Plateau APC prepares for historic reception as Gov. Mutfwang joins the ruling party.

(By WALBE OGAK)

National attention is expected to shift to Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Tuesday, January 27, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally receives Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang into the party.

In a press statement issued on January 23, 2026, the Media and Publicity Committee of the Central Planning Committee disclosed that all arrangements have been concluded for what it described as an “earth-shaking” and historic reception. The development has generated widespread excitement and heightened political activities across the state.

The statement, signed by Sir Joseph Ari, OON, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, noted that the Central Planning Committee, co-chaired by former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, and former Senate Minority Leader, Distinguished Senator Simon Mwadkon, has been working assiduously to ensure a befitting welcome for the Governor. Various sub-committees, it added, have also been constituted and have swung into action to put in place all necessary arrangements.

According to the committee, the announcement of the reception date has generated considerable interest and anticipation among the people of Plateau State, with preparatory activities already underway. These include a press conference, media engagements, and road shows ahead of the main event.

The statement further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to formally receive Governor Mutfwang, alongside the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Other dignitaries expected at the event include the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; and several progressive governors, among others.

“With the level of arrangements so far put in place, the occasion is expected to be colourful and historic,” the statement concluded.

Yilchini, Bida Jan and Danyaro Sarpiya Ignite Grassroots Enthusiasm Ahead of 2027

(By Walbe Ogak)

Following waves of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by several political gladiators, Yilchini and Sarpiya are fast becoming centres of attraction within the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The influx of influential figures has injected fresh energy into the party’s grassroots structures, sparking renewed optimism among supporters and stakeholders across the two communities.

Political observers note that the growing interest in Yilchini and Sarpiya reflects a broader realignment of forces ahead of the next electoral cycle. With seasoned politicians and emerging leaders pitching their tents with the APC, the party appears to be consolidating its presence and expanding its appeal across areas that were previously considered politically fluid or opposition-leaning.

A major boost to this momentum is the renewed political activity of Danyaro Sarpiya, who participated in the 2023 general elections primaries and has recently paid strategic visits to his APC ward office in Ampang West and the Mangu Local Government Secretariat to formally declare his intention to aspire again for the Plateau State governorship. His visits drew mammoth crowds of supporters who gathered to welcome him and accompanied him to the local government headquarters, a development that many say speaks volumes about his growing grassroots appeal.

Equally energising the political atmosphere is the emergence of Yilchini Bida Jan, whose declaration has resonated strongly with party faithful and the wider public. In a passionate message to Plateau people, Bida Jan described himself as a former military officer who has served the nation in uniform, stressing that leadership is measured by courage, accountability, and results. “In the Military, I learned one truth: the first duty of leadership is to protect. Without security, dreams cannot breathe. Communities cannot grow. Families cannot thrive,” he said. He pledged to prioritise security, financial discipline, and inclusive governance, noting that Plateau is blessed but requires true stewardship. “I am not coming to rule. I am coming to serve. With security, discipline, and inclusive leadership, Plateau will rise again,” he declared, adding that his aspiration is driven by a commitment to ensure that young people, women, elders, and all communities have a seat at the table of governance.

Party insiders say strategic consultations, mobilisation drives, and reconciliation efforts are already underway to harness the momentum created by these developments. They believe the convergence of political heavyweights and aspirants in Yilchini and Sarpiya could translate into stronger voter outreach, improved party cohesion, and a more formidable campaign machinery as 2027 approaches, positioning the two communities as pivotal rallying points for the APC’s electoral ambitions.

Walbe Ogak 

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Condolence Message from Bldr. Raphael Rume to the late Yohanna Izam's family.

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of personal loss that I mourn the passing of Prof. Izam, a distinguished scholar, visionary administrator, and an iconic leader in the building profession.

Prof. Izam was not only my former Vice Chancellor who I had the privilege of working very closely with, he is a senior in the building profession, Nigeria Institute of building (NIOB), former chairman of NIOB plateau State chapter, former National President of NIOB, he is also a mentor and guide whose influence on my life and many others remains indelible.

