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Tag: Plateau

  • Senator inaugurates ICT centre/e-library to boost learning

    Senator inaugurates ICT centre/e-library to boost learning

    Sen. Nora Dadu’ut (APC/Plateau South) on Thursday inuagurated an Information Communications Technology (ICT) Centre/E-library in Namu, Quanpan Local Government, Plateau, to boost learning and socio-economic development in the area.

    Dadu’ut said that the education “is the fulcrum on which development revolves” and hence the reason why she took it as one of critical areas she had given her attention to.

    The lawmaker stated that the centre was meant to assist in facilitating JAMB, WAEC and NECO registration and examinations.
    She said that it would serve as a portal for online lectures, business connections, studies and training.

    “This transformation has manifested itself as we can see in the growth and world wide expansion of business and social network.

    “It provides great opportunities for anyone connected to the internet to better their lives through networking, which may ordinarily not to be possible in their local environment.

    “It is no longer acceptable for anyone to be left behind by not being connected, or having access to the globalised world society.

    “This is because ICT provides opportunities in different strata of our lives; be it education, health, business, communication and social-economic activities,” he said.

    Dadu’ut commended the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for listening to yearnings of her constituents.
    The senator also commended Gov. Simon Lalong in meeting the aspirations of the people of Plateau, especially in the area of ICT development.

    Gov. Simon Lalong who was represented at the by Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Gyang Musa, said that ICT play a critical role in industrialization and sustainable economic development globally.

    The governor challenged the youth to take advantage of the great opportunity given to them to make good use of this facility to better their lives, advising them against indulging into social vices.
    The Chairman, Quan Pan Local Government, Mr Ernest Da’a, represented by Supervisory Councillor for Social Services, Mrs Rita Buba, said that the project was the first of its kind in the area.

     

    A director with Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Ene Adikwu, said that initiative “is in tandem with UBEC mandate that all basic learners must acquire digital literacy.

    “UBEC has established 37 smart schools to ensure that our basic education learners benefit from ICT in line with global best practices”.

    Adikwu urged the community to thank the lawmaker for situating the centre in the community.

  • Just In: Gunmen invade house of Plateau Commissioner, kidnap wife, daughter

    Just In: Gunmen invade house of Plateau Commissioner, kidnap wife, daughter

    Unidentified gunmen stormed apartment of Plateau State Commissioner of Environment, Usman Bamaiyi, in the wee hours of Saturday, abducting his wife and daughter.

    It was unclear if the commissioner was at home when the armed gang invaded the house in Gindiri community of Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

    The spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, ASP Ubah Gabriel, who confirmed the incident said men of the Command were already on the trail of the abductors to ensure safe rescue and release of the victims.

    This is coming barely one week after two pastors were abducted in the area.

    A source within the community, Sani Musa, revealed that the Gindiri general area is under siege by bandits.

    The Plateau attack comes less than a week after the son of a serving commissioner was gunned down by bandits.

    Details to follow…

  • Shun political thuggery and social vices – NOA DG tells students

    Shun political thuggery and social vices – NOA DG tells students

    Students of the National Television Authority (NTA) TV College, Jos, have been urged to shun political thuggery and social vices.

    The Director-Genera of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dr Garba Abari, gave the advice at a one-day security sensitisation programme of the agency, on Thursday.

    Represented by the Agency’s Director in Plateau, Mrs Kaneng Pam-Hworo, the DG said that the programme was aimed at attitudinal re-orientation of students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

    He said it was to reawaken in the students the dangers of social vices such as political thuggery, drug abuse, cyber crimes, human trafficking, illegal migration and radicalism.

    Abari said the exercise was to encourage the students to embrace national core values while curtailing the rising trend of social vices in tertiary institutions.

    The NOA boss said it was also pertinent that students inculcated Nigeria core values of integrity, patriotism, discipline, self-reliance, dignity of labour, social justice and religious tolerance, necessary for sustainable transformation and national development.

    He said the emphasis on tertiary students stemmed from the fact that youths contribute to over 60 per cent of the labour force, which drive the process of governance and social development.

    Abari said youths are also the strength and backbone of any nation, hence the need to sensitise, mobilise and encourage them to shun all forms of social vices.

    Mr Yakubu Gomos, Director, Centre for Advancement, University of Jos, while presenting a paper, entitled “The Overview of Social Vices on Campus” said keeping away from negative peer groups is the solution to drug and substance abuse.

