Author: patience aliyu

Spokesman urges support for Gov. Mutfwang to succeed

Support
By Patience Aliyu
Jos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA) to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has called on citizens to support the policies and programmes initiated by the current administration in the state.
Bere made the call on Sunday when he visited some churches within Jos and environs.
The media aide spoke separately at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Bwadang, Calvary Faith Evangelical Ministry International (CFEMI) and the New Life Gospel Church of Christ for All Nations (NLGCCN), Chugwi, Vwang, all in Jos South Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the governor is passionate about the progress, growth and development of the state, hence the need for the support.
”God gave us Caleb Mutfwang as governor when Plateau is in dire need of a leader.
”The governor is desirous of a peaceful, united and prosperous Plateau; his policies are all geared toward bettering the lots of the people,”he said.
The DOPPA also called on the residents of the state to also support the urban renewal plan of the government.
He said that the the Executive Order 003 issued by the government was not targeted at any individual, but to portray the beauty of the state.
”I call on all Plateau citizens to key into the philosophy of this government toward moving Plateau to greatness.
”The urban renewal plan is not to harm any individual or group, but make the state more attractive to investors, tourists and other visitors.
”The order is meant to reorganise the state and provide avenue for Plateau people to carry our their legitimate businesses with ease,”he said.
Responding, Prophet David Olorunleke of CFEMI, who commended the developmental strides of the government, promised continuous prayers for the governor and his team to succeed.
On his part, Rev. Gyang Kala, the President of NLGCCN, commended the governor for his people-centric policies, but urged him to intensify efforts toward combating insecurity and food scarcity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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June 30, 2024
Poor infrastructure, funding for public varsities responsible for incessant strikes – ASUU

Strike
By Patience Aliyu
Jos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), says poor infrastructure and inadequate funding of public universities by the Federal Government were responsible for the incessant strikes by lecturers.
Dr. Jurbe Molwus, Chairperson of the University of Jos chapter of the union, said this during a townhall it organised on Thursday in Jos.
He added that the failure of the federal government to honour agreement it reached with the union over the years had contributed to the industrial disharmony between the lecturers and government.
”As a union, we are very reluctant about going on strike; we find it very painful anytime our members resolve to embark on industrial action.
”But the failure of government to honour aggrements it reached with the union is largely behind recurrent strikes.
”ASUU have entered series of agreements with the government but all of them ended as promissory notes.
”Most of our public universities are now an eyesore; no basic infrastructure like lecture halls, equipped laboratories, among others, and this obecause successive governments refused to properly fund education,”he lamented.
On the rationale for the townhall, Molwus said that it would provide an opportunity for the union and members of public to interact on the challenges currently facing public universities in Nigeria.
”This meeting will give us the opportunity to discuss with Nigerians from all walks of life and fashion best ways of tackling the current challenges confronting university education in Nigeria.
”We have called you here to tell you our side of the story as a union and to hear from you how best we can collectively move our education system out of its current quagmire,”he said.
Speaking at the event, retired Prof. Sylvester Alubo, called on the federal government to grant full autonomy to public universities, insisting that such move would enable optimal productivity in the institutions.
”Granting full autonomy to the universities will solve a lot of challenges confronting our educational system.
”This is the practice in other climes; government don’t interfare in the running of universities,”he said.
Alubo, who decried the proliferation of universities in the country, also called on the federal government to urgently address the situation.
The retired professor added that poor renumeration of university lecturers was responsible for the increasing ”Japa” syndrome among lecturers.
He called on the government to review the salary structure of the lecturers to reflect global standard and current economic realities in the country.
Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the university of Jos, commended the union for organising the townhall.
The vice chancellor, also called on the federal government to address all demands of ASUU, insisting that the demands were critical toward having a functional and productive universities in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the townhall had parents, students, market and tranport unions, security agencies, government officials, among other critical stakeholders in attendance.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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June 27, 2024
Journalists task Plateau youths on peaceful coexistence
Journalists task Plateau youths on peaceful coexistence
Peace
By Patience Aliyu
Barkin-Ladi(Plateau), June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Plateau Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has sensitised youths in the state on peaceful coexistence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held on Thursday in Barkin-Ladi, had the theme ”Inter-ethnic and Inter-religious Dialogue: Toward Ensuring Food Security in Plateau”.
Speaking at the event, Mr Polycarp Auta, Chairman of the Chapel, said that the summit was organised in collaboration with the Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH), the Special Task Force maintaining peace in Plateau and environs.
Auta said that the event with participants drawn from Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Jos South Local Government Areas of the state, would complement government’s peace efforts.
He explained that the activity also aimed at addressing the looming food scarcity in the state and country in general, by ensuring a successful farming season.
”This summit is part of our modest contribution toward the peace efforts of the state government and the security agencies, particularly the Operation Safe Heaven.
