BOSAT FELICITATES WITH ITS PATRON, GOV. ABDULAHI SULE, ON HIS BIRTHDAY

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Bukuru Old Students Association Technical (BOSAT), we join hands and hearts to celebrate you on this special occasion of your birthday. Today, we honour you not only as our esteemed Patron but also as a committed member whose passion for service and excellence continues to inspire us.

Your unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our alma mater has left an indelible mark on the lives of students and alumni alike. Through your exemplary leadership and visionary disposition, you have contributed immensely to building a community founded on progress, opportunity, and hope. Your position and fatherly role as our Patron will continue to be impactful, providing guidance, stability, and inspiration for generations to come.

We remain deeply grateful for your dedication and the positive impact you continue to make within and beyond our institution. Your support stands as a testament to your belief in education as a catalyst for sustainable development.

As you mark another year, we pray that God grants you good health, renewed strength, joy, and fulfillment. May wisdom continue to guide your leadership as you steer our society towards an even brighter future.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.

Bldr. Raphael Rume

Out-going National President

Bukuru Old Students Association Technical (BOSAT)

Hon. Joseph Gokum’s Second Term: A Well-Deserved Endorsement

The Bible reminds us that there is a time for everything. For Hon. Joseph Gokum, Durumin Amper and Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, that time is now.

Elected in 2023 to represent Kanke Constituency, Hon. Gokum has, within a short period, carved a distinct identity as a focused, result-driven legislator. His journey through key leadership positions—Chairman, House Committee on Education; Deputy Majority Leader; and now Majority Leader—speaks volumes about the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues and constituents alike.

Once viewed with cautious optimism by critics, Hon. Gokum has since silenced doubts through performance. Today, even former skeptics openly acknowledge his effectiveness and impact.

Why the Endorsement?

Proven Track Record:

In just two and a half years, Hon. Gokum has directly touched lives across Kanke Constituency through strategic projects, human-capital development, and empowerment initiatives that address real community needs.

Leadership by Example:

Fondly nicknamed “Mr. No Room for Disappointment,” he wasted no time settling into office. His strong grasp of legislative processes and people-centred approach have translated into tangible progress both on the floor of the House and back home in his constituency.

Unprompted Support:

Support for Hon. Gokum’s second-term bid has not been driven by lobbying or persuasion. Rather, it has emerged organically from communities, students, political stakeholders, and grassroots supporters who see his service as genuine and impactful.

The Amper Zone APC Endorsement

On December 23, 2025, stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Amper Zone—including six ward chairmen, women leaders, party executives, and members—unanimously endorsed Hon. Joseph Gokum for a second term in 2027.

Their verdict was clear: his excellent performance and quality representation merit another mandate.

Prominent voices at the meeting included former Chairmen of Kanke Local Government Area, Hon. Simon Ngwan and Hon. Emmanuel Lar. Others were Hon. Paul Juryit, Cecilia Pali, Raphael Gotau, Dawok Goma, and the Senior Legislative Aide to the Majority Leader, Hon. Lengdima Kassam. All speakers agreed that Hon. Gokum has set a new benchmark for effective representation in Kanke.

What Lies Ahead

Political observers believe that if Hon. Gokum’s current trajectory continues, Kanke Constituency stands to gain even more prominence and developmental strides. His re-election could further strengthen the constituency’s political relevance and unlock greater opportunities for its people.

For many, the endorsement is not just about continuity—it is a recognition of competence, character, and commitment.

— Hon. Lengdima G. Kassam

Senior Legislative Aide to Hon. Joseph Gokum

Jos, December 23, 2025

Christmas Message from Bldr. Raphael Rume

Dear people of Pankshin North,

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I bring you warm Christmas greetings filled with love, hope, and gratitude. Christmas reminds us of the power of sacrifice, humility, and service to humanity—values that bind us together as one people.

This season calls on us to reflect on how far we have come as a community and to renew our commitment to building a Pankshin North that works for everyone—where opportunities are created, voices are heard, and progress is shared. I believe strongly in the greatness of our people and the strength that lies in our unity.

As an aspirant to serve you in the Plateau State House of Assembly, my resolve is anchored in service, integrity, and inclusive development. Together, we can lay a solid foundation for a future our children will be proud of.

May this Christmas bring peace to our homes, joy to our hearts, and renewed hope for a brighter tomorrow. I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

God bless you all,

God bless Pankshin North,

God bless Plateau State.

Bldr. Raphael Rume

ASAMA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER RECURRING FIRE INCIDENTS AT TERMINUS MARKET, CALLS FOR STRONGER SAFETY MEASURES

Hon. (Amb.) Daniel Asama Ago, Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, has been briefed on the minor fire incident that occurred in the late hours of Tuesday, 23 December 2025, at the Terminus section of the Jos Main Market. While commending the swift and coordinated response of the Federal and Plateau State Fire Services that prevented the situation from escalating, Hon. Asama Ago expressed deep concern that this incident marks the second fire outbreak within the market this year.

