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September 30th, 2025 By Ayuba Doekyil  This morning I came across a statement credited to the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.  In the release, he said former President Goodluck Jonathan is welcome to join the 2027 presidential race, but Nigerians will not forget his failures. That line struck me. It sounded less like a welcome and more like a reminder, or even a warning. I do not personally support Jonathan contesting again. He has already earned a rare global recognition no other Nigerian ex-president has enjoyed.  Since leaving office in 2015, he has been celebrated across Africa and beyond as a statesman and peace negotiator.  For me, that is a legacy worth preserving. Returning to the turbulent waters of Nigerian politics could stain it. But facts are facts. Jonathan remains a factor in Nigerian politics.  The Tinubu-led administration is facing growing criticism, especially from the North where insecurity, economic hardship, and feeling...

September 29, 2025 By Ayuba Doekyil  Former Senator representing Adamawa North, Ishaku Abbo, has called on government at all levels to give more attention to tourism development in Nigeria, with special focus on Plateau State. Abbo made the call after sharing his camping experience at Lamingo Dam in Jos, Plateau State, where he and his team spent the night on the rocks by the water before leaving the next morning. According to him, sleeping on the hard rock surrounded by water was “beautiful” and a clear sign that Nigeria can build a thriving tourism sector without citizens having to travel abroad for leisure. “This is a testimony that we can develop our tourism potentials here at home and also improve our security architecture and services,” Abbo stated on his official Facebook page. The former lawmaker stressed that Plateau State has natural endowments that can attract both local and foreign tourists if given proper attention. He urged the government to invest more in...

September 29, 2025 Reality check.. By Ayuba Doekyil  In recent weeks, public debate has been loud over the “humongous” allocations handed to state governors from the federal purse.  Social media is awash with figures that run into billions, with many Nigerians asking why such massive funds are not translating into visible development. But here’s the truth...while the allocations look large on paper, their actual value has been shrinking, thanks to the steady collapse of the naira. Let’s take a step back. On 28 September 2014, a dollar exchanged for N164. By 28 September 2022, that figure had climbed to N448. And by yesterday, 28 September 2025, the naira had crashed to a staggering N1,486 to $1. What does this mean in practical terms?  A N10 billion allocation to a state government in 2014 was worth more than $60 million. The same N10 billion today is just about $6.7 million, almost ten times less in real value. On the surface, governors are receiving billions...

September 27, 2025. In today’s world, governance without technology is like building a house without a solid foundation. That is why the Plateau State Government, through the Office of the Director of Information and Technology, is laying the groundwork for a more digital and transparent state. Across the globe, technology has proven to be a true game-changer. Take Estonia, for example, where nearly all government services, from paying taxes to applying for healthcare, are available online. The result? Citizens spend less time in queues and more time being productive. Here in Nigeria, innovations like the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identity Number (NIN) have already reduced fraud and improved citizen identification. Plateau State is ready to follow this path by creating systems that make governance faster, easier, and more accountable. Imagine a Plateau where: Citizens can pay taxes, apply for permits, and register land online. Farmers can access government...

September 25, 2025. The Plateau State landscape is witnessing the steady rise of a dynamic and result-oriented technocrat, Sir. Datong Dominic Gwaman , the Director-General of the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA). A native of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Sir Datong was born on August 4, 1973. His educational and professional journey reflects a blend of excellence, discipline, and capacity. He holds degrees in Electronic Engineering, Business Administration, Conflict, Security and Development, as well as Leadership and Strategic Studies, alongside multiple international ICT certifications. He is widely regarded as a THOROUGHBRED PROFESSIONAL WITH VAST EXPERTISE. Before his appointment as Director-General of PICTDA, Sir Datong distinguished himself at the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture, where he played pivotal roles in ICT infrastructure, systems deployment, and digital transformation. His contri...

September 25, 2025. Speaker of the Plateau state House of assembly RT Hon. Naanlong Daniel on Thursday called for  the establishment of state police as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across his state and Nigeria. He  urged the National Assembly not to relent in giving the needed push to make it a success. In an open letter to to the National Assembly dated 24th of September 2025 ,Speaker Naanlong said " I  write to you today as the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, representing the voices of my constituents and the broader Nigerian populace. He added that " The prevailing security challenges in our country demand urgent attention and collective action.  In the letter ,the Speaker added that "As leaders, we have a moral obligation to prioritize the safety and security of our citizens." "The current security architecture has proven inadequate, with widespread violence, killings, and genocide occurring across the country, particular...

