With less than six months to the 2027 general elections, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum's Consolidation for Greater Plateau (CFGP) is reported to be fully set to actively feature in the game by fully supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and other credible candidates it deemed fit, The Beacon reports.
This was made public by the Media Consultant to Professor Dakum, Shabul Mazadu, in a discussion with some journalists at his home in Jos, Plateau State capital, yesterday. Mazadu declared that though Patrick Dakum is not contesting for any position in the 2027 political dispensation, he will actively participate through his structure which assiduously worked for him while vying for Plateau State governorship in 2023. He expressed absolute confidence that the CFGP machinery, which boasts thousands of registered members across the 17 local government areas of Plateau State, will mobilize massively for President Tinubu.
Speaking on Dakum's political ideology, Mazadu attested that he is one person who believes in impacting lives, peace, unity, progress and prosperity of Plateau and the country at large. "Dakum does not believe in a do-or-die politics. Real leaders who mean well for their communities are not desperate for power, because their intention is not for personal aggrandizement," Mazadu stated.
Mazadu further highlighted Dakum's track record, noting that in the nineties, he impacted families and courtships through a Sunday radio programme, Home-Front, and in the church he taught Sunday School and headed the literary sector of COCIN. While in government as Commissioner of Information, Dakum stabilised the state during ethno-religious tensions through sound information dissemination. As Commissioner of Health, he advised then Governor Joshua Dariye on prioritising health, and saw to the construction of general hospitals in Angware, Tunkus and Dengi.
On support for Tinubu, the Media Consultant attested that Dakum is highly elated with most of the president's reforms both in the health sector and infrastructure, though being harsh and tough for now, but later yield sweet and much more dividends. "The recent flag-off of mega dual carriage from Akwanga to pass through Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states to Maiduguri, and that of Babban Lamba to Sharram and of Mararaban Jama'a to Langtang, Mikang and Ibi in Taraba State, really impressed Dakum who described it as great transformation with multifaceted impact on Plateau," Mazadu reiterated.
Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), and Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, Patrick Dakum, has extended his hearty congratulations to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, as he clocked one year in office. Dakum commended Nentawe for giving his best in stirring the ruling party in the right direction despite multifaceted challenges, and for securing eleven million votes at the presidential primaries for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He further praised Yilwatda for the numerous empowerment programmes including the medical outreach where thousands benefited, the empowerment of 2,273 youth, and the flagged off of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri road. Dakum prayed for sound health, divine strength, wisdom, and knowledge to be bestowed upon Yilwatda.
Following the threat of growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the country undermining the ability of treating common infections, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Professor Patrick Dakum, has called for desisting from self prescription and use of antibiotics to responsible use The Beacon reports. Dakum made the call during AMR Training Programme organised by A-STEP Project of IHVN in Abuja as reported by The Guardian.
Dakum who was represented by the Principal Investigator at IHVN International Research Centre, Dr. Eriobu Nnakelu, lamented the frequent consumption of antibiotics especially augmentin, tetracycline, and flagyl without doctors' prescription, stressing the need for accountability. According to him, AMR is a major public health concern because medicines used to treat infections are increasingly becoming ineffective. Beyond health concerns, it affects household incomes, productivity and the nation's economy.
On her part, A-STEP Principal Investigator, Dr. Charity Oga-Omenka, observed that antimicrobials are widely used across Nigeria's poultry, cattle and fish farming sectors under weak regulation. She stated that nearly 70 per cent of Nigerians obtain antibiotics without a prescription, a practice that significantly contributes to antimicrobial resistance. She cautioned against self-diagnosis, explaining that symptoms such as fever, cough and fatigue can result from different illnesses including malaria, Covid-19, tuberculosis, influenza and common cold. Accurate diagnosis remains essential for effective treatment and slowing the spread of drug-resistant infections.
Following the political difference, attack and rejection of the APC Mikang House of Assembly primary won by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Gapyil Daniel, expressed by Rt. Hon. George Daika, Naanlong called for calm and goodwill towards the aggressor. In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Philip Eplong, Naanlong stressed that no misunderstanding exists between Daika and himself, and that he holds him in high esteem. He described Daika as a statesman of high repute whose years of selfless service have earned him the respect of the people. Naanlong further explained that politics is not enmity, but a game: "Political contests should never be mistaken for personal enmity. The differences arising from elections are part of the democratic process and should end once the exercise is concluded." He urged members of the public to be mindful of their words and actions, reminding them that careless statements capable of insulting respected leaders only deepen divisions within the community.
