X-RAYING THE RT. HON. GAGDI PHENOMENON: A GREAT INSPIRATION IN SERVICE By Fidelis Longban

X-RAYING THE RT. HON. GAGDI PHENOMENON: A GREAT INSPIRATION IN SERVICE

             By

Fidelis Longban

Today Monday,10th June 2024, Rt.Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, OON, PhD shall be marking one year into his second mandate in the House of Representatives. In honour of this event it is imperative to x-ray what is popularly referred to the "Gagdi Phenomenon", a cliche that has seamlessly crept into the political lexicon of PKK and indeed the entire Plateau State. When servant-leaders perform, they should be applauded and celebrated. In this mould of leaders are the likes of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.In a fair and non-partisan assessment, there is no gainsaying the fact that the graceful and dashing young man has attracted so many epithets and accolades since he came into the leadership scene hence he merits resounding claps. 

Is Gagdi truly a phenomenon? Yes he is. Does he deserve to be celebrated? Yes, he does. Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi merits laurels and accolades, for pragmatic representation and legislation right from his stint as Deputy Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly to his current two-time Membership of House of Representatives for Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency. The story goes that his march to greatness began from a humble beginning at his rural community of Gum-Gagdi where he grew up and went to school, amidst uncertainties, through the drudgery of rural life. Though the prospects seem gloomy at the start of the journey of life, fate eventually smiled throwing him up now as a prodigiously endowed persona.

    

From his phenomenal achievements, Gagdi has become so personified in first-rate representation that over 75% of his constituents has been "Gagdified" a euphemism for being adopted into the Gagdi ideology.

The things that make Gagdi famous in PKK and beyond are: his generosity; his smartness; his guts; his superlative parliamentary outings; his networking and lobbying capacity, and above all, his projects. He has continued to bestride the topsy turvy of politics with uncommon boldness. Simply put, he is a maverick politician. Gagdi's achievements cut across representational, infrastructural, socio-economic and political spheres. 

 So far, in his 6 years of representation, he has initiated and commissioned the following impactful projects: Dengi-Kwalmiya-Dugub-Gum-Gagdi-Wawus-Zamangat road; 28 Classroom blocks in all the 28 wards of the Federal Constituency; 14 PHC Clinics; 3 No. Police Posts; 264 Hand Pumps and Motorised Boreholes; 6 Town Halls and Skills Acquisition Centres; 24 Palaces and Offices; Paid WAEC, NECO and JAMB fees; Donation of 3 Joint Secure Patrol Vehicles; 9.8 km Pankshin township road project; 9.6 km Dengi township road project; Gagdi Water Scheme; Rehabilitation of Gungji-Shiwer-Dokpai road through FERMA, amongst others. The compendium of achievements is almost inexhaustible as he keeps moving at high frequency and wavelength.

To say the least, Rt. Hon. Gagdi has impeccable legislative credentials, garnered over the years through uncommon legislative finesse. At a point he became the member of the 9th National Assembly to have sponsored two private member's bills assented to by the President. So far he has sponsored 7 Bills, 6 of which have been signed into law. To his credit are the following: Federal University of Education Pankshin Act 2021; Police Act 2020; Federal College of Education Dengi Act 2021; etc. Rt. Hon. Gagdi has secured the commission and recruitment of many Plateau State youths into the Navy including over 350 youths employed into Federal MDAs.

In his place of primary assignment which is the Green Chambers, he chairs the strategic standing Committee on the Nigeria Navy and in adhoc capacity he also recently chaired the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Probe of activities of Federal MDAs; an assignment he undertook with due diligence. His groundbreaking achievements in public service are without any scintilla of political grandstanding, but are for the common good. To buttress this, it is right to rather quote him: "It is really exciting to see that you are the reason why thousands of people are smiling". This is a punchline in the principle of humanistic leadership.

Furthermore, Gagdi's acts of philanthropy are glowing across the State and his Constituency. It is little wonder that his Gagdi Support Foundation Office through which he doles out his philanthropic gestures at Yingi, Rayfield, Jos remains a beehive of activities for the young and the old, the weak and the strong, cutting across party lines and religious affiliations. He makes it a point of duty to always flood his constituency with periodic largesse: food items (rice, maize and millet, sugar, milk, palm oil, cows and sheep) for consumption especially during Christmas and Sallah festivities including some life-saving Empowerment Programmes through: distribution of cash gifts: vehicles, motorcycles, water pumps, sewing and grinding machines, as well as bundles of zinc and mattresses to flood victims in his Constituency. Gagdi's magnanimity is infectious.

