Bachama–Chobo Crisis: Catholic Diocese of Yola Extends Relief to 350 Households in Adamawa

(By Our Correspondent)

The Catholic Diocese of Yola has distributed food and non-food relief materials to over 350 households affected by the prolonged Bachama–Chobo communal crisis in Lafiya, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The intervention, carried out through the Diocese’s Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) with support from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), marked the second phase of the humanitarian outreach aimed at alleviating the suffering of families displaced and impoverished by the conflict.

Addressing beneficiaries during the distribution exercise, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza—represented by the JDPC Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Maurice Kwairanga—expressed deep sorrow over the persistence of violence between the two neighbouring communities. He lamented that the crisis had continued despite the fact that both Bachama and Chobo communities share the same Christian faith.

The Bishop stressed that violence only compounds pain, destroys livelihoods, and delays development, urging the warring communities to choose forgiveness, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence as the only sustainable path forward. According to him, peace remains indispensable to healing the deep scars left by years of conflict.

Reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian service and peacebuilding, the Diocese pledged to continue standing with victims of the crisis while promoting dialogue, justice, and reconciliation. It also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and other stakeholders to reject violence and work collectively towards restoring lasting harmony in the area.

Caption:

Beneficiaries receive food and non-food relief materials during the Catholic Diocese of Yola’s JDPC distribution exercise in Lafiya, Lamurde LGA, Adamawa State.

HON. ASAMA PROVIDES TRAINING, GADGETS TO COMMUNITY SECURITY IN BASSA/JOS NORTH

(By WALBE ORGAK)

In a decisive move to strengthen grassroots security and community safety, over 100 neighbourhood watch and vigilante personnel drawn from Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency have undergone specialized training and received essential security gadgets to enhance their operational capacity.

The empowerment initiative was organized by the Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, in collaboration with the National Productivity Centre (NPC) and Ryest Nigeria Limited. It was designed to promote community security, unity, and sustainable development across the constituency.

The one-day intensive training, held at the Leadership and Citizenship Centre, Lamingo, Jos, featured a blend of physical drills and tactical exercises. Participants were taken through rigorous activities such as rock climbing, obstacle scaling, assault drills, parachuting simulations, and classroom lectures facilitated by seasoned security professionals.

Speaking at the event, the Training Coordinator, Mountain School Shere Hills Jos, Abdulmumuni Adamu Maimako, explained that the programme was structured to improve both the physical and mental readiness of the participants. According to him, the military-style training was aimed at making the vigilante personnel more alert, disciplined, and efficient in policing their communities and responding to security threats.

Also speaking, Hon. Amos Ajik, Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, said the training and provision of security gadgets were part of deliberate efforts to tackle rising security challenges at the grassroots. He noted that the initiative would enhance early response to threats, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen trust between local communities and formal security agencies.

As part of the programme, participants were equipped with vital security gadgets, including touchlights, blankets, body scanners, walkie-talkies, belts, rain boots, raincoats, and reflective jackets. These tools, organisers said, would significantly improve night patrols, communication, identification, and overall effectiveness of community-based security operations.

Observers say the initiative reflects Hon. Daniel Asama Ago’s growing reputation for people-oriented interventions, particularly in the area of security and community development. By empowering local security structures, the lawmaker is seen as reinforcing the first line of defense against crime and insecurity within the constituency.

Community representatives who attended the event expressed appreciation to Hon. Ago for his foresight and commitment. They described the training and equipment support as timely and impactful, pledging to make effective use of the skills and tools provided to safeguard lives and property across Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.

REJOINDER: FACTS, PERFORMANCE, AND THE BURDEN OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY.

The recent publication credited to “Lalong Vanguard for Senate Continuity 2027” is long on insults, name-calling, and emotional outbursts, but painfully short on facts, self-reflection, and honest engagement with the real concerns of the people of Plateau South. Rather than addressing the substance of the issues raised by Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap, the authors resorted to personal attacks and empty grandstanding an approach that sadly mirrors the style of politics the people are increasingly rejecting.

Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity: the comments and concerns raised by Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap are not lies, not misinformation, and not a smear campaign. They are a reflection of widely shared public sentiment and lived realities across Quaan-Pan, Shendam, Mikang, and indeed Plateau South as a whole.

Speaking the Obvious Is Not Hatred

Hon. Komsol did not invent the hardships faced by communities in Plateau South, nor did he manufacture the disappointment many citizens feel after years of unfulfilled promises. Pointing out governance failures, poor representation, and absence of tangible dividends of democracy is not “de-marketing”; it is democratic accountability.

