CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF YOLA CELEBRATES THREE PRIESTS AT SILVER JUBILEE THANKSGIVING

(By Walbe Ogak)

The Catholic Diocese of Yola has celebrated the Silver Jubilee of three of its priests with a solemn thanksgiving Mass marking 25 years of faithful priestly ministry and dedicated service to God, the Church, and humanity.

The thanksgiving Mass, held at St. Theresa's Catholic Cathedral, Jimeta, Yola, was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza. The celebration attracted priests, religious men and women, parishioners, family members, friends, and well-wishers from within and outside Adamawa State.

The jubilarians—Very Rev. Fr. Oliver Dommanis, Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Saad, and Very Rev. Fr. Charles Damboyi—were ordained 25 years ago and have since distinguished themselves through evangelisation, pastoral care, education, community development, and the spiritual formation of the faithful.

In his homily, Bishop Mamza described the Silver Jubilee as a celebration of God's faithfulness and a testament to the unwavering commitment of the three priests to their sacred vocation. He said attaining 25 years in the priesthood was a remarkable milestone deserving gratitude to God, who has sustained them through the joys and challenges of ministry.

Speaking with journalists after the Mass, Bishop Mamza congratulated the jubilarians for their steadfastness and dedication to the Church's mission. He encouraged them to continue serving with humility, compassion, sacrifice, and love, while urging younger priests to emulate their commitment and perseverance.

Responding on behalf of the jubilarians, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Damboyi thanked Almighty God for the grace to faithfully serve His people over the past 25 years. He also expressed appreciation to Bishop Mamza, fellow priests, religious, parishioners, family members, and friends for their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout their priestly journey.

Fr. Damboyi said the celebration was not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to renew their commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, promoting peace, and strengthening the Christian faith within the Diocese and beyond.

The celebration concluded with a colourful reception featuring cultural performances, musical renditions, goodwill messages, and the presentation of gifts to the jubilarians in recognition of their outstanding service to the Church, as the faithful offered prayers for many more fruitful years of ministry in God's vineyard.

Asama's Legislative Momentum Reinforces His People-Centred Representations

(By Walbe Ogak)

In politics, campaign promises are often measured against tangible results. For the Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Hon. (Amb.) Daniel Asama Ago, recent legislative successes are increasingly becoming the foundation of a political profile built on delivery rather than rhetoric. The Senate's concurrence on the Bill establishing the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, has further strengthened public confidence in his representation.

The proposed upgrade of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology into a full-fledged federal university is widely seen as a transformational intervention in Nigeria's healthcare education sector. Beyond expanding access to degree-awarding programmes, the institution is expected to boost research, produce highly skilled medical laboratory professionals, attract federal investment, and create employment opportunities for the people of Plateau State and the country when it receives presidential assent.

The momentum does not end there. Another landmark initiative championed by Hon. Asama—the Bill establishing the Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute, Jos—is also awaiting presidential implementation. If signed into law, the institute will provide practical skills training, promote entrepreneurship, encourage innovation, and equip thousands of young Nigerians with the competencies needed for self-reliance and economic growth.

Commending the lawmaker's achievements, Brian Lang, Director of Media to Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, described the legislative milestones as clear evidence of purposeful and people-centred representation. He noted that Asama's commitment to advancing education, human capital development, and economic empowerment reflects a leadership style focused on creating lasting opportunities rather than short-term political gains. He also prayed for God's continued wisdom and strength upon the lawmaker as he continues to serve his constituents and the nation.

As the bills await presidential assent, many constituents view these achievements as evidence that effective representation is not merely about occupying a legislative seat but about translating the people's aspirations into laws and institutions capable of transforming lives. For Hon. Daniel Asama, these legislative victories are steadily becoming defining milestones in a representation increasingly associated with impact, development, and visionary leadership.

ASAMA'S LANDMARK UNIVERSITY BILL: A LEGISLATIVE VICTORY WITH FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS FOR PLATEAU

(By Walbe Ogak)

The successful passage of the Bill establishing the Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, marks a defining moment in the legislative journey of the Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Hon. (Amb.) Daniel Asama Ago. With the Senate concurring with the House of Representatives, the proposed legislation has completed its legislative process and now awaits Presidential Assent. Beyond being another bill passed by the National Assembly, it represents a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening Nigeria's healthcare education and positioning Plateau State as a centre for specialised medical training.

