APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, Meets IHVN CEO Prof. Dr. Dakum in Gesture of Unity

The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Sunday Patrick Dakum, has visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. The meeting took place at Professor Yilwatda’s residence in a warm and cordial atmosphere.

Dr. Dakum, who also serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, is widely recognized for his contributions to public health and community development. His visit was a demonstration of mutual respect and a shared commitment to fostering positive relationships across political lines.

It will be recalled that Dr. Dakum was the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Plateau State, where he ran a spirited campaign focused on health, education, and infrastructure development. Despite political differences, his visit underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation for the greater good of the state and the nation.

The interaction between the two leaders is seen as a gesture of unity, signaling the possibility of collaborative efforts in the future. Both men share deep roots in Plateau State and a dedication to advancing its socio-economic and political progress.

Prof. Dakum Felicitates Plateau Speaker on Birthday

The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, has congratulated the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Gapyil Daniel, on the occasion of his birthday celebrated yesterday, August 10, 2025.

In a goodwill message signed by his media consultant, Shabul Mazadu, Prof. Dakum commended the Speaker’s contributions to the growth and stability of democracy in Plateau State, describing him as a three-term legislator who has played key roles in the House while empowering his constituents.

The former Commissioner for Information and Health lauded the Speaker’s proactive efforts in addressing pressing state issues since assuming the speakership, noting that his strides reflect readiness and commitment to service.

Prof. Dakum particularly praised Daniel’s recent distribution of fertilizer to constituents, stressing that such support is crucial for Plateau farmers at a time when the cost of the commodity has become prohibitive for many subsistence farmers.

He wished the Speaker many more fruitful years, sound health, and divine wisdom as he steers the affairs of the state legislature.

SEN. DARIYE CELEBRATES APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR NENTAWE YILWATDA AT 57.

Former Plateau State Governor, Senator  Joshua Chibi Dariye PhD has felicitated with the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe on the joyous occasion of his 57th Birthday anniversary.

According to an e-statement, Senator Dariye extolled his leadership qualities hardwork, dedication and his unwavering commitment to the service of his fatherland which has seen his rapid rise from been a Resident Electoral Commissioner, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to the  National Chairman of the APC.

He paid glowing tributes to the former Minister for his integrity, benevolence and community service as he offers scholarship to prospective students who passed the Joint  Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB exams annually.

The former Governor commended Professor Nentawe for his zeal, passion and progress of Nigeria as he recorded a landmark achievement with the introduction of BVAS Machine which has drastically reduced fraud in the nation's electoral system.

Senator Dariye praised the celebrant for being a strong advocate of unity and peaceful coexistence which he exemplifies after losing the 2023 Plateau State Governorship election by cautioning his supporters to remain calm and law abiding even in the face of provocation.

While expressing confidence in his ability to turn the fortunes of the APC around, Senator Dariye implored Professor Nentawe Yilwatda to bring his wealth of experience  to bare in repositioning the ruling party and galvanised it to victory as the APC seeks to maintain its popularity and dominance beyond 2027.

On behalf of his family, friends and political associates, the former Governor prayed for wisdom, strength and good health as he continues to pilot affairs of the party to the best of his ability.

E-Sign :

Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye PhD.

Former Governor,

Plateau State.

Bokkos Likeminds Condemns Incessant Genocide & Destruction of Properties, Adjures Urgent & Decisive Action a Moral & Constitutional Necessity

The Bokkos Likeminds Association has condemned genocide, incessant human killings and destruction of properties in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, called on the government for urgent action and national intervention that would put an end to this inhumanity to humans.

In a press statement dated 6th August, 2025, and signed by Dr. ST Nguwap, President, and Dr. Engr. Morgan Mangai, Secretary General, the association asserted that it vehemently condemns the frequent attacks, incessant killings, and genocidal acts being unleashed upon their people in their ancestral villages by armed Fulani herdsmen.

