From Building Structures to Building People: The Emerging Political Profile of Bldr. Raphael Rume

(By WALBE OGAK )

In the evolving political landscape of Pankshin North, one name is steadily gaining traction—Bldr. Raphael Rume, a professional builder whose transition from physical infrastructure development to human capital advancement is shaping a compelling narrative of leadership and service.

Renowned for his contributions to the construction sector, Bldr. Rume has built a reputation anchored on precision, resilience, and delivery. However, beyond bricks and mortar, his growing influence as a community mobilizer and youth advocate signals a broader vision—one that prioritizes people as the true foundation of development.

His engagement at the grassroots level has positioned him as a bridge between leadership and the people, particularly the youth demographic. Through empowerment initiatives, mentorship, and consistent community presence, Rume has demonstrated an understanding that sustainable progress is driven not just by structures, but by the capacity and wellbeing of the people who inhabit them.

As an aspirant for the Pankshin North State House of Assembly, his campaign message reflects this philosophy: a shift from conventional politics to purposeful representation. His approach emphasizes inclusive governance, youth participation, and community-driven development strategies tailored to local realities.

Supporters describe him as accessible, pragmatic, and forward-thinking—qualities they argue are essential for responsive legislation and effective constituency representation. His background in building, they say, translates into a methodical and solution-oriented approach to governance.

In a constituency seeking renewed direction, Bldr. Raphael Rume’s candidacy presents a narrative of transformation—one that moves from constructing edifices to constructing opportunities, from laying foundations in concrete to laying foundations for human progress.

Light Up Plateau” — Yilchini Jan Bida’s Vision for a Brighter Future

(By WALBE OGAK)

As political activities gather momentum across Plateau State, one campaign message is steadily gaining traction among the people — “Light Up Plateau,” the defining slogan of Yilchini Jan Bida. More than just a phrase, the slogan encapsulates a bold and forward-looking vision aimed at transforming the state into a hub of opportunity, security, and sustainable development.

At its core, “Light Up Plateau” speaks directly to the pressing needs of the people. It reflects a commitment to improving electricity supply across urban and rural communities, a critical driver for economic growth, small-scale businesses, and industrial expansion. For many residents, reliable power is not just a convenience but a pathway to prosperity — and Yilchini’s message resonates strongly with this reality.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the slogan carries a deeper promise — to illuminate governance with transparency, accountability, and people-centered leadership. It signals a determination to “shine a light” on public service by ensuring that policies and resources work for the benefit of all citizens, fostering trust between government and the governed.

A defining strength of Yilchini Jan Bida’s candidacy is his background as a retired army officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience in security operations, strategic planning, and crisis management. This experience, supporters believe, positions him uniquely to address the persistent security challenges facing Plateau State. Within the framework of “Light Up Plateau,” his military expertise reinforces the commitment to safer communities, improved coordination of security agencies, and proactive measures to protect lives and property.

Security, therefore, forms a vital pillar of this vision. By “lighting up” communities, the campaign underscores the importance of enhanced surveillance, community-based security approaches, and restoring peace across troubled areas. This aligns with the broader goal of rebuilding Plateau’s reputation as a peaceful and investment-friendly state.

Equally compelling is the message of hope embedded in the slogan. For the youth, women, and underserved populations, “Light Up Plateau” represents renewed opportunities — from job creation and skills development to inclusive participation in governance. It is a call to unlock the untapped potential of the state and empower its people to thrive.

Supporters of Yilchini Jan Bida see the slogan as a unifying rallying point — one that transcends political divides and focuses on a shared aspiration for progress. With its clarity, optimism, and relevance, “Light Up Plateau” is fast becoming more than a campaign message; it is emerging as a movement for transformation.

Yilchini Jan Bida, is a retired Naval officer and gubernatorial hopeful, advancing his “Light Up Plateau” agenda — combining security expertise with a vision for power, transparency, and inclusive development.

BLDR. RAPHAEL RUME FELICITATES WITH NEWLY WEDDED COUPLE

Builder Raphael Rume has rejoiced with the newly wedded couple, Blessing Gomos and Bengop Tibin, following their wedding ceremony held over the weekend.

Bldr. Rume, who was accompanied by his political associates and supporters, described the couple as a perfect match, expressing confidence in their union and future together. He prayed for God’s abundant blessings, guidance, and enduring love upon the couple as they begin their marital journey.

He further encouraged the newlyweds to build their home on the principles of faith, understanding, and mutual respect, noting that a strong foundation remains key to a successful marriage.

RUME Foundation Visits Pankshin Correctional Service, Donates Food Items for Easter.

As part of activities marking the Easter celebration, the RUME Foundation has extended a gesture of compassion to inmates of the Pankshin Correctional Service through the donation of essential food and hygiene items.

The outreach, carried out on Easter Monday by the Chief Executive Officer and Founder, BLDR. Raphael Rume, saw the distribution of items including rice, garri, sugar, detergent, bathing soap, and tissue paper to support the welfare of inmates.