In all these capacities, he demonstrated uncommon integrity, intellectual depth, humility, and an unshakeable commitment to excellence.

He was a builder in the truest sense of the word building institutions, shaping minds, strengthening professional ethics, and nurturing future leaders. His leadership style was marked by wisdom, inclusiveness, and an inspiring dedication to service. Under his guidance, many of us found clarity of purpose, courage of conviction, and the discipline required to pursue greatness with dignity.

Beyond his towering academic and professional achievements, Prof. Izam was a humane and compassionate man who treated everyone with respect and warmth. His counsel, encouragement, and mentorship will forever remain treasured gifts to me and to countless others whose lives he touched.

Nigeria has lost a rare intellectual giant and a committed nation-builder. The Nigerian Institute of Building, the academic community, and the entire built environment profession are poorer today because of his departure.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the NIOB family nationwide, the University community, and all those who were privileged to know and work with him. May the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Adieu, Prof. YOHANNA Izam. Your legacy of excellence, service, and mentorship will continue to inspire generations yet unborn.

— Bldr. Raphael Rume. MNIOB FNIBMFM FIMCN CIPSMN CPM

LIFE LESSONS FROM AFCON FINAL 2026

On 18th January, 2026, the much-anticipated final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to a successful conclusion. The competition, which started and ended with much anxiety, had Morocco, the North Africa host team, and the West African visiting Senegalese team featuring on the field of play. The stakes were high, considering that, since 2006, no hosting country has lifted the cup. Moreover, the Senegalese team has reached the final for three consecutive times. This, with the sterling performance of the team throughout the tournament, implies that the team is not a pushover and can never be taken for granted.

For a long time, I have not been a football enthusiast. After Nigeria's defeat by Morocco during the semi-final, I was indifferent about the third-place match Nigeria played against Egypt. However, I picked interest and suddenly watched the final to its logical conclusion, and that outing became a school where I learned salient and profound lessons of life.

The historic final was a dramatic outing. The Moroccan team had the rare opportunity to score through a penalty towards the 90th minute of the game but wasted it through Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz. While the goal scored by Ismaila Sarr, a Senegalese striker, was cancelled because of alleged body contact; a similar case led to the award of a penalty to the Moroccan team.

The emotional failure of the Senegalese coach, Pape Thiaw, was a lesson. At the peak of the penalty controversy, the coach ordered the Senegalese team to leave the pitch. That action amounted to emotional failure, failure of leadership, and a huge source of shame to the team he leads as well as African football. The lesson is that when someone's emotion is not kept in check, embarrassment becomes inevitable.

The emotional outburst of the head coach, who was appointed in 2024, was widely criticised. Although he led his team to a resounding victory, his failure to control his emotion is likely to attract suspension from the continental football regulatory authority, the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This means that those who seek opportunities to be great but do so with decorum or their victory will be tainted. To say the least, his time was worn, but his emotion failed woefully.

Sadio Mané, the captain of the Senegalese national team, deployed a high level of emotional intelligence. At the peak of the penalty saga, he maintained a commendable calm disposition and encouraged his teammates to return to the field of play. This singular act of maturity earned him great accolades. It showed leadership that eventually won him the title of man of the match!

The goalkeeper of the Senegalese team, Edouard Mendy, was another great lesson in virtues. He appropriated the currency of confidence, diligence, and wisdom, which collectively empowered him to save goals that would have sealed the fate of his national team. The lesson, therefore, is that virtues are currencies that serve personal and national interests, hence should be cultivated for the common good.

The audacity of courage is another lesson. The assertion that courage is the virtue that champions the course of right came true during the final. I understood that in life, a man's greatest fears are hardly established. It was feared that the Moroccan player who took the penalty would win until he lost it. The player was so confident and focused but disappointingly placed the ball into the hands of the Senegalese goalkeeper, to the utter disappointment of his team, fans, and country.

