Microfinance Bank: Kanke LGA Begins Feasibility Studies, Financial Projections

To match words with action, the Chairman of Kanke Transition Implementation Committee, Hon. Shikir Nuhu Caleb has concluded plans to commission a feasibility studies and financial projections on the planned establishment of a Microfinance bank in the area. To this end, a non partisan expert committee compromising mostly of private sector and home base financial players will soon be inaugurated with specific terms of reference towards the actualisation of the huge project.

The Chairman kicstarted the vision during a consultation tour to some  regulators at the Central Bank of Nigeria recently.

Speaking to the media in Jos at the weekend, the Chairman highlighted the major ongoing efforts especially in the areas of feasibility study and financial projection for the sustainability of operations, Enterprise Risk Management Framework, identifying and shortlisting of some key Kanke Stakeholders for business advocacy and engagements meetings with the aim of reaching out for their buy-in. The Chairman said it is achievable and sustainable and will be very beneficial to the people.

He further stressed the plan efforts to raise capital for category of the MFB that will be suitable for operations within Kanke and it's environs to meet the kind of financial services in terms of a robust e-banking channels, Micro-insurance products & services, collections & payments of staff salaries, payment remittances, deposits and withdrawals of cash, etc. 

According to him, the MFB is not in competition with any deposit money bank (DMB) but to provide financial services that will be attractive and second to none for it's teaming citizens. Further, the Local Government will contribute the seed funds with other individual(s), Cooperative Societies especially Rityil Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Ltd, Development Associations etc which he emphasis that it should be privately driven for it's continuity even after his tenure as the Council Chairman. It will be banker to the Council basic operations, he added.

Shikir said it's not likely that any DMB will be willing to open a branch in Kanke at the moment due to current business harshness, but a Tier 2 Microfinance Bank can operate comfortably to provide the financial service needs of any economically active person, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He stated that the MFB will also create a platform for diaspora remittances for their families back home and that a Microfinance bank has a lot of potentials to meet the financial services of the people, if properly harnessed.

"In fact, the MFB will provide double bottom line which is the Social and it's profitability/sustainability components. It's a known fact, that the economic activities within Kanke and it's environs is substantially driven by none indigenes and we must change the narrative of yester-years by giving our indigenes a chance to venture into businesses".

The Chairman emphasized that as a council, we must embrace and take an aggressive business approach or else our situation will continue to be deteriorating. "As part of the work-in-progress, we have reached out to some external investors that are ever willing to invest substantially in the MFB whenever they are invited (in the event we are unable to raise required capital)". He called on other interested investors to give it a shot.

He said,"It will interest you to know that, Microfinance Bank, is one basic tool for economic empowerment which can create a lot of opportunities especially for start-ups, capacity building, school fees, loans etc. The potentials is huge and enormous".

The Chairman used the opportunity to call on those who are known for unnecessary and non-objective criticism to hold their peace and let the new administration give this vision the necessary bite and concrete efforts it deserved to actualize the set goal, cautioning that it's not everything that must be politicized. He called on all to join hands with him to "rejig our economic potentials and come up with meaningful criticism that will help shape our democratic existence".

Signed:

Tea Gomos

SSA, Media & Protocol to the Chairman

22 July, 2023

LESSON IN HOPE: A BRIEF CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO FRIENDS

LESSON IN HOPE: A BRIEF CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO FRIENDS

YILDUN: Yilrit, life is so difficult for men; I can't take it anymore. I want to die.

YILRIT: Yildun, my friend, you are dead already. You don't have to tell me.

YILDUN: Why will you say such a thing. I'm alive, but want to die.

YILRIT: No friend, you are dead, already. Your case is that of hopelessness and Hopelessness is as good as death. Only the living has hope!

YILDUN: What is hope?

YILRIT: Hope is being positive even with nothing. In other words, it is learning to be contented with nothing to fall back on!

YILDUN: I see ... So, what is your advice to me, friend?

YILRIT: Revive and keep your hope alive!

YILDUN: what does it take to keep hope alive?

YILRIT: Change your mindset. It is the mindset that wins!