”Beyond reporting security issues, we felt the need to bring young people of different tribes and religions, from troubled communities in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South, to fashion out best ways toward a peaceful society.
”As the farming season set in, and Plateau being an agriculture hub, it has become necessary to remind ourselves of the looming food insecurity in the country.
”The desire to develop a collective approach that will allow farmers cultivate enough food to feed the state and nation in general informs the choice of the theme for this summit,” he said.
The chairman called on residents of the state to support and cooperate with the security agencies deployed to their communities to protect them.
”We are strongly convinced that dialogue serves as a major tool for conflict resolution; it enables the people to air out their views, concerns, and suggest possible ways toward addressing any pressing matter.
”We hope that this event will elicit conversations and change our mindsets toward tackling the current security challenges confronting our dear state.
”We wish to use this opportunity to particularly call on Plateau citizens to support the officers and men of OPSH in their bid to stem out bad elements causing mayhem in our communities.
”For us, OPSH is headed by a professional, committed and an accomplished military officer with proven integrity; one who is committed to the actualisation of a peaceful Plateau, but requires the support and cooperation of the civil populace to achieve it.
”It is true that few bad eggs exist within the security circle, but we are appealing to residents of Plateau to look at the larger picture and maintain a cordial relationship with the security personnel deployed to protect their communities.”
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, the Guest Speaker at the event, attributed the looming food crisis in the state to persistent conflicts that had, the over years, hindered farmers from cultivating their farmlands.
Akpe, who holds a PhD in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, maintained that interfaith dialogue remains a major tool toward addressing the current security challenges in the state.
He, however, called on the residents of state, particularly the youths, to develop a collective approach that would breed lasting peace, tolerance and unity in the society.
In a keynote address, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, said that the military had adopted a myriad of non-kinetic approaches toward stemming the tides of insecurity in the state.
Represented by Col. Usman Abdusalam, Abubakar said that OPSH had launched a series of aggressive operations against kidnappers, cattle rustlers, armed robbers, illegal gun manufacturers, among other criminal elements, within its areas of responsibility.
The commander, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, described the summit as timely, adding that the organisers had keyed into the peace efforts of the government and OPSH.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Polycarp Auta
June 20, 2024
Mutfwang laying foundation for a prosperous Plateau – Aide
Mutfwang laying foundation for a prosperous Plateau – Aide
Growth
By Patience Aliyu
Jos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, says that the governor is laying a solid foundation toward steady growth, development and prosperity.
Bere said this when Prof. Godfrey Danaan, Head of Mass Communication Department, University of Jos, visited him on Wednesday in Jos.
Bere, who said that the governor had used his first year in office to correcting the wrongs of his predecessors, noted that the choice of Mutfwang was timely for Plateau.
He added that the governor had dedicated the last one year to reorganising and resuscitating moribund sectors.
He added that the governor had initiated some innovative ideas aimed at boosting the economy and improving on the welfare of the citizens.
”We are all witnesses to the developmental strides of our governor; he has reorganised almost every sector in the state.
”The rehabilitation of dilapitated roads and completion of abandoned ones, the tremendous transformation in the transport, agriculture, health, tourism sectors, including the fight against insecurity, are all visible.
”This goes to show that the governor is delivering on his campaign promises; he has laid a solid foundation that will take Plateau to an enviable height,” he said.
Bere said that Mutfwang was committed to building a united and peaceful Plateau, adding that no policy initiated by the government is aimed at inflicting pains and hardship.
”No policy of this government is targeted at bringing hardship on the people; the urban renewal plan, for instance, is for the good of all.
”So, people must discard emotions and support this government in its bid to make Plateau the envy of other states.
”The governor will continue to pursue programmes that will better the lots of the people.
”All we need from the citizens is their prayers, support and understanding, because achieving a beautiful Plateau is possible,” he said.
Bere, who obtained his first and second degrees at the department, thanked the lecturers for the visit and the support accorded him over time.
Earlier, Danaan had said that the visit was to congratulate Bere on his appointment and advised him to live by the ethics of the journalism profession.
He also thanked Gov. Mutfwang for appointing many alumnus of the department into various positions in his government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Danaan was accompanied on the visit by other senior lecturers and staff of the department.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Polycarp Auta
June 19, 2024
Plateau pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

Pilgrim
By Patience Aliyu
Jos, June 18, 2024(NAN) Mr Ismaila Musa, a pilgrim from Plateau, has passed on in Makka, Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary, Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Jos.
Dauda said that the deceased, who hails from Mangu Local Government Area of the state, died on Tuesday after a brief illness.
”He was ill and had been on admission at Annur Specialist Hospital in Makka since May 31.
”We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the government and people of Plateau.
