NGOs undertake intervention in Plateau communities

NGOs undertake intervention in Plateau communities

Mathew Delkes

Concerned by misinformation about Covid-19 vaccine and the recent ravaging impact of cholera especially in rural communities in Plateau state, ConnexUs in collaboration with Assist the Poor Foundation undertook a mobilization campaign for Covid-19 vaccine rollout and prevention of cholera outbreak in the State.

The intervention which was funded by the European Union had the theme “Combating Misinformation and Building Trust: The Role of Stakeholders” and took place on July 28 and 31, 2021 at Tatu village in Heipang District and Angwan Baki, a suburb in Jos South LGA respectively, bringing together traditional and community leaders, religious leaders, women and youth leaders, political leaders and other stakeholders in the communities.

Speaking in the various communities in a language they understand, a medical expert, Catherine Kangyang Choji took time to debunk the rumours going round on social media that those who took the vaccine will die in 2 years and that a bulb can be lit or a metal or phone can stick when placed where a person is vaccinated saying it is unfounded as it has been tried and proved wrong.

She encouraged the pubic to ensure hygienic leaving and boil water from open sources such as streams and rivers while urging them to build toilets to avoid open defecation. According to her, vomiting and diarrhea are the basic symptoms of cholera which is deadly when not given urgent medical attention calling on them to immediately seek medical attention once someone is having such symptoms.

The Director, Primary Health Care, Barkin Ladi, Ngo Garos Dungo who was visibly excited thanked the NGOs for collaborating to create awareness in the most vulnerable communities in the state where cholera especially, which is preventable, is ravaging their lives due to ignorance saying “we have had rising cases of cholera from Tatu and Heipang villages recently and we were preparing to come for awareness campaign in these communities.”

She urged the people to adhere to Covid-19 prevention protocols and avoid contracting cholera saying things were difficult for them as such expending on what is preventable was unwise and would further add to the hardship they were facing.

In their separate remarks, Gwom Tatu, Da Gyang Sok and Gwom Tuffa, Da Gyang Daja, expressed gratitude to ConnexUs and Assist the Poor Foundation for the community engagement saying they were a population that predominantly lack access to news and social media thereby relying on second hand information which leaves them with no option for discernment.

Speaking with our correspondent in an interview, the Executive Director/Chief Executive, Assist the Poor Foundation, Mr. Abuh Emmanuel noted that the organization has been undertaking intervention programs such as community engagements, stakeholders’ intervention and advocacy since its inception in 2020.

He explained that the misinformation about the covid vaccine is a serious drawback to the fight against covid especially with the new delta variant which is more deadly saying an outbreak will be devastating as the communities lack basic health care facilities. He noted that the vaccines are safe and prevention key.

Mr. Yahaya Kurutsi Shimfe, ConnexUs influencer for change and Senior Programme Manager Assist the Poor Foundation tasked participants to step down the information in Churches, Mosques, schools markets saying they targeted stakeholders specifically “because we know they have so much influence on their subjects, whatever they say is taken seriously and it is obvious that we cannot assemble everybody, so the stakeholders will step down this message,” he said.

According to him the number of persons who turned out for the event in the communities where it was held shows that the people were hungry for information about covid-19 and cholera prevention while expressing optimism for a change of behaviour towards covid-19 pandemic and cholera outbreak.

He noted that ConnexUs is a global platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing with presence in Iraq, Lebanon, Namibia, Nigeria and so many countries of the world, which was the brainchild of Search for Common Grounds and funded by the European Union.

Highlight of the events included talks, demonstrations on how to wash hands properly and how to appropriately apply hand sanitiser, presentation of buckets and soaps to schools, Churches, Mosques and markets for hand washing while face masks, hand sanitisers and handbills were distributed to all who attended. 

PHOTO GALLERY OF THE EVENTS

NORTH CENTRAL PEOPLES FORUM VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG, EMPHASIZE SECURITY AND UNITY

The North Central Peoples Forum (NCPF) has maintained that there must be more proactive measures to address the security situation in the country and particularly in the North Central region. 

