Imagine Nigeria never had Coach Bitrus Bewarang

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum 

Two areas the Bewarang family is famous for are: Mission work and sports.

There may be others, but, let's stick to the area Coach Bitrus Y Bewarang made the country famous for.

That is not to reduce the essence of what God has used them through mission work to change the lives of people in different communities.

Except one is not a football enthusiast, the place of Coach Bewarang cannot be a subject of debate.

He has played a crucial component in sports, helping Nigeria become a power house in the round leather game.

His marks are in the record books; and are difficult to erase, but enough to recognise his role nationally.

But Nigeria may not reward its heroes and heroines where they deserve it. How many times have Nigerians who have sacrificed and made a mark are recognised?

Several Nigerians who have contributed meaningfully have rested unsung; not even their families are mentioned officially.

Their sacrifices are often interred with their bodies!

The sweat of some our heroes past appears to be in vain.

In his active playing days in several clubs and on the national stage, he shown like a galaxy of stars. 

In those early days, players sacrificed their talents, and got pittance in return. Many of them got injured, and were left to fend for themselves.

But for his sacrifices, and those of others, couldn't such a person be deserving of an honour? Can't the state or Nigeria show them gratitude in return for their sacrifices?

He was a first class technician while he lasted in his career: As a national player and gaffer, he was in a class of his own.

At the height of his coaching career with the Super Eagles, he was the clinical match reader for Clemence Westerhof. 

He was the silent hand on the bench who knew how to hit hard on opponents when and where it mattered most.

The 73 year old tactician may have hung his boots but it can't be out of place that he can be wished away easily.

For someone who was once the Technical Director, NFF between 2016-2020 and President of the Nigerian Coaches Association spanning 2013-2016, Plateau could not have got a better opportunity to serve the nation than in those glorious years.

Whoever has contributed to national development should not be considered as belonging to a community whose achievements can only be shared by them.

They remain a product of the nation; and of everyone, no matter how anyone say to the contrary.

The fact that Nigeria had Coach Bitrus Yigol Bewarang was never a mistake. He deserves all the accolades due him; if his labours are not counted as worthless.

How Can We Develop With This Kind of Mindset and Politicking?

By WALBE ORGAK 

In a genuine effort to tackle the persistent transportation challenges in Plateau State, Governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang made bold moves to resuscitate train services that had been abandoned for over three decades. Against the odds, he brought back the old rail system, refurbished it, and successfully put it back to use.

Yet, rather than appreciating this milestone, some individuals—ironically among those already benefitting from the service—took to social media to launch attacks when the train developed a minor mechanical hitch. Instead of commending the effort or offering constructive suggestions, they chose to mock the initiative, branding the train as “old” and “obsolete.”

This kind of attitude raises a critical question: how can we as a people truly develop when we allow partisan bitterness and cheap politicking to overshadow genuine progress? Development is never perfect at the start; it grows through trials, corrections, and improvements. What matters most is leadership that dares to take the first step—and a people willing to support and build upon it.

If every attempt at progress is only met with ridicule rather than encouragement, then we are not just undermining a government, but sabotaging our own future.

WALBE ORGAK 07936573313

Georgel Cancer Foundation Strategic Partnerships with the Church

By WALBE ORGAK

GEORGEL CANCER FOUNDATION: TURNING PAIN INTO PURPOSE TO SUPPORT CANCER PATIENTS

When tragedy strikes, some people break under the weight of grief, while others rise to turn pain into purpose. For the founder of the Gorgel Cancer Foundation, Mrs Retsum George the heart-breaking loss of her younger brother to cancer has become the driving force behind an initiative dedicated to compassion, awareness, spiritual care, and support for patients and families.

Born Out of Pain, Fuelled by Compassion

Speaking during an advocacy visit to leaders of Christian association of Nigeria Plateau State Chapter, the Founder Mrs. Retsum George narrated the painful journey that led to the birth of the Foundation.

“We lost our younger brother after a four-year battle with cancer. It was a very rough season for us as a family. We did everything possible, spent so much, prayed so hard, but in the end, God called him home. That pain, combined with my own struggles with depression and health complications afterwards, inspired me to create a platform where others would not have to go through such a journey alone,” she said.

Her testimony underscores the deep emotional, spiritual, and financial toll cancer inflicts not only on patients but also on families.

The Harsh Reality of Cancer in Nigeria

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria bearing the heaviest burden due to late diagnosis and limited access to treatment.

In Nigeria, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer top the list of the most common cases. Yet, many patients only discover the disease at advanced stages because of low awareness and reluctance to undergo medical check-ups.

“In our communities, many people shy away from hospitals. They prefer self-medication or wait until it is too late. Early detection saves lives, but it can only happen when people are aware and encouraged to go for screening,” the Foundation’s leader emphasized.

