DCG GEORGE DIDEL (RTD): A PROFILE IN PROFESSIONALISM

By Ayuba, Yilgak'ha
Retired DCG George Chamlong Didel, is a household name in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Until his retirement on the 13th November, 2024, the man does not need any introduction within the rank and file of the Service. He was popular, and after 35 years of excellent service to God, Country and humanity, the thorough breed Officer bow-out of active service with great dignity and pride.

Born on the 30th November, 1966, and was enlisted into the NIS on 14th November, 1989, as indigene of Qua'anpan Local Government Council, Plateau State. Through resilience, commitment and dedication to duty, he was appointed DCG, a towering rank that only a few could attend before their retirement from the Service. Retired DCG Didel attended many professional Courses within and outside Nigeria and won several Awards.

During a valedictory session held in his honour on 8th November, 2024, the retired DCG, who until his retirement, was in-charge of Investigation and Compliance Directorate, stood tall as members of the Immigration Top Management Team, and Officers alike, pour iconic compliments on this exceptional Officer. The consensus amongst the ranking Officers who spoke at the Event was that, DCG George Didel (rtd.), was a professional Officer that served his Country with great passion and patriotism. He was one of the Service's best examples!

In order to appreciate the motivation for describing the Retired DCG as a profile in professionalism, it is important to understand and put the discourse in context. At a glance, 'being professional, is about what you do and how you behave. It is about being impartial and upholding high standards of conduct and performance.' Professionalism is the attribute of being consistent with ethical standards, core values or rule of behaviour in a corporate organisation. For all intent and purposes, Retried DCG Didel did not only instilled virtues of discipline, integrity, dedication, hostmanship which the NIS stands for, but was, also, committed to living them himself.

The DCG (rtd.) was and, is a proponent of 'do as I do'; not 'do as I say'. He understands and internalised the fact that positive change can only occur when the person introducing it leads by example; hence, was committed to the virtues he preached. Throughout his service years, the fine but retired DCG abhors indiscipline and corruption, and upholds high level of discipline. 

Retired DCG Didel was a moral man and the testimonies of this moral state of uprightness about him abound. For instance, a retired Officer of the NIS whom I stumbled on during the recently concluded Comptroller General Annual Conference in Jos, Plateau, shared with me a story of how this moralist practically turned down a lady's request for him to go to bed with her on one occasion, to his utter surprise. In short, to see the other side of DCG Didel retired, just try being immoral, indolent, careless and/or corrupt in the line of duty, you will face the music in tones you will not expect, especially, when he held sway as Provost Marshall (PM) of the noble Service.

A very disciplined yet empathic, Retired DCG Didel listens, and where his subordinates have genuine case, he rose to the occasion to defend them with all the energy in him. He does not give room for anyone to take advantage of others under any guise. A defender of the innocent, and a shield for good he was throughout his service years.

DCG Didel (rtd.) has been a meticulous person. He was very punctilious, having a drive for details. The man has been a strong believer in this timeless adage which says: "The devil is in the detail.' No wonder, he was appointed to superintend over the Investigation and Compliance Directorate of the NIS, a job specification which required intelligent gathering of details and analysing them to make sense of complex situations.

The professional officer was a very dedicated in all he does.  He dedicated a larger portion of his work life to enforcement. It takes a forthright, courageous and objective person to enforce rules, regulations and ethics in any corporate organisation like the NIS. When it comes to getting the rules enforced, retired DCG George Didel, does look at faces but the rules and regulations that are due for operationalisation.

Up till date, Retired DCG Didel, is a practical time keeper/manager. He was always the first to come to work and the last to close even as a very senior Officer. He is a time keeper per excellence who has learned the skill of balancing official responsibilities with private ones. His private engagements were never excuses to default when duty calls, and he was consistent about it.

The retired DCG, believes in the power of capacity-building. He made himself readily available despite his tight schedules and underwent several local and international capacity-building trainings/workshops which include but not limited to Drill/Weapon Instructor Course at Infantry Corpse and School, Jaji; International Security and Low Intensity Conflict Course, Command and Staff College, Jaji; Enhanced stockpile Management and Small Arms Transparency Workshop for Armament Officers in Kaduna; Post Bomb Investigation Course, FBI/American Embassy, Lagos, etc. These efforts got him prepared for any responsibility he is given to execute in the Service.

