The Age Newspaper Online

Kenechukwu Nnamani, fondly known as the People's Champion, emerged victorious in the Jos Metro Draft Group tournament, held in honor of Shabul Mazadu, the esteemed publisher of The Beacon Newspaper and recipient of the Plateau State Best Publisher of the Year 2024 award. This thrilling competition brought together 24 district champions from various parts of the metropolis, with the final showdown taking place at Bukuru Lowcost Junction, Jos, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The People's Champion, a multifaceted individual who has served as a councillor for Tafawa Balewa Ward, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, and currently operates as the CEO of Purple Heart Construction Company Limited, expressed his profound gratitude and ecstasy upon winning the tournament. He emphasized that the victory was not solely about him, but rather a collective achievement, highlighting the significance of the draft game as a unifying force that transcends individua...

  The Jos Metropolitan Draft Club was on Sunday, 30th March, 2025, hosted a draft tournament in honor of Shabul Mazadu, the Publisher of The Beacon Newspaper who was awarded the Best Publisher of the Year 2024. The tournament brought together top players from across the state to compete for the coveted title of Metropolitan Best Player. According to Pam Ayuba Bitrus, the current Plateau State draft champion, said the game of draft is not just a recreational activity, but also a platform for intellectual and social interaction. "We have a welfare system in place that considers the welfare of our members," Bitrus said. "We encourage socialization and healthy competition among players, and we're proud to have over 100 members." he added.  Isaac Musa, the coordinator of the tournament, explained that the event was organized to celebrate Shabul Mazadu's achievement as the best Publisher of the year being an active member of the...

The Provost of Plateau State College of Nursing and Midwifery Vom, Sambo Bako Danlami, has marked two years in office, reflecting on his accomplishments and challenges. Danlami, who assumed office in 2021, has overseen significant transformations in the institution. Notably, he successfully transitioned the college from a hospital-based training program to a collegiate system, paving the way for the introduction of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs. Under his leadership, the college has also witnessed significant infrastructure development. Danlami initiated the construction of a two-story auditorium, rehabilitated abandoned buildings, and converted former wards into classrooms. Additionally, he installed solar lights in classrooms to facilitate nighttime studies. Danlami has also prioritized human capital development, sending staff for postgraduate degrees to prepare the institution for affiliation with Pla...

The Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, has extended warm greetings to the Muslim community in Bokkos, Plateau State, and across Nigeria as they celebrate Eid El-Fitr, marking the successful completion of Ramadan. In his goodwill message, Hon. Amalau expressed his heartfelt felicitations to all Muslim faithful, acknowledging their dedication to prayer, fasting, and acts of charity throughout the holy month. "May Allah accept our prayers, fasting, and charitable deeds. May He bless us with peace, prosperity, and harmony," he said. "Eid Mubarak! May this celebration bring us closer together as a community, and may we continue to promote love, kindness, and compassion." The Executive Chairman urged all citizens to embrace the spirit of unity and tolerance, emphasizing that peace and mutual respect are key to the development and progress of the local government and the nation at large. “Taqabal Allah minna wamink...

By Jatdul Jerry Despite efforts by the Plateau Environmental Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Plateau State has been met with widespread disregard. On Saturday, March 29, 2025, residents were seen going about their daily activities, ignoring the government's directives to remain indoors and keep their environments clean. The agency had embarked on massive sensitization efforts prior to the exercise, using loudspeakers mounted on vehicles to inform residents of the need to remain indoors and keep their environments tidy. However, it seemed that these efforts fell on deaf ears, as residents continued with their daily activities, seemingly unaware of the exercise. The Director of Administration at PEPSA, Izang Pate Dauda, expressed disappointment at the lack of compliance. "This sanitation exercise is being observed every last Saturday of the month," he said. "We are encouraging the entire state to keep their enviro...

One of the cabinet Chiefs of Kwo Chiefdom, Qua'an-Pan Local Government Area, LGA, Plateau State, Nda Goena Larry Peters Bawa has tasked the newly elected Long Kwo, Miskoom Ambassador (Dr)Yahaya Kwande, oon., to embrace the people of the Chiefdom towards the successful implementation of programs that will enhance the development of the area. Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa made the call in his congratulatory message following the election of Miskoom Yahaya Kwande as the 28th Long Kwo, held on Tuesday March 11, 2025 in Baap, the capital of the LGA. He urged the new Long to embrace both the contestants and the people of the Chiefdom in order to promote , move and develop Kwo Chiefdom. Miskoom Larry Peters Bawa enjoyed the new Long Kwo to develop a blueprint for the future of the area, and urged the losers the join hands with the new Long Kwo Miskoom Yahaya Kwande with the view to take the Chiefdom to higher pedestal. He further urged the new Long Kwo to use his experiences, expo...

