Advancement Office of University of Jos and Plateau state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs have agreed to go into partnership with one another for the sake of training and retraining of staffs of Local government areas on the Plateau.
The state Commissioner of the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Comrade Ephraim Usman gave this indication when the executive Director of the Advancement Office of the university of Jos Professor Serah and her management paid him a Courtesy visit at his office in Jos.
According to Usman,the university of Jos was where he schooled and worked before he became a Commissioner under Mutfwang administration, assuring his visitors that he would continue to partner with the management of Advancement Office of the University for all development of the state and the university Community.
He congratulated the university for securing the right to host NUGA games this time around.
He told the management of the Advancement Office that Governor Mutfwang administration on the Plateau runs an open door policy and determined to work round the clock for the over all advancement of the people of Plateau.
Earlier, Professor Serah Luwas of Advancement Office of the university of Jos told Comrade Usman that the Advancement Office management of the University was proud of him and that the appointment of Ephraim Usman as Plateau state Commissioner was as a result of his hard work and believe in team work for the Advancement of the state.
She noted that the Advancement Office under her leadership would partner with ministry of Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Affairs to train and re train local government workers in the state and possibly staffs of the ministry of Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs of the state. Professor Serah also assured the Commissioner that the Advancement Office would work with traditional rulers in Local government areas of the state on the need to maintain peace in their domain and their local government councils of the state .
She announced that the University of Jos have secured the hosting right of Nuga games.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to running a transparent, accountable, and all-inclusive government, aimed at delivering good governance and quality services to the people.
Governor Mutfwang made this commitment during the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Multi-Stakeholders Roundtable and Sensitisation Workshop, held at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.
Highlighting the OGP’s core objective of meeting citizens’ expectations through democratic dividends, Governor Mutfwang emphasized his campaign promise to provide quality governance to the people of Plateau.
“We are actively creating opportunities for investors to participate in the state’s development, ensuring transparency in all transactions. Additionally, we are exploring strategies to leverage our agricultural assets for the benefit of the state,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The Plateau governor also announced plans to revive and reconstruct legacy projects such as the Hill Station Hotel, Plateau Hotel, and Jos Abattoir, with the aim of improving living standards and boosting revenue for further economic development.
He Acknowledged the need for transparency and accountability in external funded developmental projects he inherited.
Governor Mutfwang assured citizens of his state that thorough reviews would be conducted to ensure value for money and benefit for the people.
Manji Wilson, Chief Technical Adviser on Development Partnerships and Diaspora Engagements to the Governor, emphasized the pivotal role of the OGP in Plateau’s development and commended Governor Mutfwang’s unwavering advocacy for transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
Also addressing the participants, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Gad Shamaki lauded Plateau State’s commitment to the OGP and praised Governor Mutfwang’s transparent and accountable governance. He also applauded the appointment of innovative youths and women in key roles, to drive the agenda of transparency and accountability forward.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has encouraged intending pilgrims from Plateau state to embody the values of love, peace, and tolerance as they embark on the sacred journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.
While bidding them farewell to the departing pilgrims from Plateau, Governor Mutwang enjoined them to not only pray for themselves and their families but also for the restoration of lasting peace in the state.
“As you embark on the fifth pillar of Islam, you carry not only pray for your personal aspirations but also the collective hopes and spiritual yearnings of our beloved state.
“The Hajj is a journey of profound reflection, steadfast faith, and a commitment to righteousness.”
He emphasized the significance of this act of worship by highlighting his administration’s unwavering support for the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and ensuring the spiritual growth and welfare of Muslims in the state.
As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his dedication to upholding fairness and justice for all citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, or background.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, prioritizing the unity and prosperity of Plateau State.
“In your prayers and supplications, remember our dear State, not only for immediate peace but for sustained harmony and unity,” he urged.
Earlier,Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support for the Muslim community in the state.
He noted that the Governor’s sponsorship of 540 out of 1,232 pilgrims, the approval of funds for the resettlement of backlog deposits and the procurement of a bus for the board demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.
He called on all to pray and support the efforts of Governor Mutwang in providing transformative leadership for Plateau State.
Ogunenwa Otubi Audu Jos.Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Plateau State, has successfully trained 119 young individuals in various skill acquisitions.