The group made the call when they visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State to condole with in him over the recent spate of attacks in some communities of Plateau State and other States of the North Central part of Nigeria as well as introduce the body to him. 

The Forum was led by its BOT Chairman, Lt. Gen. Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Usaini who said they are in the office on behalf of the people of North Central Zone of Nigeria to assure the Governor and the people of the State of their readiness to support and encourage and partner with his administration. He said the Forum comprises of people of different religions, ethnic and political leanings, cutting across the North Central States of Nigeria. These include, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

Useni further explained that the purpose of the group is to unite its people in ensuring that peace and stability is sustained; rapid industrialization is facilitated; sound policies and process that will ensure that the massive minerals and agricultural endowment are adequately harnessed; and good policies are embraced for good governance, stability and progress of the region and Nigeria as a whole. 

He also said the North Central Peoples Forum is a platform with men and women from different works of life who have had the opportunity of serving this nation in various capacities and are ready to serve its people by giving it a voice to be heard. 

The Forum commended Governor Lalong for all the efforts he has been making in keeping Plateau and thereafter inaugurated him into the college of PATRONS of the Forum that comprises of former Presidents, Head of State, Governors, Senate Presidents, Deputy Senate Presidents and Deputy Speakers of House of Representatives. 

In his response, Governor Lalong thanked the Forum for not relenting despite the challenges faced in seeing that the forum came into existence and stable. 

The Governor Lalong described Gen Usaini as a man with the interest of Plateau and the Nation at heart, patriotic in nature who keeps political differences aside for the good of mankind, North Central and the Nation at large. 

He said it is timely to have the North Central Peoples Forum because other zones have equally formed their forum for the purpose of cooperation. 

He called on all to imbibe the principle of peace which are anchored on justice and fairness without which there will be no peace, tolerance and goodwill that could stimulate the sharing of ideas on comparative advantage for the development of the North Central Zone. 

He pledged commitment to the cause of the Forum and to support all programmes of the Forum with the believe that it will guide the zone through restoration of peace because once there is peace in the North Central Zone, there will be peace in Nigeria.      

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & 

10th August 2021

THE FACE OF HOPE

 

His exceptional humility and leadership qualities as well as exhibiting passionate patriotism in all the assignments given to him are boundless and considering his track record in providing excellence and model ideas on issues; Certainly his is a round peg in a round hole in any political office. 

PLATEAU AND CROSS RIVER GOVERNORS MEET FRENCH AMBASSADOR/INVESTORS ON AGRICULTURE, SOLID MINERALS

iPlateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and his Cross River counterpart Ben Ayade were at the French Embassy in Abuja to meet with the Ambassador Jerome Pasquier and some investors from France who are on a visit to the two States to discuss areas of investment particularly in potatoes production and value chain development. 

Governor Lalong recalled his visit to the Ambassador in January this year where they discussed wide areas of cooperation and investment. During the discussions, Lalong had intimated the envoy of the vast potentials in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism and education, asking the Ambassador to facilitate investors into Plateau from his country. 

He expressed happiness that despite COVID-19 restrictions, the Ambassador has been able to facilitate the visit of the investors who have come to the country to look at the agricultural investment opportunities in Plateau and Cross River  States on behalf of some clusters of the business community in France. 

The Governor reminded the Ambassador that the Plateau Investment and Economic Summit is coming up next month and is expected to further unlock the economic opportunities of the State and woo investors to bring in their resources and create jobs. 

The French Ambassador to Nigeria assured the Governors that the two investors were in the country specifically to look at agricultural opportunities in areas of potato farming, preservation and marketing and well as exotic crops and flowers that are in high demand around the world. He said more linkages were being arranged to ensure that the relationship is beneficial to both parties. 

Earlier, Governor Lalong had granted audience to the investors at the Governor's lodge, Asokoro where he told them that the potato value chain programme of the State is on course and the partnership of the private sector is needed. 

The investors are expected to visit Plateau State for further engagements. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 

9th August 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG VOWS TO CONFRONT INSECURITY; HARPS ON DOCUMENTING IDEAS DURING DEDICATION OF FOUR BOOKS PUBLISHED BY COCIN PRESIDENT.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed regret that despite the huge investment of the State in enhancing the capacity of security agencies in the State to confront criminals, the attacks on communities particularly in Bassa and Riyom have not stopped. 

