Hon. Pam Bot-Mang Bags IPA award of excellence amidst the outpouring of accolades and commendations

 Hon. Pam Bot-Mang Bags IPA award of excellence amidst the outpouring of accolades and commendations

There was an outpouring of accolades and praises as high-profile politicians,
Commissioners, lawmakers, friends, and well-wishers gathered to witness the bestowment of an award of an outstanding performance by the Independent Publishers Association on Hon Pam Bot-Mang,  Commissioner of Works and also the running mate to Dr Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda APC Gubernatorial candidates of Plateau State.

As part of its tradition of appreciating and also showering accolades on people who have distinguished themselves by their outstanding performance both in private and public life, IPA has once again identified and deemed its searchlight on the Hon. Pam Botmang; having keenly observed and cherished the numerous services he has rendered.

While presenting the award Hon. Pam Botmang, the Chairman of Independent Publishers Association Shabul Mazadu said, just as a goal fish has no hidden place Pam Botmang's outstanding performance and pedigree, humility, vision, and penchant for prosperity, unity, and progress, endeared Dr, Nentawe Yilwada, the APC gubernatorial candidate to pick him as running mate seeing they float on the same visionary pedestal of transforming Plateau into a glorious haven.

Shabul pointed out that Pam Botmang is a goal-getter who in his mid-twenties, started his traversing in service to the society, where he embarked on his journey in the private sector at Hamstang Limited in Lagos, as a commercial officer, and progressed to commercial Manager and General Manager.

He said, while also in the private sector, he held many positions both in associations and organizations some at the same time and others at different intervals such as playing a role as a Director of Grand Cereals and Oil Mills Ltd Jos, Nigeria from 2015–2018. He was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Indigenous Shipping Agents & Operators Association of Nigeria (ISAOAN) Lagos, Nigeria 2011 – 2018; he was also a Director, Tenti Greens Farms Ltd Vom, Nigeria 2009 – 2018; Managing Director/CEO, Sapphire Shipping Limited Lagos, Nigeria 2009 – 2018; An indigenous and fully licensed shipping and logistics service company within major seaports and airports across the country with the headquarters in Lagos Nigeria.

Sbabul commended Pam Botmang's dexterity and determination in handling different and many positions at the same time, noting that he has proven his sagacity in many fields of life’s endeavours, and a workaholic in whom there is no sluggishness.

In his quest of giving back to his mother state, Plateau, Pam left the comfort zone of Lagos and accepted to serve the state as Commissioner of Works.

The event, which took place on July 19, 2022, at his Dangana Crescent home in Jos, Plateau State, was attended by some of his colleagues, including Hon. Dan Manjang, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Dan Phillip Hirkop, and Commissioner for Higher Education, Hon. Gyang Musa, Commissioner for Science and Technology, the Director Dialogue and Reconciliation Centre Reverend. Father Blaise Agwom, and some APC stalwarts.

Other dignitaries who attended the historic occasion included Hon. Gideon Dandereng, Executive Chairman of Jos South LGC and APC flag bearer for Jos South – Jos East House Representatives, some of his Councillors, Hon. Davou Dung (Daf-D) former APC Aspirant for Jos South – Jos East House Representatives and youth representatives from the state.

Hon Dan Manjang who spoke on behalf of the Plateau State Commissioners showers accolades on IPA and described them as genuine journalists and a worthy group also described Shabul Mazadu and Prince Valentine Adese as dogged fighters and journalists of repute in the state

Hon Dan Manjang described Hon Pam Bot-Mang as a strong-willed person whose passion for service delivery is outstanding.

The chairman Dangana Crescent community association eulogized Hon Pam Bot-Mang as a peaceful and loving person and the community is truly proud of him.

Speaking to journalists at the event, the Chairman of Jos South Local Government Council, Hon. Gideon Dandereng, who led a high power delegation, including the majority of the members of the Council’s Legislative Arm, expressed his appreciation to IPA for choosing Hon. Pam Bot-Mang is the recipient of the meritorious Award.

He said “Let me start by congratulating those who were able to recognize him. As far as we are concerned, we are aware that Pam Bot-Mang has given employment to several youths from this state and across tribal lines. He has shown leadership.

“To me, he is a detribalized Nigerian, and I think this award is appropriate. With this development, I now think the APC made the right choice in selecting him as Dr Nentawe Yilwatda’s running mate.”

