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Okwuta Audu, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state on Monday declared opened 2023 NCPC General staff Retreat of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims commission at Crest hotel Jos.

Mutfwang who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Josephine Piyo in his address said the Retreat marks the third general staff Retreat that was organised by the commission under the examplary leadership of Rev Yakubu Pam, the third substantive Executive secretary of NCPC.

The deputy governor of Plateau state Mrs Piyo, said together, they have witnessed the growth and progress of this organization since Pam became executive Secretary of the commission in 2020.

She added that she was particularly delighted to see that this year’s Retreat has been themed ” leadership transformation for strategic productivity which highlights the commission’s commitment to instigate a paradigm shift in their leadership approaches, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and effectiveness.

Mrs Piyo noted that it is through such transformational leadership that “we can create positive change and achieve our goals”

She added that this retreat present to them a unique opportunity to discuss and appreciate the challenges facing the commission.

She expressed her gratitude to Rev Pam the Chief facilitator of this retreat for his unwavering dedication to staff development and encouraged the staff of NCPC to take full advantage of this Retreat by engaging in meaningful discussions, share their insight and experiences and forge connections with their colleagues from the cooperate headquarters in Abuja.

Earlier in his welcome address Rev Yakubu Pam said this year’s Retreat is different and special in terms of content and form

According to him, this Retreat was planned in such a way that every staff should have something tangeble directly or indirectly to take home.

“This is evident from the theme of the Retreat and the topical burning issues to be discussed during the the session”

He said the primary goal of the Retreat is to instigate a paradigm shift in leadership approaches within NCPC, by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and effectiveness.

* Says a better Nigeria Is possible.

Okwuta Audu, Jos

A Youth activist ,Mr Sam Odeh gave the advice in Jos at the maiden national conference on social justice organised by the International Organisation on Peacebuilding and Social Justice (PSJ).

The activist, who is PSJ Programme Manager, said that a better Nigeria was possible if the youths refocused, took their destinies into their own hands, and correct the anomalies bedevilling the nation’s systems.

Odeh who is also the PSJ Youth Ambassadors’ National Coordinator, described youths as tools and agents of change that any nation that wants to advance or progress cannot do away with.

“So youth are actually the nation itself. So this is why we’re holding this programme: to inspire the youth to take responsibility for the change we seek in this nation.

“They should rise in their various communities in different locations and take responsibility for leading the nation and their communities because we are not giving up on Nigeria.

“We’ve seen instances where youth are leaving this country in the name of Japa, saying that nothing can be done in this nation.

“But I’ll tell you, we are a generation of people that are saying no to Japa because we are not living in a nation that is blessed with rich mineral resources more than the countries they are going to.

“If we can inspire youth and educate them on the issues of Nigeria, particularly the wealth of this nation, I tell you, Nigeria will be the greatest nation on earth.

“I want to tell all the youths out there that they should look inward rather than external or outward to the issues of Nigeria.

“Nobody can change the nation except us,” he stated.

The programme manager told the youths that the country was in its present state because their fathers refused to do something about the problem.

According to him, PSJ was mobilising youth across the country to be alert and reinvent a better Nigeria.

PSJ Executive Director, Mr Inuwa Durkwa, said that youths were the social capital of any nation.

According to Durkwa youth were the future of a nation, without which it would not achieve its destiny.

The executive director stated that anyone who wants to transform its system must educate and empower the youth to do it.

“And then, of course, the youth represent the largest portion of the Nigeria demography.

“We are talking about about 75 to 80 per cent of a demography of people that are under the age of 30.

‘What can you do without youth in any case? The elites and the politicians are using them to further plunge the nation into crisis,” he said.

Okwuta Audu, Jos

Minister of Labour and Productivity Barr Simon Lalong has been told to tender his resignation letter to President Tinubu having received Certificate of return as Senator elect from the INEC Headquarters in Abuja following Court of Appeal Judgement .

Plateau State Southern Senatorial Zone Citizens for Good Governance gave this charge to Lalong through its spokesman Comrade Adams Yarling .