Over a span of two weeks, the program encompassed a wide array of disciplines, prominently featuring mobile videography, Phone photography, data analysis, content writing proficiency and the art of production within the digital realm and commercial sectors.
The initiative the first of it’s kind in the state, seeks to fostering self-sufficiency and generating employment opportunities for the youth population of Plateau state.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held Saturday in Jos, Sunday Polycarb, director, Kefiano Creative Hub emphasized the pivotal role of skill development in alleviating unemployment and enabling sustainable economic growth within the community.
He underscored the organization’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation.
“The training program, characterized by its holistic approach to skill acquisition, sought to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive job market. Through hands-on experiences and expert guidance, the 119 graduates emerged with a newfound sense of purpose and self-assurance, ready to embark on their professional journeys with confidence and competence”.
In a interview with journalists at the sideline of the event, the founder of the NGO, Kefas Wungak said he has intended to train more than 1000 youths before the year runs out.
He noted that his organization is mainly for those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds in spite of their religion or tribe adding that, the beneficiaries of the training are intended to in turn be of impact to others and the general society.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Masara Kim who was trained in mobile Videography said they had personal transformation and resilience which is reflective of the profound impact of the Kefiano Creative Hub’s initiative that demonstrate a remarkable commitment to personal growth and skill development, embodying the ethos of perseverance and dedication.
BusinessDay observed that the graduation ceremony served as a moment of celebration and reflection, as the graduates, beaming with pride, stood on the brink of a new chapter in their lives. Surrounded by their peers and mentors, they exchanged stories, shared aspirations, and forged lasting connections built on mutual respect and shared experiences.
The Kefiano Creative Hub’s investment in the youth of Plateau State highlights the organization’s unwavering dedication to community development and capacity building. By providing targeted training programs that align with market demands and industry trends, the NGO is playing a vital role in preparing young individuals for the challenges of the modern workforce.
The ripple effects of their education and empowerment will undoubtedly extend far beyond the confines of the training program, catalyzing positive change and inspiring others to pursue their own paths to success.
The success of the training initiative underscores the transformative power of investing in youth development and skill acquisition. By nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and promoting entrepreneurship, the organization is paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the youth of Plateau State, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and economic empowerment.
Nigerian Polio Survivor/Ambassador, Human Rights Activist, (the Makaman Langai) and Executive Director of the Beautiful Gate Handicapped Peoples Center Jos, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan (Esq) has called on Nigerian Lawmakers to amend the country’s Tax Laws to allow for a fraction of the taxes being collected to go to charity.
This according to him was already in practice in countries across the world where taxable individuals and entities were allowed to contribute a fraction of their taxes due directly to charity and humanitarian activities – an enabling environment he averred was created by government in those countries to guarantee the sustainability of support to those in need, apart from government donations.
Chief Gufwan made this known when he appeared on an Breakfast Show on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) ‘Rock City’ in Jos . . According to him, the government in Nigeria has not made enough effort to create a conducive environment for humanitarian efforts and charity to thrive outside of foreign donations and foreign aid.
Chief Burki also expressing concern that when foreign policies that support humanitarian interventions in Nigeria change, the foreign humanitarian support being enjoyed may be at risk, with very little local interventions from spirited individuals and entities.
In his own words Chief Gufwan add “Let me tell you, the biggest problem in Nigeria about funding and supporting humanitarian aid generally is that the government of Nigeria has not created the enabling environment for citizens to contribute. You see in the United States of America for example, there is a lot of stimulus that government provides if you contribute. You know there are like the government of America that has allowed American citizens to donate a certain percentage of their taxable income to charities locally or internationally.”
“So I don’t know how much is your tax. For example if your tax per annum is 100,000 or 1 million naira the government has allowed you as a citizen to donate 15% or 10% to charity, any charity of your choice. So you just donate and you submit the paper. So during tax accreditation or tax assessment the tax agency will calculate whatever you have given to charity as part of your tax and that way every american citizen if they choose to they can fund humanitarian activity.”