A Mission beyond the Physical

While much of the Foundation’s work focuses on awareness, financial aid, and advocacy, its leaders insist that the spiritual dimension of healing is central to its mission.

Reverend Doctor David Laje who is the Treasurer of the Plateau State Christians Association Nigeria commended Georgel Cancer Foundation for also engaging spiritual aspect of cancer advocacy, noting that many believers today overlook the spiritual root of health challenges.

“Foundation is not just about meeting people’s physical needs, but their spiritual needs as well. That is one thing the church is lacking today. When we face health challenges, we often go physical first, instead of addressing the matter spiritually. Yet there is power in prayer,” he said.

He lamented that many Christians hide their health conditions from the church out of fear of gossip or stigmatization. As a result, they suffer in silence instead of finding encouragement and intercession within the body of Christ.

“I have seen God intervene in many cases. Some of our members were given a few months to live, but through prayer, their lives were extended. They eventually passed on, but not when the doctors predicted. Prayer made a difference,” he added.

According to him, spiritual maturity often equips patients to handle physical illness with greater resilience, peace, and hope. He praised the Georgel Cancer Foundation for combining compassion with experience:

“What sets this Foundation apart is that it was born out of experience, not theory. When you have had a cancer patient in your own family, you cannot take it lightly. Your compassion is deeper, your passion is real. That is why we pray that God will guide and direct this vision to ultimate performance, to the glory of His name.”

CAN Chairman Commends the Initiative

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor K.B. Yonana also expressed delight over the initiative, describing it as timely, compassionate, and worthy of partnership.

“We have hope — hope that even after this life, we are going somewhere. That is one stability counselling provides. What you are doing is truly a wonderful work. We promise to partner with you and also use our own platforms to publicize this vision so more people will see it.”

He further stressed the importance of early screening and encouraged families to take preventive healthcare seriously.

“There is a cancer group that has been advocating for quick screening so that at the early stage, it can be taken care of. We will support this initiative and encourage many to embrace early detection. I always advise my children to go for medical tests. If you go early, you will have a better chance. But beyond that, the Lord will help us in Jesus’ name.”

The CAN Chairman concluded by affirming the sincerity of the Foundation’s mission.

“This is a very serious matter you have put your heart into. It is clear you are doing this not for personal gain but because of compassion and experience. We pray that God will strengthen and bless this work so it can touch more lives.”

Strategic Partnerships with the Church

The Founder of Georgel Cancer Foundation has called for collaboration with CAN and other faith-based organizations to leverage the church’s influence in the fight against cancer.

She stressed that churches and fellowships could play vital roles in:

•           Creating awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.

•           Offering counselling and prayer support for patients and families.

•           Raising financial assistance to ease the burden of costly treatment.

•           Using CAN’s strong voice to advocate for government healthcare policies that favour patients.

“Cancer is not a journey anyone should go through alone. Patients need a hand to hold, both physically and spiritually. With CAN’s platform, we can raise awareness, mobilize support, and let people know they are not forgotten,” she said.

She also urged youth and women’s ministries to take ownership of preventive education, particularly against breast and cervical cancers, which affect women disproportionately.

Looking Ahead: October Awareness Drive

As October, the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, approaches, the Foundation is preparing a series of programmes that will combine free medical screenings with prayer sessions, counselling, and evangelism.

The Founder stressed that the mission goes beyond physical health.

“We want to touch lives holistically — body, mind, and spirit. Through this Foundation, we believe people can find healing, hope, and even repentance. That is our ultimate prayer.”

The Georgel Cancer Foundation may be new, but its roots run deep in personal sacrifice, spiritual conviction, and faith. With partnerships, community support, and God’s grace, the Foundation hopes to grow into a beacon of hope for cancer patients across Nigeria.

“It won’t be easy, but it is our prayer that God will raise this Foundation to a place where we will be financially strong to support patients, show compassion, create awareness, and ultimately save lives,” the Founder concluded.

ONLY A FEW EXCEPTIONS

The quality of one's faith in God is not tested when things are fine; the quality of one's love for neighbours is not tested when the neighbours are good people. The quality of love in marriage is not tested when things are rosy. 

Anybody, even unbelievers, could have faith or love if these were the case. When you have faith and believe and things seem to be working haywire or love and your love is not reciprocated, that is an opportunity to substantiate your faith in God or verify the quality of your love. This sounds unappealing but, how else can reality be made appealing? I wish there was a better test! 

When you are good, people take you for granted. In real life, it is possible for evil people to be rewarded ahead of good ones. In faith you risk your comfort; and in love, you risk being betrayed. This is the reality of faith and love. This is the reality of things in real world. Only a few exceptions exist.