According to Yarling, Plateau former Governor Lalong having received his certificate of return means that he should relinquish the ministerial post at that very moment.

” InIt is illegal to be a legislator and at the same time holding on to an executive position.

Yarling argued that what is happening in Lalong’s mind is lack of confidence in the fraudulent judgment he procured with money .

” Lalong is aware plateau people rejected him outrightly including his ward and local government at the polls.
He is imagining how people will welcome him at home with a stolen mandate” .

According to him,Lalong and his desperate political clique invited the masquerade from the shrine, they should dance with the masquerade.” Yarling stressed.

“Plateau people are watching this unprecedented public show of shameless by Lalong and company” Yarling stressed .

Okwuta Audu, Jos

Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, the immediate past Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jos and Archbishop of the Eccelesiastical Province of Jos has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to organize themselves into a powerful entity towards pushing for accountability in governance in Nigeria.

Kwashi made the call on Saturday in Jos at the maiden national conference on social justice orgarnised by the International Organization for Peace and Justice.

The Cleric who is the immediate past Archbishop of Anglican Communion, Jos Archdiocese noted that the time has come to question the activities of leaders to enhance good governance.

Bishop Kwashi said Nigeria was in dire need of reformers to initiate reforms that would change the lives of Nigerians for the better.

Kwashi stated that the best of a nation is as it treats the poor, the orphans and widows.

He expressed worry that it is mostly the poor in the villages that were beeing killed by bandits and terrorists.

PSJ Executive Director, Mr Inuwa Durkwa on his part stated that addressing the challenges facing the country requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts from government, CSOs civil society Organizations and the private sector.

Durkwa pointed out that the country is facing trials, but stressed that the strength of the country lies in it’s unity, transcending differences and forming a bond that no adversity can break.

A Public Policy and Governance Specialist Hajiya Khadija Abdullahi Iya , who spoke on the role of women and Youths in National building emphasized the need to prepare Children for leadership positions at an early age.

The international Organization for Peace Building and Social Justice is a Non Governmental Organization, established to promote peace building and Social Justice in the Country.

The conference with the theme ” the role of Civil Society Organizations in Transformational leadership and Social Justice” aims at transforming deep rooted narratives that undermines peaceful coexistance through evidence based research and information.

The Keynote speaker and Vice Chancellor University of Mkar Benue State Professor Zacharys Anker Gundu says the country was facing numerous challenges and should be able to address these challenges themselves.

The Programs Manager of the NGO Mr Sam Ode noted that the program is targeting the youths because they are the future of the Country and it is time for them to take responsibility for the needed change the Country is yearning for.

Over 200 Youth groups attended the conference .

Okwuta Audu, Jos

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC is holding its 3rd General Staff Retreat in Jos beginning from the 4th December 2023.

The the third General Staff Retreat is organized by the NCPC under the leadership of the third substantive Executive Secretary of NCPC , Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam since his assumption of office in 2020.

In a statement made available to Saturday Independent, the retreat has its theme: ” Leadership Transformation for Strategic Productivity” .

The executive secretary of the Commission Re Pam said the primary objective of the Retreat is to instigate a paradigm shift in leadership approaches within NCPC and fostering of a culture of innovation, collaboration and effectiveness.

“The retreat seeks to look into key leadership principles and exploring strategies for heightened productivity and to empower participants with the tools needed to navigate the challenge of the dynamic professional landscape” he stressed.

” Some of the topical subjects to be x–rayed in the retreat include: Culture and values of Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, wellbeing and work – life balance, spiritual impact of NCPC to Nigerian growth, leadership and innovations, Protocol and Etiquette, amongst others .

The opening ceremony of the General Staff Retreat is to be declared open by His Excellency, Barr.Celeb Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau state on 4th December,2023 at Crest Hotel, Jos while the
the Chairman of the event is General. John Temlong , while the guest speaker is Prof. Danny McCain.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam is the Chief Facilitator of the the General Staff Retreat.

Rev Pam enjoins all staff to ensure effective participation at the retreat.