    He urged parents to ensure that they trained and guided their children and wards in the right way.

    According to Gomos, children should be taught the ills and dangers associated with social vices early in life.

    The Rector of the NTA TV College, Prof. Barnabas Gbam, thanked NOA for using the college for the exercise.

    He enjoined the students to pay rapt attention to the sensitisation and reorientation programme as agents of change adding that “capacity without character is futile.”

    Newsmen reports that representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Nigeria Security and Defence Corps (NSCDC) among other stakeholders were in attendance at the event.

  • Troops not aiding attacks in Plateau – OPSH

    Troops not aiding attacks in Plateau – OPSH

    The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), which is maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, has denied the allegation that its troops were aiding attacks and other forms of insecurity in the state.

    Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer of the operation, denied the allegation in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

    Takwa was reacting to allegations by a coalition of youth and women groups during a peaceful protest on Wednesday, against the continuous killings in some parts of the state.

    Takwa described the allegation as false and misleading and called on residents of the state to disregard the reports.

    ”OPSH wishes to commend and appreciate the groups for demonstrating in a peaceful manner. It is, however, worthy to note that the issues raised during the protest are largely fabrications that emanated from the writer’s imagination.

    ”They claimed that there are continuous attacks and killings going on in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Bokos, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas and added that OPSH is aiding insecurity in these areas and should be held responsible for the attacks.

    ”OPSH wishes to clearly state that these claims are totally false and should be disregarded by well-meaning Nigerians; these latest attacks on the image of the Operation is a calculated attempt to dampen the morale of our troops in the professional performance of their duties.

    ”The Operation has made concerted efforts in stemming the tide of communal clashes, reprisal attacks and other forms of criminalities on the Plateau,” he said.

    Takwa said that troops of OPSH, under the leadership of its commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, remains professional and unbiased in the discharge of their duties.

    He lamented that between January and now, the Operation had lost an officer and three soldiers to activities of bandits and other criminalities within its areas of operations.

    ”Our troops, under the command of Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, a thorough-bred professional, a detribalised Nigerian and a peace-loving military officer, is well-motivated, committed and ready to make greater sacrifices for the total restoration of peace and security on the Plateau and beyond.

    ”At the moment, the leadership of OPSH is concerned with stabilising the security situation in communities that experienced attacks recently in Bassa in Plateau, Zangon Kataf, and Jema’a Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

    ”The rapid response and intervention of our troops during these attacks has curtail the attackers who could have continued their barbaric acts unchallenged.

    ”It might interest you to know that from January to date, we lost an officer and three soldiers to banditry and criminalities; it is, therefore, worrisome to note that the group claims that OPSH is aiding and abetting criminal attacks on communities and should be held responsible for lives lost,” Takwa said.

    The media officer maintained that from August 2021 till date, there were no cases of attacks on communities in Jos North, Jos South, Barikin Ladi,

    Riyom and Bokkos, adding that the allegation is mischief aimed at tarnishing the image of the military.

    Takwa assured residents of the state that the military and other security agencies would continue to work assiduously towards ensuring the safety of lives and property of every law-abiding citizen without fear or favour.

    He called on the residents to continue to support and cooperate with security agencies in their bid to stem the tides of insecurity in the state.

  • Plateau to establish gender commission- Attorney General

    Plateau to establish gender commission- Attorney General

    Mr Chrisantus Ahmadu, Plateau state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, has said that the state would soon establish its Gender Commission.
    Ahmadu disclosed this when the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state visited him on Tuesday in Jos.
    He explained that the state government has commenced the process of appointing key pioneer staff that would drive the operation, adding the process would soon be concluded.
    The Attorney General attributed the delay in setting up the commission to some lacuna in the law establishing it, but said that it would be addressed.
    ”Initially, we had challenges with some provisions of the law that seeks to establish the commission because it was hurriedly done.
    ”We feel some of the provisions are in conflict with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.
    ”But I was able to convince the governor that we will go ahead and establish the gender commission and amendment of those relevant sections of the law will be done later.
    ”We have commenced the process of appointments of key officers who will drive the process from this nuptial stage
    ”So, very soon we will officially establish the gender commission,” he said.
    Ahmadu further disclosed that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill in the state is before the governor awaiting his assent.
    The Commissioner commended the efforts of the CSOs in the state towards meeting the needs of the people of the state, particularly in critical areas where government has not been able to address.
    He urged them to continue to be united and focused toward supporting government to address some of the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens.
    Earlier, Coordinator of the Coalition, Mr Gad Shamaki, thanked the Commissioner for working assiduously toward ensuring laws that would protect the rights of women and ensure social justice in the state are enacted.
    He maintained that the coming of the gender commission would add value to state, adding that it would also improve its economy through job creation and the needs of the people.
    Shamaki promised that CSOs in the state would continue to work in different spheres of human endeavours toward bettering the lives of citizens of the state.
  • Residents prevent troops from arresting a gun-runner in Plateau