He noted that the recurrence of such incidents is troubling and unacceptable, particularly at a time when traders are in the peak of seasonal business activities due to the Christmas and New Year celebrations. According to him, repeated disruptions during this critical sales period not only threaten traders’ livelihoods but also undermine economic stability and confidence within the market community. He stressed that many traders depend heavily on end-of-year sales to recover investments made throughout the year.

Hon. Asama Ago noted that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing and urged relevant authorities to go beyond assessments by strengthening preventive measures, enforcing safety standards, and increasing awareness among traders on fire safety practices. He welcomed the efforts of the Jos Main Market Authority and security agencies in restoring order and initiating support for affected traders, assuring that he will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure relief, improved safety infrastructure, and lasting solutions.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his solidarity with all affected traders and emphasized that protecting lives, goods, and commercial spaces must remain a top priority, especially during periods of heightened economic activity.

Comrade Boldmind Dave CRA, Press Secretary to Honourable Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency National Assembly, Abuja

Mutfwang’s Defection and the Lesson of 2023: Why Plateau’s Politics Go Beyond Party Lines

(By Walbe Orgak) 

Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to generate debate across Plateau State, stirring mixed reactions among party faithfuls and political observers. While the defection has raised eyebrows, analysts say a deeper look at the 2023 general elections offers a clearer perspective on the unfolding political dynamics.

In 2023, Plateau presented a unique political equation. Then Governor Simon Lalong of the APC and the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, enjoyed the backing of the APC political structure in the state. On the other side, Caleb Mutfwang, as PDP’s governorship candidate, aligned with Atiku Abubakar of the PDP at the presidential level. Yet, in a dramatic outcome, both major party blocs fell short in the presidential contest as Labour Party candidate Peter Obi swept the polls convincingly across Plateau.

The result, observers argue, underscored a fundamental truth: party platforms alone no longer guarantee electoral victory in Plateau State. Rather, success at the polls increasingly depends on how well political actors connect with the aspirations, frustrations and hopes of the people. The 2023 outcome reflected a strong protest vote and a yearning for leadership that resonates with the grassroots, regardless of party affiliation.

Against this backdrop, Governor Mutfwang’s defection has reignited conversations within the PDP about identity, loyalty and the road ahead. Party stakeholders insist that the PDP in Plateau has always been more than a political platform; it is widely viewed by its supporters as a movement rooted in the struggles and collective will of the people.

As attention gradually shifts to 2027, voices within the PDP are calling for renewed unity and introspection. They argue that internal cohesion, active grassroots engagement and sincere listening to the people’s concerns will be critical if the party hopes to reclaim its political momentum. For them, the task ahead is not merely about party supremacy, but about reconnecting with Plateau’s heartbeat and translating popular sentiment into effective political organisation.

With the next electoral cycle on the horizon, Plateau’s political landscape remains fluid. What remains clear, however, is that the electorate has shown its readiness to look beyond party labels. For political parties and leaders alike, the lesson of 2023 is unmistakable: only those who truly understand and align with the people stand a chance of winning their mandate in 2027.

BLDR RAPHAEL RUME HONOUR THE SHARPSHAKKA ON RETIREMENT

On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the COCIN LCC Duk congregation gathered to honor Reverend Yusuf and Nana Sarau Shikgakka Sharpshakka as they celebrated their retirement after decades of dedicated service. The church was filled with warmth and gratitude, reflecting the profound impact the couple has had on the community. Their unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel and serving others has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Bldr. Raphael Rume, who is aspiring for the house assembly Pankshin North, attended the service to personally express his appreciation. He described Reverend Yusuf and Nana Sarau as "wonderful individuals who have tirelessly evangelized in the Lord's vineyard," highlighting their unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel. Raphael emphasized that their legacy would continue to be a blessing to the community, inspiring future generations to serve with similar devotion.

The congregation joined in heartfelt prayers, expressing gratitude for the couple's years of selfless service. The church was adorned with vibrant decorations, and the air was filled with hymns and testimonies of lives touched by Reverend Yusuf and Nana Sarau's ministry. Their retirement marks the end of an era, but their influence will undoubtedly continue to guide and inspire the COCIN LCC Duk community for years to come.

As they embark on this new chapter of their lives, Reverend Yusuf and Nana Sarau expressed their gratitude for the support and love they have received from the congregation. They encouraged the community to continue their mission of evangelism and service, assuring them that their prayers and blessings would remain with them. Their retirement is not an end but a new beginning, filled with opportunities to witness God's work in new and profound ways.

The COCIN LCC Duk congregation, along with Bldr. Raphael Rume, expressed deep gratitude for Reverend Yusuf and Nana Sarau Shikgakka Sharpshakka's years of devoted service and wished them a fulfilling and blessed retirement. Their legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire and guide the community for generations to come.