Speaking during the visit, BLDR. Rume emphasized that the initiative reflects the message of hope, love, and renewal that defines the Easter season. He noted the importance of reaching out to those in correctional facilities, reminding them that they are not forgotten by society.

Beyond the material support, the visit underscores a deeper societal obligation to uphold the dignity of persons in custody. Correctional centres are not merely places of confinement, but institutions meant for rehabilitation and reintegration. Acts of charity such as this serve as a reminder that inmates remain part of the human community, deserving of care, empathy, and opportunities for reform.

Analysts have often stressed that sustained support for inmates—ranging from welfare interventions to moral and spiritual encouragement—plays a critical role in reducing recidivism and fostering positive behavioral change. In this context, the RUME Foundation’s outreach aligns with broader efforts to humanize correctional systems and promote a justice framework that balances accountability with compassion.

Officials of the Correctional Service expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful in improving the well-being of the inmates.

The visit forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to promote dignity, care, and inclusion, especially during significant religious observances.

Notably, BLDR. Raphael Rume is an aspirant for the Pankshin North State House of Assembly, a position through which he is expected to further advance policies and initiatives that support social welfare, justice reform, and community development.

EASTER MESSAGE FROM BLDR. RAPHAE RUME

Beloved people of Pankshin North, and Christians all over the world, as we gather in the light of Easter, I am reminded that even in our darkest moments—the pain of Agwan Rukuba is still heavy on our hearts—resurrection calls us to hope.

The empty tomb tells us that suffering is never the final word; healing and new life are possible when we hold fast to faith and to one another. 

This celebration also challenges us to live the peace Christ won for us. True peace is not the absence of conflict but the daily choice to forgive, to listen, and to build bridges across our differences. Let our homes, churches, and villages in Pankshin North become places where neighbours greet neighbours with grace, where youth see models of unity, and where the memory of Palm Sunday strengthens—not divides—our common humanity.

May the risen Lord renew our courage to work together for a Plateau where coexistence is lived, not just spoken. From my family to yours, I wish you an Easter filled with God’s mercy, the quiet joy of restored relationships, and the confidence that, together, we will raise one another from every trial. Happy Easter.

BLDR. RAPHAEL RUME, ASPIRANT PANKSHIN NORTH STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Yilchini Jan Bida Urges Unity, Peace in Easter Message to Plateau, Nigeria

A prominent community leader, Chief Yilchini Jan Bida, has called on Christians and all people of faith to embrace unity, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate Easter.

In his Easter message to Christians on the Plateau and across Nigeria, Chief Jan Bida described the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of Christian faith and a powerful symbol of hope, renewal, and victory over adversity.

He noted that Easter serves as a reminder that, regardless of the depth of challenges faced by individuals or communities, hope can be restored and a new beginning is always possible.

“At this critical moment in the life of Plateau State and our nation, the message of Easter speaks with renewed urgency,” he said. “It calls us to rise above fear, division, and painful experiences that have tested our collective resolve.”

The community leader urged citizens to prioritize reconciliation over retaliation, unity over discord, and love over hatred, particularly in light of recent security and social challenges affecting parts of the state.

Reaffirming Plateau’s identity as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” Chief Jan Bida stressed the need for both leaders and citizens to work deliberately toward restoring and preserving the state’s legacy of peace.

He further called on Christians nationwide to use the Easter season as a time for reflection and renewed commitment to living out the teachings of Christ through acts of peace, truth, and righteousness.

Chief Jan Bida concluded by encouraging Nigerians to draw strength from the message of the resurrection and work collectively toward a future defined by peace, security, and shared prosperity.

Bishop Mamza Takes Easter Message of Hope to Yola correctional center.

The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, on Saturday visited the Old Yola-Town Correctional Centre, where he delivered a message of hope, dignity, and spiritual renewal to inmates as part of the 2026 Easter celebrations.

The pastoral visit, which began at about 10:00 a.m., formed part of the Diocese’s Easter outreach programme aimed at fostering solidarity and encouraging personal transformation among inmates. The event was covered by the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Media Unit of the Diocese.

Speaking during the visit, Bishop Mamza urged inmates to embrace repentance, forgiveness, and self-renewal, noting that incarceration does not diminish their dignity as human beings. He reassured them of God’s abiding love and the Church’s continued support.

“You are not forgotten by the Church,” the Bishop said, encouraging inmates to view their time in custody as an opportunity for spiritual growth rather than despair.

The outreach took place at the Old Yola-Town Correctional Centre, a facility established in 1914 during Nigeria’s amalgamation era, symbolising a historic institution now benefiting from renewed faith-based intervention.

The Bishop was accompanied by the JDPC Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Maurice Kwairanga, members of the FMDM Sisters, JDPC staff, and media personnel.

As part of the visit, the Diocese donated relief materials to support the welfare of inmates, including a cow, bags of rice, cartons of detergents, disinfectants, soap, and assorted primary healthcare drugs.

Officials of the correctional centre expressed appreciation for the visit and donations, noting that such gestures help boost inmate morale and improve welfare conditions.

The Easter outreach highlights the Catholic Diocese of Yola’s continued commitment to justice, compassion, and the dignity of every human person.