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.

ASUU–FG Agreement: A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Public Universities

By Jwanji, Moses Dakas

University of Jos

The successful conclusion of the long-awaited negotiations between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) marks a defining moment in the trajectory of Nigeria’s public university system. Coming after years of strained relations, recurring industrial actions, and disruptions to academic calendars, the breakthrough represents a rare convergence of dialogue, leadership, and national interest—one that inspires cautious optimism across the education sector.

At the centre of this milestone is the President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, whose leadership, courage, and commitment to principled engagement steered the union through a difficult and often daunting process. Supported by the National Executive Council (NEC), national officers, and executives at zonal, state, and branch levels, ASUU displayed remarkable unity, patience, and resolve. Their collective perseverance reaffirmed the union’s historic role—not merely as a labour organisation, but as a steadfast defender of academic standards and national development.

Worthy of special mention is the Chairperson of the University of Jos branch of ASUU, Prof. Jurbe Molwus, whose indefatigable, dogged, and unwavering commitment ensured cohesion, harmony, and steadfastness among members of his immediate academic community during a period of immense challenges. His leadership exemplified grassroots resilience and constructive engagement, reinforcing the broader success of the union’s efforts nationwide.

On the part of government, commendation is due to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The administration’s willingness to re-engage ASUU through meaningful dialogue and address long-standing issues reflects a notable shift toward consultation, inclusiveness, and responsiveness. This approach departs from adversarial postures of the past and underscores negotiation as a sustainable tool of governance.

The implications of the agreement are far-reaching. A stable and predictable academic calendar will help restore confidence in Nigeria’s public universities, easing the burdens borne by students, parents, and the wider society. Stability is fundamental to effective teaching, learning, and research, and this development lays a strong foundation for rebuilding trust in the system.

Furthermore, the agreement holds promise for tackling the persistent challenge of brain drain, popularly described as the “Japa syndrome.” Improved conditions of service, enhanced research support, and better institutional funding can motivate Nigerian academics and researchers to remain in the country, contribute meaningfully, and build lasting academic legacies within local institutions. Retaining intellectual capital is indispensable for national growth, innovation, and global relevance.

With renewed commitment to the education sector, Nigeria’s public universities are better positioned to compete favourably on the global stage. Improved funding, strengthened research infrastructure, and motivated academic staff can enhance global rankings, attract international collaborations, and deepen Nigeria’s contribution to global knowledge production.

While celebrating this progress, it is important to respectfully remind the Federal Government of the need for faithful and timely implementation of all agreements reached. Consistency in honouring commitments will strengthen trust, prevent future industrial disputes, and reinforce the credibility of government interventions in the education sector. Trust, once established and sustained, remains the cornerstone of a functional and forward-looking university system.

In conclusion, the resolution of the ASUU–FG negotiations stands as a testament to the power of dialogue, leadership, and shared national purpose. It is hoped that this moment will herald a new era of cooperation, accountability, and sustained investment in Nigeria’s public universities—an era in which education is truly recognised as the backbone of national development and global competitiveness.

Caption:

ASUU–FG Breakthrough: Union leaders and federal officials seal a landmark agreement, raising fresh hopes for stability, quality, and global relevance in Nigeria’s public university system.

SEN. DIKET PLANG: LEADERSHIP THAT DELIVERS — THE FACTS AGAINST THE NOISE

(BY WALBE OGAK)

Sen.bDiket Plang: Leadership That Delivers. Results That Silence Lies.

Frightened by the achievements, resilience, and unstoppable momentum of Senator Diket Plang, a coalition of failed and rejected politicians has descended into panic. Unable to compete on performance, they have embraced propaganda, pull-him-down tactics, and outright falsehoods in a desperate attempt to regain relevance.

These attacks are not accidental—they are calculated. They come from individuals whose records are empty, whose promises failed, and whose time has passed. Having nothing to show the people, they now trade in lies and mischief, hoping noise can replace substance.

