The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has described the denial by the Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum and Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule of endorsing or supporting the embattled National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, as welcome development.
Governor Sule had last week visited Ganduje at the national Secretariat of the party in Abuja where he canvassed support for him.
But according to the North Central APC forum, governor Sule’s action is an act of betrayal which they will vehemently reject in its entirety as the region has been pushing for the position of the National Chairman as it is the arrangement of the party, and that the cause of the region cannot be traded for the interest of any individual.
The forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, who addressed newsmen on the issue had stressed that the visit by Sule to Ganduje in Abuja on to pledge his support for him was uncalled for and unnecessary, saying it is an act of sacrificing the goal of the entirety of people for selfish reasons.
But in a swift reaction, governor Sule had denied that his visit to Ganduje was not to endorse or canvass support for him but to discuss issues relating to the party, particularly the upcoming Edo State election as well as how to resolve the crisis in Benue APC.
Governor Sule who spoke through his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Kassim Muh’d Kassim, said a visit to the national secretariat of the party does not amount to an endorsement of Ganduje and that Sule paid the visit on a special invitation by Ganduje.
Reacting to the denial of endorsing Ganduje by Sule, Zazzaga told newsmen on Thursday that the denial could be an after-thought by the governor after the expression of the displeasure by the people and the backlash from stakeholders and party chieftains, as well as members from the North Central region.
Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election said further that whether or not the denial or was due to pressure or that he was speaking from both sides of the mouth, it is still a welcome development since he has already understood that the united goal of a region is more than any interest of a single individual.
He commended the rest North Central governors, legislators and other party bigwigs who have remained committed to the cause of the region regarding the position of the National Chairmanship of the party, saying that they will not be deterred by anything or any betrayers from the cause.
He wished the party a successful NEC and caucus meeting coming up on the 11th – 12th of September, saying that the meeting will provide the avenue to resolve many contending issues and move the party forward.
Zazzaga also commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfastness in moving the nation and the party forward, and steering in on the right path.
Ahead of the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the All Progressive Congress (APC) slated for September 12, the APC North Central Forum has revealed that some individuals and groups have been bribed and recruited by some enemy forces to betray the region by endorsing the embattled National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Jos the Plateau State capital on Tuesday by the forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, the forum said the desperation of the dark forces of the North Central region is already showing through their greed and insensitivity in betraying the region in terms of the position of the National Chairmanship position of the party.
According to Zazzaga, the North Central region will not be deterred by the action of the few betrayers, and will not compromise anything or stop at nothing to clinch back the National Chairmanship position of the APC which has been arranged by the party to be in the region.
Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election explained that after the resignation of the former National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, who is from Nasarawa State, and as well as from the North Central region, the position shouldn’t have been taken to another region.
The Chairman said the role played by the North Central region in the success of the APC since 2015 cannot be overemphasized, including the role the region played in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu in 2023, stressing that the region was also able to clinch five of the governorship seats in the six states of the region.
“Therefore, the endorsement of Ganduje in Monday by a former President of the Senate, Ameh Ebute, who claims to be representing some APC elders from the Central APC for Ganduje to remain as the party’s national chairman is laughable and inconsequential. Ebute happens to be the most unpopular Senate president who only spent three months and nothing notable was done by him, neither is he known for any achievement.
“The endorsement which comes four days after the North Central Governors’ Forum, led by the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who also endorsed Ganduje is only showing the selfishness of some of the people from the region who are only doing things for their personal interest and not in the interest of the region and its people. This is because there is no way someone or a group will claim to be from a region and at the same time will be doing things inimical to the progress and interest of the region.
“First, Senator Amen Ebute from Benue State is a spent force who has no relevance even in his state. As an Idoma man, who has he ever mentored or produced as leader in his community? Not even a Councilor. And it is the same confusion he is causing in Benue State APC that he is being brought to the North Central to cause, but we wont allow him.