Hon Dandereng also shower accolades on Dr Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda APC Gubernatorial candidate of Plateau State says his style of campaigning stands him out from other candidates. Noting that over time, all of his discussions have been issued-based, and now that he has included Hon. Pam Bot-Mang to streamline the system. We all envision the ideal Plateau State and want to leave a legacy to the generation next. He added.  

DISCLAIMER: ARCHBISHOP KAIGAMA HAS NOT ENDORSED SHETTIMA

DISCLAIMER: ARCHBISHOP KAIGAMA HAS NOT                              ENDORSED SHETTIMA

It has come to the notice of the Department of the Social Communications of the
Archdiocese of Abuja that false news which has gone viral on the endorsement of Kashim Shettima as the APC Vice Presidential candidate.

This fake news is coming after the nationwide outcry that graced the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the former Governor of Borno, Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, the loyalists of the ruling party have been at their wits end explaining to Nigerians the soundness of their choice.

One of their antics to give credit to the much-criticized choice has been to use the good names of reputable Nigerians to launder the image of Shettima. One of such futile attempts is dragging the name of Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, into the fanbase of APC. Recently, social media was agog with the skewed news of such spurious endorsements.

To set the records right, at no point has the venerable archbishop either in his personal capacity or as the Metropolitan of Abuja Ecclesiastical Province made such comments. Those familiar with the norms of the Catholic Church understand that Canon 285 § 2 admonishes that “Clerics are to avoid those things which, although not unbecoming, are nevertheless foreign to the clerical state.”

Endorsing a candidate of a particular party by any cleric as purported is certainly foreign to the clerical state and not a possible action by a Catholic cleric. It is therefore unthinkable that Archbishop Kaigama who knows better the workings of the Church as a top cleric in the Nigerian sphere would make such an alleged endorsement. How could he when such posture contradicts the very essence of his episcopal ministry? 

The rumour peddlers depict that they are out of touch with ecclesiastical reality in Nigeria. Archbishop Kaigama ended his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) since 2018. After him, there have been two successors, yet the bearers of the false news presented him now in 2022 as the President of CBCN, which he longer is.

The bigger question to be asked is: How did we come about such a nasty insinuation? Why the futile attempt to put words in the mouth of the Archbishop? 

Well, it has to do with the event of 2016. As the then President of CBCN, Archbishop Kaigama along with other bishops, graced the Golden Jubilee of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri while Kashim Ibrahim Shettima was the Governor of Borno State.

As it was customary, he led the bishops to pay a courtesy visit to then Governor Shettima. Archbishop Kaigama minced no words in reminding his listeners that the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria has a prophetic voice. His words: “We are a voice for the people. Our voice is a prophetic voice. We see things where things are good, we say it so. Where things are bad, we say it so.”

Coming from such a premise, he of course commended some virtues he found in the governor as it relates to his working relationship with peoples of other faith. Six years after however, it is surprising that his innocuous comment has been reinvented by mischievous makers to mean endorsement of Shettima as Tinubu’s vice presidential candidate, what a shame!

The general public is hereby notified that Archbishop Kaigama has not and will not endorse any candidate as his flock cut across political parties and he would not prefer one candidate above the other. It is up to Nigerian voters to make their choice through the ballot box by electing the best candidates.

Fr. Patrick Alumuku, PhD

Director of Communications

Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.

GOVERNOR LALONG OPTIMISTIC OF END TO VIOLENCE IN BASSA AS IRIGWE AND FULANI SIGN COMMITMENT TO PEACE

GOVERNOR LALONG OPTIMISTIC OF END TO VIOLENCE IN BASSA AS IRIGWE AND FULANI SIGN COMMITMENT TO PEACE 

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed optimism of a lasting peace and an end to recurring violence in Bassa Local Government where attacks have led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, farmslands and Livestock. 

Governor Lalong who witnessed the signing of the expression of commitment to peace between the Irigwe and Fulani communities in Bassa Local Government Area said he was happy that there is a genuine and collective effort to address the spade of violence that has grossly affected people of the area and the State in general. 

He said "Today’s gathering which is at the instance of the leadership of the Irigwe and Fulani is for these two communities to tell the whole world that they had tested the bitter pills that violent conflict serves but now willing, ready and able to chart a new course for themselves by first forgiving the past in order to reconcile the future".