Following the reinstatement of Bashar Chiefdom's paramount Traditional Ruler, HRH Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, by Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, Bashar Chiefdom Community Development Association (BACCODA) has on behalf of the entire Chiefdom extended its appreciation and showered praises on the Chief Executive for the gesture. In a paid appreciation message signed by its President, Dr. Zakari Mohammed, BACCODA hailed Mutfwang for reviewing the circumstances surrounding the Royal Father's suspension and subsequently restoring him to the throne, describing the act as testament of the Governor's commitment to giving listening ear and the rule of law. BACCODA said, "By prioritising justice, equity, and the preservation of our cherished traditional institutions over political considerations, you have demonstrated true statesmanship." It described Mutfwang's action as magnanimous and enunciated the benefits of his benevolence, saying, "This magnanimous gesture has not only brought immense joy and relief to the people of Bashar, but has also fostered a renewed sense of unity, trust and communal harmony within Wase Local Government Area." BACCODA assured him of continues support, prayers and cooperation.
Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, has lauded members of the Green and Red Chambers over approval of his bill seeking to repeal Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science Act 2022 for the establishment of Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, Plateau State. In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Boldmind David Jonathan, Asama thanked his colleagues and the Senate for their patriotism, collaboration and overwhelming support. The Bill is aimed at establishing a specialised Federal University dedicated to medical laboratory science and technology. If assented by Mr. President, it will mark a historic legislative achievement that will expand educational opportunities, strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system, and attract strategic federal institution to Plateau State. The University is expected to significantly enhance medical education, promote cutting-edge research, improve Nigeria's diagnostic capacity, strengthen healthcare delivery, reduce dependence on medical treatment abroad, create employment opportunities, and position Plateau State as a national centre of excellence in medical laboratory science.
Plateau State gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gen. John Sura, has debunked the rumours alleging his withdrawal from the governorship race, describing the buzz as malicious and lies birthed out of panic by peddlers. In a statement signed by Sura Directorate of Media and Strategy, the report of the withdrawal was described as entirely false, fabricated, and designed to mislead the electorate. According to the statement, the misinformation might have stemmed from a deliberate misinterpretation of a recent social interaction between Sura exchanging pleasantries with a fellow governorship aspirant during an outing. "As a leader who firmly believes in peaceful, civil, and respectful politics, Gen. Sura's polite engagement with a political opponent reflects sportsmanship, not a political exit," the statement reads. The Directorate further reiterated that Brig. Gen. Sura remains fully in the race to secure the governance of Plateau State, focusing on delivering strategic leadership, security solutions, and economic growth to the people of the state. His campaign continues to gain massive momentum across all local government areas.
Many spiritual horrible things are perpetrated by so-called believers in Christ. These people hold tight to the name of Christ and stick to their guns as believers in the open, but covertly do horrible things in pursuit of fulfilled life as they think. I have heard, read and watched documentary on how so many world-acclaimed secular and gospel artists joined the illuminati occult union to procure fame and money. Some Christians do visit people with familiar spirits to peep into the future, while some others to gain protection and riches or even to win elections e.t.c.
The incessant ethno-religious crises in Nigeria and the perpetual attacks by assailants, have cajoled many Christians into putting the redemptive promise of God to question, who now believe that God has abandoned them and therefore, resort to fetish and traditional worship for protection. Recently I had a discussion with some people who justified the massacre of the Policemen at Alakyo by the Ombatse cult. They showered accolades on the Baba Ombatse. Some Eggon told me that some of their Christians are leaving the faith now to join the Ombatse to defend their land since they've been maimed countless times in the past with no help coming from anywhere until now.
What about our chronic spinsters that patronize 'babalawo' and other prayer homes to be linked up to husbands in their desperation to get married? What about couples who even got married in the church that now visit sooth Sayers for children, yet claim to be communicant Christians? Our God is a jealous God. In 2 Kings 1: 1-4, King Ahaziah of Israel fell down from a lattice and was so sick. Instead of enquiring from the true prophet of God whether he will survive, he sent messengers to Baalzebub, the god of Ekron. Elijah met the messengers and told them, he will not live because he refused to seek the living God.
Apostle Paul said, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. The spirit bears witness that we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." (Romans 8: 15-17). Think about it, how can joint heirs with Christ go back to the devil whom Christ discomfited for help? Christ said, "And these signs shall follow they that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." (Mark 16: 17-18) Have we tested Him and failed? Why then don't we enjoy the powers of God as His beloved children?
— Isaiah 8:18
Apostle Paul: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father." — Romans 8:15
Finally when we ask God to consume on our lust, we shall receive nothing from Him. James said "Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." (James 4:3) We should not blame God for our inability to do exploit, for only those that know their God and do His will that shall be strong and do exploits. If we seek the dead on behalf of the living, we must be ready for what shall happen to the dead.
