The Age Newspaper Online

The Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, congratulates the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum on the successful conclusion of their 7th meeting, held at the Plateau State Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Hon. Amalau commends the forum for the impactful deliberations and resolutions aimed at fostering unity within the party, addressing national challenges, and advocating for the well-being of Nigerians. He lauds the leadership of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the host governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for their unwavering dedication to the progress of the party and the nation. The council boss expresses gratitude to the PDP Governors’ Forum for their solidarity with the people of Plateau State, particularly their heartfelt condolences regarding the Katako market fire incident. This compassionate gesture highlights the party’s commitment...

The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, has reiterated the party’s commitment to unity and addressing the pressing challenges facing both the party and the nation. Speaking to the press at Government House Rayfield, Jos, after a strategic meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Mohammed outlined key resolutions and observations made by the forum. Senator Mohammed acknowledged concerns raised by Nigerians, PDP elders, and founding members regarding divisions within the party. He reassured that the forum remains resolute in its efforts to ensure unity and cohesion within the PDP, emphasizing the party’s role as the trusted platform for democratic governance in Nigeria. The forum expressed its support for the postponement of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally scheduled for November. This decision was taken out of empathy for Governor Enobasi, who recently lost his wife. The forum commiserated ...

The Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, alongside his Deputy, Hon. Wallangko Mahwel Joseph, warmly welcomes the PDP Governor's Forum to Plateau State, the "Home of Peace and Tourism." Representing the resilient and hospitable people of Bokkos, Hon. Amalau expressed the council's pride in hosting this prestigious gathering aimed at addressing key issues and policies that will drive growth, development, and unity in Nigeria. This significant dialogue underscores the importance of continuous change and progress, particularly in a region rich in tourism, agriculture, and mineral resources, blessed with both natural beauty and potential. The people of Plateau State remain eternally grateful to the PDP for its historic role in shaping the political landscape of Nigeria, being the party that gave birth to the presidency of His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in 1999 and the foundational leadership of Chief Solomon D. Lar, the first PD...

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has warmly congratulated former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the occasion of his 67th birthday. In a message, Governor Mutfwang described the former President as a bridge-builder, role model, and mentor whose life and service have profoundly impacted the nation. He applauded Dr. Jonathan’s invaluable contributions to youth development, peacebuilding, and nation-building during his time in the academia and public service. “Your Excellency, it is with profound joy and deep humility that I join millions of admirers across the globe in celebrating you on this special occasion. You have been a beacon of hope, unity, and inspiration, not only to Nigerians but to many across the world. Your unwavering commitment to the transformation of our nation and your pursuit of peace remain a testament to your selfless leadership and dedication to humanity,” the Governor remarked. Governor Mutfwang paid glowing tribute to Dr...

The Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, has expressed profound sorrow and disappointment over the recent attacks in Forof, Gyetel Kwatas Ward, and Hurti Village in Manguna Ward, resulting in loss of lives and property. Speaking on behalf of the Bokkos community, Hon. Amalau condemned these senseless acts of violence, which he described as an attempt to destabilize the Plateau of our dreams. He lamented that despite ongoing reconciliation efforts and peace-building initiatives, certain elements remain resistant to the call for unity and peace. The Chairman specifically highlighted the devastating impact of the attacks allegedly perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen on the villages, stressing the urgent need for swift and decisive action. He called on the relevant authorities, including His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the international community to: Condemn these attacks publicly to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. De...

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has received the report of the committee instituted to investigate the collapse of the St. Academy School building in Jos. He has also pledged to ensure that all building infrastructure in the state undergo rigorous integrity tests to prevent future tragedies. While receiving the report at the Twins Theatre, New Government House, Jos, with the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs Josephine Piyo, Governor Mutfwang commended the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Danladi Slim Matawal, and the other members for their thorough and insightful work, describing the report as a critical guide for government actions. In addition to their initial mandate, the Governor directed the committee to extend its scope to include assessments of the Jos Main Market and the Rockland Hotel in Laminga. This move is aimed at ascertainimg the structural integrity of these facilities for timely ...