“We don’t do this in Nigeria so government takes our taxes 100% and they do whatever they want to do with it. So it is not helping a lot. I believe that one thing I will appeal to our lawmakers is to pass a law that allows nigerian citizens, taxable Nigerians, individuals, corporate organizations and societies to commit a certain percentage of their income to any charity of their choice. And I can tell you, if we do that, humanitarianism will blossom in Nigeria because there will be a lot of funding. A lot of people who have ideas to get involved in one humanitarian activity or the other are stalled because of the absence of funding .” he stressed.
The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has called on professional bodies from the North Central region including Lawyers, Civil Society Organizations, Journalists, among others to join hands together in the push to oust APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Speaking with newsmen yesterday in Jos the Plateau State capital, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said the position Ganduje is occupying is for the North Central region according to party arrangements, and it is someone from Nassarawa State or the region that is supposed to replace the former Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu and not Ganduje who is from the North West.
He said several votes of no confidence have been passed on Ganduje from his Kano ward as well as other litigations, of which the North Central APC forum has been in the lead.
The Chairman said all they are doing is in the interest of the North Central region, and that is why they are calling for the professional bodies from the region to join hands with them, saying they have pursued other good causes in other parties as well as those that are apolitical, which are for the betterment of the region, and not only APC causes alone.
So, he said, any where they observe that the North Central region will be relegated to the background, shortchanged or cheated, they have always risen to its defence and advanced its causes, and so all the good people of North Central, irrespective of political, professional, ethno-religious and other affliction should join hand with the forum to push for the ouster of Ganduje so that a rightful person from the region can occupy the seat.
Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election pointed out that said the hearing of suit filed against Ganduje by the forum is coming up on 30th of this May, and so all and sundry should support the forum in one way or another and in prayers also so that victory can be achieved.
He said why they have been intensifying push for the zoning of the National Chairmanship position of the party to the region is not only because that position is well deserved by the region, but also owing to its contribution to the progress of the party and its victory in 2023 elections.
Again, he said the North Central tremendous support to the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as the president was tremendous, and that the region has also delivered five governors for the APC out of the six states in the North Central region.
And so, as a ruling party which the region has helped in all ramifications, it cannot afford to fold its hand and let the position or other benefit accrued to the region to be highjacked or denied since there are many developmental things and benefits to be gotten or enjoyed from the ruling party.
Bishop Jonas Katung, Secretary General Northern Pentecostal Bishops has condemned in strong terms former vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential election Peter Obi over their stand against the Lagos- Calabar high way Project.
Bishop Jonas Katung however Commended President Tinubu for Initiating Lagos- Calabar coastal high way Project..a 700 kilometers coastal high way that when completed would boost the tourism sector of the economy.
Bishop Katung and Founder of the Living Stone Assembly Commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Goverment for a well thought out plan to Construct Lagos- Calabar coastal high way, a 700 kilometers coastal road Project.
Bishop Katung a popular northern Bishop and a political ally of President Tinubu said in an interview with newsmen in Jos on Friday said the project when fully completed, would give the President Tinubu a high score mark in the area of infrastuctural Development in the country.
Katung noted that the main opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of Labour Party are critical against the project because when completed it would score high the political profile of President Tinubu administration and becomes a threat to the duo future political aspiration to contest 2027 Presidential election.
According to him, Lagos- Calabar high way will be the shortest way to get to Southeast and South -South regions of Nigeria and it will help ease the heavy traffic for travelers at Lagos Ore-Benin express way
Bishop Katung said right from Obasanjo’s administration till now, Ore- Benin express way has been very difficult to fix by federal government due to high traffic of vehicular movement of people and trucks that ply that road to the East and South regions of the country.
He added that Lagos- Calabar high highway when completed would open so many communities along the coastal route highway from Lagos to Calabar.
He added that the project would also open Nigeria to the International Community in the area of tourism as foreign investors would be open to invest and build international hotels and leisure centers along the coastal highway.
Bishop Katung Commended the Minister of FCT and former Governor of Rivers state Nyesom Wike for working round the clock to give Abuja a new lease of life and also commended the FCT Minister for his high performance in ensuring The Capital Territory has a new touch of excellence that was not there in the last administration.
Bishop Katung also commended the Minister of Works David Umahi for his tenacity and hard work he is putting on the coastal highway and other Nigerian roads like Sokoto to Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano expressway and other highways in the country that are in bad shape.