“Besides, Ebute is a lone-ranger traversing his lonely political space with no company whatsoever. He is just an indigent stooge, clearly speaking the words of his paymasters to betray his geopolitical zone for a paltry bowl of porridge.
“And as for governor Sule, we have already addressed him over the weekend and everyone can see clearly his betrayal tendencies and selfish moves. We are giving him one week to apologize to the people of North Central for his action otherwise we will begin to mobilize our party faithful and supporters against him for his betrayal Thankfully, no North Central region governor backed him because they all know the importance of the struggle for the betterment of the region.
“In all, we urge everyone to check our forum out; we have been consistently pushing for its interest and progress of the APC as well as the North Central region for years now through our actions, humanitarian services, training, publication, human and community development, security and educational advancement of the people. And our support for Tinubu has always been evident before, during and after the 2023 election; and not the few hurriedly recruited people who are just coming out to work against the interest of the region ahead of the forthcoming NEC meeting of the party.
“And regarding the statement yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the embattled National Chairman on Public Enlightenment, one Chief Oliver Okpala, we won’t want to dignify him with any response as he is not from our region and does not understand our struggle, and that is why most of the things he said were irrational and offbeat, ” Zazzaga said.
*Says action for selfish interest and aims at undermining party, Tinubu’s administration
Ogunenwa Audu Jos.
The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has condemned the endorsement of the embattled national chairman of the party Abdullahi Ganduje, by the Chairman of the North Central Governors’ Forum and Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.
Speaking with newsmen at the forum’s headquarters in Jos the Plateau State capital on Saturday, the Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said the courtesy visit Sule paid to the party secretariat in Abuja on Friday to pledge his support for Ganduje was for selfish and personal interest and not the interest of the North Central region, the APC or the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The chairman said such endorsement by Governor Sule which is coming when the party stakeholders from the region are pushing for the return of the National Chairmanship position to the North Central is not only insensitive and mischievous, but also an act of betrayal of the entire region.
Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election pointed out that governor Sule knows well that the National Chairmanship position according to the party arrangement and zoning ought to be for the North Central after the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu who is not only from the North Central region but also from Governor Sule’s own state of Nasarawa.
And so, he said, for gov Sule to openly come out and betray his state and the entire region shows that he is someone who is not after the progress of his own state, the North Central region, and he is not a man of equity and justice.
“Governor Sule is not a founding member of the APC because he came in along the line, and so he does not understand the progressive ideology and drive of the party.
“That is why he is doing things contrary to the concept of the party stakeholders, chieftains, bigwigs and members, as well as supporters.
“Besides we all know that in the 2023 election, the APC in Nasarawa State didn’t perform satisfactorily under governor Sule; this is obvious in the number of the legislators won by the party as well as the ones the opposition parties clinched.
“It is also a known fact that governor Sule didn’t do well also at the 2023 polls, and if not for the judiciary which upheld is election, anything could have happened and APC would have lost the state.
“By and large, what has been governor Sule’s contribution to the progress of the APC since he joined the party? Again, what has been his development indices and strides in Nasarawa State? With the increase in allocation gotten by the states today, what has Nasarawa State been able to do or has to show under Governor Sule?
“And time and again, we have had grumblings in many quarters about the leadership style of governor sule in the state which many frown upon.
“Therefore, he is not a good ambassador of the party and he is by no means in a position to speak for the North Central region or stakeholders of the party,” he said.
He therefore called on all the North Central governors to disassociate themselves from governor Sule’s endorsement of Ganduje immediately, stressing that whatever he is doing is for his selfish interest and not the interest of the North Central region.
“Moreover, we all know that governor Sule is not a firm supporter of President Bola Tinubu, and he will do anything to bring his administration to dispute, and endorsing Ganduje is one of such, since Ganduje has already incurred legal liabilities and other disaffections for the party as the National Chairman.
“And even the Edo and Ondo election which Ganduje leadership produced the APC flagbearers could be another mistake as he lacked the legitimacy to do that as his position is being contested and unrecognized, and so he action in Edo and Ondo could be another future legal liability,” he added.
