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Author: Polycarp Auta

  • Bere wants social media deployed to promoting development

     

    Development
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs in the Gov. Caleb Mutfwang administration in Plateau, has advised Nigerians to deploy the social media into promoting developmental issues.
    Bere gave the advice on Saturday in Jos during a ‘Peace Walk’ organised by the Forum of Special Assistants to the governor on media, to commemorate the 2024 Social Media Day.
    He acknowledged that the social media had become part of the society, and called on its users to put it into good use.
    ”Social media has become part of mankind and we cannot do away with it; it has come to stay with us, but we must use it wisely.
    ”We must deploy it toward promoting good governance; we must deploy it toward societal growth,” he advised.
    Bere called on the media aides to use the social media toward promoting the developmental strides of the current administration in Plateau.
    ”This government is doing a lot in the areas of peace building, agriculture, transportation, roads construction and rehabilitation, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, among other critical sectors
    ”You must use the social media to propagates all of these giant strides; use it to tell the world that Plateau is peaceful and safe.
    ”Do not use it for propaganda; use it to communicate development, unity and the progress of Plateau,” he said.
    On the proposed social media law, Bere said that it was a good idea.
    “It will regulate the social media and ensure that it is used properly by Nigerians,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/ETS
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  • Farmers decry destruction of rice farms by quelea birds in Taraba

    Farmers decry destruction of rice farms by quelea birds in Taraba

    Rice

    By Polycarp Auta

    Jalingo, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Rice farmers in Nahuta – Lalinga community of Karim – Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba, have decried the destruction of hectares of cultivated farmlands by quelea birds.

    One of the affected farmers, Mr Tanko Andemi, disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Jalingo.

    NAN reports that quelea bird is a small, short-tailed weaver with a mottled back and a yellow or reddish bill, eye-ring, and legs.

    The red-billed quelea is mostly found in tropical and subtropical areas with a seasonal semi-arid climate.

    Andemi, who said that the attack by the birds would lead to poor harvests, called for intervention by the federal and state governments, towards ameliorating the situation.

    ”I’m expected to harvest 100 bags of dry season Paddy Rice, but with the invasion of the quelea birds, I may end up harvesting less than 10 bags.

    ”So, we are calling on the government at both federal and state levels to urgently intervene to prevent further losses.

    ”This can be in the aspect of controling the birds which resurface after the dry season, control and provision of inputs to boost production and avert losses of crops in the field,” Andemi said.

    Mr Adamu Kazaure, the Field Officer of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in charge of Adamawa and Taraba states, told NAN that the level of damage caused by the birds had been properly assessed.

    Kazaure explained that a compressive report, including video clips of the destruction on the farmlands, had been forwarded to relevant authorities in the ministry for further action.

    NAN also reports that the presence of quelea birds result in dry thornbush grassland, including the Sahel; and its distribution covers most of sub-Saharan Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AZA/DOR
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    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • PCC received 1,500 complaints in Plateau in 3 years – Commissioner

    Complaints
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Public Complaint Commission (PCC) says it received 1,500 complaints from 2021 till date in Plateau.
    The Federal Commissioner of PCC in charge of the state, Mr Abbas Garba, disclosed this at a town hall on Tuesday in Jos.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Garba spoke on the theme: ”Systematic and Proactive Investigation into the Victimisation of Students in Tertiary Institutions in Plateau.”
    He said that while a total of 881 of the complaints had been resolved, 619 were still pending.
    Garba said that the commission was established as machinery for the control of administrative excesses, particularly non-adherence to procedure and abuse of rule of law.
    ”It is an organ of government set up to redress complaints lodged by aggrieved citizens or residents of Nigeria against administrative injustices.
    ”It was established to strengthen and advocate for good administration that would lead to good governance, justice, fair play, tranquility and peace for national growth and development.
    ”The commission has received a total of 1,500 cases in Plateau between 2021 to date. 881 of the complaints were resolved while 619 are still pending,” he said.
    Also speaking, the PCC Director of Investigation, Mrs Florence Oguchi, said that the commission had recorded 500 cases of victimisation in tertiary institutions across the country.
    Oguchi stated that the high rate of various forms of victimisation in higher institutions informed the decision to organise the town hall.
    According to her, the commission has put modalities in place to establish units in high institutions where victims can easily reports cases.
    On her part, the Commissioner for Higher Education in Plateau, Dr Kachollom Gang, decried the culture of silence among victims.
    ”Because victims don’t speak out, we hardly get to know if these things happen. Unfortunately, the cases are on the rise.
    ”So, we call on victims to speak out; that will enable government or appropriate authority to take necessary action,” Gang said.
    NAN reports that heads of tertiary institutions, students, media practitioners and government agencies, among others, attended the town hall. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Troops arrest suspected bandits, gunrunners in Plateau, Kaduna 