Others he gave pass mark were Minister for Agriculture Senator Abubarkar Kyari, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo SAN , Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo , Minister of Mines and Steel Arc Olamilekan Adegbite Minister of Commerce and Industry Doris Nkeiruka Uzoka- Anite, Minister of Defense Hon Mohammed Badaru Minister of Finance Wale Edu and Central Bank Governor Mr Olayemi Cardoso and others who have done the right things to make President Tinubu Renowned Hope Agenda administration succeed in its mission to turn around the fortunes of Nigerians.
He added that as President Tinubu prepares to go into his second year of his administration, he must check the activities of Operators of Bureau De Change in Nigeria. He said they should be totally scrapped insisting that whoever wants foreign currencies should go to the Banks as it is done in most countries of the world.
He charged President Tinubu to watch the activities of some Northern politicians whose interest is to cause political instability for their own selfish gains and to disturb the progress of the country.
He added that President Tinubu within his one year in Office has performed credibly and has been a listening president. He called on Nigerians to be patient for the reforms being made to manifest.
Plateau:Governor Mutfwang Celebrates His Executive Private Secretary Chief Moses Nwan On his Birthday
Ogunenwa Audu Jos.
Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, along with his associates and other well-wishers, has congratulated his Executive Private Secretary (EPS), Chief Moses Nwan f.chd,mni, PhD on his birthday.
Governor Mutfwang, in a heartfelt message made available to Oracle Reporters in Jos, described Chief Nwan as an accomplished administrator, a dedicated community leader, and a patriotic Plateau son who has worked tirelessly over the years to preserve the state’s heritage.
He praised Nwan for his resilience, commitment, and excellent service delivery to both God and humanity, highlighting his steadfast commitment to administrative and democratic values, which serves as inspiration, especially to the younger generation.
Governor Mutfwang hailed him as a beacon of hope, emphasizing his selflessness and invaluable contributions to humanity, which transcend tribal and religious lines, and his dedication to the collective peace, unity, and progress of Plateau State.
As Chief Nwan celebrates this milestone, Governor Mutfwang wished him a day filled with love, laughter, and all his favorite things. He prayed for divine wisdom, robust health, and continued vigor to provide purposeful leadership.
The NCPC boss Bishop Adegbite has announced that the Easter pilgrimage exercise will commence in June.
Preparations are in top gear for a hitch-free exercise by the grace of God Nigerian pilgrims will be safe in Israel Bishop Adegbite said.
“We will travel for the Easter Pilgrimage and we will be safe. It will be a journey for reawakening and rejuvenation, not a jamboree.” He added that the pilgrims will experience the glory of God by the end of the pilgrimage exercise.
The NCPC boss disclosed that the Easter pilgrimage exercise will commence in June, and preparations are in top gear for a hitch-free exercise.
He revealed that the Commission has approved a calendar of activities for its annual pilgrimage program, stating that pilgrimage is now more structured and no longer done haphazardly every month. According to him, the Easter pilgrimage runs from April to July, while the main pilgrimage exercise begins from November and ends in February.
Bishop Adegbite condemned the ongoing carnage in Gaza, calling for an end to the war. Although the Commission’s pilgrimage coverage does not include Gaza, he emphasized the urgent need for peace in the region for humanity’s sake.
The cost for the Easter pilgrimage exercise will be released next week after considering some variables, he hinted.
It would be recalled that the Executive Secretary recently visited Israel and Jordan on a working visit to the two pilgrimage destination nations. During the visit, he met with the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs. Agatha Afoekelu, at the Nigerian House in Tel Aviv, and prayed for a prosperous Nigeria at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. He also assessed the state of things for prospective pilgrims in the Galilee region.
In a related development, the Israel Ministry of Tourism released a statement on May 1, announcing that Israel is fully open to receive visitors, assuring that most cities, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Galilee, and the Dead Sea areas, are safe. The statement also confirmed that pilgrimage activities are ongoing both day and night, and the Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, is fully operational.