YILDUN: But nothing is working again in this world!

YILRIT: Stop being ingrate. The air you breathe is working. You can even talk to me. Only the living talk.

YILDUN: I see...

YILRIT: Yes. You know I have virtually nothing. The difference between you and me is that I am an unrepentant optimist, but you live in pessimism.

YILDUN: I have been a pessimist, really!

YILRIT: Yes, and it is not good for you.

YILDUN: Thank you for your encouragement. I have decided that I won't die again!

YILRIT: Then you are alive and the pleasure is mine!

YILDUN: So where do we go from here?

YILRIT: Let's add diligence and hard work to our hope. Things are not working, but with these virtues, we can make the world a better place.

YILDUN: Ok. I'm willing and ready!

YILRIT: Thank you. If you are ready, then, let's go!

This conversation is a message of the audacity of hope. Things are difficult these days, but there is hope at the end of the tunnel. Do not give up, but keep hope alive. 

As we hope for things to get better, the wisest thing to do is to be doing something worthwhile with our hands and intellects. 

When things get so bad, they can get so good again. From YILDUN, we can be a YILRIT. It can only get better. Press on!

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, July 20, 2023)

Plateau People Must Unite to end the killings in the state. Dr. Jurbe

The chairman of Plateau Southern and Central zone unity forum (PLASCUF) Pst Polycarp Success Jurbe PhD MD Jp, during a press briefing with some selected media outfits in the state, frowned in strong terms the incessant blood shed in the state.

Dr Jurbe, caution the political and religious  elites to shown all forms of bow wow along political and religious divide not to cause divisiveness amongst the peace loving plateau citizens.  This schism will only perpetuates the civil unrest

 plateau have suffered one too many disconcerted scenario in the past. He further appealed to agents of Babel to consider peace as the only panacea for any meaningful development. 

Dr Jurbe who was contrite sued for peace and extends the Forums condolences to the affected families and the people of Mangu local government area.

He prayed for the security apparatus to be diligent and wholistic in their operations. 

In conclusion,  Dr Jurbe said Plateau is one and we must co-habit as one entity ,owing to the fact that our progress and strength lies in our unique diversity. May God  help Plateau state to over come this ugly phase of life.

PANKSHIN APC STAKEHOLDERS HOLD EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETING

 PANKSHIN APC STAKEHOLDERS HOLD EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETING

-Comment Ahmed Tinubu for exemplary leadership

-Adopted the Resolutions of the State Party's Extraordinary Stakeholders Meeting

-Express delight with the updated briefings on APC Cases in the Election Petition Tribunal;

-Commiserated with the Mangu people over the incessant killings in some parts of the LGA,

Pankshin APC Stakeholders have commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for showing exemplary leadership by taking immediate steps to reform the economic architecture of the country and the measures taken to cushion the effect of subsidy removal and enforcement of rule of law about the dissolution and suspension of elected Local Government Chairmen and Councilors, no matter which state is involved.

This was contained In a Communique which was signed by Acting Chairman of APC Pankshin Zakka Lengji and Presented by  Professor John Wokton Wade after the All Progressives Congress APC Pankshin Local Government Area Stakeholders Meeting on Saturday 15th July 2023. 

The stakeholders unanimously adopted the Resolutions of the State Party's Extraordinary Stakeholders Meeting, held at APC Kalwa House, Jos under the able leadership of the immediate past Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSG, CON remains the rallying point of APC in Plateau State. His phenomenal achievements are legendary and cannot be easily eroded.

Members equally agreed to collaborate and encourage each other, to remain steadfast, loyal and committed to the ideals and philosophy of the All-Progressives Congress, APC. And also resolved to consolidate on past gains, and where there are shortcomings, make amends.

The Meeting received with delight the updated briefings on APC Cases in the Election Petition Tribunal; the debt profile of Plateau state at the exit of the last regime and the present position of Pankshin Local Government Council. It was noted that, by the grace of God and so far, without prejudice, the various cases are good to go and there is clear hope of victory. The development is virtually like a student writing examination and from his instinct, knows whether he will pass or not.

