BISHOP GOKUM ESTABLISHES NEW MISSION HOUSES, PARISHES IN PANKSHIN DIOCESE

In a significant development for the Catholic Church in Plateau State, Most Reverend Michael Gobal Gokum, the Catholic Bishop of Pankshin Diocese, has announced the creation of two new mission houses, five pastoral areas, and four new parishes. This expansion aims to strengthen the Church's presence and enhance spiritual guidance for the faithful in the diocese.

The new establishments are expected to promote evangelization, community engagement, and pastoral care, further solidifying the diocese's commitment to serving its members. Bishop Gokum's initiative reflects the diocese's dedication to growth and service, providing more opportunities for worship, education, and community building.

This development is likely to have a positive impact on the local Catholic community, fostering a deeper sense of faith and unity among parishioners. The creation of these new mission houses, pastoral areas, and parishes underscores the diocese's efforts to adapt to the needs of its growing flock and to spread the message of hope and love.

Plateau State Governor Cracks Down on Killings with New Directives

In a bid to curb the recent surge in violent attacks and killings across Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has announced new measures to enhance security. As part of the efforts to restore peace, the governor has signed directives aimed at reducing factors contributing to these conflicts.

Key Directives:

-Night Grazing Prohibition: Night grazing is strictly prohibited across the state to minimize herder-farmer conflicts.

Cattle Transportation Ban: Transportation of cattle after 7 PM is banned to prevent suspicious movements under the cover of darkness.

Motorcycle Movement Restriction: Motorcycle movement is restricted from 7 PM to 6 AM statewide to reduce unauthorized night travel.

- Community Vigilante Activation: Community vigilante groups are activated to work in synergy with conventional security agencies, enhancing surveillance and rapid response.

These measures aim to address the root causes of recent violent attacks, which have claimed numerous lives in communities such as Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi. The Nigerian Police Force has already made progress in arresting suspects linked to these attacks, parading 17 individuals connected to the violence.

The Plateau State Government's new directives underscore its commitment to restoring peace and security, working closely with security agencies and community leaders. These efforts seek to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the safety of residents across the state.¹

PLASU Students Commend Prof. Best-Led Management for Smooth Online Exams

PLASU Students Commend Professor Best-Led Management for Smooth Online Exams.

Plateau State  University Students who recently participated in their General Studies examination have lauded the significant achievement of the Professor Best-led management for successfully conducting the university's first-ever online examination.

This initiative is seen as a testament to the administration's efforts in elevating PLASU's standard among state-owned universities nationwide.

Excitement was palpable among students shortly after the examination, speaking on the experience,they expressed satisfaction with the swift and efficient conduct of the online assessment.

First-year students, Choji Precious and Isaac Daniel, shared their initial apprehension, stating, "When we first heard that the exam would be online, we imagined various challenges. However, it turned out to be well-organized and seamless."

Choji further suggested the acquisition of more computers to cater to the university's growing student population.

The Acting Director of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at Plateau State University, Bokkos, Lydia Jonglapson,expressed delight and commended Professor Shedrack Gaya Best for his commitment and focused leadership to have adequately fund the ICT Centre and the School of Arts facilities. "Professor Best has shown a clear interest in the ICT Centre, evident in the consistent attention he gives us and his dedication to creating a conducive environment for 21st-century students to excel," she stated.

She expressed optimism that the University will soon boast of a well-equipped Computer-Based Centre (CBC) to address the current limitations in computer availability and space.

Notably, the recent online examinations, utilizing 212 computers for 3,300 regular students (excluding those with carry-over courses), were conducted without any major setbacks, marking a significant success for the University.

The examinations were held concurrently at the ICT Centre and the E-Library of the University.

Ngolong Ngas Admonishes Professional Hunters

His Majesty Nde JIka Golit, the Ngolong Ngas, has advised Professional Hunters to maintain one leadership to avoid quackery. 

This advice was given during a courtesy visit by members of the Pankshin and Kanke Chapter of the Association to his office recently.

The Royal Father commended the Hunters for their security services, particularly at the grassroots level and emphasized the need for collaboration with other sister organizations to flush out criminals in the bush. 

Nde Ngolong expressed the Traditional Rulers' readiness to partner with the Hunters to restructure the hunting system towards achieving set goals and 

 warned against those who may use the opportunity to engage in criminal activities, stressing the importance of working together to promote peace and security.