If calling attention to unmet expectations is now considered a crime, then democracy itself is under threat.

Eight Years as Governor, Two Years as Senator: Where Are the Results?

Rather than deploying proxies to trade insults, Distinguished Senator Simon Bako Lalong owes Plateau South a clear, honest, and comprehensive account of his stewardship:

Eight years as Governor of Plateau State

Over two years as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

What concrete, transformative legacies can the average citizen of Plateau South point to that directly improved their standard of living?

This question is not asked out of malice; it is asked out of necessity. The painful truth is that the reflection of this governance deficit was laid bare during the 2023 general elections, where Senator Lalong failed woefully to earn the confidence of the electorate. Elections are the ultimate performance appraisal, and the verdict of the people was loud and clear.

The So-Called Langtang North “Endorsement”: A Mirage

The much-celebrated endorsement in Langtang North has since been exposed for what it truly was: a gathering of a handful of former and serving appointees loyal to Senator Lalong, not a meeting of genuine APC stakeholders or grassroots party structures.

This position was unequivocally reinforced by the Chairman of the Taroh APC Vanguard, who publicly stated that:

The endorsement did not represent the will of APC stakeholders in Langtang North.

There is no justification whatsoever to support Senator Lalong, given his poor performance as Governor for eight years and as Senator for over two years.

An endorsement that lacks grassroots legitimacy is not a mandate  it is a mirage.

On Empathy and Community Engagement

It is deeply ironic for supporters of Senator Lalong to question the morality of engaging traumatised communities, when those same communities have consistently lamented the absence of proactive, visible, and sustained leadership from their elected representatives. Communities do not need press statements alone; they need leadership that prevents tragedy, not leadership that merely reacts after the damage is done.

Hon. Komsol’s Record Speaks for Itself

Unlike the desperate attempt to rewrite history, Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap’s tenure in the House of Representatives representing Shendam, Quaan-Pan, and Mikang Federal Constituency was marked by:

Visible human capital development

Meaningful constituency interventions

Direct engagement with communities

Projects and empowerment initiatives that citizens can still point to today

These are verifiable facts, not propaganda. This track record explains why Hon. Komsol enjoys sustained goodwill across the constituency, despite not currently holding office.

Conclusion: Truth Does Not Fear Scrutiny

Nothing stated by Hon. Komsol against Senator Lalong is untrue. If anything, his comments mirror the silent frustrations of many citizens who feel short-changed after years of recycled promises and underwhelming performance.

The path forward is not through insults, intimidation, or manufactured endorsements. It is through honest dialogue, humility, and a willingness to accept political reality.

Senator Lalong should accept the growing public discontent in good faith, reflect deeply on his record, and understand that leadership is earned daily through performance, not enforced through propaganda.

Plateau South deserves better.

The people deserve the truth.

And democracy demands accountability.

Authorized By.

Komsol Media Team.

PLASU LEVERAGES TETFUND GRANTS TO COMMENCE MULTI-MILLION NAIRA INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS

Vice Chancellor Plau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, Professor Shedrack Best has formally handed over sites  for three major infrastructural developments to contractors setting a significant pace to enhancing the institution's facilities and security.

The projects, funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), includes,The Extension of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Building  Under the Year 2025 TETFund Annual Intervention Comprehensive Renovation of the Senate Building  also under the Year 2025 TETFund Annual Intervention and Construction and renovation of Perimeter Fence under the Year 2025 TETFund Special Allocation for Disaster Recovery Interventions 

 Represented  by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Moses Galadima, Professor Shadrack Best reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to elevating both infrastructural and academic standards.

 The Vice Chancellor reminded the contractors on the beed to be guided by standard and quality as specified in the terms of the contract, "We will provide you with all necessary support, however, you must ensure timely delivery and strict adherence to technical specifications. These projects are central to our administration’s goals, and we expect nothing less than excellence."

Speaking on behalf of their respective firms, Greg Lawani of Harriman Engineering Ltd handling the Extension of the Medical Science Building and that of the building and renovation of the perimeter Fence and  Everest Miri  of Blossom Innovators Ltd  pledged their commitment to delivering high-quality work, aiming to complete the projects  within  schedule,while  soliciting for continued cooperation of the university management to ensure a seamless construction process.

In their separate remarks, Director physical facility Builder Sarah Tsemwan Wayo and Provost of the Medical College represented by Dean Health and allied Science Dr Sarah all expressed readiness to ensure successful execution of the projects.