By Jatdul Jerry, Jos   SIL Nigeria, a non-profit organization, has launched a program aimed at encouraging people to be generous in giving to meet the needs of their immediate communities. The program, called Journey and Joy of Generosity (JJOG), is being held for the first time in Nigeria, with facilitators from the United States, India, and Kenya. According to Peter Nwufo, Partnership Director of SIL Nigeria, the program is designed to encourage people to go beyond themselves to reach out to the needy around them. "We want to remind people that giving is not just about how much you have, but about obeying God's command to share with others," Nwufo said. He added that the program, which started last week in Jos, will also be held in Lagos and Abuja. Participants include church leaders, pastors, business professionals, and individuals from different walks of life. Cynthia Wanyonyi, SIL staff from Nairobi, Kenya, emphasized that the program is not just for Chri...

By Jerry Jatdul  Jos - The Plateau State Government has debunked rumors that it has banned artisan mining in the state. According to Mrs. Joyce Ramnap, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, said government has only temporarily suspended artisan mining activities to address pressing security and human rights concerns. The suspension, which was implemented through Executive Order (001), aims to regulate artisan mining activities and ensure the safety and well-being of miners. The government cited several reasons for the temporary suspension, including insecurity challenges, child molestation, and the proliferation of mining activities that have led to deaths in mining ponds. Mrs. Ramnap emphasized that mining activities are not inherently bad and can serve as a source of revenue for the state. However, it's essential to address the challenges associated with illegal mining activities. "We want to assure the public that the temporary suspension of ...

Over 100 undergraduates and youths gathered in Jos for a leadership and entrepreneurship conference organized by Diamond Dreams Foundation. The conference, tagged "LEAP" (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Action, and Purpose), aimed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers and become positive contributors to society. Dr. Emma Collins, founder of Diamond Dreams Foundation, explained that the initiative was born out of a desire to help young people discover their purpose and direction in life. "We want to help young people avoid the mistakes we made when we were growing up," she said. The conference featured a lineup of experienced facilitators, including Hon. Bonkam Wuyep, Director-General of PLASMIDA, who spoke on empowerment. Wuyep emphasized the importance of adopting a mindset shift, focusing on creating jobs rather than waiting for white-collar employment opportunities. Other facilitators i...

By Jerry Jatdul  Jos - The Plateau State Local Government Service Commission has convened a 3-day training workshop for directors of the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. The workshop, which is on going at the Sarau Event Cenre, behind Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat Jos, aimed to step down the policies and vision of the Executive Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to the local government technocrats. According to the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Simon Tangni, the vision, tagged "Plateau may shine," was unveiled at a retreat about 2-3 weeks prior to the workshop. Chief Tangni emphasized the importance of carrying the local government technocrats along in implementing the policies, as they are the engine room of policy implementation. "We saw that it wasn't enough for us to just have that one week of retreat at the level of executive of boards, parastatals and commissions," Chief Tangni explained. "We fe...

By Jerry Jatdul  Jos - In a move that has been widely welcomed by Christians in Plateau State, Apostle Elam Tanko Chalaham, founder and General Overseer of Apostolic Harvest Restoration Ministry, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter. Apostle Elam, who was born on March 17, 1973, in Ampang West District of the Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, boasts a wealth of experience in leadership, conflict management, and peace studies. He believes he is the ideal candidate to unite Christians in Plateau State and promote harmony among the various denominations. Apostle Elam's educational background is equally impressive. He holds a diploma in Business Administration and Management from Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi. He also graduated from Lona Seminary with a degree in Conflict Management and Peace Studies, and obtained another degree in Religious Studies from ...

The season of Ramadan Fast is here again, a time of spiritual journey for self-purification, gratitude and compassion for all Muslims.  I hereby on behalf myself, family and Consolidation for Greater Plateau, extend our best wishes for the Ramadan Fast to all Muslim Ummah.  May you all experience divine purification and enjoy the blessings associated with the Ramadan Fast.  As you proceed, remember the poor and needy, show compassion and assist them with all things that are required for the fast to ameliorate their plight; and pray fervently for our dear country, for our leaders and the governed so that we can as a nation weather the storm and overcome our challenges.  I commend those traders who reduced the prices of foodstuff to ease the hardship during the fasting period. This will go a long way in cushioning the plight of the needy; and may the reduction in foodstuff prices subsist beyond the Ramadan Fast.  I wish all Muslim Ummah a peaceful and...

The remains of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Duncan Group of Companies, Dr Godfrey Bawa Shitgurum has been laid to rest in his country home in Kwande, Qua'an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau state. The philanthropist and industrialist,  who was also a gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party , PDP, in the 2019 general elections in Plateau State, died at the age of 68. Bawa was laid to rest at the premises of the Peter Bawa and Anna Memorial Hospital, a project he built for his community and named after his parents. In his homily, the Vicar General, Catholic Archdiocese of Jos Monsignor Cletus Gotan, at the funeral Mass at St. John Mary Vianney Catholic Church, Kwande; urged wealthy Nigerians to use their resources in assisting the less privileged as well as develop their communities. Monsignor Gotan, charged Christians to be ready for death, which he said comes like a thief without any notice, and tasked Nigerians no...