”We pray that Allah will accept his hajj, grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Dauda prayed.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Polycarp Auta
June 18, 2024
I’ve not touched LG funds since I became governor—Mutfwang
I’ve not touched LG funds since I became governor—Mutfwang
Money
By Patience Aliyu
Jos, June 10, 2024 (NAN), Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau says he has not touched or misused local government funds since he became the governor of the state.
Mutfwang said this on Monday in Jos at the swearing-in of the newly appointed chairman and members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).
The governor, a former chairman of Mangu Local Government, said he believed that the funds meant for local government councils should be used by that tier of government.
“It therefore pains some of us when they make generalisations that governors are stealing local government money.
“I think they should be specific rather than make generalization. Let me say that I am a firm believer in the effectiveness and efficacy of the local government system. I believe that government must come closer to the people.
“The only way we can get government and governance closer to the people is to allow the people themselves to elect those who they want to lead them,” he said.
Mutfwang said that the appointees were carefully selected to lead the commission and bring integrity to the organisation.
“It is unfortunate that when we came on board, we had to dissolve PLASIEC, and we did that based on sound legal truth.
“PLASIEC, as it was then, was improperly constituted by an illegal Speaker (of House of Assembly) and there was a court judgment to that effect.
“The speaker who confirmed their appointments was set aside by the court, so every action he took was against the law“, he said.
According to him, he believes that the people deserve to choose who will work for them, and that must be guaranteed.
He told members of PLASIEC that they were coming in at a time when the commission had a trust challenge.
He said that the people no longer believed that a state electoral commission should exist with even some people calling for it to be scrapped.
“I certainly don’t agree with that because we’re operating a federal system; ours is a federation, not a unitary government.
“If people are worried about allowing the local government system to work, they should also allow the state governments to function“, he said.
The new PLASIEC Chairman, Mr Plangji Chishak, thanked Mutfwang for the opportunity to serve the Plateau people.
Chishak, who until his appointment was a staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), assured the people of a credible and transparent election that would be acceptable to all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 10, 2024
Mutfwang inaugurates committee on revamping tertiary education in Plateau
Mutfwang inaugurates committee on revamping tertiary education in Plateau
Education
By Patience Aliyu
Jos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has inaugurated a nine-man committee to review and revamp tertiary education in the state.
The ceremony which took place on Monday in Jos, is aimed at kickstarting the process of reviewing the state of tertiary education in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the committee is tasked with the responsibility of re-aligning programmes and activities of all higher institutions in the state, towards meeting up with global standards.
The committee is made up of administrators of tertiary institutions Chaired by Prof. William Qurix, former Vice Chancellor of the Kaduna State University (KASU).
In his address to the team, Mutfwang commended them for agreeing to serve on the committee, and charged them to look into the future of education in the state.
The governor added that though the current ratings for Plateau tertiary institutions were poor, he was optimistic Plateau people were not unintelligent.
He therefore, called on the team to help reposition education in the state.
”We need to look at the future of education and also look at the education of the future regarding where we need to be in the years to come.
”So this periodic review has become very critical and necessary.
“Let me appreciate you distinguished ladies and gentlemen for agreeing to serve on this very important committee.
“We are confident that you will do your best. I believe your wealth of experience in diverse fields would give us the way forward to be able to reposition education in the state.
“Be at liberty to consult as widely as possible. I am sure there are people that you know in the course of your journey in academic excellence that can add value to the work of the committee.
“There’s no reason to be restricted if you feel it is necessary to reach out to them.
“We therefore have confidence that at the end of your assignment the tertiary education ratings for Plateau will be better.
“Though the current ratings are poor, I don’t think it is because Plateau people are unintelligent.
“We have produced many intelligent people from this state and so we need to get this back on track and see how we can reclaim our position,” he said.
In his remark, Quirix lauded the governor for his passion towards revamping every sector in the state.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the members to deliver on their mandate.
“I congratulate his excellency for the giant feat achieved in just one year of his administration.
“I think that if this continues we will be able to turn around things for our dear state.
“So the future of education and education of the future; I’m quick to grab those words from His Excellency, meaning that it is an indication of what kind of assignments that we have been asked to do.
“It is the complete evaluation, re-evaluation and reconnecting all sorts of things in order to be sure that we have the right education for the future.
“And I am very pleased that the calibre of persons that have been assembled here, are highly experienced people in their own rights and they will definitely be able to work together to deliver this assignment”, he said.
Earlier, the State’s Commissioner for higher Education, Mrs Kachallom Gang, noted that tertiary institutions in the state were currently not performing maximally.
Gang therefore, stressed the importance of revamping them for maximum performance.
Other members of the committee include; Hajiya Sadiya Yaro as Secretary, Prof. Theresa Gyang, member, Dr Solomon Gushibet, member, Prof. Stephen Mallo, member among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
June 3, 2024