It happens! When the best is not good enough. The choice of the player to play the penalty was predicated on his track record. The smart player had carved a name for himself in European and Asian tournaments. He had at least 5 goals to his credit, but all these did not help. Sometimes, the best can disappoint. Great players like Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, our JJ Okocha, Mikel Obi, etc., have missed chances when their respective scores were needed the most.

Senegal's Pape Gueye, with proud jersey number 26, scored the winning goal four minutes into extra time. This gave his team their second AFCON title in 5 years - the 2021 (held in Cameroon 2022 edition). The lesson here is that it takes the input of someone to salvage a situation. Therefore, each member in every ecosystem can be that one person. Pape Gueye, the goal scorer, did it! Sadio Mané, the peace maker, did it! And Edouard Mendy, the penalty saver, did it. You can; I can; we can!

The final match reinforces the philosophy that it is not over until it is over. Millions of people around the world who watched the game were in tension until the end of the game. Those supporting Senegal were constantly in fear of the team's score being equalised; those supporting Morocco were afraid Senegal might sustain the one-goal defeat or add another score against the team. No one was at ease until the last whistle.

In the role of Jean-Jacques Ndala, the Democratic Republic of Congo-born referee, who officiated the AFCON final, comes a lesson in the fragility of peace and the need for caution to avoid loss of trust from the public. In the course of the game, it might have been suspected that the referee was biased in favour of Morocco, the host team. For example, the body contact that gave Morocco a penalty allegedly penalised Senegal. Rightly or wrongly, that situation became a trigger that unsettled the fragile peace of the match. It is commendable that the Senegalese team returned to complete the match; else, the action would have constituted a big dent on Africa's football and football generally, which is founded and sustained primarily on the principle of sportsmanship.

The psychology of the game. Although the Moroccan team had home advantage, the psychological effect of the narrative that no host country has lifted the cup in two decades injected the fear of losing in them. The team did not demonstrate full capacity as they often do in previous matches. The lesson here is that a person who appears psychologically defeated is unlikely to win any contest. It takes psychological stability to win!

One of the most profound lessons of the match, as asserted by one of the commentators, was that value doesn't lie in title; value doesn't lie in money; it doesn't lie in applause but the courage to rise from the ashes of a contradiction to emerge victorious. The end result of the final for Teranga Lions, is the triumph of doggedness!

In the entire competition, which climaxed with the finals, I saw the exhibition of three winning currencies - confidence, resilience, and wisdom. In addition, I also saw the triumph of decorum, courage, and emotional stability. There was a manifestation of a human tendency rooted in raw anger, but this was an isolated outlier that never overshadowed the glory of the final. The success of the tournament despite the challenge of the final only established one phenomenal fact: African football has come of age. 

Congratulations, Africa, my continent!Congratulations Teranga Lions of Senegal for lifting  the highly coveted trophy. Congratulations Morocco for hosting the and emerging second in the tournament. Congratulations Nigeria for the third place victory. The world anxiously looks forward to the next edition!

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 20th January, 2026; loisayuba420@gmail.com)

Brenda Goodall Foundation Launches Back-to-School Project in Plateau

(By Walbe Orgak)

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education, the Brenda Goodall Foundation has launched its Back to School Project in Plateau State to support pupils in underserved rural communities.

The initiative aims to reduce barriers to learning by providing essential school supplies and educational support to elementary and secondary school students, particularly those from indigent backgrounds.

The project was officially flagged off at St. Louis Primary School, Zargung Kamang Foron, in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, where backpacks and books were distributed to pupils. The exercise was led by the Founder of the Foundation, Mrs. Sarah Dakas, alongside members of her team.

Speaking during the outreach, Mrs. Dakas said the project was inspired by her passion to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of background or location, has access to quality education. She described education as a critical tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering children to reach their full potential.