He said upon coming into office in 2015, his administration inherited crisis but was determined to confront the challenges head-on, which enables it to immediate develope a policy framework in a way that moves away from the reactive approach to being proactive. 

"The nearly two-decade experience of violent conflict between Irigwe and Fulani of Irigwe Chiefdom has given my administration sleepless nights. Yet, we never for once relented in our effort and desire to expand the frontiers of Peace and security in those communities in particular and, the entire Bassa Local Government Area in general. My personal involvement in the mediation of this conflict was hinged on the ongoing interventions of both the Plateau State Peace building Agency and the State Inter-Religious Council who have worked closely with other stakeholders, including external actors to bring peace and stability in communities ravaged by internecine conflict" he said.

While commending the Brra Ngwe for his personal commitment to the pursuit of peace as well as other stakeholders including the Fulani representatives, the Governor urged the parties to take full ownership of this Document. "It is your document and you must ensure that you enlighten and sensitize your respective communities on the importance of respecting all the articles contained there-in. Be assured that on its own part, Government will support and monitor your commitment towards the implementation of this Agreement". 

He warned that Government will not relent on its duty if maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who attempt to truncate the implementation of the peace agreement are dealt with according to the law.

In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Miango HRH Brra Nngwe, Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd.) thanked the Governor for his foresight in setting up the Peace Building Agency and empowering it to work towards resolving conflicts and restoring peace and security among the Irigwe and Fulani in Bassa as well as other parts of the State.

He said the the people of Bassa want to put the ugly events of the past behind them abd live in peace and unity with one another to pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without molestation. 

Chairman of the Bassa Internal Peace and Security Committee Mr. John Power and the Co-Chairman Alh. Ya'u Idris signed the peace agreement on behalf of the Irigwe and Fulani communities.

Those who also signed as witnesses include Chairman Bassa Local Government, Chairman Plateau Inter Religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat and his Co-Chairman represented by Emir of Kanam, President Irigwe Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, Kaduna Peace Commission, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Police Commissioner, PIDAN, Inter Faith Mediation Centre, United States Inistitue for Peace among others.

Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said the Governor has directed him and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately put in place machinery for Gazetting and working out the policy framework for immediate implementation. 

DG Plateau State Peace Building Agency Joseph Lengmang said the Goverment will continue to count on the support of the parties to implement the Peace Agreement to further deepen the Peace in the area by providing critical social infrastructures that would in turn, strengthen social cohesion among the people. 

He said the Governor has also directed the Plateau State Peace Building Agency to work in conjunction with security agencies as well as local and international partners to support the safe return and resettlement of all victims of violent conflict in Miango and environs as well as the provision of pyscho-social support and additional trainings to youth groups and women. 

Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Governor Lalong for his determination to see the end of crises in Bassa by facilitating several dialogue sessions, capacity building trainings, consultations and Peace advocacy among the leadership of ethnic associations like the Irigwe Development Association (IDA); the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN); the Gan Allah Fulani Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) amongst so many others. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

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

13th July 2022.

BARR. STEVE ABAR EMERGES CAPTAIN RAYFIELD GOLF CLUB, PROMISES SUSTAINED GROWTH.

BARR. STEVE ABAR EMERGES CAPTAIN RAYFIELD GOLF CLUB, PROMISES SUSTAINED GROWTH.

Barr Steve Abar has emerged as the new Captain of the Rayfield Gulf Club Nineteen Thirteen, the oldest
golf course in Nigeria, Elected alongside ten other officials at the just concluded twenty-two General Meeting of the golf club, held at the clubhouse in Jos, Plateau State, the new officials will be piloting its affairs for the next one year.

Delivering his acceptance speech during the inauguration, Steve Abar appreciated the confidence reposed in them with the new responsibilities; he pledged to uphold the trust by keeping with the visions of the founding fathers of the club which has been sustained thus far.

Steve Aba promised to continue to build on the game of gulf in Plateau state and Nigeria, adding that they will open up more to aggregate and harness the wealth of ideas, suggestions and other contributions which are critical to the realisation of the collective objective that will keep making the Rayfield Golf Club a destination of choice for golfers nationwide and a prime hub for relaxation, recreation and socialization of members.

"We as Exco do not claim to have all solutions to the enormous challenges confronting us. Neither are we all-knowing but we can promise you that we will work hard to deliver on our mandates" Abar said.