The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and plays a vital role in sustaining life, connecting nations, and regulating the planet’s climate. It is not only a reservoir of immense biodiversity but also the backbone of international trade and commerce. Understanding its dual role as both an ecological sanctuary and a commercial highway is essential for appreciating why its protection is fundamental to human survival. 1. The Ocean and Global Trade Maritime Transport Backbone: Over 80–90% of global trade is carried by sea, with shipping routes linking continents and enabling the flow of goods, energy, and resources. From crude oil and agricultural products to electronics and clothing, the ocean provides the most cost-effective means of transport. Economic Growth: Ports and shipping industries generate millions of jobs and revenue, forming a critical part of the global economy. Coastal states, in particular, benefit from seaborne trade and associated infrastructure. Strategic Import...

By Lagya Qracker Chindongnaan  Email: lagyac90@gmail.com  The legislators opposing establishment of state police have their reasons for doing. But before you join in buying their narratives, remember they move in armed convoys who protect them and their families while me and you are left at the mercy of bandits, kidnappers and all sort of vulnerabilities you can mention. If you can understand, the major concern of some of the vocal legislators is safety and assurances of votes during electoral circles which happens once in  4 years. This, they see a threat and perceive that Governors may use the proposed state police against political opponents. But would this be the case if those legislators share the same political party as the Governor? Is that a sustainable stand in the interest of national security or a partisan and personal interest built on fear and self? Our concern meanwhile as citizens should be our personal and communal security which matters every ...

September 24, 2025. By Ayuba Doekyil  As part of the ongoing activities marking Plateau Peace Month 2025, the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, in collaboration with GIZ and German Cooperation, on Wednesday hosted an art exhibition with the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful Plateau.” The event held at Villa Grande Hotel, Gold and Base, Rayfield. Welcoming participants, the Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, said the exhibition was aimed at using art and creative expression to promote healing, resilience, and peaceful coexistence across the state. She stressed that peace must be built through inclusive dialogue and cultural narratives that bring people together. Highlights of the day included storytelling, spoken word performances, drama, and music, all centered on messages of peace. A talk was also delivered on the role of art as a voice for peace and healing, encouraging young people to channel creativity towards unity. The prese...

September 23, 2025 By Ayuba Doekyil  As part of the lineup of activities for the 2025 Plateau Peace Month, the Plateau Peace Building Agency in partnership with GIZ held the Appreciative Inquiry Workshop 2.0 in Jos.  The event, with the theme “Act Now, Speak Peace: Positive Messages for a Peaceful Plateau,” took place at Vila Grande Hotel, Gold and Base, Rayfield. The workshop brought together Generation Youth Peace Ambassadors, youth leaders, community stakeholders, and media representatives.  It created a space for young people and leaders to share ideas and learn skills that can help build peace across Plateau State. Resource persons spoke on key topics such as using social media to promote peace, tackling fake news, content creation for business and social good, and online advocacy for environmental justice. They highlighted how these tools can be powerful in spreading positive messages and reducing conflict. Facilitators and stakeholders at the event enco...

September 23, 2025 By Ayuba Doekyil  A former Plateau United midfielder, Jerome Dung, has called on ex-Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong, to fulfil promises allegedly made to the club’s 2017 squad after their historic Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) victory.  Dung, in a Facebook post on Sunday, September 21, 2025, reminded the former governor that each player and official was promised ₦1.5 million and a plot of land, which are yet to be given nine years after the triumph. Dung expressed disappointment that despite their efforts in bringing home the league title for the first time in Plateau United’s history, the pledges remain unfulfilled.  He stressed that many of his teammates, some now retired or without clubs, are struggling to care for themselves and their families. He said it was disheartening that what was meant to be a reward for their hard work has turned into a long wait. Taking his concerns to a wider audience, the player noted t...

Renowned Tech Clarity Coach, Iniobong Udoh, recently visited Jos for a holiday and expressed high praise for the city's tech hubs, business hubs, and overall hospitality. During her stay, she described the people of Jos as "very hospitable, loving, and caring" and commended the city's potential as a premier destination for holidays. Key Highlights of Her Visit Meeting with Tech Investors: Iniobong met with numerous investors in the tech industry, exploring opportunities for collaboration and growth. She'll be meeting tech investors at the DevFest Conference, a global, community-driven tech event hosted by Google Developer Groups. JOSBBusiness Hub: She was impressed by Jos' thriving business hub Managed by THE DUKE OF JOS, which showcased the city's entrepreneurial spirit with over 1000 entrepreneurs  Trainings and Workshop: As a Tech Clarity Coach, Iniobong offers monthly trainings, including a Data Analysis Boot Camp, aimed at empo...