    Troops arrest suspected bandits, gunrunners in Plateau, Kaduna
    Arrest
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, have arrested some suspected bandits and gunrunners in Plateau and Kaduna State.
    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Jos.
    According to Zhakom, the suspects were arrested following the joint operation conducted by the men of OPSH and 3 divisions.
    He explained that various types of arms and ammunition were equally recovered during the raid that lasted one week.
    ”On June 21, troops conducted an operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals in a suspected bandits’ hideout at Pandam forest in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau.
    ”During the operation, troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
    ”Also, in a combined operation with a sister security agency on June 21, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner along Jos-Abuja road, around Riyom local government area of Plateau.
    ”The suspect was arrested while on his way to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who, unknown to the first gunrunner, has been tracked and arrested in Kano state on June 20.
     ”Information obtained from the arrested suspect led to the immediate arrest of the major arms supplier at Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
    ”This is while he was making efforts to receive the 35 AK-47 magazines from the first gunrunner for onward delivery to bandits in Zamfara State,”he said.
    Zhakom said that the troops conducted further search operation at the home of the major gunrunner and recovered the 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), three Bajaj motorcycles, three mobile phones and items suspected to be local charms.
    The media officer called on the residents of the two states to support and cooperate with the security agencies in their bid toward ending all forms of security challenges confronting them.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • TRCN inducts 955 teachers in Jos

     

    Induction
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), on Monday inducted 955 graduands of the Faculty of Education, University of Jos, as professional teachers.
    Administering the oath on the graduands, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, the Registrar of TRCN, congratulated the inductees for the successful completion of their training as professional teachers.
    Represented by Dr Ahmed Okunola, Ajiboye explained that the induction and oath taking remains critical to every trained teacher in Nigeria.
    He advised the inductees to be professional and contribute their quarter toward providing quality education to young Nigerians.
    ”These inductees have been trained as professional teachers; if this is what you have chosen to do, understand that you have chosen a profession that is noble, with compassion, care and love as cardinal ideals.
    ”I urge you to carry out your duties with pride and humility. You should recognise that you are a product of huge investment for better tomorrow.
    ”You must, therefore, put in your best in bringing out the potentials in your students.
    ”I advice you to continually improve on your knowledge; pursue further academic strides to be in tandem with the current realities,”he added.
    Presenting the graduands for the exercise, Prof. Joseph Maina, the Dean, Faculty of Education of the university, said that they were well trained in learning and character.
    Maina, represented by Dr Grace Chollom, the Deputy Dean of the Faculty, thanked the university management and TRCN for supporting the faculty in producing quality teachers that would serve Nigerians.
    Maina said that the graduands included Persons with Disabilities.
    Earlier, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said that the inductees belonged to 2022/2023 academic session.
    Represented by Prof. Emmanuel Oki, the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development of the institution, Ishaya, said that the graduands had undergone rigorous training in theory and practice by a crop of qualified and dedicated lecturers.
    ”I am confident that our graduands are of high quality to face global trend in the 21st century teaching profession.
    ”Values in Nigeria seem to have undergone considerable degradation in the last many years as indubitably evident in every area and aspects of our lives.
    ”For any society to experience positive and sustainable growth, positive values must he upheld and encouraged; where values have decayed, underdevelopment sets in.
    ”This university is known for quality training of students who are worthy in character and learning, therefore, I urge you to be worthy ambassadors of the university in the society, ”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/ IU
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    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • NGO donates relief materials, cash to 2,010 displaced households in Plateau