South Africa today is a black sheep on the African continent by virtue of its aggressive approach to nationals of other countries, demanding their exit from their land, claiming their jobs are stolen, and thereby rendering the greatest population unemployed. Most Africans showed their displeasure by recanting support for South Africa as reflected in the FIFA world cup. Furthermore, the Nigeria's Federal Government is mulling heavy penalty as counter measure to the aggression meted to its citizens and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa.
South Africa is not the trailblazer of xenophobia on the African continent, Nigeria and Ghana did it decades before when their economy and security were under threat. The only difference is brutality, theft and murder exercised by South Africans which is a total criminality and inhumanity. After Nigeria secured its Independence on 1st October, 1960, with Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister, it introduced Nigerianisation Policy, where Nigerians replaced expatriates in the civil service. Those expatriates had to leave for Nigerians to get jobs and run their country. Balewa did not do it as fun, but considered the welfare of the citizens first. His reason was genuine.
During 1970s oil boom, many expatriates from neighbouring countries, especially Ghana came to Nigeria and flooded many sectors of the economy. But when the economy started declining and coupled with the Maitasine insurgency of 1980-1981, then President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, gave an executive order for all foreigners to leave the country in 1983. Two million migrants left with Ghana constituting half of the population, which was one million. Ghana in 1954 and 1969 deported Nigerians back to their country. But later on came to Nigeria when the economy was booming.
"Nigerian leaders must make a definite U-turn from the way they run the country, so many citizens are fleeing due to insecurity of virtually all kinds: food, health, economy and that of lives and properties."
In as much as Nigerians feel the xenophobic pain, they must come to terms with reality that most times when citizens of a country feel their jobs are stolen by foreigners and their security is being compromised, they deport all illegal immigrants. Nigeria and Ghana did it. The USA President, Donald Trump, is doing it by banning nationals of some countries from entering his country due to security, economic and drug concerns. Every country has the right to check any threat from foreigners, but have no right to attack, kill and destroy their properties; that is criminality. They are to prosecute offenders according to their laws.
Nigeria must learn a lesson from this especially its politicians who loot the country's treasury and stashed in foreign countries for themselves and their children. There is no place like home. One day they will be deported back to the country they ravaged to face the consequences of their kakistocratic and kleptomaniac government. It's better they learn from Jerry Rawlings of Ghana who picked the challenge of his deplorable country developed and set it on the path of prosperity which is now more secured, disciplined and progressive than Nigeria.
When Nigeria's economy was buoyant, and the country secured, very few Nigerians left to other countries. Most of those who traveled out did so for educational, recreational and tourism purposes. But now the heat is too much and so many are leaving to secure good jobs and to escape the scourging and ravaging insecurity. South African xenophobia should be a wake up call for our leaders to be alive to good governance and save the country from Japa and further embarrassment of such. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a former Ghanian President said, "We have the blessing of the wealth of our resources, the power of our talents and potentialities of our people. Let us grasp now the opportunities before us and meet the challenge to our survival." This is what our leaders should start doing, and not thinking that public office is about themselves, families and people close to them. Public office is about the socio-economic well-being of the citizens with security as the topmost priority.
Unlike in time past when farm produce laid waste due to poor storage and preservation technology, there are now procured machines — dehydrators — that enable preservation and conversion of perishable produce such as tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, mangoes etc into powder or other long-lasting forms, attested the Chairman, Association of Rice Millers, Plateau State Chapter, Mr. Godwin Gogwim, at the launching of a rice milling plant in Dong Area of Jos Plateau State, owned by a member of his association, Mrs. Talatu Gomam.
Mr. Gogwim who bared mind on the challenging business environment on the Plateau hinted that setting up rice milling plant is capital intensive and government has not been supportive to individuals and the Association in the state as expected. He decried that getting paddy rice with the right quality in the state has become so difficult warranting millers to travel to some far northern states such as Adamawa, Jigawa, Bauchi etc to buy and bring to Plateau State for processing. He is however hoping that the recent provision of seedlings to local farmers in the state will produce the desired outcome at the end of this season.
On technology to preserve farm produce such as tomatoes and other delicate fruits, vegetables, root and stem crops cultivated in the state, Mr. Gogwim expressed satisfaction that progress is being made with the recent procurement of machines that drain the moist or water in such produce to preserve them with their taste and aroma intact. He explained that the dehydrator they currently have can at a time take 80 kilogrammes of perishable produce and immediately convert them either into powder or suck out the water content without altering the taste or the nutrients. "Our cherished farm stuffs like potatoes, yam and vegetables can all be preserved when you bring them to our plant located at Mai Dunama Street in Low-Cost area here in Jos. Seasonal fruits such as mango, guava and others that get wasted in hundreds of tonnes only to be scarce during off season can now be converted, preserved and enjoyed at different times of the year."