Nigeria’s total debt is set to hit an all-time high of N136 trillion, following fresh request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly to approve N1.77 trillion (approximately $2.2bn) external borrowing plan in support of the 2024 budget.Graduate internship The president conveyed his request in a letter written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and read by the presiding officers during plenary, on Tuesday. According to the President, the request is part of Nigeria’s budgetary financing plan, which aims to address a portion of the N9.17 trillion fiscal deficit in the 2024 budget. President Tinubu has also forwarded to the Senate the 2025–2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), MTEF/ FSP 2025- 2027 approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, on November 10, 2024 to parliament. The MTEF/FSP request which sought expeditious passage, was referred to the Senate Committees on F...

Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine, Baltimore USA, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, empathizes with victims of Sunday conflagration at Laranto Market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State where goods running into hundreds of millions of naira were gutted and destroyed. The Plateau State Labour Party, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, lamented that the conflagration is a setback and colossal frustration to its victims at this period of advanced scourging, excruciating and petrifying stagflation where the greatest population of the country is gasping for breathe of survival trying to make ends meet; and also a paralyzing blow to the economy of the state, as huge means of revenue derivation to the government has been destroyed. Dakum bewails the recurring yearly inferno at the market for some years now, and ca...

As the World marks Diabetes Day today, November 14, 2024, the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Professor of Public Health, School of Medicine, Maryland University, Baltimore in USA, Prof. Patrick Sunday Dakum, has tasked governments at all levels to pay serious attention to diabetes and introduce pragmatic measures in combating it, saying the disease has attended pandemic level in the country killing by far more people than tuberculosis and AIDS. Speaking on the 2024 theme: "Access to Diabetes Care: Prevention and Management for All", Dakum lamented that so many patients of diabetes are dying and finding it very difficult to treat themselves because of the exorbitant prices of the drugs, treatment and good food meant for patients. According to him the drugs prices have raised to over 400% not to mention the cost of dialysis and foods such as beans, Acha, and Basmati rice. The former Commissioner of Health and Information, added that the ...

In line with discussions reached after consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Plateau State Government has approved immediate implementation of the N70, 000 minimum wage for the workforce in Plateau State. The cheering news is contained in a Press Statement signed by the Head of Civil Service in the State, Stephen Pam Gadong. Full text of the statement reads in part: Following the Agreement of the Committee on Consequential Adjustment on Salaries on 13th, November, 2024, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state. The Implementation is a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of the workforce in acknowledgement of their invaluableble role in driving the State’s developmental goals. As the new wage policy is administered, Civil Servants are encouraged to embrace this gesture by recommitting to their duties with renewed ...

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, following the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. During a condolence visit to the Acting Chief of Army Staff at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, Governor Mutfwang described Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as a distinguished military leader and a true gentleman whose commitment and dedication significantly boosted the security and safety of Nigeria, with a profound impact in Plateau State. The Governor also visited the residence of the late General to personally express his sympathy to Mrs. Mariya A. Lagbaja, where he conveyed his sorrow over the loss of her beloved husband. In his words, Governor Mutfwang said, "The people and government of Plateau State will deeply miss this devoted and selfless patriot. In our times of need, he stood by us, dedicating his time and resources to ensure the protection of live...

No fewer than 13 people have been killed in a collapsed mining site in the Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. Joshua Riti, chairman of the LGA, said the incident occurred on November 10. He added that seven of the deceased hail from Bassa LGA. The collapsed mining site is conterminous with Jos South and Jos North LGAs. Riti said; “This is an unfortunate incident. These young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood. “They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death. “I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.” Majority of the victims were said to be aged 18-30. Mining accidents are becoming a recurring decimal in resource-rich Nigeria.Oil and gas internship In June, a mining site collapsed in Niger state following a downpour. Seven persons were eventually rescued. In January, two people were killed and...

By Nanzing Zingkong, Jos Honourable Daniel Nanbol Listick, the member representing Langtang North Central State Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, has raised a motion calling for the reactivation and sustainable celebration of the Plateau Festival of Arts and Culture (PLAFEST). The motion was presented during plenary today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024. In his motion, Honourable Listick emphasized the cultural, economic, and social benefits of celebrating PLAFEST. He highlighted Plateau State’s vast cultural heritage and tourism potential, noting that the state is home to numerous attractions across its Local Government Areas. He stressed that celebrating PLAFEST would help showcase these resources, boost the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and reduce dependency on federal allocations. Honourable Listick proposed that the festival not only showcase Plateau's rich cultural heritage but also serve as a tool for promoting tourism. He pointed out that t...