According to her, the Back to School Project is not a one-off intervention, as the Foundation plans to roll out additional phases in the coming months. She disclosed that more communities across Plateau State and beyond would benefit from the initiative as part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to educational development.

Beneficiaries and school authorities expressed appreciation to the Foundation, describing the intervention as timely and impactful, especially for pupils whose families struggle to meet basic educational needs.

The Brenda Goodall Foundation has continued to play an active role in promoting social development initiatives, with education identified as a key pillar of its humanitarian interventions.

A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ADVANCE AS PLASU ACTIVATES CAMPUS RADIO103.3 FM, BOOSTS POULTRY PRODUCTION, & UPGRADES EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Vice Chancellor Plateau State University Bokkos, Professor Shadrack Best led management has achieved a series of developmental milestones, headlined by the official activation of the university’s campus radio station, broadcasting on 103.3 FM.

In his historic maiden broadcast, Professor Shedrack Best declared that the new station would serve as a vital hub for information dissemination, education, and entertainment, reaching both the university community and its surrounding environs. 

The Vice Chancellor explained that the station’s activation is a strategic component of the university’s broader plan to revolutionise media studies. To this end, the institution has successfully unbundled its Mass Communication Department into a fully-fledged Faculty of Media Studies. 

In a significant gesture to the university's host community, Professor Best announced plans to broadcast programmes in indigenous languages including Butura language. This initiative aims to preserve and promote local cultural heritage while providing a platform to discover burgeoning talent in the creative and entertainment sectors. The radio house, a landmark structure originally built in 2005, is nestled within the Simon Bako Lalong Garden at the foot of the Bokkos hills.

In a strategic move to advancing Agricultural Excellence and Nutritional Welfare.

Furthering his operational tour, the Vice Chancellor inspected the university’s poultry farm a collaborative venture between the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and the 

Directorate of Entrepreneurship Development Centre,where the Dean of the Faculty,Dr Hosea Finangwai briefed the Vice Chancellor on the farm's operations, which utilise both deep-litter and battery-cage systems. Currently, a flock of 564 layers is producing approximately 12 crates of eggs per day.

Professor Best pledged to expand and equip the facility to provide superior practical training for students. In a move to support the campus community, he announced that eggs would be sold to staff and students at subsidised rates to promote healthy nutrition. Looking ahead, the Vice Chancellor disclosed plans to diversify agricultural output, including the importation of pedigree dairy cows to initiate milk production on campus.

Strengthening Campus Healthcare,

the vice Chancellor's final engagement,was the inspection of the university’s newly refurbished ambulance. The vehicle has been upgraded with modern emergency medical equipment to significantly enhance the institution's healthcare response and ensure the safety of students and staff during medical emergencies.

These developments underscore a period of rapid, pragmatic growth at PLASU, touching on communication, food security, and student welfare.

A Legal and Philosophical Reappraisal of Discriminatory Housing Practices in Adamawa State

(By Fr. Maurice Kwairanga)

The emerging reports that some landlords in Adamawa State now condition tenancy on a prospective tenant’s religion or ethnic identity present a troubling affront to Nigeria’s constitutional order and moral foundations. Such practices are not merely socially undesirable—they strike at the heart of the legal architecture designed to protect equality, human dignity, and national cohesion. From both a jurisprudential and philosophical standpoint, discrimination in access to housing is indefensible and corrosive to the ideals of a pluralistic society.

This article revisits the constitutional and statutory prohibitions against discrimination, situates them within broader philosophical arguments for equality, and urges the Adamawa State Government to adopt proactive legislative measures to forestall the deepening of sectarian divides.

1. Constitutional Guarantees and the Illegality of Discriminatory Tenancy Practices

a. Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)

Section 42 remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s anti‑discrimination framework. It unequivocally forbids any form of differential treatment based on ethnicity, religion, or place of origin. By denying tenancy on these grounds, landlords effectively impose a private form of segregation that mirrors the very “disabilities or restrictions” the Constitution seeks to abolish.

