Academic allowance and as well addressed all outstanding in previously signed agreements between the union and the state government, stressing that the union is always open and willing to come for discussions or for any
engaments that would lead to the progress of the Plateau State University,Bokkos .

Jos: Academic Staff Union of Plateau State University Demands Negotiated Settlement On staff Earn Academic Allowances.

Onoja Audu Jos.

Plateau State University Academic Staff Union has denounced the unilateral decision by the state University Administration to impose a Paltry amount of money as mainstream Allowances (EAA)into the salaries of Academic Staffs without reaching an agreement with the union .

The Chairman of the union Dr Monday Hassan Zitta and Secretary Dr Lomka Iliya Kopdiya in a statement in Jos at the weekend which was made available to Saturday Independent, hinted that by not going into agreement with the union before implementing anything is a serious contentious matter that could lead to an industrial action.

According to the two union leaders, Earn Academic Allowance are usually computed and paid at the end of Academic session based on the ratio of staff and students after a period of teaching assessment and project subversion .

According to them, in 2021 following a strike action, the past Plateau state government significantly increased the monthly subvention to the University to cater for payment of EAA, but sadly the University administration chose to use the increased subvention for other purposes.

“To resolve the problems and agitations of the union,and conscious of the disadvantages of the proposal ,the management agreed that payment of EAA should be mainstreamed into monthly salaries instead of seasonal computation”

The Union leaders said that this has been done in other states universities with conditions acceptable to both the administration and the union, but lamented that instead of commending them by appreciating the gesture, the university, authorities decided to ignore Union’s correspondences on the matter and hastly imposed a token amount that is the least compared to other state university with mainstreamed EAA in their monthly salaries.

They recalled that in a committee’s report, the union recommended reasonable and justifiable figures to be negotiated for , but regretted that the payment was abandoned on the excuse that the federal government has taken a position on the matter which could not be substantiated.

They appealled to the general public to interven in this matter by calling on the state government to address this and other problems as soon as possible before it leads to declaration of total, comprehensive and indefinite action .

The two union leaders also demanded that the university authority should either revert to the Seasonal computation method or consider and pay the justifiable and reasonable amount as recommended by the union and as stated in the Professor Bulus Gyang committee report.

They also asked for the payment of outstanding fifty percent of the 2923/2024 earned Academic allowance and as well addressed all outstanding in previously signed agreements between the union and the state government, stressing that the union is always open and willing to come for discussions or for any
engaments that would lead to the progress of the Plateau State