September 17th,  2025. Disturbing images circulating on the internet have revealed ongoing activities by Mould Company around the sacred Gog and Magog rock formations at Shere Hills. These developments are deeply concerning, not only for the immediate damage they may cause, but also for the long-term cultural and environmental loss they represent. Regardless of the nature of any engagement between the host community and the company, the destruction of Gog and Magog cannot and must not be tolerated. Shere Hills is a heritage site, a source of pride, and an irreplaceable landmark in Plateau State. While trees can be replanted and forests can regenerate, rocks once destroyed are lost forever. I therefore call on the Plateau State Government, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and all relevant agencies to act immediately to halt any activity that threatens Gog and Magog. The preservation of these formations must be treated as an urgent priority, as their loss would be an ...

September 12th, 2025. By Ayuba Doekyil  Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has called on youths across the 17 local government areas of the state to embrace peace, unity and positive change. He made this call during an interactive session with youths currently undergoing training at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Center, Shere Hills, Jos. The meeting, which focused on cultivating a culture of peace in Plateau, was organized by the Plateau State Peace Building Agency and held at the Victoria Gowon Banquet Hall, Little Rayfield. Governor Mutfwang emphasized that love for humanity must come first before anything else. He advised young people not to inherit hatred from their parents or communities, but rather to be change makers who spread love and peace. He noted that the real challenge of Plateau is poverty and not insecurity, and encouraged youths to explore opportunities in agriculture. During the session, participants asked questions on how they could susta...

September 11th, 2025. By Ayuba Doekyil  The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) team has paid a visit to Zang Global in Plateau State, where they were warmly received and taken through the company’s creative innovations. During the visit, the ITF delegation saw firsthand the productivity of Zang Global, especially the locally made USB cords that have gained attention for their quality and durability. They also discussed possible areas of partnership that can promote skills and business growth. Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zang Global, Zang Luka Bot, described the visit as a big boost for Plateau State. He said the collaboration with ITF will open more opportunities for young people in the state, especially in training and job creation. The ITF team commended the efforts of Zang Global and promised to work closely with innovators in Plateau State to encourage skills development and economic progress.

September 10th, 2025. By Ayuba Doekyil  In recent times, many Nigerians have begun to doubt what they hear and read in the news. This is not just a global issue, but also a local one.  Judith Miller, a former New York Times reporter, once explained that trust in the press has dropped because people feel journalists sometimes mix facts with personal opinions or even leave out important details.  Here in Nigeria, we have seen similar concerns, especially during elections when some media outlets appear to favor one political party over another.  On the Plateau, for example, many residents recall how reports about the APC and PDP campaigns seemed one-sided, making citizens wonder whether they were hearing the whole truth or just what politicians wanted them to believe. This drop in trust is serious because it weakens democracy and confuses citizens. People rely on the press to give them accurate information, especially during times of crisis or conflict.  In Plateau...

September 10th, 2025 By Ayuba Doekyil  The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has commissioned the new Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) market in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area. The market has more than 60 lock-up shops, 112 open stalls, restaurants, a JMDB office, and other modern facilities. Speaking at the event, Governor Mutfwang said the project will boost trade, create jobs, and support local businesses in the area. He also called on traders and residents to make good use of the market and ensure its proper maintenance.  The governor added that his administration is committed to providing infrastructure that will improve the economy and the lives of the people of Plateau State. Community leaders and traders who attended the event expressed joy, saying the new market will ease business activities in Bukuru and its surroundings.

Happy Birthday to Our Esteemed Chairman! 🎉🎂🎈 Today, we celebrate a remarkable leader, Mr. Oladele Olora , President of Blue Bond Multipurpose Cooperative. As he marks another year of life, we honor his dedication, vision, and service to our cooperative community. His leadership qualities have been a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all. A Leader of Integrity and Vision Under Mr. Olora's leadership, our cooperative has flourished, and our members have benefited greatly from his selflessness and commitment. His vision for a brighter future has guided us through challenging times and inspired us to strive for excellence. Special Wishes: CHIEF AGGASI: "Happy glorious birthday, Mr. Chairman. A great man with a great mind. We celebrate you every day. Thank you for your visionary leadership." -Engr Niyi Alayande "Happy birthday 🎉🎂🎈. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you step into a new year." -Engr Daniel Umah "A super duper happy birthd...