The Bill seeks to repeal the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos Act, 2022, and upgrade the institution into a full-fledged Federal University dedicated to medical laboratory science and technology. If signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the university will become one of the few specialised federal institutions in the country focused on advancing medical laboratory sciences through teaching, research, innovation and manpower development. It is expected to produce highly skilled professionals capable of addressing Nigeria's growing healthcare and diagnostic needs.

Politically, the passage of the Bill further reinforces Hon. Daniel Asama's legislative credentials. Since assuming office, the lawmaker has consistently projected himself as an advocate of people-centred legislation, with emphasis on attracting federal presence and development projects to his constituency and Plateau State. Securing legislative approval for a specialised federal university is widely seen as one of his most significant achievements, demonstrating the influence of effective representation beyond constituency projects.

The expected benefits of the institution extend beyond education. Experts believe the university will stimulate economic activities through job creation, attract research funding, encourage investment in the health sector, and strengthen Nigeria's capacity in disease diagnosis and medical research. It also aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce the country's dependence on overseas medical services by developing world-class healthcare institutions at home.

Hon. Asama has acknowledged the support of the leadership and members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate for their cooperation in ensuring the successful passage of the Bill. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, the Government and people of Plateau State, professional bodies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders whose encouragement contributed to the legislative success.

As the Bill awaits Presidential Assent, expectations remain high across Plateau State and the medical community that the proposed Federal University of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, will soon become a reality. If signed into law, the institution is expected to stand as a lasting legacy of legislative foresight and a major contribution to Nigeria's healthcare and educational development, while further cementing Hon. Daniel Asama Ago's reputation as a lawmaker committed to delivering enduring dividends of democracy through purposeful legislation.

FRSC Partners Catholic Diocese of Yola to Promote Road Safety, Vehicle Compliance

(By Our Correspondent)

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adamawa State Command, has strengthened its road safety advocacy by engaging the Catholic Diocese of Yola in a high-level sensitisation programme on safe driving and vehicle compliance.

The awareness session, held on Monday, July 14, 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat in Yola, was initiated by the Catholic Bishop of Yola, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza. It brought together priests, religious leaders and diocesan drivers to deepen awareness of road safety, valid driver licensing, proper vehicle registration and the correct use of number plates.

Addressing participants, FRSC officials described road safety as both a civic and moral obligation, stressing that responsible driving reflects respect for the sanctity of human life. Referencing Romans 13:1, they encouraged motorists to obey traffic regulations as an expression of love for their neighbours and commitment to lawful conduct.

The Corps explained the importance of Nigeria's vehicle registration system and the official colour codes for number plates—blue for private vehicles, red for commercial vehicles and green for government-owned vehicles. They noted that proper vehicle identification plays a crucial role in enhancing security, facilitating law enforcement, supporting insurance claims, recovering stolen vehicles and aiding crash investigations.

Participants were also urged to embrace defensive driving practices and ensure routine vehicle maintenance, including regular checks of tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels. FRSC officials further highlighted the legal requirements for obtaining genuine number plates, including NICON-approved insurance, roadworthiness certification and vehicle inspection.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment by both the FRSC and the Catholic Diocese of Yola to promote responsible road use, compliance with traffic regulations and the protection of lives on Nigeria's highways.

Plateau Politics: Time to Support the Mutfwang–Nentawe Alliance

 

(By Walbe Ogak)

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Plateau State's evolving political landscape continues to attract widespread attention.

Speaking at the commissioning of a school hall and Primary Health Care Centre donated by a politician and philanthropist in Gangare, Jos North Local Government Area, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang explained that one of the key reasons for his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was to reduce the political tension that often accompanied elections in the state and to foster unity among the people of Plateau.

Similarly, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has on several occasions publicly expressed support for Governor Mutfwang, describing him as the party's governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Before the APC primaries, reports circulated on social media alleging that, to facilitate the integration of Governor Mutfwang's supporters into the APC while preserving harmony with the party's legacy members, a political understanding based on a 60–40 sharing arrangement had been reached. Although this has never been officially confirmed by the party, neither has it been publicly denied by the principal actors.