APC: Ganduje’s remaining as National Chairman will incur legal, other liabilities for APC – Forum’s lawyer
*Programmes executed under him, Edo, Ondo primaries illegal Audu Jos
Ogunenwa Audu Jos
The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has revealed that the National Chairmanship position occupied by Abdullahi Ganduje is illegal and could therefore incur legal and unwanted liabilities for the party, including the Edo and Ondo state primaries elections conducted under him.
This was made known by the forum’s counsel, Ayuba Abdul, after filing a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi Adamu (who is from North Central state of Nassarawa) in 2023.
In the suit which the claimant is the North Central APC Forum has Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC itself and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the first, second and third defendants respectively.
The suit which is asking the court to set aside Ganduje’s appointment as the APC National Chairman, alleged that there is failure on the part of the APC to comply with the procedure laid down by the party’s constitution.
It added that the position ought to remain in the North Central region, adding that
Part of the forum’s prayers are, “A declaration that by virtue of Article 7 (ix) and (x) of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress, 2013 as amended, the 2nd defendant is bound to promote and uphold the practice of internal democracy at all levels of the party organization and institutionalize, maintain and foster representative democracy, discipline and strict observance of the rule of law in the Federation of Nigeria.
“A declaration the 2nd defendant does not have any discretion on whether or not to abide by the clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2013 (as amended) and are consequently bound to abide by the provision of the All Progressives Congress 2013 (as amended);
“A declaration that by the provisions of Article 13 of the APC constitution 2013 (as amended), the National Convention of the party is the final authority of the party which has the power to inter-alia elect or remove National Officers of the party including the National Chairman of the party and the National Executive Committee of the 2nd defendant does not have the power to appoint any person to the office of the chairman of the 2nd defendant.
“A declaration that by the true interpretation of Article 31.5(1) of the APC. Constitution 2013 (as amended), the 2nd defendant is bound to comply with the procedure laid therein for the replacement of an officer in the event of a vacancy and ought to appoint a member from Nasarawa State in the North Central Geo- political zone into the office of the Chairman of the 2nd defendant.
“A declaration that the action of the National Executive Committee to appoint Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from Kano State in the North West Geo- Political Zone to replace Senator Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State in the North Central Geo-Political Zone is contrary to Article 31.5.(1) for the National Executive Committee of the 2nd Defendant and ultra vires the powers of the National Executive Committee of the 2nd defendant.
“A declaration that by Article 13(1) of the APC Constitution, the National Convention is the final authority of the All Progressives Congress and the National Executive of the 2nd defendant cannot override the National Convention of the party by virtue of the true intendment and interpretation of Articles 12(1) and 13.3 (i-iv) of the All Progressives Congress constitution
“A declaration that by a true intendment and interpretation of Article 20 (1) of the Constitution of the All Progressives Constitution, 2013 as amended, the 1 defendant cannot be appointed as the National Chairman of the 2nd defendant other than through democratic conducted elections and his appointment thereto is illegal, void and of no effect whatsoever.
“An order setting aside the appointment of the 1st Defendant as the chairman of the 2nd defendant same having not followed duly laid down procedures of the 2nd defendant as enshrined in the 2nd defendant’s constitution.
“An order directing the 3rd defendant not to recognize all actions taken (including but not limited to party congresses, primaries and nominations) by the 2nd defendant during the tenure of chairmanship of the 1st defendant from 3 August, 2023 till date, same being actions done under an illegal chairman.
“An order directing the 3 defendant to compel the 2nd defendant to conduct a fresh convention for the sake of electing a National Chairman or appoint another National Chairman from Nasarawa State from the North Central Geo-political zone in line with Article 31.5(i) of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress, 2013 (as amended).”
Speaking after the suit alongside their counsel, the North Central APC Forum’s Chairman, Saleh A. Zazzaga, said their suit is for the sake of fairness and justice, saying that they have been calling on the party to do the needful all along but that the party did not oblige or take the necessary action, thereby prompting them to file the suit.
He said the progress of the APC is still their ultimate desire, and to avoid any form of infighting that would give their opponents advantage over them, the party should immediately do the needful.
Zazzaga stressed that doing the needful will avert any undesirable uncertainty for the party in the nearest future as Ganduje’s occupation of the National Chairmanship position will not augur well for party in many ramifications .
Kwararafa Reporters 