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Is the Presidency afraid of Goodluck Jonathan?

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...

Senator Ishaku Abbo Calls for Priority on Plateau Tourism After Camping at Lamingo Dam

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...

Billions on Paper, Pennies in Value: The Real Story Behind Governors’ Allocations

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...

Why Digital Governance Matters for Plateau, Datong Dominic, DG PICTDA

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...

DOMINIC DATONG, DG PICTDA, AN EMERGING PERSONALITY IN GOVERNANCE, TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PLATEAU STATE.

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...

PLSHA Speaker, Naanlong, Writes National Assembly, Demands Creation Of State Police To Tackle Insecurity

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: A LIFELINE FOR GLOBAL TRADE AND BIODIVERSITY

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...