The projects duration which ranges from thirteen to fifty two weeks is a clear determination of the university's administration in transforming PLASU to a global citadel of learning.

CORINTHIANS FC TRIUMPH 2–1 AS HON. DANIEL ASAMA AGO CONSTITUENCY YOUTH CUP ENDS IN GRAND STYLE

Corinthians FC emerged champions of the Hon. Daniel Asama Ago Constituency Youth Cup after a pulsating 2–1 victory over Rhino FC in the grand finale played on 31st December, 2025, at the Zaria Road Stadium, Jos. The final lived up to expectations as both teams displayed skill, resilience, and tactical discipline, but Corinthians FC showed greater composure to secure the winning goal and lift the trophy.

Their triumph earned them a cash reward of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira). Rhino FC, despite a strong and gallant performance, finished as runners-up and received a cash prize of ₦500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in recognition of their effort and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Earlier in the day, the Third Place Match delivered high drama as Gurum Selected FC clinched the third position after a tense 5–2 penalty shootout victory, following a hard-fought draw at regulation time. Gurum Selected were rewarded with a cash prize of ₦300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira).

Beyond the results, the tournament strongly reflected the vision and commitment of Hon. (Amb.) Daniel Asama Ago, Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Abuja, and Chairman, Bassa Football Association (F.A.), whose passion for grassroots sports continues to create opportunities for young talents. The competition was deliberately structured to promote sports development, youth empowerment, unity, and positive engagement across the constituency.

The grand finale was further dignified by the presence of the Plateau Football Association (PFA) Chairman, Hon. Dr. Prince Suleiman Kwande, alongside other members of the PFA Executive Committee. Also in attendance were representatives of the Players’ Union and the Coaches Association, whose presence underscored the credibility, acceptance, and growing relevance of the competition within the football community.

The Organizing Committee extends its heartfelt appreciation to the tournament organizers, match officials, technical and medical crews, security personnel, volunteers, and stadium management for their professionalism and tireless efforts which ensured the smooth execution of the event. We also thank the supporters, football lovers, community leaders, parents, team managers, and youth coordinators for their overwhelming support and cooperation throughout the tournament.

Notably, the entire competition was conducted in a peaceful, mature, and highly disciplined atmosphere. From the opening match to the grand finale, players exhibited remarkable sportsmanship and fair play, reinforcing the true spirit of football and the values the competition seeks to instill among young people.

The peaceful conduct and high level of organization recorded throughout the tournament once again reaffirm Hon. Daniel Asama Ago’s commitment to using sports as a strategic tool for youth development, social cohesion, and community building within Bassa and Jos North Federal Constituency.

Signed:

Organizing Committee

Hon. Daniel Asama Ago Constituency Youth Cup

⚽ Catching Them Young, Building Them Right!

2026 AS AN AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Opportunity is a chance dictated by time. This year, 2026, is my chance for endless possibilities; what is it for you? With time and effort, I unrepentantly believe that all things are possible. If you see things in the same light, please come with me as we set the tune for a fulfilling year the Lord has given us to rejoice and be glad in.

Ecclesiastes 3:1‑8 (NIV) says: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

This detailed elaboration has implications. A lot can be achieved when times and seasons are understood, saved, and applied appropriately. This year promises conscious time‑planning, planting viable seeds, and harvesting great results!

A minute is the smallest unit of time. There are 60 seconds in a minute; 60 minutes in an hour; 24 hours in a day; 365 days in a year; 10 years in a decade; 5 decades in a jubilee; two jubilees in a century (centenary); 10 centuries in a millennium. It is argued that, “After a millennium, the world looks quite different—new languages, technologies, and borders have emerged. History repeats in cycles, but each era also brings its own challenges and opportunities.” This means every second counts; use it well!

When new year arrives, the expectation is that everything will be fine, hence the outpouring of good wishes and prayers of success to and from loved ones—family members, friends, and other relatives. But truth be told, there is no guarantee that life will be seamless for anyone all the times. Life has a rhythm—sometimes things go smoothly, but they can go haywire at another time. There are as many opportunities to smile as there are to wail. This is the reality of life; ignore it at your peril. That is why, as humans, prayer without season is key! 

Prayer is communication with God backed by sustained work of faith that the things prayed for will come to practical and prompt fruition. Prayer repels evil and attracts good. It is in the realm of faith what hard work is in the physical realm. Prayer equips, communicates, helps, protects, conquers, saves, makes, renews, and hopes.

