Tongzum Barde at Birthday: Celebrating a Media Strategist and Grassroots Mobiliser

(By WALBE OGAK)

Birthdays provide an opportunity not only to celebrate another year of life but also to reflect on the impact an individual has made in society. As The “Venerable” according to Shabul Mr. Tongzum Barde marks his birthday, it is fitting to acknowledge his remarkable contributions to political communication, media coordination, and grassroots mobilisation within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Widely respected as a gentleman par excellence, Tongzum Barde has earned a reputation for professionalism, humility, integrity, and unwavering dedication to duty. His commitment, loyalty  and unwavering support and duties to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

One area where his impact has been particularly evident is in media management. Through his coordination and engagement with journalists, he has helped foster a more organised, transparent, and professional approach to media coverage of the National Chairman's official engagements. His ability to effectively interface with the press, ensure timely dissemination of information, and coordinate media logistics has earned him the respect of media practitioners and political stakeholders alike.

Beyond media relations, Tongzum Barde has also distinguished himself as an effective grassroots mobiliser, bringing people together around a shared vision while promoting openness, accountability, and constructive engagement. His leadership style, characterised by accessibility, wisdom, and selfless service, has contributed to strengthening public confidence on the National chairman of APC activities and communications.

As family, friends, colleagues, and political associates celebrate this special milestone, they also celebrate a legacy of service built on dedication, transparency, and excellence. It is a fitting moment to wish him many more years of good health, divine strength, wisdom, and continued success in his service to Plateau State, the APC, and the nation.

Happy Birthday to The  Nde. Tongzum Barde. May your years ahead be filled with greater accomplishments and God's abundant blessings.

BEYOND THE PARTY PRIMARIES: How Bldr. Raphael Rume is Redefining Politics in Pankshin North

By WALBE ORGAK

In Nigeria's highly competitive political environment, electoral defeat is often followed by bitterness, litigation, or defection. However, the aftermath of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Pankshin North has presented a different narrative—one centred on political maturity, party loyalty, and democratic sportsmanship.

For Bldr. Raphael Rume, one of the aspirants for the Pankshin North State Constituency ticket, the outcome of the APC primaries was not the end of his political journey but another step in the democratic process. Rather than challenge the result or distance himself from the party, he accepted the decision of the APC leadership without rancour.

To Rume, elections are not defined solely by victory but also by the willingness to respect the verdict of the party and the democratic process, even when it does not favour one's ambition.

Although the primaries did not produce him as the party's candidate, the events that followed have attracted attention from party faithful and political observers alike. In a political climate where post-primary disputes and defections have become commonplace, Rume chose a different path.

He publicly congratulated the party's candidate, Hon. Yokden, dissolved his campaign structure, and directed his supporters to work for the success of the APC and all its candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Party stakeholders have described the gesture as a demonstration of uncommon political discipline and commitment to party unity. They argue that such conduct strengthens internal democracy and reinforces confidence in the party's leadership.

Reflecting on the experience, Rume maintained that politics is not merely about personal ambition.

"Politics is not merely about ambition. It is also about timing, strategy, and understanding the political terrain before taking the next step," he said.

Political analysts believe that Rume's participation in the primaries has further established him as a committed party member who subjected his aspiration to the democratic process. Beyond the contest itself, his campaign stimulated discussions around development, inclusive governance, and effective representation across Pankshin North.

Observers also note that the goodwill generated during his campaign, coupled with his decision to rally behind the party after the primaries, has strengthened his position as a significant stakeholder whose influence is likely to remain relevant in the constituency's political future.

History offers numerous examples of political leaders who experienced electoral setbacks before eventually attaining higher offices. Their success, analysts argue, was shaped not by a single election but by perseverance, strategic relationship-building, and continued service to their communities and political parties.

For Bldr. Raphael Rume, the APC primaries may have marked the end of one contest, but not the end of his political aspirations. Instead, they have opened another chapter defined by resilience, patience, and loyalty.

At a time when political intolerance and division frequently dominate Nigeria's democratic space, his conduct offers a reminder that politics can still be driven by principles, respect for due process, and a shared commitment to the collective interest.

NAWIS and PLAWIS Kick Off Golf Awareness in Plateau with ‘She Swing’ Project Launch

(By WALBE OGAK)

A new chapter in the promotion of women's golf has begun in Plateau State following the launch of the maiden Plateau Women in Sports (PLAWIS) Golf Awareness Kitty by the National Association of Women in Sport (NAWIS) in collaboration with Plateau Women in Sports (PLAWIS).

The initiative, unveiled at the scenic Lamingo Golf Club in Jos, is aimed at encouraging more women and girls to embrace golf while promoting healthy living, inclusion and grassroots sports development.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the She Swing Project, an ambitious grassroots programme designed to identify, train and mentor young female golfers with the long-term goal of producing professionals capable of representing Plateau State and Nigeria on the international stage.