Retired DCG Didel, has demonstrated capacity in teamwork. He believes, nobody has it all; and was never stingy with his ideas and capabilities. Therefore, all assignment given him, whether as individual or, as a team were carried out with relative ease. A difficult task, when executed as a team, could be so simple. When team members cooperate and not compete or hold grudge against their fellow members, systems succeed. Retired DCG Didel understood this secret hence deaf to gossips and opened to all progressive ideas!

You do not plot anything that does not add up with Retired DCG Didel. It will backfire. Do not even try it because the career officer will not tolerate it at all. If you want to get the best side of this man, come straight and you will be glad you did.

The story of Retired DCG Didel, is one that represents the promise and reward of hardwork, dedication and commitment to duty. At the time when it was thought he will not reach the peak of his career, the miracle happened. From the rank of a Comptroller, the quantum leap came, and he was skyrocketed to the rank of an Assistant Comptrollers General, and subsequently, DCG, in a span of about 360 days. The grateful retiree acknowledges God in the miracle hence remarked that only God could have done such great favour to him. For him, it is absolutely true the saying, 'what God cannot do does not exist!'

The lesson here is that, whatever page life opens for you, good or bad, keep doing the best you know-how, and God who rewards handsomely will being broad smiles your way. Retired DCG Didel himself puts the lesson this way while making a remark at the said valedictory session that was held in his honour: 'Be dedicated to duty; do not pull down the roof of the house you are a part of but work at making it better. This way, your day will come and, sometimes, not in material terms.'

For those who are not prepared, retirement is a phase of life which elicits fear of the unknown, but for retired DCG Didel, it is an opportunity to try new things. During the valedictory session, the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, KN Nadap, pcc, mmis, fsmn, ably represented by the DCG Works and Logistics, AJ Umanah, prayed, assuring him that his retirement is just the beginning of a new phase of life which promises to be eventful. I cannot agree less with this assurance because of the level of preparedness/resourcefulness of the retired DCG.

Retired DCG George Chamlong Didel, has been an enigma of sort. He is a diligent man with many parts, whose sense of discipline is sometimes, erroneously, misunderstood for wickedness, until one gets objective to the point of coming to terms with dictates of corporate standards!

Interestingly, for the result oriented DCG (rtd), the best way to evaluate his life is to ask for balanced review from others. When inconiums were showered on him at the valedictory session held for him, he expressed the wish that his downsides could have been mentioned to help him make amends. He refused to believe that he was faultless all through his career hence asked for forgiveness from those he might knowingly or unknowingly offended or failed to meet their expectations. That is retired DCG Didel for you. In a world where people crave praises, he seeks objective criticisms!

The retired DCG has traversed the Nigerian Immigration landscape trying to make a difference. Whatever remains today, 'the man in the mirror', has crossed over to the other side of Public Service, as a celebrity for the Nigerian State, the Immigration Service, his family and, indeed, friends alike. His continuous stay in the Service would have meant more credible and celebrated works; his exit hold greater opportunity to serve the Country and humanity in other capacities!

The history of the evolving attitudinal change, and the digital transformation being witnessed in the NIS today, cannot be completed without a mention of Retired DCG Didel as a salient contributor. Indeed, this man, is a force for good, and this piece is a eulogy chronicling the trails of a man who has dutifully paid his dues in the service of God, Country and humanity. I observed the stuff, aura and vibes he is made-up of, at the twilight of his exit from the Service. And now, the historic Pull-out Parade slated for this Wednesday, 13th November, 2024, at Rwang Pam Stadium, is his day, and a day to remember indeed. Congratulations and the best of retirement life, sir!

(Modest Thoughts  with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 13th November, 2024)

Yahaya Mavo has decried the strangulating Monetary Policy of Tinubu Administration

By Walbe OGAK 
Alh. Yahaya Mavo has decried the strangulating monetary policies of Tinubu administration

A retired Permanent Secretary of the Plateau State Government, Alhaji Yahaya Mavo has described the economic policies of the present APC government as choking and unbearable noting that meddle class in Nigeria as disappeared, it is either you are rich or poor

He stated this in an interview with pressmen in his office in Office in Jos Plateau state.