Plateau state government has Pledged to support vulnerable children as part of efforts to enable children who have dropped out of school to continue their education as a result of violent attacks in their communities.
Commissioner for higher education who was represented by a director in the ministry Goyomma Iliya disclosed this in Jebbu Bassa local government arwa during the closing ceremony of the summer classes for vulnerable children said the government will continue to support and help children continue their education as it places a state of emergency on the educational sector.
He Pointed that Jebbu Miango Community of Bassa Local Government has experienced attacks in recent times leading to a high rate of children dropping out of school.
Commissioner for women affairs Sunday Danbim appreciated the effort of the organisations towards enriching the hearts and minds of vulnerable children in displaced Communities and assured of the ministry effort in helping them through partnership in some ways.
Executive Director said Army the Child Foundation in collaboration with that the Claire Aid Foundation Shuwargwe Damak said it embarked on child education, advocacy and welfare that gives children the opportunity to acquire skills and literacy program that will help them have good communication skills.
She explained that this innovation will assist the vulnerable children achieve great skills that can help their livelihood and continue their education.
Director Claire Aid Foundation Claire Nenkinan Deshi said the objective is aimed at inspiring and empowering vulnerable communities with child education, advocacy and welfare in Jebbu Miango of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Some of the children expressed their satisfaction, saying the skills they’ve acquired will be put into practice, thereby calling on the government to improve the school facilities by deploying more teachers.
Plateau state government has Pledged to support vulnerable children as part of efforts to enable children who have dropped out of school to continue their education as a result of violent attacks in their communities.
Commissioner for higher education who was represented by a director in the ministry Goyomma Iliya disclosed this in Jebbu Bassa local government arwa during the closing ceremony of the summer classes for vulnerable children said the government will continue to support and help children continue their education as it places a state of emergency on the educational sector.
He Pointed that Jebbu Miango Community of Bassa Local Government has experienced attacks in recent times leading to a high rate of children dropping out of school.
Commissioner for women affairs Sunday Danbim appreciated the effort of the organisations towards enriching the hearts and minds of vulnerable children in displaced Communities and assured of the ministry effort in helping them through partnership in some ways.
Executive Director said Army the Child Foundation in collaboration with that the Claire Aid Foundation Shuwargwe Damak said it embarked on child education, advocacy and welfare that gives children the opportunity to acquire skills and literacy program that will help them have good communication skills.
She explained that this innovation will assist the vulnerable children achieve great skills that can help their livelihood and continue their education.
Director Claire Aid Foundation Claire Nenkinan Deshi said the objective is aimed at inspiring and empowering vulnerable communities with child education, advocacy and welfare in Jebbu Miango of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Some of the children expressed their satisfaction, saying the skills they’ve acquired will be put into practice, thereby calling on the government to improve the school facilities by deploying more teachers.
President and founder of the Living Stone Assembly International, a Jos based Church Assembly has celebrated his 64 birthday birthday Celebration in Jos along side with his 35th wedding ceremony with his beloved wife Mrs Momma Katung.
He added that even though Bishop Katung has gone through many challenges in the process of proper gating the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, God is not through with him yet,saying at 64,God is opening a new chapter in his life and ministry. On his part,the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Jonah David Jang and former Governor of Plateau state commended Bishop Katung and his wife for 35th wedding celebration and giving thanks to God for Bishop Katung 64 birthday celebration in Jos.
The event which took place at the Church auditorium located at Miango road Jos was witnessed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and his predecessor Senator Jonah David Jang.