For his magnanimous gestures to humanity he is rated so high in community service that he has been severally conferred with high-profile chieftaincy titles such as the Dan Malikin Kanam  and Baraden Gámai by the Emir of Kanam and the Long Gámai of Shendam respectively both of who are 1st Class Chiefs. He is the Sardaunan Bogghom and the Sarkin Yakin Dawaki, including his conferment with the prestigious national award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the then President Muhammadu Buhari.These are laurels of great socio-political signification. 

At the risk of sounding panegyric, I am compelled to say that Gagdi has carved a niche for himself in service to humanity. He has done it and he is still doing it. Due to his survival instincts, Gagdi is the proverbial cat with nine lives; this is courtesy his propensity for surviving the stalking booby traps of opponents. In leadership circles, "Babayo" stands out as a shining star in a galaxy. He has, through his superlative performance and impactful achievements, continued to stun his ardent critics and opponents who have formed the habit of unjustifiably throwing brickbats at him. He understands that sharp criticism and scurrilous attacks are one of the prices of leadership. Many political pundits can attest to this fact. Underrate Gagdi at your peril. It is better to overrate him than underrate him.

To concede that Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has gross sensitivity to key national security and socio-economic issues is not an exaggeration. Four days ago, on Wednesday 6th June 2024, at Plenary he moved a matter of urgent national public importance regarding incessant attacks.and  killings in some parts of his Federal Constituency and the whole of Plateau State. He also vocally contributed to the debate on the recent nationwide strike by Organised Labour and urged the National Minimum Tripartite Committee to work assiduously towards ironing out grey areas. His contributions and debates are often direct and the attack the issues dispassionately.

Finally, as a young man of 44 years, this Federal Lawmaker has, through exemplary and pace-setting leadership, demystified the "too-young-to run" clichê.That the Gagdi phenomenon, powered by Constituents, admirers, friends and support groups, is truly a new inspiration in service is therefore not in doubt. With "Babayo" Gagdi as a worthy representative, PKK stands to get a fair deal, if not the fairest of deals, unparalleled in the nearly 30-year history of its delineation as a Federal Constituency. For this great Politician, trained Economist and Security Expert, the sky is the only limit. As Rt. Hon. Gagdi positions himself for more achievements in the next three years, mine is to say kudos to a great achiever!

 *fidelislongban@gmail.com* 

 *Monday 10/06/2024*

TRIBUTE TO LATE PA FRAPS CLEMENT PETIP

ADIEU PA FRAPS CLEMENT PETIP

By Walbe Orgak

A Tribute in loving memory of a shining star, an educator, a teacher per excellence who left an indelible mark,

Late Pa Fraps Clement Petip left an indelible mark of decades of building legacies in molding and shaping hearts and minds of people to live a better live, leaving behind a trail of knowledge, love, and a sense of belonging and hopefulness.

Late Pa Fraps Clement Petip who passed away at the age of 84 was born on the 15th January 1940. His parents late Grand Pa Petip Nanbyet and Kaka Nabit Mangmwos of Luwurang of Danmet Kagu District of Mupun Chiefdom of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State enrolled him at Ekan Primary School Jing in 1953 to 1960 and then in 1978 he proceeded to the Teachers Training College Gindiri where he obtained the Grade 2 teachers certificate in 1969.

Having create an insatiable appetite for knowledge the young Clement Petip cravings for more learning ventured out and seek admission at the famous Admadu Bello University Zaria where he obtained his National Certificate of Education, NCE in 1977 and bachelor of education B.Ed Language Arts in 1982

This inform his passion for knowledge and sacrifices to impart knowledge to others; he has indeed over the years acquired wisdom, and with compassion grace, and humbleness he guided people out of the darkness to sunlit, his training, disciplines and mentoring went far beyond the classroom walls, teaching young minds and all those who came in contact with him valuable and treasured life skills, and helping them to stand tall.

Pa Fraps Clement Petip as a typical Mupun elder you saw the best in people regardless of tribe, ethnic or religious inclination, making them to comprehend the true meaning of humanity, and with humility, gentleness, kindness and patience, you helped them to achieve their dreams and be free, as seen from testimonies from the various places you had worked.

Pa Fraps Clement Petip lifetime has been very eventful and accomplishing, he was Head Boy Jing Primary School, 1960, College Prefect at Gindiri Teachers, 1962 to 65, Care Taker Committee Member Pankshin LGC 1976, President Plateau Students Union, Institute Of Education, ABU Zaria 1982, Chairman Pankshin Cultural Festival 1991, Vice Chairman, Kagu Community Development Association KACDA, Vice Chairman Board of Governors Pankshin Community Secondary School Jing, 1987, acting Education Secretary, 1999 to 2000. Treasurer Local Government Staff Pension Board, Pankshin Branch, 2004,  and an elder PDP Jing Federal Ward, 2005 to 2008.

