NGOLONG NGAS CALLS FOR UNFLINCHING SUPPORT FOR GOV. MUTFWANG AND PROF. NENTAWE YILWADA

(BY WALBE OGAK)

His Majesty, Nde Jika Golit, the Ngolong Ngas, has called on the people of Ngas land and Plateau State to give unwavering and united support to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

The Ngolong Ngas made the call on Monday, August 25, 2026, when he received members of the Ngas APC Progressive Stakeholders Forum in audience at his Palace.

His Majesty emphasized that peace, unity and sustainable development can only thrive when political leadership, government and other institutions work together in harmony.

He described the visit by the forum as timely, particularly at a period when the country is confronting security and socio-economic challenges that require collective responsibility and concerted action.

The traditional ruler commended the forum for prioritising unity among the Ngas people and promoting peaceful coexistence across the various ethnic groups in Plateau State.

He urged the group to support the Mutfwang-led administration, stressing that a stable government is critical to sustaining peace and delivering the dividends of democracy to citizens irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation.

On the emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as National Chairman of the APC, the Ngolong Ngas described it as a historic honour for Ngas land and Plateau State.

He therefore urged APC members and other stakeholders to rally firmly behind the national chairman, noting that his position at the centre presents an opportunity for Plateau State and Ngas people to attract greater federal presence through appointments, projects and other development opportunities.

Earlier, the Team Leader of the forum, Hon. Emmanuel Lokji Goar, a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and former member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, explained that the visit was to formally introduce the newly established Ngas APC Progressive Stakeholders Forum and seek the royal father's prayers and blessings.

Hon. Goar explained that the forum was established to provide a distinct platform for partisan political activities, separate from existing Ngas structures such as the Ngas Elders Forum and the Ngas Development Association, which operate directly under the leadership of the Ngolong Ngas.

He said the forum is committed to defending and supporting government at all levels while promoting peaceful engagement between the people and government.

Hon. Goar also commended the Ngolong Ngas for his consistent efforts toward finding lasting solutions to issues capable of creating misunderstanding between the people and government.

He said the forum's objective is to project the image of the Ngas people positively in future political engagements by discouraging self-centred politics and promoting cooperation and synergy with other ethnic groups.

He specifically called for support for Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who shares the same ethnic background with the Ngas, to enable him complete his eight-year tenure.

The Team Leader further urged Ngas sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to shun politics of bitterness and factionalism and embrace reconciliation, inclusion and collective progress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, the Plateau State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Cletus Bako Shikur, called on the Ngas people to embrace unity and speak with one voice in order to strengthen their relevance, development prospects and political influence.

Dr. Shikur observed that history has shown that communities that remain divided are often pushed to the background in the political affairs of Plateau State.

He described the emergence of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman as a rare political opportunity that must be protected and maximised for the benefit of Ngas land and Plateau State.

The Commissioner warned that failure to support the APC national chairman could send the wrong signal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the party.

He therefore urged Ngas stakeholders to rally behind Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in the interest of peace and good governance in Plateau State, while also giving Professor Nentawe Yilwatda their full support to enable Ngas land and the state benefit maximally from federal appointments, projects and other opportunities.

The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, political maturity, peaceful coexistence and collective action among the Ngas people ahead of the 2027 political season.

TONGZUM BARDE: THE MEN BEHIND THE SCENE, SILENCE ARCHIEVERS

(By WALBE OGAK)

In Nigeria’s political and public service environment, it is common for top government officials and political leaders to appoint aides to assist them in carrying out specific assignments, managing engagements, coordinating activities, and representing their principals when necessary.

However, the role of a political aide comes with enormous responsibility. While some aides may become power-drunk, act as gatekeepers, or create unnecessary barriers between their principals and members of the public, there are others who understand that their responsibility is fundamentally about service.

Tongzum Barde, an aide to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, belongs to the latter category.

Those who have interacted with Barde describe him as a man of humility, transparency, discipline and uncommon accessibility. Rather than seeing his position as an opportunity to wield influence, he appears to understand it as a platform to serve both his principal and the people who interact with the office.