Governor Lalong was speaking at the COCIN Headquarters Jos during the dedication of four books published by COCIN President Rev. Prof. Dacholom Datiri. 

The Governor said the recent attacks in Bassa and Riyom LGAs was regrettable and coming shortly after the State Government spent resources to purchase and distribute 50 patrol vehicles and 200 motorcycles to the security agencies. 

Lalong while sympathising with the people said the time has come for everyone to provide the first line of security by gathering intelligence, passing same to security agencies as well taking all necessary steps to guard against vulnerability. He vowed to continue to fight insecurity and promote peace building. 

On the books published by the COCIN President,  Lalong charged Nigerians, particularly those in position of influence to document their ideas and activities so as to pass knowledge and valuable history to guide the upcoming generati 

Governor Lalong who praised Rev. Datiri for putting down his ideas which contain some of his sermons and experiences in four books, described the act as commendable as it will assist in educating the citizens particularly youths who need information and historical background to many issues. 

Lalong said that is why his administration has not only worked hard to enhance the quality of public education, but also supported religious organisations and the private sector to provide quality education to the citizens. 

On the recently approved Karl Kumm University Vom, the Governor urged the leadership of COCIN which is the proprietor of the Institution to step in and resolve pending issues with the host community which are threatening the take off of the school. 

Chairman of the occasion Prof. Suleiman Bogoro represented by Prof. Gofwen described the publications as very valuable considering the messages contained therein which touch on several aspects that deal with the building of a better society. 

The Author, COCIN President, Rev. Prof. Datiri said he decided publish the four books to address key issues that relate to the interaction between human beings and their relationship with God. 

The books are entitled: Becoming Kingdom Citizens; Being an Overcomer; Designed for Fruitfulness; and Imitating Christ. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

8th August 2021.

LETEP DABANG SENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE IRIGWE NATION AND OTHERS.

Communities in Plateau State have been encouraged to rally round one another as a way to wade off enemies who do not mean well for the peaceful coexistence of the state.

Hon Letep Dabang in a message of hope to the Irigwe Nation over the senseless and deliberate attacks on its people by those he described as enemies of peace said every single human life is sacred as such no man has the right to terminate.

Reacting to the gruesome murder of innocent citizens and the destruction of properties as well as mowing down of food crops,Letep Dabang said no man with blood in him will see this as normal and even go to sleep after carrying out such a despicable act.

Describing as one too many such devilish acts on the peaceful people of the irigwe in Bassa LGA,some communities of Riyom and others,the chieftain called on the people to advance a more approach on local vigilance so as to augment efforts that the conventional security agencies will provide.

Letep Dabang therefore called on security agents to be more proactive in responding to distress calls as well as privileged information that are always dished out by residents prior to some of these attacks.

He commended efforts of the affected communities in promoting peace saying it remains a panacea for development.

Letep Dabang advocated more efforts by relevant stakeholders to ensure people are safe and carry about their activities in an atmosphere of peace.

He then prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed in the senseless attacks and commended spirited individuals and organizations that are putting in efforts to cushion the hardship being faced by the people at this moment.

LETEP DABANG SYMPATHISES WITH CHIEF IMAM OVER DEATH OF WIFE.

Hon Chief Letep Dabang has sent words of condolences to the Chief Imam of the Jos Central Mosque,Sheikh Lawal Adam over the death of his wife,Hajiya Amina.

In a message,Letep Dabang said the death  of the Late Hajiya Amina Lawal Adam on the second of August indeed is tragic to the family as she had played a unique role in the quest for peace and unification of the people in various ways.

He described her as a mother to all irrespective of religious and ethic diversities which had seen her played various intervention efforts in the state and beyond.

Letep Dabang called on the husband,the Chief Imam of the Jos Central Mosque,Sheikh Lawal Adam,the children,family,muslim community and the state to take it as the will of Allah and prayed God to grant her soul Aljanna Firdausi.