There is no guarantee things will be easy for anyone. The vicissitudes of life can be overwhelming but when we dwarf emotional outbursts that are capable of escalating the problems at hand and embrace stillness and prayers that incubate strategies, solutions are bound to come, sometimes faster than imagine!

The established consolation in life is that, faithlessness and evil have no enduring future but faith and good do. Know this, learn to have faith in God; be patient and forgiving towards man as a recipe for peace or else, you will be taken by surprise!

Somebody's faith and love is being tested today. How are you reacting to the situation at hand? When you look up (vertical view), you see the perfect God in every situation but when you look around (horizontal view), you see human beings in their imperfections!

As this prose is brought a conclusion, the song of ascents in Psalm 121- 8 (NIV) becomes imperative and cited as follows: "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Whitney Houston in one of her debut songs, "When you believe", authoritatively announced: "There is a miracle when you believe." This line resonates strongly. In God we harvest grace to be faithful; in human beings we prove the quality of our love for one another! 

*(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha,18th September, 2025)*

GEORGEL CANCER FOUNDATION SEEKS MEDIA PARTNERSHIP WITH HIGHLAND FM JOS

— Advocacy group underscores media’s role in cancer awareness and early detection

By WALBE OGAK

The war against cancer in Nigeria has gained fresh momentum as the Georgel Cancer Foundation embarked on another strategic advocacy visit — this time to Highland FM, Jos, Plateau State. The visit underscored the Foundation’s resolve to strengthen collaborations with the media in order to expand its cancer awareness and education programmes.

During the courtesy call, the Chairperson of the Foundation, Mrs. Retsum George, accompanied by pioneer member Nurse Christy Yilwatda Ngwan, spoke passionately about the mission of the organisation. She explained that the Foundation was established in memory of her late husband, Mr. George, who succumbed to cancer, after a painful battle with the disease. According to her, the painful experience of loss became the motivation to transform grief into purposeful advocacy.

The Media as a Lifeline

Mrs. George emphasized that cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with thousands of new cases reported annually. She pointed out that, despite medical advances, public ignorance, fear, and late presentation at hospitals remain some of the greatest threats to survival.

“The media is a lifeline in this struggle,” she said. “If the public is well-informed, more people will go for screening, more patients will seek treatment early, and fewer families will be left in despair. That is why we are seeking this partnership with Highland FM — to use their wide reach to save lives.”

Supporting her position, Nurse Christy Ngwan highlighted the critical role of continuous sensitization. She noted that cancer is not a death sentence when detected early, stressing that educational campaigns, especially through radio, have the power to dispel myths, break cultural barriers, and encourage lifestyle changes.

Highland FM’s Pledge

In his response, a representative of the General Manager of Highland FM, applauded the Foundation for its courage and vision. He assured that the station would collaborate with the group in broadcasting health programmes, jingles, and interviews that would enlighten the public about cancer prevention and treatment options.

“We believe in partnerships that touch lives. Highland FM will work with the Georgel Cancer Foundation to make sure the right information gets to our people,” the official stated.

Symbolic Gesture

The visit was rounded off with the presentation of resource materials, publications, and branded souvenirs from the Foundation to the Highland FM management, symbolizing the beginning of what both parties described as a fruitful partnership.

Cancer Burden in Nigeria

Recent health statistics reveal that Nigeria records over 100,000 new cancer cases annually, with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers topping the list. Experts say that lack of awareness, high cost of treatment, and poor access to healthcare facilities remain major hurdles in addressing the scourge.

In Plateau State, medical practitioners have repeatedly called for more robust public enlightenment campaigns, stressing that ignorance and stigma continue to claim avoidable lives. This, stakeholders insist, is where civil society organisations and the media must work hand in hand.

The Foundation’s Wider Vision

Beyond media engagement, the Georgel Cancer Foundation has lined up several programmes, including free medical screenings, community outreaches, survivor support networks, and educational seminars. Mrs. George disclosed that the Foundation is also working towards partnerships with government health institutions and international organisations to improve access to diagnostic facilities and treatment for indigent patients.

She added: “Our vision is to build a society where cancer no longer strikes fear, where survivors can tell their stories, and where families can find hope instead of despair. But to achieve this, we must all play our part — the government, medical professionals, the media, and the community.”

A Call to Action

As the Foundation continues its advocacy drive, the partnership with Highland FM Jos marks another milestone in its growing network of stakeholders. Both organisations expressed optimism that the collaboration would set the pace for more aggressive cancer awareness campaigns in Plateau and beyond.

For many observers, the visit is more than a courtesy call — it is a call to action, reminding society that cancer is not just a medical issue, but a communal challenge requiring collective responsibility.