Team leader Nde Peter Doka explained that the Hunting Festival is an annual program aimed at combing the bush in preparation for the farming season. 

He added that the festival also provides an opportunity to sensitize communities on security challenges and prepare for the farming season.

Wukaska Bako Gowon

Media Officer to Ngolong Ngas.

PLASU Commits to TETFUND Standards, Appreciates Partnership

Acting Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos, Professor Shedrack Best, has reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to entrenching due process and adhering to laid down regulations in all university operations. He emphasized PLASU's dedication to abiding by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) specifications, acknowledging TETFUND's significant support to the institution.

Professor Best,made these assurances while hosting a TETFUND inspection team at Plateau state University Bokkos. The team was on site to assess the progress of ongoing TETFUND-sponsored projects.

During the visit,the Acting Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to TETFUND for its continuous partnership and support, highlighting the positive impact of TETFUND-funded projects on the university's development and  affirmed that PLASU is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in the execution of these projects.Represented by Acting Vice Chancellor Administration Associate Professor Keziah Ayuba, Professor Best not that all projects will are expected to be  completed according to TETFUND's guidelines.

With the university's commitment to due process and the progress of the projects, noting the positive impact of TETFUND's investments on the institution's infrastructure and academic environment. This visit reinforces the strong partnership between PLASU and TETFUND, and underscores the university's dedication to utilizing resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of its students and the wider community.

The inspection team led by Architect Adama noted that TETFUND will never compromise on its standards and charge them to keep up with the pace of work as it will always partner tertiary institutions across the country for the benefit of creating conducive learning environment.

HRM. the Ngolong Ngas Nde JIka Golit has commended members of the Kwararafa Assembly for their efforts to revive the Empire.

His Majesty the Ngolong Ngas Nde JIka Golit has commended members of the Kwararafa Assembly for their efforts to revive the Kwararafa Empire, a historic entity that once thrived in central Nigeria. 

The monarch expressed his support during a courtesy visit from the group at his palace in Pankhsin.

His Majesty Nde JIka Golit emphasized that the initiative which is sound will not only promotes unity within the Kwararafa Nation but also fosters connections with other ethnic nationalities to enhance peace and unity.

The Ngolong Ngas encouraged the group to prioritize harmonious relationships, enabling members to work towards political and economic gains.

 

He also suggested promoting their cultural heritage through festivals showcasing each tribe's unique culture. 

Earlier delivering the group message, the President of the Assembly Leo Saje Densak said the Kwararafa Empire, which once spanned across present-day central Nigeria, was known for its rich cultural diversity and strong trade networks.

Hence the visit was to inform the Royal Father on how to address some lingering identify issues and unite members of the Kwararafa clan.

He lauded the Ngolong Ngas for his fatherly advises and contributions and sought for his continues prayers and blessings.

In a remark the cultural Officer of the Kwararafa kingdom Aku Umar Goodman announced an upcoming festival of arts and culture, aimed at reuniting the tribes and  celebrating their shared heritage.

He  presented the the Handbook on the proposed Kwararafa Festival of Arts and Culture to the Royal Father.

Ngas Dancers  from Mwel in Ampang East of Kanke Local Government Area spiced the meeting with Sombi music.

Wukaska Bako Gowon

Media Officer to Ngolong Ngas.

CAMPAN Jos Archdiocese Condemns Resurgence of Attacks in Bokkos

The Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Jos Archdiocese, strongly condemns the recent resurgence of violent attacks on innocent communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and sympathize with all those who have been affected by these senseless acts of violence against humanity. We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of Plateau State during this difficult time.

CAMPAN Jos Archdiocese assures the government and people of Plateau State of its unwavering support for every initiative aimed at ensuring the total return of peace to all crisis-prone areas. We believe that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, understanding, and a commitment to justice.

We call on all people, irrespective of faith or belief, to rally around the affected communities and provide them with the necessary support and assistance. We must stand together against those who seek to sow seeds of discord and violence.

As ambassadors and advocates of peace coexistence,CAMPAN Jos Archdiocese remains committed to promoting interreligious harmony and peaceful coexistence. We will continue to use our platform to advocate for justice, reconciliation, restoration and the sustainance of peace in Plateau State.

While commending security operatives,We urge them to intensify all efforts to protect lives and property, and we also call on all stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of these conflicts.

May peace prevail in Bokkos and throughout Plateau State.

Signed

E-sign 

Rowland Longs 

Chairman, CAMPAN Jos Archdiocese.