Speaking at the epoch making event which had the presence of many clergy men of God from Kaduna and plateau state, Governor Mutfwang who was represented by his Abled Commissioner of science, Technology and innovation Professor Obed Gossele paid glowing praises of Bishop Dr Jonas Katung and his wife Momma contributions to the religious and business growth of Plateau and beyond within the Middle belt and entire Nigeria as a whole. Mutfwang urged Katung to use the celebration of his 64 birthday day to touch more lives on the Plateau and body of Christ and to the glory of God. Guest Speaker at the event Rev Gideon Para-Mallam a great evangelist on the Plateau said dignatries from all walks of life were at the church auditorium to celebrate with Bishop Katung and his wife Mrs Momma despite challenges. He urged them to rejoice always and give thanks to God for what He God almighty has done in their lives. He Commended for more growth in Bishop Katung Ministry and Church and praised him for always standing in the gap to pray for peace and unity in Nigeria and it’s leadership.
Represented at the event by Rev Francis Bumba, Jang wished the duo of the celebrants good luck in their endeavors.. Son of the celebrants, Abraham Katung thanked all the well wishes who witnessed the celebrations of both his father and mothers wedding anniversary celebration and his father’s birthday Celebration. He described his parents as the best parents who thought him and his sister how to hold in life while growing up. On their part, both Bishop Jonas Katung and wife Momma Katung gave thanks to God for seeing them through lives challenges, stressing that there is always light in God. They both cut their wedding anniversary cake and feed themselves to the admiration of the well-wishers who grace the epoch making event held at auditorium of the The living stone Church. Prophet Isa El-Buba, Rev S.O Academe of Church of eternal life Zaria road, several Clergy men of God within Jos and Kaduna prayed for Bishop Katung and wife at the ceremony which celebrated with praises to God from choristers who graced the event.
North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has rejected the dissolution of Benue State executives of the party by the embattled National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, saying it is not only unacceptable but is illegitimate.
The forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, who addressed newsmen on Saturday in Jos the Plateau State capital on the issue ,said Ganduje has no legitimacy whatsoever to suspend the executive members of the party from Benue which is under the North Central region that has remain opposed to his chairmanship position till date.
Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election explained that the same executive members Ganduje is illegitimately dissolving are the same they worked with at different levels to win the Benue State governorship and other key positions for the APC.
Besides, he said, the North Central APC has from the onset been opposed to Ganduje being the Chairman the National Chairman of the party as that position because according to the party arrangement, that position is supposed to be for the North Central region, after Abdullahi Adamu’ resignation, and not Ganduje who is from the North West state of Kano.
The Chairman stressed that a High Court in Makurdi on Wednesday restrained Ganduje from dissolving the state executive led by led by Hon. Augustine Agada, but that on that same day, the Ganduje led NWC announced the dissolution of the state exco despite the court order, and as such it is a contempt charge against Ganduje for disobeying a court order.
According to Zazzaga, Ganduje likes disobeying court orders and that he is much interested in incurring legal liabilities for the party in many fronts, following the court case against him, including that of his ward in Kano State, the North Central APC, among other corruption matters when he served as Kano State Governor.
He said they will not accept the dissolution of the Benue executives of the party, and that they have already met and have taken a decision on that, and will come up with further action on the matter if the steps are not retraced.
Zazzaga noted that clearly Ganduje and his actions are already destroying the APC, and that if nothing is done to urgently halt him, he would destroy the party very soon and give their opponents an edge over them.
He reiterated their efforts from the North Central to the success of the party since 2015 until last year which they did not only tremendously contributed to the winning of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, but also clinched five out of the six governorships from the region.
And with their performance all along, he said, they have contributed to the progress of the APC than Ganduje who even lost his state of Kano to the NNPP and also incurring legal liabilities for the party, as well as well as chasing active and prominent people from the party due to his personal grievances.
50 Others to Under go through Surgeries At the Hospital.
Ogunewa Audu Jos .
First Bank Of Nigeria has empowered 300 women VIctims of Vesico Vaginal Festula (VVF) at the flagging -off ceremony of Free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Awareness, Empowerment and Surgery Initiative held at Bingham University Teaching Hospital In Jos on Tuesday.
The event was witnessed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau state along side scores of his Commissioners during which fresh 50 Women patients of VVF were admitted for surgeries by the bank at the hospital.