September 7th, 2025. By Ayuba Doekyil  There are days in history that we wish could be erased. For the people of Jos, Plateau State, the memory of the religious crisis that tore through the city still burns deep in the heart.  Though I was still a little child growing, we read and listened to the narratives, stories of lives cut short, homes destroyed, and a city thrown into sorrow. In September 2001, what began as a small misunderstanding exploded into days of violence. Reports said more than 1,000 people lost their lives, while houses, shops, schools, and places of worship were reduced to ashes.  Thousands fled their homes, carrying only fear and grief. Later clashes in 2008, 2010, and 2011 brought even more destruction, leaving behind more graves and more broken families. Those days should never return. Religion was never meant to divide us, but to guide us closer to God. Christians and Muslims in Plateau once lived side by side as neighbours, sharing water...

News Agency of Nigeria  September 6, 2025 The Joint Task Force (Operation Ensuring Peace, JTF-OPEP) held a tree-planting drive today as a civil-military initiative to help curb climate change across Plateau State . At the event, Major-General Folunsho Oyinlola, Commander of JTF-OPEP’s Sector One and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division in Rukuba, Jos, explained the rationale behind the drive.  He said it aimed to win the hearts and minds of residents while promoting their health and quality of life.  He described tree planting as a crucial part of support to host communities coping with deforestation, a trend exacerbated by illegal tree-felling for domestic use . Also speaking, Navy Captain Mahmud Fana, Sector One commander of JTF-OPEP, emphasised that the action was both a security tool and an environmental strategy.  He noted rising deforestation due to charcoal use and encouraged residents to assist security agencies, and not just in protecting...

September 6th, 2025 American lawyer’s Facebook account blocked by the site for ‘impersonating a celebrity’ A lawyer called Mark Zuckerberg is suing Facebook after the social network repeatedly took down his page, claiming he was impersonating the company’s boss. Mark Stephen Zuckerberg, a bankruptcy lawyer in the US state of Indiana, says he has spent thousands of dollars promoting his services on Facebook but his page has been repeatedly blocked by the site. Mr Zuckerberg says his life has been turned upside down by sharing a name with the world’s third-richest man, including receiving death threats and incessant tech support phone calls. “It’s not funny,” he told local news channel WTHR. “Not when they take my money.” He said he had had the name Mark Zuckerberg “way longer than he has” and was suing after years of having his account unfairly removed. He said he had spent more than $11,000 (£8,000) on Facebook adverts to promote his law practice, but that both his business...

September 6th, 2025 By Ayuba Doekyil  Jos, Plateau State, will be in the spotlight on October 26 as Zang Global introduces new renewable energy products made from electronic waste. The company, founded by Jos-born innovator Zang Luka Bot, is showing how old gadgets and used batteries can be turned into reliable energy solutions for communities facing poor electricity supply. Zang’s story started in Jos with a simple dream, to solve the problem of unstable power. After several failed experiments with e-waste, he finally built his first working power system. Though he first studied arts, his curiosity pushed him into science and later computer science, where he now blends creativity with technology. Today, Zang Global sources about 70% of its materials locally in Jos, turning waste into lithium batteries and solar products. These efforts are helping to reduce pollution, create jobs, and provide clean energy to communities where many families still live in darkness. The jo...

September 2nd, 2025. By Ayuba Doekyil  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the recall of Mr. Salihu Abdullahi Dembos as the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Dembos, who was appointed in October 2023, had briefly stepped aside following management changes in the agency. With the President’s directive, he will now return to continue his three-year tenure. Also recalled is Mr. Ayo Adewuyi, the Executive Director of News, who was appointed in 2024. Adewuyi will complete his tenure, which is expected to end in 2027. The latest decision cancels the earlier announcement of new appointments into key leadership positions at NTA. Those affected include the recently named director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises. The move was confirmed in a statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Tuesday.

September 2nd, 2025. By Ayuba Doekyil  The National Body of the Pan Youth Association (PYA) has condemned the recent attacks on Nteng, Bong, Mafi, Gorom, Doop, Kwaki, and Jepmorop communities in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.  According to PYA, Fulani militias invaded the communities between Tuesday, 26th and Thursday, 28th August 2025, leaving many dead, injuring several others, burning houses, churches, shops and food stores, and displacing over 5,000 people.  The attackers also rustled more than 200 cattle, forcing residents to seek refuge in nearby towns like Doemak, Bwall, and Namu. Eyewitnesses told PYA that the attackers, numbering over 1,000 and armed with guns, machetes, and other weapons, stormed the villages, killing residents and setting homes on fire.  Survivors also reported that more than 5,000 cattle belonging to the militias are now grazing on the farmlands of the displaced natives. Before the attacks, the suspected militias were ...