The outcome of the primaries led many political observers to conclude that the allocation of elective positions reflected this reported understanding, with some constituencies favouring Governor Mutfwang's political bloc and others accommodating the legacy APC structure.

If that political arrangement indeed exists, aspirants from the legacy APC seeking nominations in areas perceived to have been ceded to Governor Mutfwang's camp may face significant political hurdles. While every qualified citizen has the constitutional right to contest for public office, politics is often shaped by negotiations, alliances and strategic compromises.

Beyond the issue of political arrangements, supporters of both Governor Mutfwang and Professor Nentawe must appreciate that the success of one strengthens the other. Those who support Professor Nentawe should ask themselves how they expect him to succeed as the National Chairman of the APC while remaining in constant political conflict with Governor Mutfwang's loyalists. In the same vein, supporters of Governor Mutfwang should consider how they expect the Governor to consolidate his political position if they continually engage the National Chairman and his supporters in unnecessary political battles.

If both leaders have chosen the path of cooperation in the interest of Plateau State and the APC, their supporters should emulate that example. The responsibility before both camps is to bury past differences, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and support the political decisions of their principals. Internal divisions only weaken the party and create opportunities for political opponents.

Many supporters believe that the political partnership between Governor Mutfwang and Professor Nentawe represents an opportunity to build a more united and stable Plateau State. Respecting the spirit of cooperation between the two leaders could strengthen party cohesion and improve the prospects for peace, stability and electoral success ahead of 2027.

As the election season approaches, the conduct of party supporters will be just as important as the decisions of the leaders themselves. Unity, discipline, mutual respect and loyalty will determine whether the alliance between Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Professor Nentawe Yilwatda achieves its intended objectives. The road to 2027 should therefore be guided not by internal rivalry, but by a shared commitment to the progress of Plateau State and the continued growth of the APC.

With the reconstruction of the Akwanga–Jos-Gombe Road now underway, many Plateau citizens are optimistic that sustained cooperation between Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Federal Government will attract even more critical infrastructure projects to the state. Perhaps the long-neglected Jos–Mubi Road, which has remained in a deplorable condition for years despite its strategic importance to the two state could be the next major intervention. For many residents, unity among political leaders is not merely about electoral success—it is about creating the enabling environment for development, improved connectivity and tangible dividends of governance.

TRUSTA Backs Tinubu, Calls for Due Process Over PFIPC Allegations

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Trust Tinubu Again Support Group (TRUSTA) has reaffirmed its confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to allow due process over allegations surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and claims involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Hon. Stephen Bond, the group said while the allegations reported in sections of the media are serious, they should be investigated by the appropriate institutions rather than determined through media speculation.

According to TRUSTA, President Tinubu assumed office with a mandate to reform Nigeria's governance and fiscal systems, adding that such reforms would inevitably challenge entrenched interests.

The group maintained that allegations and counter-allegations are not unusual during periods of institutional reform, stressing that transparency and accountability should be pursued through lawful investigative processes.

On the reported ₦27.4 billion grant linked to the PFIPC, TRUSTA called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the National Assembly, to conduct thorough and transparent investigations, pledging to respect whatever outcome is supported by credible evidence.

The group also defended the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, noting that he had publicly denied allegations of a ₦600 million appointment racketeering scheme. It argued that his denial deserves fair consideration while investigations proceed, citing his record as Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, during which it said over 1,200 bills were passed.

TRUSTA further warned against allowing controversies to distract from the administration's economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, tax restructuring and efforts to attract foreign direct investment, which it said are beginning to produce positive outcomes.

The group stated that while any proven wrongdoing should be addressed, Nigerians should distinguish between legitimate oversight and what it described as attempts to undermine the government's reform agenda through sensational reporting.

It therefore urged anti-graft agencies to conduct swift and professional investigations, called on the National Assembly to carry out its oversight responsibilities objectively, encouraged the media to uphold ethical journalism, and appealed to Nigerians to maintain confidence in democratic institutions.

Hon. Bond reiterated that President Tinubu has demonstrated a willingness to take difficult policy decisions and expressed TRUSTA's commitment to supporting the administration's reform programme while insisting that accountability must be guided by facts and the rule of law.

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.