The free VVF Surgery and empowerment was sponsored by First Bank Nigeria Limited in Jos.
Speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang admonished victims and survivors of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) to remain firm, resolute, and determined to overcoming their challenges.
According to him, VVF is not a death sentence adding that it is treatable and reassured them that his administration will step up by providing the support they needed on their journey to healing and recovery.
Mutfwang pointed out that the impact of VVF extends beyond the physical health of the victim; saying it inflicts emotional, psychological, and social stress, leading to severe trauma and isolation.
According to him, globally, over 2 million women live with VVF, with Nigeria accounting for a significant number of these cases.
Mutfwang explained that Plateau State have recorded over (12,000) cases in the last twenty years at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos .
“To effectively address this challenge, there is a pressing need for greater commitment and collaboration among organizations, philanthropists, and policymakers to provide surgeries, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs”.
He added far too often, these women have been neglected, and their plight have not received the attention it deserves from policymakers.
“This is why we welcome this noble initiative by First Bank Nigeria Limited, which aims to lift these indigent women out of their affliction.”
In his Own remarks, the Executive Director, First Bank Idris Ibrahim stated that the Free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Awareness, Empowerment is part of their 2024 Corporate Social Responsibilities and Sustainability week to promote social and environmental growth in Nigeria.
According to him, the programme was another way of given back to the society, stressing that over one million people have benefited from this initiative which seek to consolidate on the governments effort for surgical intervention for fresh 50 women.
In a similar vein,the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Professor Stephen Anzaku in his remarks, said their mission is to provide Christ centered institution that will take care of the underserved in the society adding that most of VVF victims are outcast who do not have the capability to take care of themselves..
Plateau: First Bank Plc Empowers 300 Victims Of VVF Women At Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos.
Onoja Audu Jos.
First Bank Of Nigeria has empowered 300 VIctims of Vesico Vaginal Festula (VVF) at the flagging -off ceremony of Free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Awareness, Empowerment and Surgery Initiative held at Bingham University Teaching Hospital In Jos on Tuesday.
The event was witnessed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau state along side scores of his Commissioners during which fresh 50 Women patients of VVF were admitted for surgeries by the bank at the hospital.
The free VVF Surgery and empowerment was sponsored by First Bank Nigeria Limited in Jos.
Speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang admonished victims and survivors of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) to remain firm, resolute, and determined to overcoming their challenges.
According to him, VVF is not a death sentence adding that it is treatable and reassured them that his administration will step up by providing the support they needed on their journey to healing and recovery.
Mutfwang pointed out that the impact of VVF extends beyond the physical health of the victim; saying it inflicts emotional, psychological, and social stress, leading to severe trauma and isolation.
According to him, globally, over 2 million women live with VVF, with Nigeria accounting for a significant number of these cases.
Mutfwang explained that Plateau State have recorded over (12,000) cases in the last twenty years at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos .
“To effectively address this challenge, there is a pressing need for greater commitment and collaboration among organizations, philanthropists, and policymakers to provide surgeries, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs”.
He added far too often, these women have been neglected, and their plight have not received the attention it deserves from policymakers.
“This is why we welcome this noble initiative by First Bank Nigeria Limited, which aims to lift these indigent women out of their affliction.”
In his Own remarks, the Executive Director, First Bank Idris Ibrahim stated that the Free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Awareness, Empowerment is part of their 2024 Corporate Social Responsibilities and Sustainability week to promote social and environmental growth in Nigeria.
According to him, the programme was another way of given back to the society, stressing that over one million people have benefited from this initiative which seek to consolidate on the governments effort for surgical intervention for fresh 50 women.
In a similar vein,the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Professor Stephen Anzaku in his remarks, said their mission is to provide Christ centered institution that will take care of the underserved in the society adding that most of VVF victims are outcast who do not have the capability to take care of themselves..
Onoja Audu Jos.