With regards to the dissolution of Local Government Councils, the meeting noted and appreciated that the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) at both the National and State levels are providing desired leadership and direction, trusting that this will also come to pass. The meeting further noted and appreciated that there are two subsisting injunctions and one ruling, all in favour of ALGON, concerning reverting to Status Quo Ante, which the State Government flagrantly refused to obey.

On The Debt Profile Left by former Governor Lalong, the meeting appreciated that there are verifiable records through the portal of the Debt Management Office (DMO) at the State and National levels, to advance their position and defend the true position of issues. The meeting noted that the substantial debt carried over included substantial monies borrowed from the Jang administration whose Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) extends to the year 2037!

The stakeholders noted with concern and dismay that a high-profile Transition and Strategic Planning Committee of a new regime, composed of Academics, Elder Statesmen and people trained in Public Policy and Strategic matters could allow themselves to be so gullible and manipulated into buying very cheap and false statements and narratives of blackmail and incorporated and presented such falsehood into its report. All these false narratives are in the name of begging for sympathy from the people, which so far have been ridiculous and laughable. Members are urged to always cross-check facts placed in the public domain by the opposition.

The meeting, on moral grounds, urged the government and appropriate authorities, that it is only expeditious to exhibit duty of care and ensure that policy statements are released based on truth of facts and not lies, blackmail and deception.

stakeholders commiserated with the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manassa Mutfwang and the elected Chairman of Mangu LGA, Hon. Minister Daput over the incessant killings in some parts of the LGA, which has led to the influx of displaced people mostly women and children in most parts of Pankshin LGA. The dexterity, diligence and duty of care of the Executive Chairman of Mangu LGA towards his people are well appreciated. 

The meeting also noted and commended the past efforts of the Lalong’s Administration that had held regular Security Council Meetings (in fact, twice in May 2023 before expiration of tenure) that have often tremendously abated clashes; contrary to false propaganda that the administration never held Security Council Meeting for over one year.

The stakeholders commended the efforts and gallantry exhibited by the Military Personnel in reducing the escalation of the crisis and sustaining the peace.  They urged their members to render help where necessary and whenever they encounter such displaced people within their neighbourhood. 

They solicited the cooperation of all members in exposing the activities of bandits across the state as their civic responsibility.

The Pankshin APC Stakeholders Extra-Ordinary Meeting was converged under the leadership of Hon. Nde Kakmena Audu Goteng, Executive Chairman of Pankshin LGC, and chaired by Acting Chairman of the Party, Hon. Nde Zakka Lengji. Present at the Meeting were, the twelve Federal Ward Chairmen; Ward Secretaries; Ward Women Leaders; Ward Youth Leaders; All LGA EXCO Members; Representatives of Elders Forum from each Ward; Physically Challenged Leaders; Critical Stakeholders in Jos; All Serving Ward Councilors; All present and former political appointees who are in APC.

RESOLUTIONS/COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY PANKSHIN APC STAKEHOLDERS

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA STAKEHOLDERS MEETING, SATURDAY 15TH JULY 2023.  RESOLUTIONS/COMMUNIQUE

 Presented by  PROFESSOR John Wokton Wade , mni    

Gentlemen of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

PREAMBLE.

Stakeholders and Members of APC in Pankshin LGA converged for an Extra-Ordinary Meeting in Pankshin, under the leadership of Hon. Nde Kakmena Audu Goteng, Executive Chairman of Pankshin LGC, and chaired by Acting Chairman of the Party, Hon. Nde Zakka Lengji.

Present at the Meeting were, the twelve Federal Ward Chairmen; Ward Secretaries; Ward Women Leaders; Ward Youth Leaders; All LGA EXCO Members; Representatives of Elders Forum from each Ward; Physically Challenged Leaders; Critical Stakeholders in Jos; All Serving Ward Councilors; All present and former political appointees who are in APC.