The ceremonial tee-off

marked the official commencement of the maiden Golf Awareness Kitty, drawing golfers, sports administrators, enthusiasts and stakeholders committed to advancing women's participation in sports.

Declaring the event open, the Plateau State Director of Sports described the initiative as a landmark achievement that would create greater opportunities for women in golf while contributing significantly to sports development across the state.

Speaking during the event, Coordinator of the PLAWIS Golf Section, Mrs. Lucy Pam, said the Awareness Kitty was conceived to break the long-held perception that golf is an elite sport reserved for a privileged few.

She maintained that every woman, regardless of age, profession or social background, should have the opportunity to play the game.

According to her, golf offers much more than competition, providing physical fitness, emotional wellness, stress relief and valuable social interaction that contribute to the overall well-being of women.

Pam explained that the She Swing Project would focus initially on discovering and mentoring talented girls from Jos North, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas, equipping them with the skills and exposure required to compete at national and international levels.

She commended sponsors, volunteers, participants and the management of Lamingo Golf Club for supporting the initiative, describing the overwhelming response as evidence of a growing commitment to women's sports development in Plateau State.

In his welcome address, Captain of Lamingo Golf Club, Mr. Bitrus Kaze, expressed appreciation to NAWIS and PLAWIS for choosing the club to host the maiden championship, describing the decision as an honour and a vote of confidence in the club's facilities.

To encourage wider participation, Kaze announced that the club waived its normal hosting charges and retained a highly subsidised tournament registration fee of ₦3,000, making the event more affordable for women interested in taking up the sport.

He also highlighted one of the club's unique attractions, describing Lamingo Golf Club as Nigeria's highest golf course, with its sixth hole situated approximately 1,312 metres above sea level, a feature he said gives the course national recognition and enormous tourism potential.

Representatives of the Chairperson of the NAWIS Plateau State Chapter, Professor Aisha Kersen, who was away in Abuja on national assignment following her inauguration into the Para-Athletics Federation, conveyed her appreciation to the management of Lamingo Golf Club, sponsors and supporters for ensuring the success of the maiden event.

They reiterated that NAWIS, established more than three decades ago, remains committed to promoting women's participation in sports, protecting young female athletes from exploitation and encouraging parents to support the sporting aspirations of the girl child through mentorship and advocacy.

Also speaking, Board of Trustees member of Rhino Golf Club and former Permanent Secretary in the Plateau State Ministry of Finance, Mr. Isaac Wadak, described the maiden Golf Awareness Kitty as a watershed moment for women's golf in Plateau.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would inspire more women and girls to embrace the sport while strengthening the state's reputation as a centre for golf development.

The event concluded with the ceremonial tee-off, symbolising the beginning of what organisers hope will become an annual platform for expanding women's WOMEN IN SPORTS: NAWIS, PLAWIS Launch Golf Awareness Kitty to Promote Women's Participation.

Gagdi's Re-election Bid: The Debate That Could Shape the 2027 Race in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam

(By WALBE OGAK)

Long before the All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its primary election, one issue had already taken centre stage in the political conversation across Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency—the decision of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi to seek another term in the House of Representatives.

The development generated intense debate among party faithful, political stakeholders and constituents. While many rallied behind the lawmaker's bid for re-election, others questioned the propriety of a third-term ambition, arguing that the constituency's zoning arrangement should be respected.

The controversy reached its peak during the APC primary election when two returning officers announced different results, creating uncertainty over the outcome of the exercise.

Despite the confusion, the national leadership of the APC later affirmed Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi as the party's duly nominated candidate for the Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency.

With the primary election concluded, the conversation has largely moved to social media platforms, where supporters and critics continue to engage in vigorous debate.

Supporters argue that Gagdi has every constitutional and democratic right to seek re-election and should be judged on his performance and acceptability to the electorate.

On the other hand, opponents contend that political equity and fairness demand adherence to the constituency's zoning arrangement, insisting that power rotation promotes inclusion and strengthens democratic participation.

Both sides have advanced arguments that resonate with different segments of the constituency. The debate has become one of the defining political issues ahead of the 2027 general election.

Whether voters prioritise experience and continuity or insist on respecting the zoning principle remains to be seen. What is certain is that the conversation surrounding Gagdi's candidacy will continue to shape political alignments and campaign narratives across Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam.

In the end, democracy offers the people the opportunity to make the final decision.

 As campaigns gather momentum, it will be the voters—not social media debates or political arguments—who will determine the next representative of the Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency.

Catholic Diocese of Yola Provides Emergency Food Relief to 60 Displaced Families

(BY: WALBE OGAK)

YO

The Catholic Diocese of Yola has distributed emergency food items to 60 internally displaced persons and refugee returnee families at the Fombina IDPs Camp in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The intervention, carried out through the Diocese's Justice, Development and Peace Commission, JDPC/Caritas, was made possible with support from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood, Ladywell, Great Britain.