In politics, the spotlight often shines on those standing at the podium. They deliver speeches, make policy pronouncements and take the political decisions that attract public attention. But behind every successful political leader is usually a team of people working quietly in the background—organising meetings, coordinating engagements, managing communications and ensuring that the machinery of leadership functions effectively.

This is where the importance of aides such as Tongzum Barde becomes evident.

While the principal handles major political responsibilities, aides are often responsible for the details that make those responsibilities easier to execute. From arranging schedules and facilitating contacts to attending to requests and ensuring that important matters receive attention, their work may rarely make the headlines, but it remains indispensable.

Sources familiar with Barde’s activities describe him as possessing an uncommon combination of leadership and followership skills—the ability to take responsibility when circumstances demand leadership, while also understanding when humility and service are required.

That balance is particularly important in political administration, where access, information and proximity to influential figures can easily be mistaken for personal power.

Despite the demands of his schedule, Barde is said to approach his responsibilities with considerable patience and attention to detail. He reportedly listens carefully to issues brought before him, including complaints and criticisms that others might be tempted to dismiss.

“He does not just respond to calls,” a colleague observed. “He listens with keen interest, even to complaints or criticism that others might want to rubbish. And when he replies to text messages, it is always with kind formalities.”

Such conduct may appear ordinary, but in the high-pressure environment of contemporary politics, it is increasingly becoming uncommon.

For many members of the public, the aide is often the first point of contact with a political office. How that individual treats people can therefore shape their perception of the principal and, by extension, the institution the principal represents.

Beyond administrative responsibilities, those who have worked closely with Barde describe him as compassionate and considerate. His approach, they say, reflects an understanding that behind every phone call, message or request is a person with a concern, an expectation or sometimes a difficult personal story.

This quality of quiet service is particularly significant in a political environment where visibility and influence can sometimes overshadow humility.

Barde’s example reinforces an important principle: public service is not measured only by how loudly one speaks, but also by how effectively one serves.

Political aides may not always receive public recognition for their contributions. They work behind the scenes, often under pressure and without the visibility enjoyed by their principals. Yet their professionalism, discretion, accessibility and commitment can significantly influence the effectiveness of the office they serve.

In a political space often characterised by noise, competition and the pursuit of personal influence, men like Tongzum Barde represent the quieter side of leadership—the engine room where much of the real organisational work takes place.

They may not always stand on the podium, appear in headlines or receive applause. But they help make the podium possible.

They are, indeed, the men behind the scene.

2027: Plateau Women Alliance Moves to Consolidate Grassroots Structure in Northern Zone

Group Sets Ward, Polling Unit Mobilisation Target, Strengthens LGA Structures Ahead of Tinubu, Mutfwang Campaigns

By WALBE OGAK

The Plateau Women Alliance Support Group for Tinubu and Mutfwang 2027 has commenced a fresh drive to consolidate its grassroots political structure across the Northern Zone of Plateau State, with emphasis on ward and polling unit mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed Hon. Veronica Pwol, Zonal Coordinator, Northern Zone Plateau Women Alliance Support Group for Tinubu and Mutfwang 2027. The move formed the major focus of the Northern Zone Executive Meeting of the group held on Thursday, August 14, 2026, at the Sen. Simon Mwadkwon Hotel, Domkat, Bali Road, Jos.

The meeting, which attracted 35 executive members from across the Northern Zone, reviewed the organisational structure of the group and mapped out strategies for strengthening its presence at the grassroots.

Declaring the meeting open, the Northern Zone Coordinator, Hon. Veronica Pwol, welcomed members and commended them for their commitment to the movement, stressing the need for unity, discipline and effective coordination as the group prepares for the 2027 political season.

From Zonal Structure to Polling Units. At the centre of the deliberations was the need to build a functional structure capable of reaching women and other supporters at the grassroots.

The meeting consequently directed all LGA Coordinators to submit the names of their Ward and Polling Unit Coordinators within one week to the Assistant Secretary, Hon. Tabawa Aruku CNA.

The decision is expected to provide the group with a clearer organisational chain from the zonal leadership through the LGAs and wards down to polling units.

The LGA Coordinators were also mandated to forward the official list of APC candidates immediately after its release by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The Northern Zone leadership further emphasised the importance of cooperation among members of the organisation, directing all Advisers and State Executive Council members to work closely with the Zonal Coordinator and their respective LGA Coordinators.