Among others the new captain said, in the coming days, weeks and months they will be aggregating support from members to further transform the club and the game of golf building on professionalism as they unveil more fantastic plans for the club and game.

He added that they will unveil several plans and interventions through statutory and regulatory reforms, proposing physical developments on the course and clubhouse to members.

He also thanked the outgoing Captain of the Golf Club Air Commodore Lazarus Mshelia (Rtd) and his team for a job well done describing them as hardworking, industrious and passionate saying, they will build on it for the greater advantage of all.

The new captain of the Rayfield Golf Club Nineteen Thirteen, Steve Abar paid glowing tributes to the Grand Patron of the club, His Excellency Governor Simon Lalong for the numerous interventions he has done for the club and the game of golf on the Plateau and Nigeria at large, describing his time as "the golden era of golf on the Plateau".

While stressing the need for more support Abar said exco will within the shortest time explore the possibilities of an inaugural kitty to bring together golfers for the continuous and harmonious development of the sport and mankind.

Other members elected are

2. Engr. Isaac Ige - Vice-Captain

3. Arc. Victor Pam - Secretary

4. Emma John Danat - Treasurer

5. Sunday Morris Okoh - Handicap Secretary

6. Barr. Amer Chami - Course Officer

7. Davou Pwajok - House Member

8. Kelly Cleophas - Bar Secretary

9. Jesse Dati - PRO

10. Grace Alheri Luka - Competition Secretary

11. Christy Pius  - Lady Captain.

NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi CONGRATULATES THE NEW MISKHAM MWAGHAVUL.

NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi CONGRATULATES THE NEW MISKHAM MWAGHAVUL

Former Comptroller of Customs, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi has congratulated Da John Putmang Hirse over his recent selection as the new Miskham Mwaghavul.

In a congratulatory message issued through his Media Aide, Boniface Kassam, the Captain of the DVD Movement in Plateau State said the selection of the new paramount ruler was the best thing that would happen to the Mwaghavul nation.

He described Da John Putmang Hirse as a seasoned public servant who will bring his wealth of experience toward enthroning peaceful coexistence among his people and Plateau State as at-large.

"Having served at the Federal level and rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary before becoming the Miskham Mangu and now the entire Mwaghavul nation, I have no doubt that the Mwaghavul people have made the right choice. He will bring his wealth of experience to bare as the paramount ruler of the entire Mwaghavul nation", he said.

He therefore urged the new paramount ruler to ensure unity among his people and other ethnic groups in the State.

He prayed for God's guidance and wisdom as he seats on the throne of one of the largest ethnic groups in Plateau State.

#DVD Media.

NIMASA donates items to hospitals and schools in the Plateau

 NIMASA DONATES ITEMS TO HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS IN PLATEAU STATE

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have donated hospital equipment and educational items, to some hospitals and schools in Plateau State.

NIMASA Assistant Director, Special Duties (External Relations & Technical Cooperation), Mr Daniel Kajo, said the gesture was part of the agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility to society.

Kajo said the gesture was in line with the vision of NIMASA under the leadership, it's Director-General, Dr Bashir Jamoh.

“This year, the agency has decided to intervene in all federation states.

“We are intervening in four areas; provision of hospital equipment, provision of educational items, support to security agencies and distribution of relief materials.

“This year, Plateau is the beneficiary of hospital equipment and educational items,” he explained.

The assistant director, said the distribution that was inaugurated at the Olusegun Obasanjo Model Jos and Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, would be extended to other schools and hospitals.

According to him, public schools that seem to have been neglected would be the ones to benefit.

“After the inauguration, Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) would continue with the distribution in the schools and hospitals we have identified with their support,” he added.

Plateau SEMA Acting Executive Secretary, Mr Chuwang Sha, said that the assessment of schools and hospitals to benefit has been concluded.

“The benefitting schools and hospitals have already been identified. So, the items have already been allocated and will simply just be conveyed.

“Within this week or next, each benefitting school and hospital will get the materials.

“After the distribution, we will make a comprehensive record of everything we have distributed and then send it to NIMASA,” he said.

SHA thanked NIMASA for partnering with the agency to reach out to the people of Plateau, particularly the less-privileged ones.

Chief Medical Director, Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, Dr Philemon Golwa, thanked NIMASA for coming to their aid.

Golwa said that the agency’s intervention was timely as all equipment donated was urgently needed in the hospital.