First Bank Of Nigeria has empowered 300 VIctims of Vesico Vaginal Festula (VVF) at the flagging -off ceremony of Free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Awareness, Empowerment and Surgery Initiative held at Bingham University Teaching Hospital In Jos on Tuesday.
The event was witnessed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau state along side scores of his Commissioners during which fresh 50 Women patients of VVF were admitted for surgeries by the bank at the hospital.
The free VVF Surgery and empowerment was sponsored by First Bank Nigeria Limited in Jos.
Speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang admonished victims and survivors of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) to remain firm, resolute, and determined to overcoming their challenges.
According to him, VVF is not a death sentence adding that it is treatable and reassured them that his administration will step up by providing the support they needed on their journey to healing and recovery.
Mutfwang pointed out that the impact of VVF extends beyond the physical health of the victim; saying it inflicts emotional, psychological, and social stress, leading to severe trauma and isolation.
According to him, globally, over 2 million women live with VVF, with Nigeria accounting for a significant number of these cases.
Mutfwang explained that Plateau State have recorded over (12,000) cases in the last twenty years at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos .
“To effectively address this challenge, there is a pressing need for greater commitment and collaboration among organizations, philanthropists, and policymakers to provide surgeries, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs”.
He added far too often, these women have been neglected, and their plight have not received the attention it deserves from policymakers.
“This is why we welcome this noble initiative by First Bank Nigeria Limited, which aims to lift these indigent women out of their affliction.”
In his Own remarks, the Executive Director, First Bank Idris Ibrahim stated that the Free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Awareness, Empowerment is part of their 2024 Corporate Social Responsibilities and Sustainability week to promote social and environmental growth in Nigeria.
According to him, the programme was another way of given back to the society, stressing that over one million people have benefited from this initiative which seek to consolidate on the governments effort for surgical intervention for fresh 50 women.
In a similar vein,the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Professor Stephen Anzaku in his remarks, said their mission is to provide Christ centered institution that will take care of the underserved in the society adding that most of VVF victims are outcast who do not have the capability to take care of themselves..
First Bank Of Nigeria has empowered 300 VIctims of Vesico Vaginal Festula (VVF) at the flagging -off ceremony of Free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Awareness, Empowerment and Surgery Initiative held at Bingham University Teaching Hospital In Jos on Tuesday.
The event was witnessed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau state along side scores of his Commissioners during which fresh 50 Women patients of VVF were admitted for surgeries by the bank at the hospital.
The free VVF Surgery and empowerment was sponsored by First Bank Nigeria Limited in Jos.
Speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang admonished victims and survivors of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) to remain firm, resolute, and determined to overcoming their challenges.
According to him, VVF is not a death sentence adding that it is treatable and reassured them that his administration will step up by providing the support they needed on their journey to healing and recovery.
Mutfwang pointed out that the impact of VVF extends beyond the physical health of the victim; saying it inflicts emotional, psychological, and social stress, leading to severe trauma and isolation.
According to him, globally, over 2 million women live with VVF, with Nigeria accounting for a significant number of these cases.
Mutfwang explained that Plateau State have recorded over (12,000) cases in the last twenty years at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos .
“To effectively address this challenge, there is a pressing need for greater commitment and collaboration among organizations, philanthropists, and policymakers to provide surgeries, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs”.
He added far too often, these women have been neglected, and their plight have not received the attention it deserves from policymakers.
“This is why we welcome this noble initiative by First Bank Nigeria Limited, which aims to lift these indigent women out of their affliction.”
In his Own remarks, the Executive Director, First Bank Idris Ibrahim stated that the Free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Awareness, Empowerment is part of their 2024 Corporate Social Responsibilities and Sustainability week to promote social and environmental growth in Nigeria.
According to him, the programme was another way of given back to the society, stressing that over one million people have benefited from this initiative which seek to consolidate on the governments effort for surgical intervention for fresh 50 women.
In a similar vein,the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Professor Stephen Anzaku in his remarks, said their mission is to provide Christ centered institution that will take care of the underserved in the society adding that most of VVF victims are outcast who do not have the capability to take care of themselves..