According to the meeting, stronger collaboration among the various levels of leadership would enhance coordination and prevent duplication of responsibilities as political activities intensify towards 2027.

The group also moved to strengthen its identity and visibility, agreeing that the official cap would be used during meetings as a means of identification.

However, the T-shirt and cap would be reserved for campaign activities and courtesy visits.

LGA Inauguration: Patrons, Matrons, Advisers:

Preparations for the proposed LGA inauguration ceremonies also featured prominently during the meeting.

Each of the six LGAs in the Northern Zone was tasked with securing a minimum of four Patrons and four Matrons before the inauguration.

The LGAs were equally directed to identify prominent stakeholders who could serve in strategic roles, including Chairman, Special Guest and Chairlady, while also supporting the sponsorship and success of the inauguration programmes.

In another organisational decision, every LGA was mandated to have at least four Advisers, with the possibility of appointing more where necessary.

Other Zones to Establish Structures

The Northern Zone Executive also extended the organisational blueprint to other zones of the state.

The South West, South East, South and Middle Belt Zones were urged to constitute their respective Executive Councils, Patrons and Matrons.

The meeting stressed that persons selected into the various positions should be responsible and committed members capable of contributing meaningfully to the objectives of the movement.

Each of the zones is expected to conduct its own inauguration separately as part of the broader effort to establish a coordinated statewide structure.

A Grassroots Political Network

The resolutions coming from the meeting underscore the growing emphasis on grassroots organisation as political activities gradually build towards the 2027 elections.

For the Plateau Women Alliance Support Group, the strategy goes beyond holding periodic meetings, as the organisation seeks to establish a structured network capable of mobilising women and supporters across LGAs, wards and polling units.

The meeting ended at 4:00pm with a closing prayer and vote of thanks.

The Northern Zone leadership described the meeting as successful, saying it was conducted in an atmosphere of unity, commitment and determination to strengthen the organisation ahead of the 2027 elections

2027: PWASG SOUTHERN ZONE TIGHTENS GRASSROOTS MACHINERY, MOBILISES FOR TINUBU-MUTFWANG VICTORY

Shendam meeting sets fresh agenda for ward, polling-unit structures as political mobilisation gathers momentum

(BY OUR CORRESPONDENT)

The Plateau State Women Support Group for Tinubu and Mutfwang 2027, PWASG, has stepped up its grassroots mobilisation drive in the Southern Senatorial Zone, with a strategic meeting in Shendam Local Government Area focusing on strengthening its political structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, brought together the State Executive Council, Zonal Executive Council, advisers, the six LGA coordinators and their respective executive members from across the Southern Zone.

Beyond its organisational dimension, the meeting was seen as another indication of the growing efforts by the group to establish a coordinated grassroots network capable of reaching voters at the ward and polling-unit levels ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among the political stakeholders who attended were the Executive Chairman of Shendam Local Government Area, Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe; the Member representing Quanpan/Mikang/Shendam Federal Constituency, Hon. Joseph Dashe Dading; and APC House of Assembly candidates from Shendam constituencies.

The presence of the political leaders provided an opportunity for greater engagement between the support group and key political stakeholders, particularly on the need for sustained grassroots mobilisation and coordinated political participation.

In an appreciation message, PWASG commended Hon. Nshe, Hon. Dading and the APC candidates for honouring its invitation and for their continued support for the objectives of the organisation.

At the heart of the meeting was the question of political structure and mobilisation.

Discussions focused on four critical areas: mobilisation, organisational structure, group identity, and preparations for the forthcoming LGA inaugurations and the 2027 elections.

Participants examined ways of strengthening PWASG from the state level down to the grassroots, particularly through the establishment and consolidation of ward and polling-unit structures.

The objective, according to the group, is to create an effective grassroots network capable of mobilising support for the Tinubu/Mutfwang political project across the Southern Zone in 2027.

The emphasis on polling-unit structures is particularly significant, as electoral outcomes are ultimately determined at the grassroots. For PWASG, therefore, building an effective network of coordinators represents a major component of its strategy for translating political support into electoral strength.