    Residents prevent troops from arresting a gun-runner in Plateau

    Residents of Vom community in Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau, on Saturday prevented troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) from arresting a suspected gun runner and fabricator in the community.

    Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Jos.
    Takwa said that the residents who came out in their numbers to prevent the soldiers from accessing the community, threw stones and other dangerous objects on the troops.

    “Troops of OPSH, acting on credible intelligence, mobilised its personnel in the early hours of Saturday to effect arrest of the suspected gun-runner and fabricator in Vom Community.

    “Sadly, on sighting security personnel, members of the community came out en mass and barricaded the road leading to the community.

    “They prevented the troops from gaining access to the community to carry out their lawful duty.

    “All efforts to calm the crowd proved futile as they resorted to throwing stones and other dangerous objects at security personnel who kept their cool in the face of unwarranted provocation,” he said.

    The media officer explained that to prevent the situation from degenerating, the OPSH Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, ordered the immediate withdrawal of the troops from the community.

    “While we condemn the action of some members of the community who obstructed our troops from performing a lawful duty, we wish to remind the people about the consequences of preventing the arrest and harbouring criminal elements in their community.

    “No one should be in doubt that troops would certainly effect the arrest of any person or persons suspected to be involved in any unwholesome activity considered capable of truncating the peace and security of the state and the nation at large,” he said.

    Takwa warned residents of the state against obstructing security agencies from performing their lawful duties.

  • My late husband declined Ponzhi Tarok stool – Widow of Gen Domkat Bali

    My late husband declined Ponzhi Tarok stool – Widow of Gen Domkat Bali

    Mrs Esther Bali, the widow of Gen. Domkat Bali, says contrary to falsehood surrounding the Ponzhi Tarok stool, her husband declined to be made the traditional ruler of the community.

    She disclosed this at a public presentation of the Book “Gen. Domkat Yah Bali As Ponzhi Tarok Designate: A Contextual Analysis of the Imbroglio, 1990-2020 on Sunday night in Abuja.

    The widow said that the book was meant to set the record straight regarding the falsehood and rumours on the stool, in the build up to the deceased selection and appointment as Ponzhi Tarok-designate.

    “The book is sequel to my discussion with a respected elder statesman who is in the know regarding the false rumours that were circulated regarding my husband which he brought to my attention.

    “The privileged information greatly motivated me to set the record straight for historical benefit of the present and succeeding generations,” she said.

    She said that the backdrop of the development was characterised by all sorts of rumours, lies, deceit among others, adding that Nigerians must always keep record to help document the truth.

    “As a realist, my husband initially declined their offer to be Ponzhi Tarok with humility and all sense of responsibility bearing in mind his declining health condition.”

    Bali said the deceased admitted that his health would not enable him to execute effectively the duties of the occupant of the Ponzhi Tarok stool.

    She said that her husband however presented the Tarok kingmakers with an alternative candidate, whom he could vouch for, but was rejected in their wisdom insisting on his selection.

    “As they insisted, the Plateau government published a new gazette, which did not follow due process in order to install him but the installation was not possible until his death.”

    She said that due to two restraining court orders, he followed the due process and informed the Plateau government of his desired to resign which they accepted officially.

    The widow said, thereafter, he immediately and honourably relinquished the position, while urging the government to begin the process that would lead to the emergence of Ponzhi Tarok.

    Prince Adewale Adebayo, who presented the book to the public, said that the book was a continuation of the life of Gen. Domkat Bali, adding that he lived as a poet, “and there was no ambiguity for Gen Bali”.

    Adebayo said that though the book “is small but it’s about principle and justice”, adding, “when you do justice, even a poor country will live in peace.”

    He, however, bought 2000 copies, adding that he would take a cue from it to also set some records straight in his community.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, retired Air Comdr Dan Suleiman, said the book was important because it gave the true version of what transpired during the imbroglio.