The National President Gamai Unity and Development Organisation (GUDO) Dr.Albert Kelong Alkali FPSN , the NEC, Council and indeed the entire Gamai Nation joyfully felicitate with Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on his well deserved appointment as member Federal Executive Council and a Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your appointment to this Exalted position did not come to us as a Surprise because of your rich pedigree and your consist interest in human capital development for the betterment of the common man. Your choice by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is apt , timely and we hereby thank His Excellency for Considering you our own worthy of this great task, Mr. President you have made the right choice because we believe that Prof.Nentawe Yilwatda will deliver on this mandate. To you the Honourable Minister, we look forward to a change in the narrative of your Ministry and also a sound collaboration with you for the overall p...

Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, the Chief Executive Officer Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, is a Colossus and forward-looking patriot whose belief in bettering the welfare of the citizens particularly the less privileged, hinges not on elective or appointive positions in government, but in the position individuals find themselves irrespective of the scope and magnitude. Dakum who is inclined humanitarian wise and God-centric, has dedicated his life to making positive impact on many as possible that he comes in contact with and in various dimensions beit economic, spiritual, health and education wise, likewise the home front which he strongly advocates adequate attention be given to. Latest on his humanitarian service menu, is his brainchild organisation, Patrick Sunday Dakum Foundation which targets emancipation of the less privileged in virtually all ramifications. Below are the aims and o...

BY DR MD ADAMS Local government council elections are more than just a democratic exercise; they determine the leadership that will directly influence community development, infrastructure, education, health services, and local economic policies. Those to be elected as local council Chairmen are the first line of governance, they will directly interact with the people by responding to their needs at the grassroot level. Their decisions should have immediate and tangible impact on the lives of the people . In my opinion, since the forthcoming local government election will play a pivotal role in empowering the marginalized and underrepresented communities in plateau state, I call on all candidates to focus their Campaigns on local governance, as there is a greater opportunity for diverse voices to be heard and for inclusive policies that cater for all segments of this people. I therefore call for issue based campaign. May plateau win in the end!

The Honourable Member Representing Langtang North-Central State Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Labour and Security, Daniel Nanbol Listick heartily felicitates with distinguished Senator Napoleon Binkap Bali over his appointment as the Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of the People's Democratic party (PDP) in Benue State chapter. This auspicious responsibility came to you as a result of your dogged involvement in party activities and the desire for peace orchestrated by your constant thirst for communal living. As you pilot the affairs of the much anticipated trustworthy committee, I beseech thee to perform the task without fear or favour as Itarok looks up to you in upholding her name in the comity of Nations. On a separate development, the Legislator rejoices with the Tarok Progressive Youth Association (TAPYA) over its successful conduct of National Election. The Member who pured encomiums on the outgoing Exco said " you have done the little in your own way ...

Your exemplary leadership and inspirational persona are worthy of emulation and have earned you an organic followership. Your gracious influence has drawn widespread admiration by many who now follow in your footsteps. May your life be filled with God's abundant blessings and continued upliftment as you continue to bless the world with your remarkable presence. Warmest wishes on your special day, my boss, brother, and dear friend.  Happy birthday Your Excellency sir. Signed: Pam Bot-Mang

Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang has called for restraint and an end to the on-going protests by youths across the country emphasizing that government has taken noted of the demands and is working to meet them expeditiously. Senator Dachungyang who acknowledged that protest is an inalienable right of all Nigerians however explained that the events of the last few days has further enriched the country's democratic credentials noting that in the final analysis, the office of the citizen is the most crucial and important in any democratic setting. The lawmaker said he is particularly impressed with the protesters in Plateau State, praising their display of maturity, decorum, orderliness, rare display of religious tolerance and peaceful disposition since the protest started. The lawmaker therefore challenged protesters in other states to borrow a leaf from their counterparts in Plateau State whose orderly conduct...

Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, has felicitate with Barrister Gyang Zi, Plateau North Senatorial Zone LP candidate in the 2023 general elections on his elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as presented to him in a letter signed by Registrar of the Supreme Court/Secretary LPPC, Hajor Sarki Bello Esq, having been authentically approved alongside 86 others by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON today, 1st August, 2024 with the swearing-in coming up on 30th September, 2024. Dakum commended Zi for the feat, describing him as an intellectual Colossus and sagacious in his law profession with penchant for hard-work, commitment to endeavours, honesty and versatility in multiple fronts; patriotic, philanthropic and forward-looking. The venerable Igbo traditional title holder, Eze Chukwuemeka Ind...