Though you may be gone, your impact remains a magnificent and a shining star that will forever guide and sustain the life of many that you have molded. They will always cherish the memories, the laughter, and the tears, and honor of your legacies.

Farewell and Rest in peace, Pa Fraps Clement Petip our dear and devoted teacher, your legacy will forever be displayed in the lives of those who you had helped."

By Walbe Orgak

Tribute in loving memory of a shining star, an educator, a teacher per excellence who left an indelible mark,

Late Pa Fraps Clement Petip left an indelible mark of decades of building legacies in molding and shaping hearts and minds of people to live a better live, leaving behind a trail of knowledge, love, and a sense of belonging and hopefulness.

Late Pa Fraps Clement Petip who passed away at the age of 84 was born on the 15^th January 1940. His parents late Grand Pa Petip Nanbyet and Kaka Nabit Mangmwos of Luwurang of Danmet Kagu District of Mupun Chiefdom of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State enrolled him at Ekan Primary School Jing in 1953 to 1960 and then in 1978 he proceeded to the Teachers Training College Gindiri where he obtained the Grade 2 teachers certificate in 1969.

Having create an insatiable appetite for knowledge the young Clement Petip cravings for more learning ventured out and seek admission at the famous Admadu Bello University Zaria where he obtained his National Certificate of Education, NCE in 1977 and bachelor of education B.Ed Language Arts in 1982

This inform his passion for knowledge and sacrifices to impart knowledge to others; he has indeed over the years acquired wisdom, and with compassion grace, and humbleness he guided people out of the darkness to sunlit, his training, disciplines and mentoring went far beyond the classroom walls, teaching young minds and all those who came in contact with him valuable and treasured life skills, and helping them to stand tall.

Pa Fraps Clement Petip as a typical Mupun elder you saw the best in people regardless of tribe, ethnic or religious inclination, making them to comprehend the true meaning of humanity, and with humility, gentleness, kindness and patience, you helped them to achieve their dreams and be free, as seen from testimonies from the various places you had worked.

Pa Fraps Clement Petip lifetime has been very eventful and accomplishing, he was Head Boy Jing Primary School, 1960, College Prefect at Gindiri Teachers, 1962 to 65, Care Taker Committee Member Pankshin LGC 1976, President Plateau Students Union, Institute Of Education, ABU Zaria 1982, Chairman Pankshin Cultural Festival 1991, Vice Chairman, Kagu Community Development Association KACDA, Vice Chairman Board of Governors Pankshin Community Secondary School Jing, 1987, acting Education Secretary, 1999 to 2000. Treasurer Local Government Staff Pension Board, Pankshin Branch, 2004,  and an elder PDP Jing Federal Ward, 2005 to 2008.

Though you may be gone, your impact remains a magnificent and a shining star that will forever guide and sustain the life of many that you have molded. They will always cherish the memories, the laughter, and the tears, and honor of your legacies.

Farewell and Rest in peace, Pa Fraps Clement Petip our dear and devoted teacher, your legacy will forever be displayed in the lives of those who you had helped."

DAKUM DECRIES THE ABSENCE OF A MINISTER FROM PLATEAU STATE, SWEARING IN OF 7 MEMBERS-ELECT By Walbe Orgak

DAKUM DECRIES THE ABSENCE OF A MINISTER FROM PLATEAU STATE, SWEARING 

N OF 7 MEMBERS-ELECT

By Walbe Orgak 

Worried by the Presidency's procrastination of appointing a new Minister from Plateau to fill in the gap created by the former's resignation and the deliberate refusal of the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, to swear-in the remaining 7 members-elect as state legislators, the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Professor Patrick Dakum, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan to appoint a new Minister and swear-in the members-elect.

 Speaking to THE BEACON in his office in Abuja yesterday, 4th May, 2024, Dakum lamented that the president's  delay in appointing a new minister to fill in the gap created by the exit of Simon Lalong, (then Minister of Labour, to be in the National Assembly having secured his victory at the appellate court) is a total disservice to Plateau that must be remedied immediately.

 According to him, it's totally unfair to deny Plateau participation in the Federal Executive Council, FEC, for over six months for not having a minister which is not the state's fault.  This action he went on, excludes Plateau in the running of the country's affairs in the capacity of ministerial activities as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic and is undemocratic.