    Donation
    By Polycarp Auta
    Mangu (Plateau), June 21, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Plan International, has donated relief materials and cash to 2,010 displaced households in communities in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau.
    Presenting the items to the beneficiaries on Friday in Mangu, Mr. Hanoch Hebron, the Gender Advisor of the organisation said that the gesture was in collaboration with Action Aid, Christian Aid and supported by Start Network.
    “Today we are here to support the people that were affected by the series of conflicts by providing non food items to cushion the effect of their current hardship.
    “The gesture is intended to support these households to restore their dignity and basic needs to enable them to go about their normal lives in spite of what has happened to them.
    “In all, we are supporting 2,010 households; we have beneficiaries in Tielangpat, Mangun, Chikam and other two locations that form part of Mangu and Bokkos.
    “Here in Mangun, we have a total of 282 households beneficiaries while there are 700 beneficiaries in other locations.
    “We also presented N60,000 cash to each of the beneficiaries to enable them to start petty businesses to become economically independent,”he said
    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Happy Dauda, expressed delight over the gesture saying it would go a long way to ameliorate their plight.
    She promised that the beneficiaries would put the items to good use.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the items donated include mattresses, mosquito nets, torchlights and blankets.
    Other items donated were bathing and washing soap, kitchen accessories – knifes, plate, spoons among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/IU
    =========
    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Gov. Mutfwang condemns attack on task force, traders by hoodlums 

    Attack
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has condemned the attack meted on members of the Task Force enforcing the executive order on urban renewal and some traders at the Bukuru market, Jos South Local Government Area of the state.
    This is contained in a statement by Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, issued on Monday in Jos.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hoodlums on Monday afternoon attacked members of the task force and traders, and set many vehicles ablaze at the market.
    NAN also reports that one life was lost during the sad incident.
    Mutfwang, who expressed deep regret over the ‘shameful’ act, promised to bring the miscreants to justice.
     The governor, who said that the market was designated by the government to accommodate lawful businesses, appealed to street vendors to relocate accordingly.
    ”I wish to express my deepest regret over the shameful action of these miscreants, who did not only targeted the task force but endangered the lives of traders.
    ”This market is designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities, so I appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.
    ”The reckless behaviour of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulting in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders is unacceptable.
    ”We condemn the incident which is entirely avoidable and we call on those flouting Executive Order 003 to desist from such act as their uncivilised action has resorted to violence against law-abiding citizens,” he warned.
    Explaining the broader purpose of the executive order 003, Mutfwang said that it aimed at safeguarding Jos metropolis from deteriorating into a slum and den for criminal activities.
    Mutfwang, who reiterated government’s unwavering resolve to decisively confront troublemakers, called on the security agencies to swiftly apprehend all perpetrators and ensure they face justice without delay.
    He called on religious and community leaders in the affected area, to guide their followers against unlawful conducts and adopt measures that would thwart criminal elements who may take advantage of such situation to cause disorder.
    The governor, who condoled those whose properties were destroyed during the incident, promised to foster peaceful atmosphere at all levels. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • GMOs will improve yield, safe for consumption – Expert 

    GMOs
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 17, 2024(NAN) Dr Charles Amadi, the Director of Tuber Root Crops, National Root Crop Reserach Institute (NRCRI), Umudike in Abia, says Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are safe for human consumption.
    Amadi, who spoke at a workshop organised for journalsists in Jos, added that GMOs had been proven to also improve quality yields for farmers.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the initiative is under the ”Global Biotechnology Potato Partnership (GBPP)” project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
    Amadi, the Principal Investigator of the GBPP project, said that the initiative was in partnership with various organisations.
    He decried the false claims about GMOs, adding that such claims were only aimed at stagnating the agricultural sector and denying farmers the opportunity to cultivate quality yields.
    ”There are many groups spreading false claims about GMOs, but GMOs are extensively tested and do not cause cancer or allergies as being rumoured.
    ”They do not make you sick, they do not make anyone impotent or cause miscarriages in women.
    ”GMOs offer farmers new options for crop varieties, with the choice to grow them or not,” he said.
    Amadi explained that the GBPP project aimed at tackling late blight and other diseases in irish potato by introducing an improved variety.
    The principal investigator added that the move would provide small holder farmers with options for quality yields and better market opportunities.
    ”The GBPP project aims at developing potato varieties that are resistant to major diseases, pests, and environmental stresses.
    ”Also, to enhance the nutritional quality and yield of potato crops and ensure these improved potato varieties are accessible to smallholder farmers in developing regions.
    ‘The project also aims to improve food security by increasing potato yields and reducing crop losses due to diseases and pests.
    ”It seeks to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by providing them with more robust and productive potato varieties,” he said.
    Amadi further said that the project would contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing the environmental impact of potato farming through decreased pesticide use and better resource efficiency.
    He explained that the new variety of potato, already tested in other countries, is currently undergoing trial in Nigeria.
    He added that the improved variety of the crop is expected to be released to farmers by early 2027, after the getting the nod of the National Bio-Safety Management Agency (NBMA).
    NAN reports that NRCRI is running the GBPP project in partnership with African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), International Potato Centre (CIP), among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/VIV
    ===
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • OPHS arrests 6 bandits, recovers rustled cows, weapons in Plateau