Senator Diket Plang remains unshaken. While others shout, he delivers. While others plot, he works. His focus has never shifted from the mandate given to him by the people: to represent with integrity, purpose, and results.

A true son of the soil, born and raised among the people, Senator Plang understands their pain, aspirations, and expectations because he lived them. This is not borrowed empathy—it is real, and it drives his people-first approach to representation.

In the Senate, Dike Plang has proven himself through action, sponsoring and supporting legislation that strengthens education, improves healthcare delivery, and expands critical infrastructure. These are not media stunts; they are policies with impact.

On the ground, his constituency projects expose the lies of his critics. Communities have seen real interventions, youths have gained opportunities, and families have felt the impact of development. These projects stand as permanent evidence against temporary propaganda.

Unlike his detractors who govern from behind closed doors, Senator Plang remains accessible and accountable. He listens, engages, and responds—because leadership is service, not arrogance.

Let it be clear: questioning performance is fair, but distorting facts is cowardice. Even his loudest critics cannot erase the visible footprint of his work. His ability to listen, adapt, and improve is strength—not weakness.

To the merchants of lies, we say this: the era of deceiving the people is over. You cannot rewrite reality, and you cannot erase results. The people know who stood with them and who disappeared when it mattered.

Senator Diket Plang’s vision is firm and unyielding—progress, development, and opportunity for all. No amount of propaganda can stop a leader whose record speaks louder than insults. The future belongs to performance, not noise.

Walbe Ogak 

07036573313

A EULOGY IN HONOUR OF A CELEBRATED MATRIARCH: LATE MAMA CECILIA SATI

(by Ayuba, Yilgak'ha,) 

Let me start this eulogy by confessing that I never met Late Mama Cecilia Sati until her final days when she was critically ill. 

Recently, before here death, we visited her at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), and found she was gasping for air and could not even identify or speak to us. 

From the threshold of testimonies I got following her demise, I realised Late Mama was a positive reference point and a lesson in good deeds. Even through her children—most of whom I encountered under one roof through our uncle, Nde Cephas Babaji Gowok, and his wife, Mrs Cephas Gowok — I learned the beauty of love and hospitality. For instance, Mrs Cephas, one of Late Mama’s children, has continually remained a rallying point and a great benefactor to many, including myself. 

I observed that Late Mama Cecilia was a man in a woman who loved God with all that was in her. Similar to the experience of Ayuba, a very faithful man of God in the Holy Bible, Late Mama lost eight (8) of her twelve (12) loving children, including a grandson, Late Barji Cephas, and her late husband, Nde Sati Gonet; yet she kept unwavering faith in God. Most often, when times are bad, people abandon God, their Creator—she never did! 

Late Mama Cecilia enjoyed longevity, which, from the Scriptures, is viewed as a reward for obedience to God and parents. She lived 85 solid years—a feat only a few could achieve in our present generation. Yes, to God be the glory; 85 years is not 85 days!

Our lives are in the hollow of God's hands and, when He says yes, ours cannot be a no. We must be in sync with His will for us always. That is the way of faith!

May God grant Late Mama eternal rest, Cecilia Sati, and comfort her family—nuclear and extended, friends, neighbours, and indeed, well‑wishers!

EULOGY IN HONOUR OF A FORCE FOR GOOD: LATE NDE BARR. A.G. GOLAR

(By Ayuba, Yilgak’ha)

All men must die, but each death brings a different level of shock. I am deeply saddened and shocked, and I have yet to come to terms with the reality that Nde Barr. Asabar Gofwan Golar (AG Golar) is no more. On Saturday, 3rd January, 2026, he came to my house around the Abattoir, Jos, in the evening after the wedding of a sister, Precious Yakubu, which took place in Jos. He was full of life at the wedding and we had fruitful conversations at my house before he left around 7 p.m. 

Seeing how healthy he was, none of us had any inkling that this respected elder brother and my personal father‑figure would not survive the next 48 hours. What sorrowful life is it that we live in this world?