“All the items you brought touch every aspect of clinical health. I can see wheelchairs, surgical sets (major and minor), telescopes, stretchers and a whole lot of other materials.

“I think it is the holistic arrangement and as soon as you disappear from here, we are going to channel them to the appropriate units for immediate usage,” he stated.

The elated CMD added that it was God’s divine arrangement for NIMASA to come to the Plateau Hospital for the benefit of humanity.

The educational materials donated include whiteboards, books, school bags, socks and writing materials, among many others.

 

NMA ELECTION: DR. KWIS SAMUEL, THE MAN WITH AN UNCOMMON ZEAL TO SERVE

 NMA ELECTION: DR. KWIS SAMUEL, THE MAN WITH AN UNCOMMON ZEAL TO SERVE

In every group or association, leaders are chosen or emerge to address
Contemporary issues and challenges. With the tenure of the current leadership elapsing, the Nigeria Medical Association Plateau state branch has offered its members another opportunity to choose credible leaders, men with a pedigree and a good track record of representation.

Amongst the array of credible people that are seeking leadership positions is Dr. Kiwis Samuel, who stands out as the best to succeed the outgoing chairman. He is a unique individual who feels the welfare and comfort of the people come first.

Dr. Kwis Samuel is an embodiment of accomplishments as a goal-getter, and above all, a humanitarian fellow who takes Pride in the fact that he belongs to a group of people who have dedicated their lives and are concerned with saving human lives. Humble in the sense that he belongs to an association that is built on a solid foundation erected by the great minds that had been there before him.

His humble beginning and rise in the medical leadership space started sometime in 1999/2000 at the University of Jos, when he was elected as the Class representative of the MBBS class of 2005. He served in that capacity until the class moved to the clinical in 2001 when he was elected to represent Bank Road Medical Students’ hostel in the University of Jos SUG Parliament. There, he served as the Secretary to the Parliament committee on Health.

Dr. Kwis Samuel, as a person whose inputs and ideas are always needed, The Plateau State Chapter of NMA nominated him as a member of its Audit Committee while he was still a resident in the Department of Radiology at the Jos University Teaching hospital before he proceeded to Zaria.

His determination to continue rendering his service to the several medical bodies, he belonged to, saw him duly elected as the ARD Assistant Secretary-General ABUTH shortly after starting his residency training in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH). He was later to be elected as the Secretary-General of ARD ABUTH. His ascension to this level qualified him to be a member of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) National Executive Committee (NEC) where he gained more experience in leadership.

During that same period, he also served as a member of the NMA Kaduna State Executive Council SEC.

Dr. Kwis Samuel, potential knows no bounds as he also served as the Chairman of ARD ABUTH *Constitution Review Committee before subsequently serving as the by-election electoral Committee Chairman of ARD, ABUTH.

Like a golden fish with no hiding place, his leadership qualities propelled him to become a member of the Kaduna State NMA disciplinary Committee.

Upon completing his residency training, he was nominated to be the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria, ARCON.

He currently serves as the ARCON National Public Relations Officer, PRO

So many years after graduation from medical school, his classmates (UJ MBBS class of 2005), still found him worthy to serve as the class welfare committee chairman, a position he’s currently holding.

Dr. Kwis has also served on several committees cutting across ARD, MDCAN, and NMA. Also, he attended several NARD and NMA Meetings as a delegate and or NEC member.

Upon returning to Jos, Dr. Kwis quickly settled in and identified with NMA Plateau State. At that time he was to contest for the vice-chairman. But as God will have it, it never came to pass. That, however, did not deter him from participating fully in NMA activities. Little wonder, he was engaged by the NMA national body to serve as the Chairman media and publicity committee for the NMA Tin City 2021, AGC/DM. Also, the state chapter engaged him as a member Research and publication committee.

He’s a volunteer to several NGOs some of which have collaborated with and Donated items worth hundreds of thousands to the JUTH oncology unit.

With such pedigree in leadership and exposure, Dr. Kwis Samuel is confidently offering himself to serve because of his ability to deliver;

Servant leadership

*Competence in leadership

*Loyalty to the association, its organs, and constituted authority.

Robust engagement of members and other stakeholders.

*Targeted results-oriented leadership.

*Dedication to a well-outlined course of action.

With all these experiences and exposure trailing him, Dr. Kwis remains the best candidate at these fundamental times.

Think competence, Think Dr. Sam Kwis.