The food distribution, which began around noon at the camp near Fombina FM, brought relief to vulnerable households facing severe food shortages.

The Fombina Camp accommodates displaced persons from Borno State alongside refugee returnees from neighbouring Cameroon. Many residents continue to live in makeshift grass-thatched shelters with limited access to food, healthcare, and other basic necessities.

Women, children, pregnant mothers, and elderly persons are among the most vulnerable, facing heightened risks of hunger, malnutrition, and disease.

Speaking during the exercise, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, reaffirmed the Diocese's commitment to supporting victims of conflict and displacement. He noted that while the food assistance would ease immediate hardship, sustained efforts by government, humanitarian agencies, and development partners are needed to provide lasting solutions.

The Diocese also called for increased humanitarian support, including improved food security, durable shelter, expanded healthcare services, stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and livelihood programmes to help displaced families rebuild their lives.

The Catholic Diocese of Yola, through its JDPC/Caritas, has continued to provide humanitarian assistance across Adamawa State, including food support, shelter, education, psychosocial care, and pastoral services to communities affected by insurgency and displacement.

END

Doeyok's Legislative Vision: Pension Reform, Meritocracy and Tourism as Pillars for 2027

( WALBE OGAK)

As political activities gather momentum ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, aspirants are beginning to define the issues they intend to champion if elected. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Social Media Day celebration organised by the Bloggers Association of Plateau State at the Usiju World Event Centre in Jos, former Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism and Hospitality and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Qua'an-Pan South State House of Assembly, Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, outlined a legislative agenda anchored on social media regulation, pension reform, merit-based leadership and economic development through tourism and the creative industries.

Doeyok said the rapid expansion of social media has transformed the way people access information but has also encouraged the spread of fake news, misinformation and unverified reports. He argued that while digital platforms remain valuable tools for communication, they require regulatory measures that promote accountability, authenticity and responsible journalism.

According to him, regulating social media should not be viewed as censorship but as a necessary step towards restoring public confidence in online information and ensuring that digital platforms continue to educate, inform and entertain responsibly.

Beyond digital governance, Doeyok called on the electorate to prioritise competence, integrity and credibility when choosing leaders. He argued that merit rather than political patronage should determine who occupies public office and stressed that effective lawmaking remains one of the strongest instruments for driving sustainable development.

Pension reform also featured prominently in his policy proposals. He lamented the bureaucratic hurdles, repeated verification exercises and unnecessary hardship many retirees face in accessing their pensions, describing the situation as unjust for citizens who had served the nation faithfully.

He pledged to sponsor legislation that would simplify pension administration, eliminate unnecessary delays and guarantee retirees timely access to their benefits with dignity.

Drawing on his experience as former Commissioner for Tourism and Hospitality, Doeyok identified Plateau State's tourism, cultural heritage and creative industries as underutilised sectors capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and boosting internally generated revenue.

He maintained that with the right legislative support, strategic investments and private sector collaboration, Plateau State could become a leading tourism destination while providing new opportunities for young people through the creative economy.

As campaigns gradually build towards the 2027 elections, Doeyok's policy agenda presents a vision that links governance reforms with economic diversification. Whether these proposals resonate with voters in Qua'an-Pan South will become clearer in the months ahead, but his focus on pension reform, responsible digital engagement, merit-based leadership and tourism-driven development signals the priorities he hopes to advance in the Plateau State House of Assembly if elected.

JDPC Strengthens Peace Clubs in Adamawa Schools, Trains 735 Students

(By WALBE OGAK)

In a renewed effort to promote peace and peaceful coexistence among young people, the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), with the support of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), has strengthened Peace Clubs in selected secondary schools across Adamawa State, training no fewer than 735 students in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

The initiative, which drew participants from all 21 Local Government Areas of the state, is part of JDPC's broader commitment to nurturing a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and non-violence among the younger generation.

During the training, students were equipped with practical knowledge and skills in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, dialogue, tolerance, and non-violent communication. The programme was designed to prepare them to become agents of positive change capable of resolving disputes peacefully within their schools and communities.

According to the commission, the Peace Clubs serve as platforms for promoting understanding among students from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. By encouraging dialogue and mutual respect, the clubs are expected to help reduce violence and strengthen social cohesion across the state.

JDPC noted that empowering young people with peacebuilding skills is critical to building resilient communities, particularly in a society where differences can easily be exploited to fuel conflict.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace education through strategic partnerships, especially with the Mennonite Central Committee, stressing that investing in young people remains one of the most effective ways of securing lasting peace and development.

As the trained students return to their respective schools, they are expected to serve as peace ambassadors, championing tolerance, unity, and constructive dialogue while inspiring their peers to embrace non-violent approaches to resolving conflicts.

The initiative reflects the growing recognition that lasting peace begins with educating the younger generation and empowering them to become active participants in building a more peaceful and united society.