Every member of staff is in the nine syndicate group through the retreat planning committee.

According to the NCPC boss, ” this 2023 staff retreat would be participatory and will be different from the previous years.

” This is what informed the rich content of this year’s retreat “, he said.

The retreat will also afford all staff the opportunity to discuss and appreciate the challenges facing the Commission and also bond with one another and be in a good stead to achieve excellent service delivery and be able to advance the cause of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.

The retreat will commence on 3rd December and would run through 7th December, 2023.

All NCPC staff from the corporate headquarters and the six zonal offices across the six geo-political zones were expected to be part and parcel of the retreat.

The Executive Secretary, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam, wishes all the staff well as they travel from their different locations to Jos, the “Home of Peace and Tourism” for the 3rd annual General Staff Retreat.

Attai Audu, Jos

Former Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party and Member House of Representatives,Mr Emmanuel Ibeshi has urged Nigerian youths to learn skills that will make them to be self reliant and stop depending on politicians if they want to keep their integrity and self-worth intact.

Ibeshi, a former member of House of Representatives, gave this advice on Friday Jos at a maiden National Conference on social Justice ( PSJ) .

The Jos Summit is with a theme: The role of civil society organizations in transformational leadership and social Justice.

The summit which had in attendance Youth leaders from across the states of the federation was organised by International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJ).

The former publicity secretary of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) told the youths numbering over 112 talented youths that.
they should not make themselves willing tools to be used for negative purposes by politicians as a result of their idleness and poverty.

Ibeshi in paper titled “The Role of Youths in Transformational Politics” stated that by empowering themselves with skills and financial resources they would have a voice and vision of their own.

The facilitator pointed out that with financial freedom, youth could make their impact felt in the political space without denigrating themselves before politicians for pittance.

He charged Nigerian Youths to put on a new lens through which they must see themselves, their worth, their peculiar advantage and their unique contribution in the political space.

“In fact, the Nigerian youth is the back upon which all political actors ride. Truth is, the Nigerian society as is, thrives because the youth is ignorant of his worth and has not placed the right value upon himself.

“The youth is unaware of his enormous potential. Because of his ignorance, the executive exploits him. Because of his ignorance the legislature exploits him.

“Because of his ignorance the judiciary exploits him, yet the youth is the proverbial table upon which the political actors place their meals.

“The Nigerian youth must recognize the enormous role he plays in transformation and place a premium on his contribution.

“The more upright he is, the easier it is for him to market and sell his worth. The perception of his integrity quotient or character deficiency is what places a premium on his worth,’’ said.

The former federal lawmaker further advised Youths to map out clearly identified and well-thought-out transformative issues for which to impact society through specific outcomes.

He urged them to engage in various forms of civic and social actions as volunteering, campaigning, organizing, mobilizing, peacefully protesting, or advocating for causes or issues that they care about.

According to him, such actions could help the youth express their opinions, values and identities to raise awareness and influence public opinion to hold authorities accountable and to create positive change and impact in their communities and societies.

Ibeshi pointed out that the connection between youth involvement and the legitimacy of government speaks to the potential impact of active participation on a broader political landscape.

On his part, PSJ Executive Director, Ishaya Durkwa in his remarks, hinted that Nigeria is blessed with competent Youths capable of leading the country out of its leadership quagmire.

Drukwa urged the youths to refocus and be intentional in their quest to acquire and dispense good governance for the country.

“A good Nigeria is possible and that is the ideology we want inculcate into our youths.

“We are letting them know that knowledge is power, and that a people cannot rise above their knowledge. And there is an adage that people perish because of lack of knowledge.

“The massive corruption and other vices in the nation is akin to the fact that there is deficit of knowledge.

“We are identifying the issues in order to change the narrative and to change the happenings in our nation, we must mobilize youths across the nation and beyond to give the right knowledge and understanding.

