What would you write new about a retired Archbishop?

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum 

There is nothing new that can be written about the former Anglican Archbishop of Jos Diocese, except that he is 70 years old.

And, secondly, has stopped taking Coca cola drinks!

Perhaps, the other two are: He retired as Anglican Archbishop when it was least expected and his tour of duty as General Secretary of GAFCON ended in 2023 having began in 2019.

What is there to write about him that may be new to members of his diocese? Or even those who know him and perhaps worked with him? 

Perhaps nothing, but, there are a hundred and one reasons why he should be celebrated, that is if you appreciate his worth and station.

Talking about Rt Rev Benjamin Argak Kwashi, if you need to know; he is suave and urbane, with a social prominence that can't reduce his ecclesiastical standing.

Come to think of it, who would have been in his position; a servant of the Most High, if he or she doesn't love people?

No one can exaggerate his love for humanity. He is aware, love conquers all; even in adversity.

Let us imagine that you have never met him or even heard about him; this may be what you need as introduction to his person, and the struggles associated with his life over forty years ago.

Come to think of it, he was not plugged from heaven. He grew up in Nigeria and chose a career in the military, fortunately, God 'arrested' him to fish for the souls of men.

The better part of his life saw him traversing both rural and urban parishes; encountering all manners of life-threatening challenges to his faith and person.

Like the General that he turned out to be, he never gave up.

Have you ever met a Servant of God whose dedication to education is hair-raising? No matter where they are located, truth is, many young men and women are today holders of various certificates and are engaged in different vocations, on account of his prodiing.

As for the numerous orphans who would have been long forgotten, fate smiled on them by virtue of the shelter and comfort provided for them at Zambiri. Together with his wife Gloria, they are proud parents to several orphaned children.

Ii is a known fact, the church is not meant for saints; sinners of all shades should populate it. Through the help of God, several young persons, who hitherto had been written off are today making marks as heads of different dioceses.

For his mentorship and sound discipline, many of them were given a new lease of life. They, in turn, do not lack the message to pass to their congratulations by virtue of their experiences.

Talking about adversity, Rev Ben Kwashi must have seen it all: Persecuted, and almost killed in three attempts; suffered and survived the indignities of stage four cancer.

Other physical abuse and attempted murder of his wife, Gloria and son have not been considered as impediments for the cause of the gospel.

If speaking to power could have stopped any priest from advocacy, Bishop BA Kwashi would have been counted as number one. No one could have attempted muting his voice as he spoke against any thing or policy that was anti-people.

For the cause of God's work, for which he almost lost his life on several occasions, he remains on the frontline to stoke the fire of regeneration in a world that keeps compromising.

Largely, he remains the Bishop of a persecuted church that has spoken continuously, even in the face of calamities which have threatened the existence of the state.

In old age, I am aware of what the Bible says in Psalm 92:14: They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.

I know his health shall allow him serve longer; with renewed strength and peace, knowing that his assignment as a shepherd has been concluded.

When a priest retires, what does he engage his energy and time into? Take care of his garden? Or his grandchildren? Read more books apart from the Bible?

What does he do more? Run around taking of hundreds of his children? Or be involved in doing physical exercises in basketball, his favourite sports? 

 

There are many options for the things a retired Bishop could do in old age. Speculations about his favourite pastime may be dangerous to suggest.

Mi Lord Bishop, is one person who can't be kept in one place. It won't be a surprise, if his table is full with many things that will engage him.

GOVERNOR MUTFWANG'S PRAGMATIC APPROACH IN UNIFYING PLATEAU FOR A PROSPEROUS STATE

By Gyang Bere 

It is said that, “a house divided against itself cannot stand." In Plateau State, a land of rich culture and faiths as diverse as its rolling hills and flowing rivers, that saying has never rung truer. 

For decades, cracks of mistrust, political rivalry, and religious suspicion threatened to widen the  gaps. 

But Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has taken the bull by the horns, rolling up his sleeves to mend fences of division and build bridges where walls once stood. 

From his campaign trail to the corridors of power, Mutfwang has consistently declared unity as the cornerstone of his administration. 

His now-famous campaign refrain “I don't care what tribe you belong to, but as far as on Plateau you live, if indeed, you are in love with the Plateau, you are my brother, you are my sister, so give me your hand", was not a hollow slogan. It was a clarion call to bury bitterness, silence the backbiting, and channel energy toward collective progress.