Late Barrister A.G. Golar was a rare breed, a very conservative and complete gentleman whose life was dedicated to the service of God and humanity. He was a dedicated family man and a community builder whose name was never spoken in a bad light, as far as memory can take me. 

In 2009, I had the rare privilege of staying under his roof in Abuja until I secured a job and left in 2010. His immediate family came through for me when I needed them the most. There was no favour I did not get throughout my sojourn with them. His wise counsels were a great influence on my life. 

I can say without mincing words that, Late Nde A.G. Golar was a force for good, a great benefactor and a harbinger of hope. Many people enjoyed his goodwill, but he never made noise about it. Indeed, the deceased was a low‑key achiever who sacrificed quite a lot in the service of humanity!

Late Barr. A.G. Golar was a respected unifier, a lesson in humility and a unique personality who never sought public attention. As an accomplished public servant, he rose to the enviable rank of Deputy Director in the prestigious Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but kept a very low profile throughout his lifetime.

Late AG was not a saint (no one is), but the unique thing about him was that he took exception to unruly tendencies. He was not favourably disposed to careless living or misbehaviour. The deceased maintained a high sense of decency. He lived an exemplary life that was worthy of emulation!

Late Nde Asabar was a loving disciplinarian who had learned the secret of correcting people, especially the younger ones, in love. His only motivation was to ensure that, everyone - younger and old - found meaning in life and strove with renewed commitment to make a difference in the land of the living. This made him a celebrated mentor and role model!

As a successful Central Banker and trained political scientist-cum‑legal expert, one would have expected him to dabble in politics after retirement, but he chose absolute restraint. His deep sense of morality could not allow him to plunge into the murky waters of the game. 

The Late Barrister was heavenly conscious. Throughout my stay with him, he never defaulted in fellowship with the congregation of God’s people, and took his family prayer altar seriously and consistently. He always used the prayer Altar to give useful instructions that were rooted in the Word of God. 

He valued relationships, and nobody who met him ever wanted to leave, for there was no reason to do so. For instance, the deceased’s supporting staff—including drivers that he worked with while in active public service—continually kept in touch long after his retirement. Such sustained bonding can exist only when there is a constant flow of shared goodwill and affection.

This bereavement hits badly, and the enthusiasm with which this new year began has been shattered and battered beyond measure. Life has happened to us again: A profile in virtue has left us to be with his Creator! 

In the demise of Nde A. G. Golar, I have lost a charismatic leader, a moral compass and mentor who strived hard and lived above board. Now, what else can one say? 

God’s ways are mysterious, and His verdict cannot be questioned. Thus, this tragic and unsettling incident is left to the Creator who has visited us this way!

It was the world's reggae legend, Bob Marley of blessed memory who said, "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." This knock is definitely a hard one but we have no choice but to be strong in faith.

As painful as this incident is, the Scripture commands believers to give thanks in every circumstance. May God help us to bear allegiance through this divine instruction which is hard to cultivate in trying times like this.

I just wish this piece were a life tribute not eulogy. Be that as it may, Late Barr. A.G. Golar has paid his dues. His marks are quite visible and will last through generations! Death has robbed humanity of a good man, but not the virtues he lived for; death has inflicted us with pain but cannot diminish the good memories we shared; death has harmed us but not the hope of our meeting at the resurrection morning.

Nde Barr. A.G. Golar is gone but, certainly, not from our hearts and minds. May his soul find eternal rest in the great beyond. May God comfort the immediate family - Mrs Kisitimwa Asabar Golar (I call her Mummy), Minen Asabar Golar, Nenlap Asabar Golar and Comfort Asabar Golar. May God also comfort the extended family and friends, Gochom community, Ngas nation, Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole. In times like this, God is to be focused upon more than the devastating occurrence that has weaken multitudes who shared great moments with the decease while alive!

*Ayuba, Yilgak’ha, 10th January, 2026*