DR. PATRICK DAKUM CONDEMNS ETHNIC CLASH IN MIKANG, PRAYS FOR CALM AND THE RETURN OF BROTHERHOOD

DR. PATRICK DAKUM CONDEMNS ETHNIC CLASH IN MIKANG, PRAYS FOR CALM AND THE RETURN OF BROTHERHOOD 

Following the violent clash which ensued at Ponglong area of Lalin District of Mikang Local Government Area, between Motol versus Taroh youth where scores of lives were loss and many others sustaining various degrees of injuries, destruction of properties and rustling of cattle and other animals on Saturday night, 23rd March, 2024, Dr. Patrick Dakum, the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, totally condemned the clash, calls for calm and prays for the return of brotherhood between the warring factions. 

Speaking over the matter, Dakum, expressed deep concern, saying with the economic hardship being witnessed in the country, the citizens are supposed to close ranks and be their brothers keepers by helping to alleviate one another's plight and not to complicate and worsen the situation by engaging in killing and destruction of properties no matter the provocation from whoever and for whatever. 

According to him, violence has no solution to any problem, and does not settle anything right; rather it injures the best cause and leaves lingering regrets, pains and fears. 

Dakum appeals to the aggrieved parties to sheathe their swords and explore better options of dialogue in resolving all differences and disputes, adding that all crisis end up on table of discussion; hence, discussion should always be the first and final option in the face of misunderstanding. 

He commended the security agencies for their swift intervention, and the effort of the government in stemming the carnage, and suggests regular inter-ethnic parleys for better understanding and cooperation to hamstring further disputes which could result to brothers taking arms against each other. 

Dakum prays for the reposed of those who lost their lives and for divine grace to their families to bear the irreparable loss; quick recovery to the injured and for the replenishing of destroyed properties to the victims of the clash.

Signed:

Shabul Mazadu

Media Consultant

25th March, 2024

DR. PATRICK DAKUM SUES FOR ALL-OUT COLLABORATION TO ENDING TUBERCULOSIS

DR. PATRICK DAKUM SUES FOR ALL-OUT COLLABORATION TO ENDING TUBERCULOSIS 

As the world observes the 2024 Tuberculosis Day, today, March 24, 2024, in commemoration of Robert Koch's discovery of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, the causative agent of the disease, the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, Governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum, has sued for collaboration by all and sundry in stamping out the disease. 

Speaking on the theme which is a constant used consecutively, "Yes! We can end TB", Dakum said it's achievable if all hands will be on deck by observing the requisite prerequisites which are: providing the right services, support for enabling safe environment in the right place, at the right time and eradicating poverty, inequity, under nutrition, comorbidities, discrimination, and stigmatization of victims instead of extending helping hand. 

Dakum whose Institute is a front-liner in finding cases, diagnosing and administering treatment for tuberculosis, said that based on records, tuberculosis killed 1.3 million people worldwide in 2022, making it the second killer infectious disease after covid-19. And that it was estimated in 2022 that 10.6 million people fell ill with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, where  5.8 million were men, 3.5 million were women and 1.3 million were children; adding that only about 2 in 5 people with drug resistant TB accessed treatment in 2022.

According to him, TB is present in all countries and age groups, but is curable and preventable despite the challenge and threat of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and all that is required is the cooperation of the citizenry by embarking on routine checkups to ensure safety from the infection. 

Dakum who was a former Commissioner of Information and Health in Plateau State, further calls on governments at all levels to intensify more campaign awareness on devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the epidemic by sustainable investment of resources in the fight against the disease.

He thanked donor agencies who sustained their support in combating tuberculosis worldwide, and task individuals on personal hygiene, good nutrition, body exercise and routine medical checkups and desisting from tobacco smoking and inhalation of poisonous substances. 

Dakum cautions saying, health is wealth, without which inactivity will be the order of the day, resulting to deterioration of progress and prosperity. Hence, all and sundry must take their health seriously to be alive, strong and productive. 

He wishes all a pleasant Tuberculosis Day observation. 

Signed: 

Shabul Mazadu

Media Consultant

24th March, 2024

BEING RESOURCEFUL

Hello, citizens of the world. Good morning. I hope you woke up at the right side of your beds today.

Permit me to share with you an incredible motivational piece and lesson of life as contained in a book written by Chuks and Bimfe Ikeh titled, "Finer Than Gold1".

Chapter Five (5) of the great book which is sub-titled, "Have...", reads and I quote:

Have peace enough to press on.

Have hope enough to keep your heart looking forward.

Have strength enough to battle obstacles and overcome them.

Have commitment enough not to give up too soon.

Have fun enough to enjoy every aspect of life.

Have patience enough to let faith complete its work in you.

Have love enough to give to those who deserve it the least but need it the most.

Have focus enough to say "no" to many good ideas.

Have forgiveness enough to never end the day hating someone.

Have honesty enough to never have to remember what you said.

Have character enough to do in the light what you would do in the dark.

Have gratitude enough to say "thank you" for the little things.

Have purpose enough to know why and not just how.

Have perseverance enough to run the entire race that is set out before you.

Have responsibility enough to be the most dependable person you know.

Have kindness enough to share what you have and who you are with others.

Have mercy enough to forgive and forget.

Have devotion enough to do the right things on a daily basis.

Have courage enough to face and fight any opposition to what you know is right.

Have expectancy enough to be on the lookout for opportunities everyday.

Have obidience enough to do what is right without thinking twice.

Have direction enough to know when and where to go.

Have knowledge enough to have your mind continually educated.

Have credibility enough to cause others to want to work together with you.

Have generosity enough to give before you are asked.

Have compassion enough to be moved by the needs of others. 

Have loyalty enough to be committed to others."

Ladies and gentlemen, did you hear that? In summary, the chapter is talking about being resourceful - a higher goal for people with excellent spirit. For me, nothing else matters in life but to be resourceful!

It is my considered believe that whoever takes to heart, internalises and practise this lesson will have a date with history. Such a one will be great because I know of no better route to successful life than this. Try applying it and thank me later.

Thank you and God bless. Until I come your way next time. 

*(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, March 18, 2024; 08116181263)*