GEORGEL CANCER FOUNDATION TAKES ADVOCACY TO NMA PLATEAU: PUSHING THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER TO NEW HEIGHTS

The campaign against cancer in Plateau State received a major boost as the Georgel Cancer Foundation continued its series of advocacy visits, stopping at the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Plateau State Chapter. The visit, held at the Association’s Secretariat in Jos, was marked by strong commitments to collaboration, awareness creation, and the need for collective action against one of the world’s most dreaded diseases.

Keeping a Promise Alive

The Georgel Cancer Foundation was birthed in memory of the late George, who succumbed to cancer after a painful battle. His passing ignited a resolve among family and friends to transform grief into a force for positive change. Led by Mrs. Retsum George, the Foundation has since dedicated itself to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and providing support for patients and families facing cancer.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs. George reaffirmed the Foundation’s determination to sustain advocacy.

“Cancer is a growing threat in our society, but with timely information, early diagnosis, and the right support system, lives can be saved. The Georgel Cancer Foundation is not just about remembering the past, but about shaping a healthier future for our people,” she said.

Doctors Pledge Collaboration

In his response, NMA Plateau State Chairman, Dr. Yilji Kumtap, commended the courage and vision behind the Foundation. He stressed that the Association recognized the growing cancer burden and was willing to collaborate with stakeholders to mitigate its impact.

“This is a welcome initiative. Cancer is not just a medical issue; it is a societal challenge that requires joint effort. We at NMA Plateau pledge to partner with the Georgel Cancer Foundation in spreading awareness and offering professional support where necessary,” he assured.

Beyond Advocacy — Building Partnerships

The visit was not just about pledges; it was a deliberate effort to build bridges with critical health stakeholders. The Foundation presented resource materials and souvenirs to the NMA leadership, symbolizing its readiness to work hand-in-hand with medical practitioners in the fight against cancer.

Mrs. George further revealed that plans are underway to roll out a series of cancer awareness campaigns targeting schools, religious institutions, and rural communities. The focus, she explained, would be on education, screening, and support services for those affected.

A Growing Health Challenge

Health experts warn that cancer cases are on the rise in Nigeria, worsened by late presentation, poor awareness, and inadequate treatment facilities. Plateau State is not exempt from this trend. Many patients only seek help when the disease has advanced, making treatment more difficult and survival chances slimmer.

This grim reality underscores the significance of organizations like the Georgel Cancer Foundation, which focus on breaking the silence around cancer and pushing for preventive strategies.

Looking Ahead

The Foundation has already gained visibility through previous advocacy engagements and community outreach. Its partnership with the NMA is expected to strengthen its voice and enhance its reach, especially in mobilizing both the public and medical professionals towards a shared goal.

As the advocacy train moves forward, the Georgel Cancer Foundation continues to stand as a beacon of hope — a living legacy to the memory of George, and a rallying point for all who believe that the fight against cancer can, and must, be won.

TECH -SAVVY LAWMAKER: HON. ASAMA VISITS ZANG GLOBAL, CHAMPIONS MADE -IN- NIGERIA INNOVATION

The Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. (Amb.) Daniel Asama Ago, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting homegrown innovation and enterprise during a working visit to Zang Global Limited, a Jos-based indigenous technology company.

Hon. Asama was received by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Zang Luka Bot, who conducted him on a guided tour of the facility. The lawmaker inspected production machines and product lines, including power banks, solar lanterns, USB cables, and cable recycling technology. In a gesture of confidence, he purchased Made-in-Nigeria power banks and praised Zang Global’s pioneering work in turning harmful e-waste into durable, safe, and affordable electronic products.

Sharing his story, Mr. Zang recalled how his passion for science from secondary school days led him into Computer Science and eventually inspired him to establish Zang Global. He explained that the company now uses mostly recycled materials to produce electronic accessories and emphasized the importance of government support and partnerships for expansion. He also acknowledged Hon. Asama as “the first National Assembly member to pay such a significant visit to Zang Global.”

Responding, Hon. Asama disclosed his own background in technology as a Computer Science student, co-founder of NetAccess in Jos, and a participant in several global tech events. He noted his involvement in innovative solutions such as IoT and promised to connect Zang Global with both local and international partners and investors to help achieve its ambitious vision.

He assured that he would continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen indigenous enterprises, create jobs, and build technological self-reliance in Nigeria.

The visit sets a milestone in bridging leadership with innovation, and comes ahead of Zang Global Limited’s Product Launch, Exhibition, and Fundraising Event scheduled for October 26, 2025 in Jos, where the company will officially unveil its new line of Zang Accessories and mobilize resources for expansion.

Signed

Comrd Boldmind Dave Jonathan CRA, Press Secretary to Hon. Daniel Asama Ago (The Anki-Kaboh), Member Representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency National Assembly Abuja.