Bldr. Raphael Rume felicitates with Hon. Chief Letep Dabang on his birthday anniversary

BLDR. Raphael Rume, Aspirant for the Pankshin North State House of Assembly, has joined family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate Chief Letep Dabang on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. He described the celebrant as a respected leader whose contributions to the community and Pankshin North at large have been invaluable.

In his message of felicitation, Rume acknowledged Chief Dabang’s commitment to peace, unity, and development, noting that his wisdom and leadership continue to inspire many. He praised his dedication to the progress of the people and his unwavering support for community growth over the years.

While wishing Chief Letep Dabang long life, good health, and continued prosperity, BLDR. Raphael Rume prayed that the celebrant will be blessed with more years of service, strength, and divine guidance in his leadership journey.

BLDR. RAPHAEL RUME ASPIRANT PANKSHIN NORTH STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Was Plateau state created in 1967 or 1976? my thought.

Walbe OGAK 

The celebration of Plateau State’s fiftieth anniversary has sparked renewed conversations among historians, political scholars, the media and citizens, particularly regarding the state’s true age. While many acknowledge that J.D. Gomwalk served as the first military governor of the defunct Benue-Plateau State from 1967 to July 1975, questions continue to emerge as to why Plateau State is marked as fifty years old rather than fifty-nine. The debate reflects deeper reflections on history, identity, and the political evolution of the state within Nigeria’s federal structure.

Benue-Plateau State was created in 1967 during General Yakubu Gowon’s military administration as part of a nationwide restructuring of Nigeria into twelve states. Gomwalk governed this larger entity, which encompassed both present-day Benue and Plateau. However, this political arrangement was not permanent, as subsequent state creation exercises reshaped Nigeria’s administrative map, leading to significant structural changes that affected the identity of the region.

In 1976, under the administration of General Murtala Mohammed, Benue-Plateau State was split into two separate states: Benue and Plateau. It was from this moment that Plateau State, as it exists today, officially came into being with its own distinct political and administrative identity. Therefore, while governance in the region began earlier under Benue-Plateau, Plateau State as a standalone entity only started its journey in 1976.

As Plateau State marks fifty years, the milestone is not a denial of its earlier history but rather a recognition of its distinct existence since separation from Benue. 

The anniversary should serves as a moment to honor the past, celebrate progress, and reflect on the state’s political evolution — from a shared administration under Gomwalk to an independent and vibrant Plateau State within Nigeria’s federation.

Walbe OGAK

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FER TOWN REMEMBERS BANKAT AS BLDR. RAPHAEL RUME FELICITATES WITH FAMILY

Fer Town in Pankshin Local Government Area came alive over the weekend as families, friends, clergy, and political leaders gathered for a  Five (5) years memorial thanksgiving Mass in honour of the late Dah  Clement T. Bankat.

The solemn ceremony, held at the St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Fer Town, was presided over by the Bishop of Pankshin Diocese, Most Reverend Michael Gokum, who served as the chief celebrant. In his homily, the Bishop extolled the virtues of the late Bankat, describing him as a man of faith, integrity, and community service whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.

Among dignitaries in attendance was Bldr. Raphael Rume, an aspirant for the Pankshin North State House of Assembly, who joined the family and well-wishers in paying last respects to the deceased. The Plateau State Governor was represented by the Secretary to the Government  of the State  (SGG), Arch. Samuel Jatau.

Also present at the event were Chief Kefwano, Cyril Semwam, several commissioners, top government officials, and prominent politicians, including Rt. Hon. George Daika and Istifanus Mwansat, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan among others.

The occasion also featured a fundraising exercise in support of the ongoing roofing of the church building, with generous donations made by attendees.

The thanksgiving Mass concluded with prayers for the repose of the soul of the late  Clement T.  Bankat and his bereaved family.