In Nigerian politics, actions speak louder than words, and Mutfwang’s actions have been louder than a town crier’s bell. He ensured fairness, equity and justice guided his appointments and other actions and pronouncements.

Positions that once polarized Plateau now mirror its diversity with a Muslim Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy; a Deputy Chairman for Jos North Local Government; Liaison Officer; Chairman Pilgrims Welfare Board; Senior Special Assistants for Indigenous Muslims, Fulani Affairs, Yoruba, Igbo, and Middle Belt communities as well as several Senior Special Assistants on Media.

This inclusive approach is aimed at bringing everybody on board for effective representation.

As one Muslim leader put it, “Those who say the Governor dislikes Muslims are beating a dead horse as the facts on the ground speak louder than propaganda.”

Governor Mutfwang has shown that governance is not a zero-sum game. Roads and projects have sprung up even in areas that gave him insignificant electoral support. 

From Massallachin Juma’a–Chobe Road to Zololo Junction, Yan Tailer and Yan Shanu Market Road, Dogon Dutse-Bauchi Road communities that once felt abandoned are now woven into the fabric of development. He has proven that “a rising tide lifts all boats”, not just those in friendly harbors.

Governor Mutfwang has opened his arms of love widely to embrace members of the National and State Assembly who were brought in by the Court of Appeal Judgement against the Peoples Democratic Party PDP members. 

He has held several security meetings, inviting all stakeholders cutting across former Governors, clerics from both faiths, traditional rulers and community leaders.

In the past, religion was considered a tool of division in the state, but it has, instead, become a platform for harmony under Governor Mutfwang. For the first time in over a decade, the Muslim community hosted Maulud at the government-owned Rwang Pam Township Stadium, an olive branch that breathed fresh air into interfaith relations. 

He approved the renovation of the Jos Central Mosque, sponsored over 500 pilgrims annually for Hajj, and hosted Muslims during Sallah homage. 

Christians, too, have been embraced with the Plateau State Unity Carol and Praise Festival which brought together Gen. Yakubu Gowon, President Olusegun Obasanjo and thousands of faithful under one roof, a powerful reminder that Plateau’s strength lies in its shared values.

To ensure that grievances do not fester into conflict, Mutfwang constituted the Plateau State Inter-Religious Advisory Council, an impartial forum for dialogue and mediation. 

He also inaugurated a Committee on Resettlement to relocate Internally Displaced Persons, some of whom have languished outside their ancestral homes for two decades as well as the fact-finding committee on violent attacks in the state. 

These steps reflect wisdom in the old adage: “The man who mends the fence today spares himself the goat that strays tomorrow.”

Mutfwang’s leadership is anchored on godliness, transparency and accountability. He has refused to witch-hunt past administrations or play the blame game, a refreshing departure from politics as usual.

By choosing reconciliation over retaliation, he beckons all Plateau citizens to join hands for a shared future, proving that “when spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.”

Perhaps the most telling testimony comes from the Muslim community of Jos North Local Government, particularly those who went on Hajj. They publicly passed a vote of confidence on his administration. Their statement was not flattery but heartfelt gratitude when they declared that “in the past two years, Governor Mutfwang has extended a hand of fellowship to the Muslim community like no other administration."

From rescuing stranded Hajj pilgrims to purchasing buses and vehicles for their welfare, his gestures have turned erstwhile sceptics into firm allies.

Governor Mutfwang understands that unity is not an event but a journey. He is paving roads into opposition strongholds across the state, inviting rival groups to the table, and fostering an atmosphere where every tribe and tongue can feel seen and valued. 

Plateau State is still a shade of diverse threads, but under his stewardship, those threads are being woven into a stronger, more beautiful whole.

In a state where suspicion once outshouted solidarity, Mutfwang’s governance is like rain on parched earth. His policies and pronouncements whisper an unmistakable truth that  “when brothers fight to death, a stranger inherits their father’s estate.”

Plateau cannot afford to bequeath its future to discord.

As the hills of the Plateau bask in the evening sun, one thing is clear - Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is not just governing, he is healing. And if the people of Plateau continue to heed his call to unity, then the dream of a peaceful, prosperous Plateau is not just a wishful thinking, it is a dawn already breaking.