PDP Members Decry Mutfwang’s Defection, Urge Unity Ahead of 2027

By [WALBE OGAK]

The sudden defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stirred strong reactions across the state, with party loyalists expressing outrage, disappointment, and concern over the implications for Plateau’s political stability.

In a strongly worded statement, Ambassador Joseph Sule Golen described the governor’s exit as a major setback for the PDP and an avoidable disruption to the state’s democratic journey. While acknowledging that Governor Mutfwang cited structural weaknesses and internal risks within the PDP as reasons for his departure, Golen argued that such challenges were neither new nor insurmountable.

According to him, the PDP has historically faced internal trials but has relied on dialogue, reform, and internal mechanisms to address them. He maintained that abandoning the party at a critical moment undermines collective effort and weakens the political foundation that brought the governor to office.

Golen called on PDP members across Plateau State to remain steadfast and united, stressing that the party’s strength lies in its deep roots among the people. He reminded supporters that the PDP has weathered similar storms in the past and emerged stronger through unity and resilience.

Rejecting claims that the PDP is “broken,” the ambassador described such narratives as misleading, insisting that the party is in a phase of renewal and reform. He expressed confidence that with sustained unity, faith, and grassroots mobilization, the PDP can reclaim Plateau State in the 2027 general elections.

“The future of Plateau State depends on responsible leadership and a party committed to the people,” Golen noted, adding that PDP members must now rally, rebuild, and restore the state’s political pride.

As political realignments continue to reshape Plateau’s landscape, observers say the reaction from PDP stakeholders signals an early push to reorganize and reassert the party’s relevance ahead of the next electoral cycle.

HOLD ONTO HnOPE AND THE POSSIBILITIES

I woke up this hour with a message of hope to someone out there who has been troubled from every side. Life has a way of tossing that heavy bag our way, but we keep hauling it forward. You have gone through a lot. Your pain is real, but I want to remind you of this potent adage: “The darkest is the night before dawn.”

What has been the toughest load you’ve carried lately? This piece will meet someone on a hospital bed, battling mysterious health crises; others have lost their jobs or breadwinners. There are many unemployed destitutes, educated derelicts, and many more who are lonely, depressed, and unsure of their next meal. Some failed school demands or promotion examinations they needed badly. Life is happening to people.

From the benefit of hindsight, however, I have learned a profound lesson: failure to meet life’s expectations at one point, could be the beginning of success in something bigger, when a person is in distress but patiently waits and does his/her utmost about that which causes the most stress and frustration. This thesis leads to another: “There are no problems, only opportunities.” Oh yes, there is a silver lining in every dark cloud.

While reading the Scriptures, I got a prophetic assurance in Exodus 14:13 (NIV): “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.” Here “Egyptians” is a metaphor for problems, meaning every pain or difficulty has an expiry date.

Abraham Lincoln stood tall as one who lost out in electoral contest but ended up becoming one of the most powerful prsidents ever had. Thomas Edition lost his gigantic/technical laboratory inferno  but ended becoming one of the most celebrated inventors in world. Fredrick Hayek announced his contemplation for suicide after being taken captive in an intellectual battle during a Commanding Height debate but ended up taking the glory for the increasing popularity of economic globalisation today. That neighbour of yours that suffered big losses but bounce back is a classical case in point. The list goes on - there are many reference points i cannot count on my fingers, and none gave up on  hope during their trying moments! 

My dear brother/sister, you have suffered excruciating pain, but you can be fine again. Nature rules and life has a rhythm that constantly shows: when things go very bad, they can go very fine again. This is the message of hope! I’ll stress the point with the concluding line from G. P. Taylor’s novel, "Shadowmancer" (2003): “Beneath the cry of the seagulls could faintly be heard the singing of the seloth.”

Like a proverbial phoenix, you shall rise from the ashes of your darkest hour to the pinnacle of great delight. With God, all things are possible in the womb of time and hope. Holding onto audacity of hope and the possibility of time  which God owns and regulates is the way to go. Between the time one is born and when one dies is an opportunity to live but with vicissitudes that cause stress and, in extreme cases, death. 

Death is constant, but hope is a limitless anchor of progress for the living. A person begins to die; companies fold, nations collapse, and the world is doomed when hope is lost.

Hope dreams. Hope believes. Hope endures. Hope is a magic wand, a survival strategy that dares and fixes with conscious and delibrate effort!

Hope is a dynamic and organic sense of being positive in thought, words, and action. Hope is a big energy that ignites big actions. Hope is a heroic sense of determination to go extra mile. Hope is conviction and resilience not rhetoric. Hope is golden, and gold never expires. And hope is a clinical proof that one is alive and can still make a difference! 

Hope matters a lot, and an anonymous call to action sums it up: “At the end of the day, all you need is hope and strength—hope that it will get better and the strength to hold on until it does.” If  hope makes no sense to you, what else will?

When hope meets  enthusiasm and passion, great things begin to happen. Hope is a necessary condition but effort is the sufficient condition to get things done!

*(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 21th December, 2025)*