One of the key decisions reached at the meeting was the directive to all LGA coordinators to submit the names of their respective ward and polling-unit coordinators to the Assistant Secretary, Hon. Tabawa Aruku, CNA, within one week.

The coordinators were also directed to forward the official list of APC candidates to the Zonal Executive Council immediately after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, releases the list.

The directives are expected to further streamline the group's organisational structure and improve coordination between its leadership and grassroots operatives.

The meeting also featured the decoration of the Executive Chairman of Shendam LGA and the APC candidate for the Quanpan/Mikang/Shendam Federal Constituency as patrons of PWASG.

The gesture was presented as an acknowledgement of their support for the organisation and its political objectives.

For the support group, the involvement of political office holders and candidates is expected to strengthen collaboration and create a more coordinated platform for grassroots engagement ahead of 2027.

The Shendam meeting underscores the increasing attention being paid to early political organisation as the 2027 electoral season approaches.

Rather than waiting until the election period, PWASG is seeking to build its structures ahead of time, with emphasis on identifying coordinators, strengthening its presence in wards and polling units, and improving communication between the different levels of the organisation.

The group described the meeting as successful and strategic, expressing appreciation to God, political stakeholders and members for their support and commitment to the movement.

The communique was signed by the Assistant Secretary of PWASG, Hon. Tabawa Aruku, CNA.

The meeting ended with prayers for the continued success of PWASG, peace and progress in Plateau State, and victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

2027: Plateau Women Alliance Support Group Seeks Stronger Grassroots Mobilisation, Meets APC Northern Zone Chairman

(By Our Correspondent)

The Plateau Women Alliance Support Group (PWASG) has commenced strategic engagements with key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made this known following a courtesy visit to the APC Northern Zone Chairman, Hon. Agwom Atang Azi, at his office on August 17, 2026.

The visit provided an opportunity for the women’s support group to formally introduce its leadership, structure and mandate to the party chairman, while outlining its mobilisation plans and activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Receiving the delegation, Hon. Azi warmly welcomed the initiative and commended the group for what he described as a well-organised and structured approach to political mobilisation.

The APC Northern Zone Chairman stressed the importance of taking political mobilisation to the grassroots, particularly the polling-unit level, urging the women to establish a strong presence across the state's electoral structures.

He challenged the group to mobilise at least 20 women in every polling unit, noting that a well-coordinated grassroots structure could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections.

According to him, women constitute a critical component of the electorate and their effective organisation and participation could significantly strengthen the party's electoral prospects.

Hon. Azi further advised the group to establish a comprehensive executive structure across all 17 Local Government Areas, with ward and polling-unit coordinators to ensure effective communication, mobilisation and coordination.

He noted that unlike some support groups that operate mainly as platforms for family members and friends, PWASG had demonstrated a level of organisation and structure capable of supporting sustained political mobilisation.

The chairman also encouraged the women to extend their consultations to APC leaders in other zones, stressing the importance of broad-based engagement, unity and cooperation within the party.

He expressed optimism that women's participation and influence in the political process would increase significantly ahead of the 2027 elections and prayed for the success of the group's mobilisation efforts.

In her remarks, the Secretary of PWASG, Ruth Ezekiel Mandyau, thanked the APC Northern Zone Chairman for receiving the delegation and for his guidance and encouragement.

She said the group would remain committed to building a united, disciplined and effective grassroots network capable of contributing meaningfully to the political process.

The courtesy visit ended on a positive note, with the chairman expressing his support and goodwill towards the Plateau Women Alliance Support Group and urging its members to remain united, organised and focused on their objectives ahead of 2027.

The engagement is seen by members of the group as an important step towards building stronger collaboration between women-led support structures and the APC grassroots leadership across Plateau State.

Signed:

Ruth Ezekiel Mandyau

Secretary, PWASG – Southern Zone

MUTFWANG RESTORING DIGNITY OF NGAS TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION — BILIWER

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Secretary of Plateau Central Zone Like Minds for Caleb Mutfwang 2027, Godwin Biliwer, has described the installation of the Ngolong Ngas as one of the most commendable and significant steps taken by Governor Caleb Mutfwang since assuming office as Executive Governor of Plateau State in 2023.