At commencement and opening Prayers, the meeting observed one minute silence in memory of Hon. Damulak Bamwar Samuel, Councilor Representing Kangmun Ward and other party members who lost their lives during the period under review. Prayer for healing and quick recovery was also said in respect of the Executive Chairman of the LGC, Hon. Nde Kakmena Audu Goteng as well as the LGA Party Chairman, Hon. Tanimu Shikmut Dashe.   RESOLUTIONS/COMMUNIQUE.  At the end of the meeting, and after extensive deliberations on items on the agenda, it was resolved as follows:

1. Highly commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for showing exemplary leadership by taking immediate steps to reform the economic architecture of our dear country.  Mr. President has also taken measures to cushion the effect of subsidy removal and enforcement of rule of law in relation to the dissolution and suspension of elected Local Government Chairmen and Councilors, no matter which state is involved.

2. Unanimously adopted the Resolutions of the State Party's Extraordinary Stakeholders Meeting, held at APC Kalwa House, Jos under the able leadership of the immediate past Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSG, CON who remains the rallying point of APC in Plateau State. His phenomenal achievements are legendary and cannot be easily eroded.

3. Members agreed to collaborate and encourage each other, to remain steadfast, loyal and committed to the ideals and philosophy of the All-Progressives Congress, APC. Members also resolved to consolidate on past gains, and where there are shortcomings, make amends.

4. The Meeting Received with delight updated briefings on APC Cases in the Election Petition Tribunal; the debt profile of Plateau state at the exit of the last regime and present position of Pankshin Local Government Council. It was noted that, by the grace of God and so far, without prejudice, the various cases are good to go and there is clear hope of victory. The development is virtually like a student writing examination and from his instinct, knows whether he will pass or not. 

5. With regards to the dissolution of Local Government Councils, the meeting noted and appreciated that the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) at both the National and State levels are providing desired leadership and direction, trusting that this will also come to pass. The meeting further noted and appreciated that there are two subsisting injunctions and one ruling, all in favour of ALGON, with respect to reverting to Status Quo Ante, which the State Government flagrantly refused to obey.

6. On The Debt Profile Left by former Governor Lalong, the meeting appreciated that there are verifiable records through the portal of Debt Management Office (DMO) at the State and National levels, to advance our position and defend the true position of issues. The meeting noted that the substantial debt carried over included substantial monies borrowed from the Jang administration whose Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) extends to the year 2037!

7. Noted with concern and dismay that a high-profile Transition and Strategic Planning Committee of a new regime, composed of Academics, Elder Statesmen and people trained in Public Policy and Strategic matters could allow themselves to be so gullible and manipulated into buying very cheap and false statements and narratives of blackmail and incorporated and presented such falsehood into its report. All these false narratives are in the name of begging for sympathy of the people, which so far have been ridiculous and laughable. Members are urged to always cross check facts placed on the public domain by the opposition.

8. The meeting, on moral grounds, urged government and appropriate authorities, that it is only expeditious to exhibit duty of care and ensure that policy statements are released based on truth of facts and not lies, blackmail and deception.

9. Members commiserated with the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manassa Mutfwang and the elected Chairman of Mangu LGA, Hon. Minister Daput over the incessant killings in some parts of the LGA, which has led to the influx of displaced people mostly women and children in most parts of Pankshin LGA. The dexterity, diligence and duty of care of the Executive Chairman of Mangu LGA towards his people is well appreciated.  

10. Meeting noted and commended past efforts of the Lalong’s Administration that had held regular Security Council Meetings (in fact, twice in the Month of May 2023 before expiration of tenure) that have often tremendously abated clashes; contrary to false propaganda that the administration never held Security Council Meeting for over one year.

 11. Sincerely commended the efforts and gallantry exhibited so far by the Military Personnel in reducing the escalation of the crisis and sustaining the peace.  12. The meeting further resolved that as good neighbours, members should not hesitate to render help where necessary and whenever they encounter such displaced people within our neighbourhood.   13. Finally, the meeting solicited the cooperation of all members in exposing activities of bandits across the state as our civic responsibility.  On Behalf of the LGA EXCO and Congress Members, we thank you most sincerely for listening.  

God bless APC, 

God bless Pankshin LGA, 

God bless Plateau State and

God bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed;

Zakka Lengji, 

Acting Chairman APC, Pankshin LGA.  Saturday 15th July 2023.