Mavo noted that Nigerians have never had so badly since gaining independent in 1960, highlighting that one of the fundamental responsibilities of government is welfare and security of the citizens, but the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focusing more profit making through revenue generation than providing succur to the people, citing that the removal of subsidy was carried out without recourse to how it will impact on transportation which invariables affects all sectors of the economy

He said the people are suffering because the government is focusing more on profit making than providing more social services that will touch the lives of the masses.

He urged the government to rescind it proposed tax nothing reform which he will add more injuries to already very economy.

Mavo noted 2027 is not far and if things continue like this, he will not be surprised with the decisions of Nigerian because they are wiser now.

 He commended the administration of His Excellency barrister Caleb Mutfwan for the restoration of peace and harmony in state, most especially his handling of the Mangu crises which was timely and very efficient.

Noting that the developmental strides of the Mutfang administration are aim at alleviating the suffering of the people which are very commendable.

 

Hate or like him, Donald Trump's Doggedness earned him the victory.

Walbe OGAK 
Donald Trump's victory on November 5th is quite remarkable, considering all he's been through. Despite losing his re-election bid in 2020, being impeached twice, and facing numerous investigations and lawsuits, he's still managed to come out on top . His conviction on 34 felony counts of business fraud related to hush money payments during the 2016 election hasn't seemed to hinder his presidential ambitions either . In fact, his campaign has reportedly seen a surge in fundraising dollars since the verdict .

It's worth noting that Trump's eligibility to run for president hasn't been affected by his felony conviction. According to Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution, the only requirements to serve as president are that the person must be at least 35 years old, a U.S. resident for at least 14 years, and a natural-born citizen .

The Impact of Trump's Conviction on the 2024 Election.

While some might think Trump's conviction would hurt his chances, strategists predict a muted impact on the election . A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll found that only 4% of Trump's supporters said they would withdraw their support if he's convicted of a felony .

Trump's sentencing is scheduled for November 26, and he faces up to 20 years in prison . However, experts think it's unlikely he'll receive a harsh sentence, given his age and the non-violent nature of the crimes .

It's clear that Trump's resilience and determination have allowed him to overcome significant obstacles. Love him or hate him, it's undeniable that he's a force to be reckoned with in American politics.

PROF. DAKUM MOURNS DEMISE OF IHVN BOARD MEMBER

The Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, mourns the demise of one of IHVN's Board members, Ms. Josephine Tapgun who also was Minister of State for Commerce and Industry under the Umaru Yar'Adua administration. 
Dakum eulogized Josephine who was an expert psychologist, saying she has contributed a lot to the growth of IHVN through her membership of the board and has paid her dues to the country by deploying 20 years into the federal civil service where she worked in various positions, and also as Minister of the Federal Republic. 
The former Commissioner of Health and Information, lamented that Josephine's death is a great loss to IHVN, her family, kinsmen, Plateau and the country at large, and prayed God Almighty to reposed her soul. 
Dakum further commiserates with the Tapguns over the irreparable loss of their dear sister, aunty and cousin, calling on them to take solace in God the giver and taker of lives; adding that God knows why she had to leave now that her Labour and resourcefulness are much needed. 
He prayed that God Almighty would comfort and grant her entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 
Signed: 
Shabul Mazadu 
Prof. Patrick Dakum's Media Consultant 
7th November, 2024

PROF. NENTAWE SEEKS FIRST LADYS RHI’S PATNERSHIP IN POVERTY REDUCTION, OTHERS

As newly sworn-in Minister gives update on released minors arraigned for protests

 The newly sworn-in minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction , Prof Nentawe Yilwatda has informed the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu that  the minors arraigned and released on the orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been taken back to their various states and handed over to the State Governments. 

He disclosed this after a closed door visit to the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the State House Abuja. 
The Minister also informed the media during an interview that the visit was to seek for partnership with the First Lady’s pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) especially in areas of Poverty Reduction which he noted she has been doing in various ways.

"I am here to see the first lady because we want to create partnerships to reduce poverty especially among the vulnerable of which women are part of it and it is the part of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda”.

"Partnership is key to reduction of poverty in Nigerian and also create humanitarian services to everyone”.

 "This morning also we lifted the minor that were involved in the last protest, and we were in court with the minors and we secured their release and we have safely delivered them to their state and we are reported this also to her so that where they need to support them back in their state and provide schools for them from the office of governors wife of various states."