Every New year offers  opportunities for sober reflection and planning for future activities. Since life is a journey, the living, business organisations, and governments usually leverage it to take stock of their past activities with the view to reinforce areas of strength and make amends in areas of weakness for better outcomes in the present and future. 

Reflection is the anchor of every future planning. Past outcomes guide future projections. Planning and prompt implementation are critical in the life of any person. Planning is a blueprint, an action guide over a given period of time. It can be short‑term, medium‑term, or long‑term. Short‑term plans have limited time for adjustment—it can be one year; medium‑term has some time for adjustment—5 to 7 years; long‑term could be 8 to 15 or more years.

New‑year resolutions are short‑term planning decisions whose effect could last a lifetime. New‑year resolutions have become recurrent decimals. Each year, people make Personal New‑Year Resolutions (PNR). However, these resolutions often end up being ignored, discarded, and jettisoned. Most people are not committed to their new‑year resolutions but follow the bandwagon because others have made theirs. A new‑year resolution that is not backed by deliberate action will be a mirage. No accomplishment can be achieved by wishful thinking. If it were not so, everybody would be an achiever. Therefore, those who aspire to achieve great things this year must be determined to pull through irrespective of today’s challenges and always.

The mindset of a potential achiever must be positive and bear allegiance to whatever dream the person has. With enthusiasm and passion, such a person is expected to determine that, come rain or sunshine, the goal will be scored. This means that every constraint, distraction, and contradiction is not big enough to derail the realisation of the set objective(s). Passion and determination are like lubricating oils that grease the wheel of progress. Anyone who has the ambition of achieving something worthwhile this year must cultivate passion and determination as driving forces. Anything short of them is a red signal that failure is loading, no matter how great a plan looks.

The year 2026, like any other year, is a year for daring people. It is a year of “why not” persons, people who are committed to going the extra mile within the bounds of law and morality. The year is for those who are resolute in self‑improvement and try again and again, using different methods until success is achieved. They see failure as an opportunity to try again, understanding that failure teaches the way to lasting success.

2026 is a year understanding that nothing comes easy and a conscious belief that “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” It is a year of transforming lofty expectations into celebrated reality. It is a year of many wins for the diligent, skillful, and talented who are committed to investing their capabilities. It has no place for indolent and wasteful people. It is the year of research, insight, and discovery, for great accomplishments!

The 365 days of this year of wonders and possibilities have begun, and the journey of unequal discovery has started. Have a definite and measurable purpose, and work as the clock kicks to make yours count for something great in the land of the living. Yes, you can if you will!

Every start is a journey; every opportunity, a chance to choose; every choice is a risk; every risk is worth taking provided its outcomes have the potential to make great. This year is a responsibility to take calculated risk or risk achieving nothing at all!

Let me conclude these thoughts with the timeless words of Socrates, who said, 'A man who is not passionate about anything (worthwhile—emphasis added) is not fit to live.' Happy New Year! Happy new opportunity to make a difference in the land of the living. If you cannot create value, add it. It will be great if you add and also create value. Value creation and addition are the only measures of a man’s resourcefulness and productivity.

*(Modest Thought with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 1st January, 2026; loisayuba420@gmail.com; 08116181263)*

When a campaign talks more about Gagdi than its own candidate, his has already lost.

(By WALBE OGAK) 

The growing obsession of some supporters of Rt. Hon. DEWAN with Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi has become increasingly troubling and counterproductive. Rather than concentrating on selling their candidate’s vision, capacity, and record to the people, much of their energy appears fixated on Gagdi’s political presence.

This fixation sends an unfortunate signal, as it creates the impression that Rt. Hon. DEWAN cannot independently secure victory in the Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam federal constituency if Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi is on the ballot. Politics thrives on confidence, and no serious campaign should be built around fear of an opponent.

Hardly a day passes without heated discussions on social media platforms and in beer parlours, not about DEWAN’s plans for the constituency, but about relentless attempts to discredit or diminish Gagdi. This approach does little to inspire undecided voters or mobilize grassroots support.

Campaigns are won by ideas, credibility, and genuine engagement with the people, not by constant attacks on perceived rivals. When supporters abandon constructive messaging for endless antagonism, they weaken their own candidate and distract from the real issues affecting constituents.

The people of Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam deserve a campaign anchored on substance, development, and accountability. It is time for all political actors and their supporters to refocus on issue-based politics and allow the electorate to make their choice without unnecessary distractions or hostility.