"Democracy entails carrying everyone along, following due process, observing the rule of law and dispensing justice to all without delay. There is no genuine reason for Plateau to be without a minister for this long which denies it participation in decisions making for good governance in the country. There are capable and eligible hands in the state that can handle any ministry, so why delaying the appointment," Dakum said.

 On issue of the lingering non-swearing of the remaining seven members-elect to participate in the state assembly's legislation, Dakum said for democracy to thrive, court orders must be obeyed whether palatable or unpalatable. He said, "There is absolutely no reason why the members-elect the Court of Appeal declared winners should not be in the House working. It doesn't make sense. I don't understand why and how because it is the same judiciary that said the governor is PDP, and the House is APC, so, what's the rocket science in that? The court has already taken its decision and there is nothing anyone can do about it, but to obey the court's decisions. It is democracy to obey court order whether in our favour or not."

The former Commissioner of Health and Information, said that it's abuse of democracy to procrastinate swearing in of the members-elect because is nothing short of  denying their constituents the right of being represented in the House, thereby making the government incomplete; adding that everyone should be carried along and no Constituency should be left behind in the interest of democracy, good governance, progress and justice.

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

I Hon. Ephraim Usman, on behalf of the acting permanent secretary, Management and the entire Staff of the ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Plateau State, heartily felicitate with our Amiable Leader, “The captain of the Time is Now” Mantra, The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and his Deputy, Hon. Josephine Piyo on their one year in office.

 There is no doubt that your Administration within the past one year has achieved a lot, especially in massive Road Constructions, Transportation, Agriculture, Sanitation, Human Capital Development, Educational Transformation and Rural Development which has indeed endeared you to the people of the State.

 The ability of your Administration to cleared N 4.5 billion out of N 4.7 billion, inherited salary arrears of primary school Teachers, Local Government workers and Pensioneers, apart from the over 10 billion back log of State Government workers Arrears which have all been cleared, as no doubt printed your Name in gold as dividend of democracy personified.

 As you continue with the developmental stride across the state, we pray that the Almighty God will empower you with Grace, Divine Wisdom and Sound Health to pilot our state to Greater heights.  

 Congratulations. Your Excellency.

 

Signed:

Hon. Ephraim Usman

Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Plateau State.

 

CHILDREN AS DEVELOPING STORIES

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, May 27, 2024; 08116181263)

Children's Day celebration as it is being observed in many countries around the world is a product of consensus agreement amongst nations. In 1925, the World Conference for the Wellbeing of Children, unanimously, recognised that "Mankind Owes to Children the Best That It Was to Give" and, declared June 1 as a day to draw global attention to issues affecting children: Fall out from wars, child labour and children molestation, hunger and starvation, etc.

Although countries observe Children's Day on different dates the motive is one and, squarely, the same: Welfare and fair treatment of children. In other words, there was need 'to change the way children are viewed and treated by society and, to improve children's welfare.' 

In Nigeria, the celebration holds on May 27, 2024. On that day, school children filed out to designated centre like stadiums to do match out parade, gardens and relaxation spots to wine and dine with their loves. The theme for this year's Children Day Celebration was, "To every child, every right." It is apt and could not have come at a better time than now.

Based on the report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), young people below the age of 30 represents 42% of the country's population. This statistic entails great potential for a country that aspiring to attain greatness!

Children are assets and the future of every institution or nation. In Psalm 127:3-5 (NIV) the scripture says, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court." With the benefit of this understanding children are to be valued above all things!

With children, there is no dull moment. With them the world smiles broadly. They are harbinger hope for value creation, addition as well as defence when they grow and become adults!

It is important to know that this children are innocent and pure in mind. They are, fertile grounds or minds for the cultivation of new ideas, orientation, experiences and/or methods now and will live with those virtues. In other words, whatever becomes of the future of man and humanity depends on the investment we made on children.

Children are a developing story or stories yet to be told. They are fragile and can be vulnerable if not properly guided and tendered with care!

In the fragility and vulnerability of children, they need utmost care, affection and protection to grow. They should be guided properly if they must reach adulthood and productively make great stories in the future.

It is unfortunate that the stories of some adults who were children yesterday are twisted in everyway. Those concerned here have railroaded into shadow activities and have become wayward in every sense of the word. Hardened criminals, terrorists, insurgents, bandits, Kidnappers, drug traffickers or addicts, human traffickers, prostitutes, rapists, etc. on my mind!

When a child falls into the luring traps of illicit drugs and/pornography or illicit sex, the sense of logic, morality and productivity of the child is badly altered. Pornography or illicit sex, specifically, loosens the child's self-control and drug abuse reduces him or her into a loaf of bread soaked in water and an unproductive chap that he/she will not want to associate with, on a normal day.