A young entrepreneur, and Chief Executive Officer, Gomamty Global Service, Talatu Gomam, has recently launched her rice processing factory in Jos, Plateau State capital, where she enunciated her journey from the scratch and rated Nigeria's rice better than imported ones. Speaking to The Beacon correspondent, Talatu narrated how she went into the business of processing rice. "I got introduced to the rice business in 2019 and by 2021 I opened my own processing plant with a de-stoner and polishing machines. I was prompted to go into the business as my own way of getting employed after completing my National Youth Service (NYSC) and realising that white-collar jobs were not forthcoming."
Talatu declined government sponsorship, nor funding from organisations, but from her little savings and periodic contributions in different cooperatives that raised the capital in trickles; and judicious utilisation of the meagre resources at her disposal. Comparing the quality of rice produced locally to the imported otherwise called foreign, Gomam confirmed that Nigerian rice is the best owing to the species grown and the model of processing which does not require the use of industrial chemicals and the excessive processing that eventually drains the nutrients. She pointed out that, in comparison, shipping the foreign rice from their originating countries down to us take long months on the high sea and the duration of storage could be as long as a year and some even five years. These sum up to diminish the nutritional value by the time it gets to our tables to be consumed.
On the need to have association of rice millers in the state, she confirmed they have one already and she is the treasurer of the Rice Millers Association, Plateau State Chapter. "Our mandate is to improve the industry, seeing that a lot needs to be gotten rightly. However, it is regrettable that we do not receive the needed support from government to whom we pay taxes. I wish the politicians and government officials realised that patronising us supports the local economy because it generates revenue for the state as well. Such contracts for rice could be given to us and we will deliver. More so that we have capacity to produce tonnes of rice to meet the demands." She urged youths to consider businesses especially now that there are very limited job openings and endeavour to patronise ourselves.
Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) has decried the vandalisation of primary schools structures after spending N8 billion yearly on renovation across the state, and has been given matching order by the Government to recruit 1000 primary school teachers. NSUBEB Chairman, Hon Kasim Muhammed Kasim made the revelation while lamenting and expressing concern over the vandalisation in his address to journalists in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital yesterday. Kasim who described the destruction and charting away properties of primary schools in Nasarawa State as devilish warned that the government will take giant shit on anyone engaged in the theft. "Government will build structure for pupils to go and learn, yet some few people will go and remove zinc or Cart away plastic chairs leaving some of these schools empty. Government will no longer take it simple with any individual or group that is involved in such dirty act. They are directly killing the education system in the state. I urge communities to take ownership of public schools in their respective domains by protecting the facilities from being damaged by bad elements."
He further stated that the state Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has directed the board to recruit 1000 teachers who will teach in the primary schools. And that so far the board has engaged a firm to carry out the exercise immediately. "The state government gave approval for the recruitment of 1000 teachers and the assignment was given to a consulting firm. Over 10,000 applied. Out of the 10,000 screened, only 600 were qualified to teach in our schools. The Board is working hard to ensure that only qualified applicants are required to teach. No sharp practices. No room for sharp game. If you are qualify then you are qualified. We need qualified teachers to lead our public schools," he added.
The Administrator, Lafia North Area Administrative Council, Hon. Nasiru Kasimu Akanza, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nasarawa State Governor, Sule Abdullahi over Flagging off construction of Supper Highway from Akwanga - Jos - Gombe - Maiduguri, as well as the commissioning of the dualized 3kilometer road in Akwanga Town, describing the projects as memorable and expedient to the entire country. Nasiru who gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in his office at Shabu, Lafia LGC of Nasarawa state, said the road projects would no doubt reduce traffick congestion, and accidents as well as facilitate easy transportation for motorists. He further explained that Gov. Sule's Legacy projects are indelible, adding that the citizens should therefore support him to do more for the betterment of the younger generation. Speaking on security, Nasiru commended security operatives in the state for their proactiveness in tackling insecurity. "On assumption of office as the Administrator of Lafia North Development Area, I swiftly engaged security operatives to take drastic action against criminality in the area, which they did and recorded success. Today, you can carryout your business day in day out without intimidation by criminals," Nasiru stated. He further appealed to youths to distance themselves from act capable of tarnishing their future as well as admonishing them to be mindful of self-interest politicians who may want to use them for their personal achievement to cause chaos as the 2027 general elections are approaching.