Prof Nentawe Yilwatda said that the ministry is willing to carry out the mandate of this administration with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to lift poverty from the poor across the country. He explained that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is willing to work with RHI on its activities and intervention programmes which he said has had tremendous impact on the women, youth and children especially. 
The proposed partnership, according to the minister would help the ministry to capture more women and other vulnerable groups targeted by the initiative across the country.

Prof Nentawe Yilwatda was one of the seven Ministers sworn-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday 4th November, 2024.

SIGNED
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
5th November,2024

#PresidentialVillaUpdate

We will key into the Kasuwan Plateau Initiatives- Hon. Silas Patrick Dung

By WALBE  ORGAK 
Hon. Silas Patrick, the Executive chairman of Jos South council, has applauded the organizers of the ongoing Kasuwan Plateau which is taking place Solomon Lar Amusements Park for creating a platform that showcases the rich indigenous agricultural produce, artwork, and technological innovations of the council.

This initiative aligns with the vision of his administration which focuses on agricultural revolution and rural development, aiming to boost local production, promote food security, and cut food imports.

Hon. Silas Patrick has demonstrated his commitment to providing excellent leadership and community development, anchor on promoting innovations and also providing the enabling environments for the developments local agriculture produced

He promised to key into the Kasuwan Plateau initiative in promoting sustainable economic rebirth, one of the key pillars of the councils point policy.

He noted that the council's participation and showcasing the indigenous agricultural produce, artwork, and technological innovations, Kasuwan Plateau helps achieve the councils vision of becoming a major player in food production for domestic and international consumption. This initiative also complements the council policies in promoting rural development and improving the lives of the rural populace, by boosting local production and promoting food security, Improving the lives of the rural populace through infrastructure development and service delivery, promoting economic growth and development in Jos South and Plateau State

Hon. Silas Patrick's endorsement of Kasuwan Plateau underscores his dedication to community development and his vision for a prosperous Jos South.

The Organizer of the Kasuwan Plateau Nanmua Banda explained that it is the special maiden edition of a mini expo that is organize by the pride of the Plateau Multipurpose cooperative society am of the life line global limited.

He noted that the purpose of the Kasunwa Plateau is to strictly promote the production and sales of made in Plateau product, noting that it has become necessary to show the world that Plateau state have a lot of products and potentials which seek to promote local production.

While commending the technological ingenuity of the students of Government Sciences and Technical College Bukuru, BUTECH, He said the product displayed at Kasuwan Plateau are produced and packaged locally.   

Hon. Silas Patrick Dung has pledged to support the Kasuwan Plateau Initiatives, affirming his commitment to promoting economic growth and development in Jos South Local Government Area.

This declaration aligns with his vision for Jos South's brighter future, built on excellent leadership, integrity, and dedication to the community ¹. As the newly elected Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung has already demonstrated his capacity for leadership, having emerged victorious in the recent elections .

By embracing the Kasuwan Plateau Initiatives, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung aims to:

Enhance trade and commerce in Jos South

Foster growth and development in rural areas 

Showcase and support local agricultural products

This move is expected to have a positive impact on the community, creating opportunities for economic advancement and improved livelihoods.


CHIEF ARDIYEL PEDRO DAFUR,FCA CONGRATULATES PROFESSOR NENTAWE YILWATDA GOSHWE ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS A HON. MINISTER IN THE GOVERNMENT OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

On behalf of myself, family and Political Associates, I wish to congratulate you on your appointment as the Honorable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction by the President of the federal republic of Nigeria.

This well deserved appointment has opened up a window for you to accomplish your desire to serve humanity which you sought to do as a governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections. I have no doubts in my mind that given your pedigree, you will deliver on your mandate excellently to exceed the expectations of Mr. President and Nigerians.
I therefore join other well wishers in thanking Mr. President for considering you worthy of this appointment and also pray that the good Lord grant you good health and wisdom to face the task ahead so that we shall have cause to celebrate you more and more.
Once more, congratulations Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as you assume office as the Honorable minister for humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction.

Chief Ardiyel Pedro DAFUR, FCA
Former Senatorial Aspirant, Plateau Central District.

GRASSROOTS NEWS

DCG GEORGE DIDEL (RTD): A PROFILE IN PROFESSIONALISM

By Ayuba, Yilgak'ha Retired DCG George Chamlong Didel, is a household name in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Until h...