    Bandits
    By Polycarp Auta
    Jos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) A special task force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has arrested six suspected bandits and recovered weapons and 47 rustled cows in Manguna, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.
    Commander of OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, disclosed this at the Eid-el-Kabir luncheon, organised for troops of the operation on Monday in Jos.
    Abubakar, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, said that the feat followed intensified operations by personnel of the operation.
    ”As part of our resolve to completely eradicate banditry and criminal elements and ensure a successful farming season and security of lives and property, our intensified operations continue to yield results.
    “This has led to recovery of different calibers of arms and ammunition in different parts of Plateau.
    ”Specifically on June 10, OPSH Tactical Team raided a suspected criminal hideout at Manguna village in Bokkos local government area and during the operation, troops recovered one G3 rifle, two revolver rifles and one magazine with rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
    ”We also recovered a quiver with 20 arrows and 47 herds of cattle, while a total of six bandits and cattle rustlers were captured with the rifles and ammunition,” he said.
    The commander further stated that his troops also raided the Pandam forest in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of the state and recovered various weapons and ammunition.
    ”Similarly on June 12, troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted clearance operations at suspected bandits’ hideouts at Pandam forest in Qua’an.
    ”During the operation, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special.
    ”Troops are currently sustaining operations in the area to intercept and neutralise the fleeing terrorists,” he added.
    Abubakar said that the troops also arrested 29 suspected members of a cult group known as Sara-suka, with fabricated rifles, pistols and other assorted dangerous weapons recovered in Jos.
    The commander, who thanked the personnel for their efforts, assured residents of the state of the operation’s readiness to secure their lives and property. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Sallah: Rep. donates foodstuff, offers scholarship to orphans in Jos

    Sallah: Rep. donates foodstuff, offers scholarship to orphans in Jos

    Scholarship

    By Polycarp Auta

    Jos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), has donated foodstuff and offered scholarship to orphans at the Anwarul Faidah Orphanage, also known as ”Gidan Marayu”, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.

    Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency of the state, visited the orphanage on Monday as part of activities marking the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebrations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the orphanage is housing over 70 orphans whose parents were killed in Borno, Adamawa, Southern Kaduna, and Plateau.

    The lawmaker said that the gesture was aimed at supporting the orphans to get quality livelihood, adding that it would go a long way to give them a sense of belonging.

    Gagdi, who said that the scholarship was basically for the orphans in primary and secondary schools, expressed deep concern over the growing number of out-of-school children, particularly in the northern region.

    “Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our children, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

    ”We need to come together to address this challenge; we need an action that is aimed at reducing the number of idle children forced to beg on the streets, instead of attending school.

    ”So, we are here to provide succour to these underprivileged kids and give them a sense of belonging,” he said.

    Gagdi also reiterated his commitment to prioritise the welfare of his constituents, particularly the vulnerable ones.

    He, therefore, called on spirited individuals to support the less privileged persons at all times.

    The lawmaker also donated food items and cash to the Quintessential Health Care Centre, a mental rehabilitation centre in Jos.

    Responding, Prof. Goar suwa, the Executive Director of Quintessential Health Care Centre, Jos and Auwal Mustapha, the Administrative Manager of the Gidan Marayu, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of items donated include bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti and noodles, meat, clothing, cash, among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AZA/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru