HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THESE THINGS?

Life can be tricky and difficult but learned to be grateful always. No matter your situation, you are better off than an a neighbour or some acquintances.

When you hear stories of others, your's become a huge joke. This is just the fact, and the truth too.

You have got to be alive to be sick, poor, betrayed or lonely. Those complaining about being jilted had a relationship before the jilting happened. Have you considered these things? 

Nobody wants to die. Given the chance, those who died would have preferred staying alive even if sick, poor, lonely or betrayed! Have you considered these realities?

You complained your parents are abjectly poor but somebody's rich parents are laying motionless in their graves! You have got a job with a poor salary, but your first class classmate is roaming the street in search of a morsel. Have you thought about these things?

You have got a husband or wife and somebody is called a widow in your neighbourhood. You have children but complain about their gender; others do not have despite having the resources to cater for 100. Have you considered these things?

You travelled that road, and upon arrival, you heard on the news that that many died or lost their limbs in a motor crash. You are full bodied but crying fault over dearth of oportunitities; another person is physically challenge working against all odds to feed and help others. Have you considered these things?

There are many people ahead of you, but you are never the last on the queue on all fronts. Some have money, you have peace of mind; some are poor but never target of criminals. Some have power but never eating fine. Have you ponder over these things. 

Life is an irony, a twisted reality of thing. The more you have, the more you lack because your appetite keeps soaring. Human wants are insatiable. Have you given these things a thought?

Some won elections but never lived to serve in the office the won one day. Those who lost out found their way to global recognition and influence. Have you comsidered these scenerios?

Do not only look at that course mate that has become a General, a professor or a celebrated professional but think of of those never get to have their school certificates for reasons you could have been a victm of: Expulsion, ill-heath, death, name them. Consider these things!

You have got to be alive before complaining. Do not be an ingrate. Be grateful at all times. Pray and work for what you do not have; thank God for what you have because that is someone's prayer point!

*(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 28th June, 2025)*

HON LETEP DABANG MOVED A MOTION FOR THE ADOPTION OF PRESIDENT TINUBU FOR 2027

By WALBE ORGAK 

In a significant development, the Plateau Central Zone today endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections. The endorsement was made during a stakeholders meeting held earlier today, June 27, 2025

According to sources, the motion for the endorsement was moved by Hon. Latep Dabang GGN, popularly known as Masquerade. The meeting, which was attended by Prof. Nentawe Yilwada Minister for humanitarian Services and other key stakeholders from the zone, unanimously backed President Tinubu's bid for re-election.

This development is seen as a boost to President Tinubu's ambition to retain the presidency for the APC in 2027. The endorsement is also expected to strengthen the party's position in the region and potentially influence the outcome of the elections.

The Plateau Central Zone's endorsement of President Tinubu is a clear indication of the zone's confidence in his leadership and vision for the country. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the party's fortunes in the 2027 elections.

The APC stakeholders in the zone have expressed optimism that President Tinubu's re-election will bring about continued progress and development in the country. With this endorsement, the party is expected to intensify its campaign efforts in the region, with a view to consolidating its support base and winning more votes in the 2027 elections.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE: VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE BILL PASSES PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, June 26, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the legislative process of the Bill for an Act to Establish the Vocational and Entrepreneurial Institute, Jos. The Public Hearing, sponsored by Representative Hon. AMB. Daniel Asama Ago, was successfully held and widely commended.

The Bill, which aims to empower youths with relevant skills for self-reliance and open doors to job opportunities, is now one step closer to becoming law. The final two stages - consideration and assent - are eagerly awaited.

The establishment of this Institute is expected to be a game-changer, not only for Bassa/Jos North, Plateau State, but also for the nation at large. It will provide a platform for youths to acquire skills, thereby reducing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.

Hon. AMB. Daniel Asama, has called on constituents and well-meaning Nigerians to continue praying for the full passage of this life-changing initiative. 

The successful public hearing is a testament to the Honourable Member's dedication to making a positive impact in his constituency and beyond.

Ezekiel Dontinna: The end of a generalist

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum

In its 53 years of existence, The Nigeria Standard has been blessed with different categories of Reporters.

Over these number of years, this development became a tradition that anyone of us could not be boastful of. Simply put, the offsprings of a lion cannot be a lamb.

From the start, Ezekiel did not join the organisation as a Reporter. He was a staff of The Circulation Department December 12, 2001 before he was converted as Editorial staff on August 23, 2010 as Trainee Reporer.

Why did the conversion sail through so easily? He was an avid reader of newspapers as he devoured novels with a thick consistency as if he was doing it for the last.

There were three persons who inspired him on the road to becoming a Journalist.

Nde Jonathan Ishaku, an old horse and a critical voice in Journalism in Nigeria. He employed l and again gave him the go ahead for his conversion.

The other two are his older relations from Tuwan: Esly and Zachariah, both of the same parentage; Malam Bala Gotau.

Esly was a staff of the United Bank for Africa early at some point in his life. He would read novels as if he was attending to a pack of debit and credit notes.

Both Esly and Ezekiel would go to any length to get novels and read between themselves. It was a competition, or so it seems to finish one in a day.

Before his death, Zachariah was a staff of PRTV and had worked as Press Secretary to Senator Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu while he was Deputy Senate President.

Ezekiel Dontinna learnt on the job quickly as he wanted. His editors gave him almost any assignment that was available in Jos and outside.

One of the things that must have endeared him to them was his consistent ability to write his reports and go ahead to get the story behind the news.

Speaking mildly, that perhaps distinguished him among his peers, which it gave him an edge over some of them.