“With this knowledge, they can go to their communities and begin to create awareness in a heathy way, in a non-threatening way and eventually we be able to change the narrative,’’ he said

Okwuta Audu, Jos

Plateau state Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs Comrade Ephraim Usman has charged Local Chairmen, DPMs and DFS of the Local Goverment Areas of his state to treat leveraging the digital economy at the Local Goverment level as not just a choice ,but as a necessity in ensuring economic growth that is sustainable in the long run.

The Plateau Commissioner gave this advise at the opening ceremony of a workshop on leveraging the digital economy to diversify revenue and stimulate economic growth at the Local Goverment level for Chairmen,DPMS, and DFS in the 17 LGAs of his state held at Elliel Event Centre in Jos, the Plateau state capital.

According to him, leveraging the digital economy at the local government level is about future proofing of our communities and fostering innovation.

He charged the LG workshop participants to embrace this digital transformation as a collective effort towards ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a more prosperous and connected future which is in line with Governor of Plateau state Barr Caleb Mutfwang’s agenda of ” The time is now”.
He noted that this era is dominated by technological advancements, saying” it is imperative for us for our local governments to embrace the digital frontier and by so doing,we can ,we open doors to new opportunities, innovation, and economic resilience”

He said harnessing the digital economy involves investing in digital infrastructure and connectivity, seamless access to the internet and technology which enables local businesses to thrive and reach wider markets , saying, it empowers entrepreneurs create a vibrant eco system for commerce among other things.

Earlier, the CEO of Bodmos Media Mr Bot Moses Dung in his address of welcome said the essence of this workshop is to come up with ways the local government Councils could generate revenues within the local government Councils without depending on the monthly subvention from the federal allocation account.
He also added that the workshop covers advanced editing, Photography and cenematography for LG Information Officers towards preparing them to get digital touch in information Dissemination Within their local government areas of assignment.
He added that the workshop is also meant to show case the tourism potential s of Plateau state among others to the outside world .

Usman charged the management of the Local government Councils in his state to invest in human capital to drive their initiatives forward.

The state Secretary to Goverment Arch Samuel Nachang Jatau who Declared the workshop opened, charged the workshop participants to know that digital platforms provides avenues for skill development and education.
.
He stressed that empowering their citizens with digital literacy opens doors to new job opportunities and entrepreneurship .

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I encourage you to explore this option with an open heart, knowing that the decision to accept the gift of egg donation is a powerful step toward the family you’ve always envisioned. As your dedicated fertility specialist, working with the incredible team at ALPS Hospitals & Diagnostics , I am here to guide you through this process, offering support, expertise, and the assurance that the journey ahead is filled with hope and the promise of a loving family.

Warm regards,
Dr. Kenneth Egwuda
Fertility Expert | IVF Specialist

*Returns from Abuja to Jos for a Rousing Reception By Party Faithfuls.

Okwuta Audu, Jos

Plateau citizens on Saturday turned out en masse to receive Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang at the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang, who returned into the state one week after the verdict of the Court of Appeal that nullified his overwhelming mandate, freely given by citizens during the March 18, 2023 Governorship election.

The mammoth crowd converged at the Airport and other strategic locations in Jos,and reaffirmed their total support to the people’s Governor and expressed confidence in the Supreme Court for fairness and justice.

Barr. Caleb Mutfwang had polled a total of 525,299 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda who scored 481,370 votes.

His victory was reaffirmed at the election tribunal but a panel of the Court of Appeal nullified it.

Governor Mutfwang while addressing newsmen at Yakubu Gowon Airport at Heipang near Jos , Mutfwang described whatever happened at Court of Appeal as a temporary set back and reassured the people that God will restore the mandate.

He said, “I am excited to be back home, I feel so loved by the people and I have come to say thank you to Plateau people. I have come back home to say thank you to the good people of Plateau State for their prayers, for standing with us. I want to also thank our friends across Nigeria and across the world who have stood with us, they have shown interest in what is happening on the Plateau and I want to say a very big thank you.

“I want to assure you that we began this project with God on our side and I want to assure you that God is still on our side and that by his grace, Plateau people will smile, by his grace, Plateau people will rejoice. For we bear no grudges against anyone and we are confidence in the judiciary despite all that has happened. God who control the hearts of men is going to ensure that what will bring joy to the people of Plateau State is done.

“I therefore encourage you to stay steadfast in prayer, there is no need for evil talk, we will not reply those who mean evil for us. We will continue to encourage our people to remain calm. This is our land, we will not allow anybody to destroy it, therefore we must stay together.”

He continued “There are people who are not happy with our unity. I want to plead with the people of Plateau that let us stay together. Iam proud and excited that you have made me your leader. I am proud of all Plateau people. Across the divides of faith, I have seen Muslims raise up in our defense, I have seen Christians raise up in our defence. I have seen elders, I have seen women and I have seen youths and I say this is the Plateau direction we want to go.

“I therefore, urge us to remain united, peaceful. Every journey from bondage to freedom has hiccups and there are many huddles we must cross, and whatever we have experienced so far is a temporary huddle and by the grace of God we will reach the promise land.” He stated.

* I PRESENTED IT FOR KEEPS IN NATIONAL MUSEUM

* TO TREK FROM JOS TO LAGOS FOR SYMBOLIC PRESENTATION

Okwuta Audu, Jos

Aliyu Abdullahi Obobo who rode a bicycle from Jos, Plateau State, to Saudi Arabia between February 2021 to December 2022 had said he has no regret for turning down the 200,000 Riyal (about N40 million) offered for the bicycle in Saudi Arabia.

He said preferred the bicycle to be kept in Nigerian museum as a national monument for the unborn children to grow up and connect with the history, and to also be able to see the bicycle that was used to make the history.

Therefore, he said, he decided to rather have the bicycle kept and to hand it over to the winner of the February 2023 Nigerian Presidential election for onward deposit in the museum.

Obobo who hailed from Nassarawa State however noted that he has received many praises, well wishes and warm welcome from people for his feat, and that it was at such function in Saudi Arabia that one Egyptian pilgrim offered to pay him 200,000 Riyal for the bicycle.Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel.

Addressing newsmen on Wednessday in Jos, he said bringing the bicycle back to Nigeria to be kept in the museum is as a result of his deep patriotism and love for his country, adding that his reason for the pilgrimage was for spiritual fulfilment and not for monetary gains.

He further explained that he will be embarking on foot from Jos to Lagos to commence the process of handing over the motorcycle to the Nigerian government for onward keep in the museum. According to him, the take of time is 3pm this Friday from 1st Gate in Dadinkowa area of Jos South.

Obobo said upon his arrival to Nigeria from the Holy Land and hosting in Lagos, the bicycle was then left in custody of Chairman of Kosofe local government area, Moyosore Ogunlewe.

He thanked the Lagos State officials and the Hausa community in Lagos for playing crusial role in his home-coming, adding that upon his arrival in Lagos he will liaise with the leaders for further activities.

Explaining why he embarked on the journey from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia with bicycle, he said it was out of his love for the Islamic faith, the Holy Prophet (Mohammed) and his desire to perform the pilgrimage in his lifetime, but that he could not afford the fare and other expenses involved.

He said he traversed three countries before arriving Saudi Arabia, namely Niger, Chad and Sudan, adding that he did not initially had visa to Saudi Arabia and that he had so stay in Sudan for some months to get his visa fixed for him by the Nigerian ambassador to Sudan before proceeding.

Obobo said his pilgrimage eventually turned much more eventful and fulfilling, even more than many privileged people who went with ease, because the news of his adventure got him a hero’s welcome and as a result he got a special treatment and went to wherever he needed to go to in Saudi Arabia and during the course of the pilgrimage.

He said on during his journey, he came across many wild animals but God protected him, and that he equally came across Boko Haram but they did not harm him.

He said members of the Boko Haram said they heard about his adventure in the news, and only requested water from him, after which they directed him on the right path to follow.

Inserted pictures are that of Aliyu Abdullahi Obobo, and then that of him and in company of others (in Nigeria as well as in Saudi Arabia)