Biliwer said the development has not only restored the dignity, pride and relevance of the traditional institution in Ngasland, but has also strengthened cultural identity, unity and cohesion among the Ngas people.

According to him, the Ngolong Ngas stool has historically played a critical role in the socio-cultural and political development of the Ngas nation, but its influence was weakened and largely absent during the previous political dispensation.

He noted that Governor Mutfwang, immediately upon assuming office in 2023, demonstrated his commitment to restoring the traditional institution by ensuring the installation of the Ngolong Ngas, describing the decision as a bold and historic intervention.

“For long, Ngolong Ngas has played a key role in the socio-cultural and political development of the people, which was lacking in the last political dispensation. But now, that dignity and relevance have been restored,” Biliwer stated.

Biliwer also commended the construction of a state-of-the-art palace for the Ngolong Ngas, describing the project as another major demonstration of the Mutfwang administration’s commitment to restoring the dignity and prestige of the traditional institution.

He noted that the palace, which is said to be almost 90 percent completed, will provide a befitting edifice for the Ngolong Ngas and further reinforce the importance of the traditional institution in the cultural and socio-political life of the Ngas people.

“The construction of a state-of-the-art palace, which is almost 90 percent complete, is highly commendable. It shows that Governor Mutfwang is not only interested in installing the Ngolong Ngas but is also committed to providing the institution with the facilities and environment befitting its status,” he said.

He said the restoration of the Ngolong Ngas institution has provided a rallying point for the Ngas people, creating an avenue for greater unity, peaceful coexistence and stronger community leadership.

Biliwer further commended Governor Mutfwang for recognizing the strategic role traditional institutions play in governance and grassroots development, stressing that traditional rulers remain important partners in promoting peace, mobilizing communities and preserving cultural values.

He said the administration’s support for the traditional institution has renewed confidence among the people of Plateau Central, while also strengthening the relationship between government and the grassroots.

According to Biliwer, the installation of the Ngolong Ngas and the construction of the palace represent more than physical or ceremonial achievements, but important steps towards restoring the historical and cultural identity of the Ngas people.

He maintained that Governor Mutfwang’s intervention would remain one of the notable achievements of his administration, particularly because it has provided the Ngas people with a central institution capable of fostering unity and coordinating the interests of the people.

Biliwer therefore urged the people of Plateau Central to appreciate and sustain the gains recorded under the Mutfwang administration, saying the governor’s commitment to traditional institutions, grassroots engagement and inclusive governance deserves continued support ahead of the 2027 elections.

NEMEL PEOPLE CELEBRATE KAYE FOUNDATION FOR SUPPORT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED

Beneficiaries Receive Food, Clothes and Educational Materials

(By  Wukaska Bako Gowon)

The people of Nemel Community have commended the Kaye Foundation for its humanitarian gesture towards the less privileged in the area.

The appreciation followed a distribution exercise where the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mr. Albert Kaye, alongside his wife, Mrs. Magdalena Albert Kaye, gave out food items, clothes, and learning materials to vulnerable families and individuals.

The event, held at Gwam Nemel Primary School, drew large crowds and was met with loud applause from beneficiaries and community leaders, who described the intervention as timely and impactful.

Speaking during the distribution, Mr. Kaye said the foundation was established to give back to society and to put smiles on the faces of those in need.

He noted that supporting the less privileged is a responsibility that all well-meaning individuals and organizations must embrace, especially in difficult times.

In her remarks, Mrs. Magdalena Albert Kaye encouraged women to be supportive partners to their husbands and to shun idleness.

She urged them to engage in meaningful ventures, skills acquisition, and small-scale businesses that will improve family livelihoods and contribute to community development.

“Women must support our husbands, train their children well, and avoid idleness. Hard work brings dignity and progress to every home,” she said.

Community leaders and beneficiaries who spoke at the event praised the Kaye Foundation for remembering the poor at this critical time.

They described the gesture as one that promotes unity, love, and social responsibility, and prayed God to continue to bless and strengthen the foundation to do more.

The programme ended with prayers, songs of appreciation, and the distribution of items to hundreds of beneficiaries.

The Kaye Foundation assured that it will sustain the initiative and extend similar support to other communities in the near future.