Gyang Bere is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State

State Police Debate Turns to Propaganda as Insecurity Ravages Plateau, Middle Belt.

By WALBE ORGAK 

The issue of creating state police has sadly been reduced to a tool of political propaganda, when in fact it should be treated with utmost seriousness. Every day, countless lives are being lost, especially in Plateau State and across the Middle Belt, yet rather than addressing the reality on the ground, many leaders choose to play politics with people’s blood.

Instead of trading accusations, why can’t we engage in constructive analysis that puts the safety of Nigerians first? Those against state police have raised genuine concerns — fears of abuse, misuse by politicians, and lack of accountability. On the other hand, those in favor of it also have compelling reasons — the urgent need for security structures that are closer to the people, more responsive, and better informed about local dynamics.

Both sides have valid points. What Nigeria needs is not propaganda or blind opposition, but a serious national conversation that will produce the best security policy for our realities. The question should not be “for or against state police,” but “how can we design a system that ensures protection for all, while preventing abuse?”

Until we rise above propaganda and face the issue with sincerity, insecurity will continue to consume lives daily — and history will not forgive our leaders for failing to act.

WALBE OGAK 07936573313

Open Letter to the National Assembly: Plateau Speaker Renews Call for State Police

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, has called on the National Assembly to urgently prioritize the creation of state police as a solution to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

In an open letter addressed to Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the Federal House of Representatives, the Speaker lamented the persistent violence, killings, and displacement ravaging parts of the country, especially in Plateau State.

He noted that despite huge allocations to security agencies, Nigerians continue to live in fear, with communities in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Riyom, Wase, Qua’an Pan, and Jos South frequently coming under attack.

“The current security architecture has proven inadequate,” the Speaker wrote, stressing that the situation has devastated survivors’ health, education, food security, and psychological well-being.

Rt. Hon. Daniel argued that the establishment of state police would strengthen rapid response mechanisms, improve community policing, and provide deeper knowledge of regional security peculiarities. He acknowledged concerns about possible abuse of power but insisted that robust accountability measures and a national framework could prevent misuse.

“The imperative of protecting human life must outweigh every other concern,” he stated, urging lawmakers to rise above political differences in the interest of Nigerians.

He also recalled the efforts of former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, who had earlier championed the push for state policing, adding that the survival of the people should guide legislative decisions.

The Plateau Speaker concluded by appealing to the National Assembly to act swiftly, saying that the creation of state police remains a critical step toward safeguarding lives and ensuring a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Why Yusuf Gagdi Has Become the Target of Propaganda

By WALBE OGAK

In today’s political arena, one man’s rising influence has become the nightmare of many opponents—Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi. Rather than confront him with superior ideas or sell their own candidates to the electorate, his adversaries have resorted to the old, tired weapon of propaganda.

For them, the strategy is simple: discredit Gagdi, weaken his towering profile, and hope the mud they throw sticks long enough to tilt the scales during elections. But this line of attack says more about their desperation than it does about the man they are determined to pull down.

The truth is, politics is about service, vision, and the ability to inspire trust. Any serious candidate who aspires to lead should focus on showcasing capacity, presenting a clear plan, and convincing the people with substance. Sadly, what we see instead is a fixation on Gagdi—attacks on his character, twisting of his achievements, and deliberate campaigns of calumny designed to dent his rising popularity.

This tactic is not only unproductive; it is insulting to the intelligence of the electorate. Voters today are more enlightened than ever. They know when they are being manipulated. They can tell the difference between genuine leadership and propaganda. And they understand that a man being consistently attacked is often the one standing in the way of those who fear free and fair competition.

The question is simple: if you believe your candidate is truly better, why not sell him? Why not engage the people with policies and programs? Why waste valuable time and resources trying to drag another man into the mud instead of lifting your own flag higher?

Yusuf Gagdi’s rising profile is not by accident. It is built on years of political consistency, grassroots connection, and an ability to speak the language of the people he represents. His track record has made him a voice too loud to ignore, and that is why those who cannot match him on the field of ideas have resorted to propaganda warfare.

But history is clear: propaganda may wound a reputation temporarily, but it cannot erase performance. Lies may trend for a while, but truth always outlives them. In the end, the people of Plateau State—and indeed Nigeria—will judge not by the noise of detractors, but by the tangible results and vision of leaders like Yusuf Gagdi.