Housing is not a luxury; it is a prerequisite for human dignity, autonomy, and participation in society. To deny it on discriminatory grounds is to violate both the letter and spirit of Section 42.

b. Sections 15(2) and 15(3)

The Constitution’s directive principles impose a positive obligation on the state to promote national integration and discourage discrimination. These provisions articulate a vision of Nigeria as a civic nation, not a patchwork of mutually suspicious ethnic or religious enclaves.

When landlords exclude tenants based on identity, they undermine this constitutional aspiration and contribute to the fragmentation of the social order.

c. Section 17(3)(a)

This section reinforces the state’s duty to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunities to secure the means of livelihood. Housing is foundational to livelihood—without it, individuals cannot access employment, education, or community life. Discriminatory rental practices therefore violate the constitutional commitment to social justice and equality of opportunity.

2. Statutory and International Legal Reinforcement

a. Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992)

Although not explicitly anti‑discriminatory, the Act envisions equitable access to housing and urban services. Discriminatory tenancy practices distort the equitable distribution of housing opportunities and contradict the Act’s developmental philosophy.

b. Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act)

By adopting the VAPP Act, Adamawa State has already recognized that discriminatory or harmful practices constitute a form of violence. Denying housing based on tribe or religion inflicts emotional, psychological, and economic harm—harm that falls squarely within the Act’s protective scope.

c. International Human Rights Instruments

Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the ICCPR reinforce the constitutional prohibition of discrimination. These instruments affirm that access to housing must be free from arbitrary distinctions based on identity. As domesticated law, the African Charter binds all public and private actors within Nigeria.

3. Philosophical Foundations: Why Discrimination Is Morally Indefensible

Beyond legal prohibitions, discrimination in housing violates fundamental philosophical principles:

a. Human Dignity

Philosophers from Immanuel Kant to contemporary human rights theorists argue that dignity requires treating individuals as ends in themselves, not as bearers of group labels. Rejecting a tenant because of their tribe or religion reduces the person to a stereotype, stripping them of individuality.

b. Justice and Fairness

John Rawls’ theory of justice emphasizes fairness as the basis of social cooperation. A society where access to basic goods—such as housing—is determined by arbitrary characteristics cannot be considered just.

c. Communitarian Ethics

African communitarian philosophy, exemplified by the concept of Ubuntu, stresses interdependence and shared humanity. Discriminatory housing practices fracture communal bonds and contradict the African ethic of collective flourishing.

4. Social and Security Implications for Adamawa State

Adamawa’s diversity has long been a source of strength. However, discriminatory housing practices threaten to:

- Entrench ethnic and religious segregation  

- Foster mistrust and resentment  

- Create fertile ground for radicalization  

- Escalate into sectarian conflict  

- Undermine development and state stability  

In a region already grappling with security challenges, allowing such divisions to deepen would be perilous.

5. A Legislative Appeal to the Adamawa State Government

To preserve peace and uphold constitutional values, the Adamawa State Government should consider enacting a Comprehensive Anti‑Discrimination in Housing Law. Such legislation could:

- Explicitly prohibit discrimination in tenancy based on tribe, religion, or ethnicity  

- Impose sanctions on violators  

- Establish a Housing Rights Complaint Commission  

- Require landlords to provide objective, written reasons for rejecting applicants  

- Promote public enlightenment on tolerance and peaceful coexistence  

This would align Adamawa with global best practices and strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to equality and national unity.

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6. A Call for Tolerance, Peace, and Shared Humanity

Legal reforms alone cannot heal social divides. Community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society must champion tolerance and mutual respect. Peaceful coexistence is not only a constitutional mandate—it is a moral duty and a philosophical necessity for a plural society.

Discrimination in housing is not merely unlawful; it is an affront to the Nigerian spirit of unity in diversity. The Constitution envisions a nation where every citizen—regardless of tribe or religion—can live, work, and flourish anywhere. Upholding this vision is essential for lasting peace and collective progress.