Today, there is traffic at our prisons, Internally Displaced Person's (IDPs) and Refugee camps are expanding, abject poverty is refusing to fizzle out, inequality is striving, strange orientations like LGBTQ are with us, etc. These are complex problems that need urgent solutions to make the world a better place.

When we complaint that the world is twisted today, the explanation is that those parents and guardians we had yesterday failed in their responsibility to do the needful when present adults were growing up as children. In order to get the world straight, therefore, we have to fix our children through godly instruction and discipline.

As this little ones celebrate their day, they are prayed for and wished well. Let me pray for parents and guardians whose responsibility it is nurture this children into useful maturity also. May their strength never fail  them but, instead, be renewed to deliver their parenting functions with great distinction.

May God help us all, save our children that have derailed or become victims of man's inhumanity to man. Happy Children's Day Celebration and may the sky remain blue and the beauty of nature whisper melodious songs of joy to every child in the world!

APC CONGRATULATES REVEREND MONSIGNOR CLETUS GOTAN, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NCPC.

The Plateau State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, is happy with the appointment of one of the most respected Christian Clerics in the State, Reverend Monsignor Cletus Gotan, as the Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission.

The Party is also happy that, for the first time, another indegene of Plateau State has been found worthy of occupying the exalted position of the Chairman of the Commission.

It is also heartwarming and worth mentioning  that it is only the APC governments, right from 2015, that have so respected and considered indigenes of Plateau State fit and capable of being at the helm of affairs in the NCPC.

During President Mohammadu Buhari's regime,for the first time,Reverend Yakubu Pam was in charged as the Executive Secretary of the Commission and was reportedly to have performed wonderfully well, and now, the revered cleric,  Monsignor Gotan, of the Catholic faith, who is regarded as an academic, fearless and forthright person.

The APC is confident that Monsignor Gotan 's tenure in the Commission will be a remarkable and momentous  one, based on his track record.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for re-enforcing APC's confidence in the People of State, we appeal for executive  appointments in at the federal level to further boost the moral of the teeming supporters of the party.

APC is charging Monsignor Gotan and other political appointees to be good ambassadors of the State, and also wishes them God's guidance as well as protection.

       Signed

Shittu Bamaiyi

Acting Publicity Secretary.

DR. DAKUM AT 66 A DOGGED STATESMAN AND AN ASTUTE POLITICIAN

DR. DAKUM AT 66 A DOGGED STATESMAN AND AN ASTUTE POLITICIAN 

Walbe Orgak

The 2023 Plateau State Gubernatorial candidates under the platform of Labour Party DR. Patrick Dakum has been described as an astute politician and a dogged statesman who has an unwavering love for the state and humanity; this was contain in an outpouring of tributes and testimonies, when his media team and few supporters gathered in Jos to rejoiced as well as celebrate his 66 birthday. 

The occasion also provides an opportunity for those present to express their admiration, appreciativeness, for his leadership and fatherly role which gives them hope for a better future. 

His media consultant and one of the organizers of the birthday celebration Mr. Shabul Mazadu said even though Prof Dakum is not presently in the country they found it necessary to celebrate him on this special day.

He said ‘I want to extend my warmest birthday wishes to a dedicated and astute politician who has continually demonstrated a commitment to serving the people with integrity and passion. Your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to public service have inspired many and have made a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals’.

While reeling some of the DR. Dakum qualities and milestone Shabul further said as he celebrate another year of life, he is expressing his sincere appreciation for his tireless efforts in advocating for the needs of downtrodden and working towards the betterment of humanity as a whole. He said his ability to navigate the complexities of politics with grace and wisdom is truly remarkable and commendable, and his willingness to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to his strength of character and believe.

Others personalities who spoke during the brief but colorful birthday celebration were Timzin Miri Dashe, Yonwul Christopher and Jerry Bako among other notable supporters and friends of Prof Patrick Dakum while their pouring accolades both of them described Patrick Dakum as a true son of Plateau whose love for his people remains unshaken and indeed it continues to grow to the delight of his teaming supporters and the amazement of his political opponent.

They pray for him to succeed in all his endeavor and that may God rejuvenate his strength to continue to lead with courage and conviction and that may he find joy in the progress he have made and inspiration in the challenges that lie ahead. And may his influence and impact continue to grow, shaping a better future for all those he seeks to serve.

Also members of the Independent Publishers Association, IPA who were present at the birthday party wish him happiness, health, and success in all his endeavors. That may he be surrounded by loved ones who appreciate and support him  and may he find moments of peace and contentment amidst the demands of his work, while appreciating him for his service to humanity, dedication, and his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.