The statement further maintained that over the years, hundreds of lives have been lost, countless homes destroyed, and entire communities displaced from their farmlands under the wave of targeted violence, and it has become a daily affair. 

These attacks, which have become systematic and organised, threaten the very survival of the people of the Bokkos local government area and must no longer be treated as isolated incidents or mere communal clashes.

These persistent attacks are nothing short of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Innocent men, women, children, and the elderly have been slaughtered, while villages are razed in coordinated assaults, often under the watch or delayed intervention of security agencies. This continued bloodshed not only undermines the peace and stability of Bokkos and Plateau State but also exposes Nigeria’s inability, under its current governance structure, to protect its citizens and uphold justice. Urgent and decisive action is now a moral and constitutional necessity.

The Bokkos Likeminds Association demands the eviction of all Fulani immigrants who have no ancestral or legal claim to our lands but have brought only violence and instability. Many of these elements are foreign nationals who have infiltrated Nigeria’s porous borders. The federal and state governments have to identify, remove, and prevent the settlement of such individuals, thereby restoring peace to our communities.

The Association also insists on a total ban on open grazing nationwide. Modern ranching practices must replace the outdated and violent system of free-range herding, which has repeatedly led to conflict and bloodshed. Anti-open grazing laws must be strictly enforced by state governments, with full backing from federal authorities, to protect farmers and rural populations.

The Bokkos Likeminds advocated for  strict enforcement of immigration laws and stronger border controls to curb the influx of armed foreign elements. All foreign entrants must be properly documented, monitored, and deported where necessary to prevent the continuation of these cycles of violence.

They equally demand constitutional recognition of indigenous rights and the right to self-defence, stressing that communities must not be left defenceless while attackers operate freely. By enshrining these rights, local populations can lawfully organise and defend their lives and lands in collaboration with state-sanctioned security outfits, ensuring the survival of their people.

The Bokkos Likeminds Association calls on the Plateau State Government, the Federal Government, and international stakeholders to act now. Without justice, reform, and security, the people of Bokkos will continue to face atrocities that stain Nigeria’s conscience and threaten her unity. They highlighted that people deserve to live in peace on their ancestral lands, and they will not relent in their advocacy until these urgent measures are implemented.

SEN. DARIYE EULOGIZES MISHKAHAM MWAGHAVUL, DA JOHN HIRSE AS HE CLOCKS 82

Former Plateau State Governor, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, Ph. D, has paid glowing tributes to the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da John Putmang Hirse on the mementous  occasion of his 82nd birthday anniversary.

Senator Dariye, in an e-statement, lauded Da Hirse for his hardwork, dedication and unwavering commitment to community development which has led to significant progress of his subjects, Mangu Local Government Area and Plateau State at large.

He eulogized the monarch for bringing to bear his wealth of experience as an astute administrator whose reservoir of knowledge had impacted positively on his people thereby enhancing the education and socio economic development of the Mwaghavul nation.

The former Governor asserted that as an elder statesman of high repute, Da John Putmang Hirse had contributed immensely to peace and stability, good governance as well as the advancement of Plateau State and beyond.

Senator Dariye praised the revered monarch for his zeal and steadfastness to the overall progress of his people and the state, noting that these rare traits, endeared him to the hearts of many.

He commended his principles and visionary leadership which had galvanised his subjects to embark on self help projects aimed at improving their lives.

On behalf of his family, friends and political associates, Senator Dariye wished  Da John Putmang Hirse good health, wisdom and strength to enable him continue to rule his people with, justice, equity and fairness.

E-Sign :

Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, Ph. D.

Former Governor,

Plateau State.

Asama and Partners Commended for Laudable Initiative, as Gov. Mutfwang Commission Trauma Healing School Building

Hon. Daniel Asama, Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, alongside his international and local partners, has received widespread commendation for spearheading a groundbreaking humanitarian and educational project in Bassa Local Government Area.

The initiative, which culminated in the establishment of the Great Oaks Trauma-Informed Education Centre, is a collaborative effort with Back2Back Ministries, USA, and Vineyard Church, Cincinnati, aimed at providing comprehensive care, education, and shelter to over 300 orphaned and traumatized children.