In the last few years of my tour of duty with the organisation, he was assigned to almost every available beat, and as we would say; he was mostly a Roving Reporter of some sort.

The steps taken was simple: There were few hands; and it was necessary to ensure that news coverage of the city was done without missing much of what happened in the city.

To say the least, he was always available to get his reports published. Each time any of his report remained unpublished, he made it look as if it was a crime.

It happens always with all Reporters in the newsroom: They usually get to their lowest points whenever their reports are not taken. They feel sour, sometimes to the point of affecting their schedules for the next day.

Reporters don't determine what stories are to be published, it is the business of editors. They always have their reasons for stepping down a particular story.

Even while he was ill, he did not want any assignment he was involved in to pass him by. It was apparent, if one saw him lately, one knew that he was fighting to stay strong and healthy.

To get certain stories which may not find space in The Nigeria Standard newspapers, he had a blog which published some of his stories. He was on a number of platforms which he shared those stories for others to read.

Over the years, he got involved in union politics of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he became, Financial Secretary later as Secretary of the Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC) Chapel. 

Fresh from NUJ politics, when the PPC Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PPC MCS) Society was electing officials to run its affairs, he got elected as Public Relations Officer from May 16, 2020 until May 31, 2024.

Lately, he became Coordinator, Middle Belt Journalists Forum for Plateau State.

In his 51 years walking the earth, he left behind a family that includes his wife, Grace; two boys and two girls; Sherji, Seyilnen, Nenjipinu and Bizum.

GOV. MUTFWANG CONDOLES THE DONTINA FAMILY AND NIGERIA STANDARD NEWSPAPERS OVER THE DEMISE OF EZEKIEL DONTINA

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dontina family and the Nigeria Standard Newspapers on the passing of Mr. Ezekiel Dontina Peter, a committed staff member of Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC), publishers of The Nigeria Standard, who died after a brief illness.

In a condolence message, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Mr. Ezekiel Dontina, describing him as a dedicated journalist whose contributions to the media profession significantly shaped public discourse, governance, and development on the Plateau.

He noted that the late Ezekiel lived a selfless and impactful life, marked by a strong commitment to truth, peace, and the unity of the state. He further acknowledged Ezekiel’s role in advancing developmental journalism and raising political consciousness among the people of Plateau State.

“This is a monumental loss, not only to the Dontina family and The Nigeria Standard, but to the entire state and the Fourth Estate of the Realm,” the Governor said.

On behalf of the government and the good people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang conveyed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, the Management of PPC, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council. He prayed for God’s comfort upon the widow, children, and all loved ones, asking that they be granted strength and peace in this time of grief.

Gyang Bere

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State

June 25, 2025.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TAKES DECISIVE STEP ON PLATEAU SECURITY

By WALBE ORGAK 

Plateau Killings: In a landmark achievement, the House of Representatives has held its inaugural meeting of the Ad-hoc Committee to Convocate a Special Security Conference on Plateau State, following a motion raised by Hon. (Amb.) Daniel Asama Ago, Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.

According to Comrade Dave Jonathan Boldmind

Press Secretary to Hon. (Amb.) Daniel Asama Ago, the meeting, which took place on June 24, 2025, marks a significant step towards addressing the persistent violence in Plateau State, particularly the recent killings in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas. Hon. Asama's motion, presented on May 7, 2025, drew wide bipartisan support and urged the House to take proactive legislative steps towards confronting the deepening security crisis in the region.

He said the Ad-hoc Committee's inaugural meeting laid plans for a forthcoming National Security Conference, which is expected to attract security agencies, Plateau community leaders, humanitarian organizations, and experts in peace and conflict resolution. The goal is to identify root causes, explore practical solutions, and chart a roadmap for lasting peace in the region.

The Press Secretary further noted that Hon. Asama praised the leadership of the House and fellow lawmakers for their solidarity and support in making the motion a reality. He noted that the convening of the committee is a breakthrough not just for his constituency, but for all Plateau citizens seeking justice, protection, and peace.

He added that this initiative signals hope that decisive leadership at the legislative level can change the national narrative, particularly in confronting rising insecurity across regions. The House of Representatives' readiness to act beyond resolutions and headlines, moving towards coordinated national action, is a testament to the influence and advocacy of Hon. Asama in pushing forward the interests of the voiceless.

TINUBU INITIATIVE FOR NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION APPOINTS MR. PAM BOT-MANG AS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

The Tinubu Initiative for National Transformation (TINT) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Pam Bot-Mang as the  Director of Communication and Public Relations.

Mr. Bot-Mang brings to the role a distinguished career marked by service, integrity, and leadership. He is an accomplished public administrator, a seasoned politician with deep understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, and a respected maritime and logistics executive with years of strategic and operational experience in both the public and private sectors.

In his  capacity, Mr. Bot-Mang will lead the Initiative’s communication strategy, public engagement efforts, and media relations, ensuring that the voice and vision of TINT are clearly articulated and positively projected across all platforms. His role will be pivotal in promoting the Initiative’s programs and reinforcing the values of good governance, national development, and people-centered transformation championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mr. Bot-Mang’s vast network, depth of insight, and commitment to national service make him a valuable addition to the TINT leadership team. His appointment is a strategic step toward strengthening the Initiative’s connection with stakeholders across Nigeria and the global community.

The Tinubu Initiative for National Transformation warmly welcomes Mr. Pam Bot-Mang and is confident that his leadership will further amplify the impact of our mission.

Signed:

Alhaji Nuhu Sani Babura 

National Coordinator

Tinubu Initiative for National Transformation (TINT)