: The National President of Amper Old Students Association (AMOSA), Honourable Abu Nimmyil, has emphasized the need to reopen Grade 2 Teachers Colleges. This call was made during a crucial meeting with alumni members to discuss strategies for reopening the colleges. Nimmyil attributed the decline in educational standards to the proliferation of "Miracle Centers" or examination-passing centers. He argued that these centers have become a haven for unqualified teachers who obtain certificates without rigorous teaching. The National President explained that the scrapping of Grade 2 Teachers Colleges has led to a shortage of qualified teachers in primary schools. He emphasized that the colleges played a crucial role in training teachers equipped with the methodology of early child education. Nimmyil expressed optimism that the government will revisit the policy and reopen the Grade 2 Teachers Colleges. He acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Shabul Mazadu, an ace journalist...

The lingering power tussle bedeviling the Plateau Publishers Association (PPA) with hope flickers in a distance and seems to have a tangible hope in sight with the current revelation of who seems to be fueling the problem fragmenting the once homogeneous group, Shabul Mazadu, the former chairman of the association, the current chairman of the Independent Publishers Association (IPA), and the publisher of The Beacon Newspaper, pinpointing the architect of the leadership wrangling and other pertinent issues. Enjoy the excerpts: Question: the Socal media was awash with the title, Nanyah Daman not the problem of PPA but Dan Bok, can you tell us more about this. Mazadu: You see, there's a bid difference between PIPA and PPA, you know PIPA came before PPA and PIPA was scrabbed, all other factions of the Publishers on the Plateau was scrabbed when Joe Ari call us and told us to merge and be one body. So that new body was Plateau Publishers Association, it is just like a new bo...

By Nanyah Daman, David Kazi, Justin Jattim, Michael Nangwang, Anastasia Jatbyen, Vanessa Timbyen, Nanpon Maigemu, Nanzing Zingkong, Danladi Nanman, Jatdul Jerry, Daniel Kura, Charles Amedu & Asile Abel,Jos.  The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has said the Nigeria Military has lost a mentor and a role model in person of Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni (rtd), who has impacted many generations during his life time. Speaking at a service of songs in honour of Late Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni (rtd), held on Thursday 20th February, 2025 at the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations, (COCIN) Compound Church in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the Chief of Defence Staff described the late Useni as a dedicated statesman. “Jeremiah Useni was not just a military officer, he was a symbol of excellence, discipline and service to our beloved nation. His life was a testament of loyalty, courage and selflessness.” Said the CDS. While undersco...

The Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, has congratulated two of his team members, Mrs. Mariam Abdullahi and Shabul Mazadu, on their elevation to Chartered President, Highrise Rotary Club Abuja, and the conferment of Plateau Man of the Year Awards Newspaper Publisher of the year 2024.  Dakum said, "I can't thank you all enough for your dedication to teamwork during and after the 2023 general elections. Teamwork makes the dream work. Mariam served me diligently as my Campaign Protocol Officer, while Mazadu as my Media Consultant to this very day. I sincerely appreciate you both, and can't wait to see what you can do next!” While felicitating with them on behalf of his wife, Mrs. Sarah Dakum and the entire members of his campaign team, Consolidation for Greater Plateau, Dakum prays for their perpetual acceleration to greater heights and for th...

Plateau State University Bokkos has initiated the process for automating its library system. The project is sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under its 2024 "Intervention for Library Development" program. It involves restocking libraries with assorted books and installing cutting-edge ICT equipment within the university’s library. The bid process began on February 17 with the opening of technical bids from various contractors, following TETFund's approval in principle last December. The university advertised the contract in at least two national dailies for six weeks, attracting bids from over eight contractors. A statement signed by Masara Kim ,the acting Public Relations Officer Plateau State University Bokkos reads that the acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Shedrack Best, represented by Damul Mikat Bulus, Head of the Procurement Unit, assured prospective contractors of a transparent selection process.  "We will evaluate your capacity ...

It is with a heavy heart on behalf of my humble self and the entire Nimbar community members home and in diaspora  send our heartfelt empathy to the family of late Dist Sen Useni, the Tarok Nation, Plateau state and Nigerians world over, on the unfortunate death of a well revered and noble elder statesman, father and stakeholder, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni.Rtd. Useni was a true patriot and a good ambassador of Plateau, both nationally and internationally, seeing from his projection of core values of discipline, integration, hospitality, hard-work and inclusivity of the state in the discharge of all his assigned tasks, both in the Military and during his democratic sojourn leaving an indelible legacies written on the sands of time.  His sagacious and pragmatic approach to governance when he was Governor former Bendel State, Senator of the Federal Republic, former  Minister for FCT  Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,and his remarkable feats and records i...