During the official commissioning of the facility, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang hailed the project as a shining example of sacrificial leadership and Christ-like compassion.

“This is far beyond just a building or school. Hon. Asama and your partners have given hope, dignity, and a future to children whose lives have been shattered by conflict. You have brought the gospel to life—not in words, but in deeds,” the Governor declared.

He praised the vision, commitment, and humility demonstrated by Hon. Asama and his team, calling the initiative “a legacy of love and transformation.”

“This is a laudable initiative that should challenge every public officeholder and privileged citizen to use their resources, networks, and influence to touch lives. True leadership is measured by the impact we make on others,” the Governor added.

Other stakeholders also joined in the chorus of commendation.
Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti, Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council, called the school a “historic and strategic intervention”, noting that it directly addresses the long-standing needs of vulnerable children in the region.

“We have seen many promises, but Hon. Asama and his partners have delivered substance. This initiative will leave a lasting footprint in the history of Bassa,” he said.

Representing the local Kiche community, Ati Ezekiel Angai applauded the consistency and determination that led to the completion of the project, acknowledging the sacrifices made by both Nigerian and international partners over the years.

“From acquiring land to navigating community needs and sustaining donor interest, Hon. Asama and his team have shown what it means to lead with purpose. Their impact is already evident in the smiles of the children who now call this place home.”

The center, considered one of only four trauma-informed education institutions of its kind globally, is staffed by over 135 full-time and 24 ad-hoc workers, running a hybrid Nigerian-American curriculum designed to heal, educate, and empower.

“We are not just teaching ABCs—we are restoring hope and building new futures,” Hon. Asama emphasized.

He went on to express heartfelt appreciation to Vineyard Church’s congregation, including children who donated their pocket money, as well as the tireless efforts of the foundational team members—Jason, Emily, and others—who helped birth the vision in 2007.

As the facility begins full operations, the commendation from government, community, and international partners underscores the profoundj impact of visionary leadership paired with global collaboration.

PRODUCTIVITY AS MEASURE OF ACHIEVEMENT

Nobody wants to be a failure in the land of the living. Every human being desires to be an achiever, but how to make it happens. Well, the secret is that, great achievements start small!

Small efforts lead to big achievements when sustained. From a lowly background, a person who dreams big must start by being hardworking, and continue to sharpen his work skills through self development. This enables the person graduate from being hard-working to being smart-working hence increased productivity.

Given one's skills, productivity is the output produced divided by the time used in the production process. It is the baseline, benchmark or index upon great achievements are measured!

Skills are just skills until they are practicalised. The potency of one's skill is determined by the level of productivity it brings about. Practice for productivity, requires the use of at least, a platform. 

A platform is a place for learning and practice. A potential footballer needs a football club; a hair dresser, a saloon; carpenter, a workshop; an artist, a studio; an artiste, a theatre, medical practitioner,  a hospital; a politician, a political party; a writer, book club; etc. Without a platform for practice, great skills become dormant, and in the long run, turn useless! Practice is an incubation moment that could be time consuming. Sometimes, it requires isolation to avoid distraction. 

Isolation can be be a lonely experience but a strategy that makes strong. No wonder, Fyodor Dostoevsky said, Isolate as much as you want to be stronger, even if you see that loneliness is an unbeatable hell, it is much better than the multiple masks of humans." Isolation to practice helps the same way consultations help.

To stay on top of one's game, and increase productivity, also, consultation from  more experienced practitioners is key. Therefore, experts are think tank for geometric productivity!

Team work matters in the productivity equation too. Two heads are better that one. The value of team work is chronicled in the adage that says, If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go with others. It's a fact that, "Team work makes the dream work"!

Hard-work, smart-work, having a platform for practice, think tank and teamwork make the difference in the world productivity. Productivity makes great achievers. Be productive, be a great achiever starting small!

*(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 3rd August, 2025)*