    Suleiman, who was a former military governor of Plateau, said the account of the event needed to be told because of the controversy that trailed it.

    “The general took everything in his stride; through the confusion, he held his head high, even if it dragged his name to the mud.

    ”He has always stood for truth, justice and integrity, and I am very privileged to be the chairman of this occasion,” he said.

    Bali, who died in Dec. 5, 2020, at the age of 80, would have been 82 on Jan. 27, and he was remembered at the event.

    Dignitaries present included representative of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, former military president, Mrs Victoria Gowon, Mother of the Day, retired Lt.-Gen. Jerry Oseni, Dr Jerry Gana, former Information Minister, retired Vice-Admiral, Murtala Nyako, former Governor of Adamawa.

  • PDP constitutes campaign council for C/River, Imo, Plateau, Ondo by-elections

    PDP constitutes campaign council for C/River, Imo, Plateau, Ondo by-elections

    The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) has constituted a National Campaign Council and Election Management Team for by-elections in Cross River, Imo, Plateau and Ondo state.

    This is contained in a statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The PDP said that nomination of those to serve on the campaign team was approved by the NWC.

    It disclosed that Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue would serve as the chairman for the National Campaign Council/Election Management Team for the Jos/Bassa Federal Constituency and Pankshin by-election in Plateau.

    The party added Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State is co-chairman while Theophilus Shan would serve as Secretary for the federal constituency by-election.

    The party also nominated Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia as Chairman and his Enugu State Counterpart, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as co-chairman, while Ali Odefa would be Secretary of Ngor Okpela State Constituency, Imo.

    The party also approved the nomination of Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo as chairman, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo as Co-chairman, and Adesoji Adegunodo as Secretary for Akure North Federal Constituency by-election, Ondo State.

    In a related development the NWC also approved the nomination of Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, and Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom as chairman and co-chairman respectively, as well as Chief Dan Orbih as Secretary for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Akpabuyo State Constituency be-elections, Cross River.

    The party noted that the directorate of organization and mobilization shall serve as the Secretariat for the Council.

    By- election is scheduled for Feb. 26 in Imo.

  • Strike: UniJos suspends academic activities

    Strike: UniJos suspends academic activities

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, has suspended academic activities in the institution for the 2020/2021 academic session.

    Abdullahi Abdullahi, Deputy Registrar, Information and Publication of the university, said this in statement on Thursday in Jos.

    According to Abdullahi, the Vice Chancellor gave approval, on behalf the Senate of the university, after an emergency meeting of the institution’s management.

    He said that the decision to suspend academic activities was based on the one-month strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    “The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, on behalf of its Senate, has approved suspension of academic activities for the 2020/2021 until further notice.

    “This followed an emergency meeting of the university’s management where issue of the strike declared by ASUU was considered as it affects academic activities “the statement said.

  • BREAKING Ex-APC Chairman, others defect to PDP

    BREAKING Ex-APC Chairman, others defect to PDP

    Over 12 thousand members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by its immediate past chairman in Plateau State, Latep Dabang have dumped the ruling party to join the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Also on the list are the former member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Nanpon Tom and former State Assistant Secretary of the APC, Binkur N. and their supporters.

    The defectors were received by the party during the Langtang Mega Rally 2022 tagged “The Great Movement.”

    Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the PDP flag at the Langtang North LGA Township Stadium, Dabang boasted that the PDP will take over the State come 2023.

    He called on all right-thinking people in the state who are in APC to return to the PDP, saying the “APC is not a quality party”.

    Dabang also said, “By the grace of God, PDP will win the forthcoming Pankshin South State Constituency and Jos North/ Bassa Federal Constituency bye-elections slated for 26th February 2022.

    “I have a full assurance that the PDP will win because I don’t have any doubts in my mind, in the two bye-elections, PDP will win, Plateau people will say bye-bye to APC”, he assured.

    The former chairman who decamped alongside other APC political bigwigs said, he will deploy his political arsenals against the APC in the state to ensure the party’s victory.

    In his remarks, the chairman of the PDP in the State, Chris Hassan said the party received over 12,000 APC members into its fold.

    His words, “Our assignment starts from Langtang North LGC, from there we will take PDP to the Government House in Rayfield, come 2023.

    “With the defection of these heavyweights from APC to the PDP, we expect total victory in the 2023 general elections in this State.

    He added that in the coming weeks, there will be another rally in Jos the State Capital, where the National leadership of the party will receive all those who decamped from APC to the PDP in the State