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called for the Federal Government’s intervention through the utilization of available ecological funds to reclaim mining ponds that have become life-threatening hazards across communities in the state.
Governor Mutfwang made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, at his office in Abuja.
He briefed the Minister on Plateau State’s significant contribution to the development of Nigeria’s mineral sector but lamented that the state has been left to deal with the devastating environmental impacts of mining, which have turned into dangerous death traps for host communities.
“We are hopeful that by leveraging our partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, we can secure Federal Government interventions through ecological funds to remediate these hazardous sites.
” Remedying these mining ponds is not only vital for public health but also holds the potential for significant economic benefits. Plateau State plays a crucial role in strengthening the national food basket and has the potential to turn agriculture into a foreign exchange earner. Hence, the reclamation of these sites is essential,” the Governor stated.
Governor Mutfwang also advocated for enhanced collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational entities in training Nigerian youths in gem cutting and polishing, which would contribute to the nation’s GDP. He urged the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to incorporate gem training into their curriculum to equip Nigerians with this valuable skill.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the Minister for the zeal and innovative approaches he has introduced in managing the mineral sector and reaffirmed Plateau State’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to develop mutually beneficial business opportunities.
Responding, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, welcomed Governor Mutfwang and his delegation, acknowledging that Plateau State’s historical significance in Nigeria’s mining development.
“We are keen to partner with Plateau State on developmental projects, particularly in elevating the profile of miners and mineral development in Nigeria. There is much to learn from the practical experiences of those who have been involved in mining for years.
” As we move forward with our mineral development policy formulation and execution, Plateau State is pivotal. We are open to collaboration, cooperation, and joint efforts to transform our mineral sector for the benefit of all stakeholders, especially the host communities and subnational entities,” the Minister said.
The Governor’s entourage included the Managing Director of Plateau State Mineral Development Company, Mr. Matthews Dawap; Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom; and Chief Technical Adviser to the Governor, Manji Wilson, among others.
His Majesty, the First- Class Chief of Takum,Barr. Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi III has called for calm and restraint from citizens of Takum, against the backdrop of recent killings in the area..
The paramount Ruler in a statement issued to newsmen through the Acting Secretary of the Takum traditional Council, Danlami A Garbuwa noted with disdain the killings that he said have been unwarranted and dastardly,suggesting a wicked and mischievous agenda of some evil people,which must be condemned by all.
He cautioned against any form of reprisal noting that the security agencies,the government and stakeholders are working hard to unravel the identities of the perpetrators of the killings and bring them to book.
The Chief of Takum,Barr. Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi III noted with deep sadness the killings of 6 innocent travelers along the Takum – Wukari road in the morning of Monday 12th august,2024 and the killing of a business man and a farmer along the Takum – Jalingo road all within a space of four days.
He recalled that this sad incident were happening when the memory of the gruesome killing of the Third Class Chief of Chanchanji and his son is still fresh in the minds of people in the area.
The Chief of Takum expressed the resolve to continue to work with the Government and security agencies to bring and end to any sort of killings in the area.
His Majesty urged the people of the locality to always report any suspicious characters or acts to security agencies for prompt action.
While commending the State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas for the result oriented security measures being implemented in the area, His Majesty, Barr. Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi III enjoins the government to scale up the operations and deployment of security agencies,as the attackers have become more daring ,
According to him, he wants the Security Operatives to counter them and ensure they the Hoodlums are completely routed out.
His Majesty, however, noted with the pain that these criminal activities are mostly perpetrated within and by criminal elements from neighbouring local government area especially Katsina -Ala LGA of Benue state. He alleged.
His Majesty Chief Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi III, therefore called on the government and good people of these Local Government Areas to call their youths to order and therefore give peace and development a chance.
This statement was Issued by the Acting Secretary of the Takum traditional Council Danlami A. Garbuwa .
Kwararafa Reporters 