Those desperate to see him fall should be reminded: greatness is not destroyed by slander; it is often refined by it.

WALBE OGAK 

07936573313

GEORGEL CANCER FOUNDATION ADVOCATES FOR THE SETTING UP OF DESK OFFICERS FOR CANCER RELATED ISSUES ACROSS ALL THE WARDS IN PLATEAU STATE AS THEY VISIT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE BOARD

By WALBE OGAK 

FOUNDER SHARES PERSONAL JOURNEY OF LOSS AND DETERMINATION

Retsum George, CEO and Founder of the Georgel Cancer Foundation, unveiled the organization's deeply personal origins, born from the profound pain of losing her younger brother's to cancer after a four-year battle. Speaking at the foundation's introduction, George recounted the stark lack of support and resources during that challenging period, igniting a resolve to establish an entity to fill this critical void.

"The Georgel Cancer Foundation is named in honour of my brother, Longkat and my father, George – a testament to the personal journey that led us to this mission," Retsum George said. With unflinching candour, she shared his struggles with pregnancy loss, ensuing depression, and trauma, underscoring the imperative of grief support for those navigating such hardships.

ADDRESSING CANCER AS A PANDEMIC IMPACTING FAMILIES

Retsum emphasized cancer's toll on countless families, driving the foundation's focus on awareness, impactful campaigns, and support for individuals and families grappling with the disease. "It's about recognizing the emotional, mental, and practical tolls of cancer – and meeting those needs with compassion and expertise," she noted.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM POISED FOR COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT

Introducing NGO team, Retsum George highlighted the board of trustees' blend of expertise, including oncology doctors and Nurse, mental health specialist,  – positioning the Georgel Cancer Foundation for holistic care.

Also speaking an oncology Nurse Mrs. Yilwatda, a leading team member of the Georgel Cancer Foundation, appealed to the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board for a strategic partnership to bolster cancer prevention, early detection, and support services. She underscored the foundation's mission to advocate for cancer prevention, support patients, and dismantle disease stigma.

"Cancer poses a formidable public health challenge in Nigeria, with late presentations often stemming from limited awareness, stigma, and psychological burdens," Mrs. Yilwatda noted.

- *Capacity Building: Training officers in primary health facilities as frontline cancer inquiry contacts.

- Screening and Referral*: Equipping officers for basic screenings like clinical breast exams and swift referrals.

- Community Outreach: Leading awareness campaigns for education and stigma reduction.

- National Alignment: Aligns with Nigeria's National Strategic Cancer Control Plan (2023-2027) for decentralized prevention and early detection.

CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT SOUGHT

Mrs. Yilwatda highlighted gaps in Plateau State's cancer screening availability and affordability, seeking the Board's technical guidance, initiative endorsement, officer recognition, and aid with outreach materials – targeting Pink October breast cancer awareness.

FOUNDATION'S PERSPECTIVE

"The Georgel Cancer Foundation perceives an imperative to uplift cancer prevention, detection, and access in Plateau State," Mrs. Retsum and Nurse Yilwatda seek collaboration, noting that partnership with the Primary Health Care Board is instrumental to weaving cancer awareness into primary care."

 

Nentawe Yilwatda – Resilience in the Face of Propaganda

By WALBE OGAK .

From the moment Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda declared his intention to contest the governorship of Plateau State, he became the target of relentless demonization. His actions, no matter how genuine, were often twisted by political opponents who deployed propaganda from the pulpit, on social media, and at virtually every public gathering.

Despite the smear campaigns and the eventual loss at the polls, Nentawe maintained a calm and focused disposition. Unlike many who would have been drawn into bitter confrontations, he refused to be entangled in the web of political machinations designed to break him. Instead, he chose the higher path—remaining true to his values and principles.

What is most striking is the irony of his political journey: the more his opponents sought to suppress him, the more doors of opportunity seemed to open. For every attempt to shut him out, new platforms for relevance and influence emerged. It is a testament to his resilience, discipline, and the depth of his character.

In a political environment often defined by bitterness and mudslinging, Nentawe Yilwatda stands out as a figure of quiet strength. His story is not just one of politics, but of perseverance in the face of adversity. For that alone, he deserves to be acknowledged, if not celebrated.

WALBE OGAK 07036573313