Set ’95 Rallies behind Chief Hon. Ephraim Usman for Plateau Central Senate Race

Old Boys of Government College Pankshin Declare Strong Backing.

(By WALBE OGAK) 

A powerful wave of old-school solidarity swept through Jos during the week as some members of the Pankshin Old Boys Association (POBA) Set 1995 who are from Plateau Central , formally urged Chief Hon. Ephraim Usman to contest the Plateau Central Senatorial seat.

What began as a reunion meeting quickly evolved into a political endorsement, with Set ’95 central zones indigenes unanimously declaring Chief Usman the most credible and experienced choice for the zone.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Julien Mangset said the appeal was driven by Chief Usman’s distinguished record in public service, particularly his performance as a Commissioner. He described him as a community mobilizer, philanthropist and “a name that continues to command respect across Plateau’s political landscape.”

In his welcoming addressed Set ’95 Chairman, Alpha Akyok, said the group was proud to support one of their own, noting that Chief Usman has consistently demonstrated capacity, credibility, and commitment to public good. “Our members are excited because his performance speaks for him,” he said.

The National President of POBA and member of Set ’95, Kenzy Ngupar, reaffirmed that it is the tradition of the association to support any member seeking public office, regardless of political party. He hailed Usman as “an achiever with a golden heart.” Other members—including Abalis James , Jurbe Gar, Panpe Twa, Tijjani Adamu and Kumden A. Tongnan —also pledged their unwavering support to the Ephraim Usman aspiration .

Responding to the endorsement, Chief Ephraim Usman expressed deep emotion as he recalled his early years at Government College Pankshin, describing Set ’95 as a foundational part of his life. He recounted memories of arriving as a JSS1 student, forming lifelong bonds, and overcoming challenges with classmates who have remained close to him to this day.

He thanked the members for their solidarity and assured them that he would always carry them along in his political journey. He also urged them to continue supporting the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, whom he described as a tireless leader committed to uniting Plateau people and driving development across the state.

The meeting ended with the presentation of specially designed fliers and stickers to Chief Usman, produced by a member of Set ’95—symbolizing the group’s collective endorsement and renewed bond.

CONCLUDING PERSONALITY PROFILE: The Character behind the Candidacy

Chief Ephraim Usman has, over the years, built a reputation as one of Plateau State’s most dependable technocrats and bridge-builders. Known for his calm but firm leadership style, he approaches public service with a blend of humility and strategic clarity. Those who have worked with him repeatedly describe him as a leader who listens deeply, consults widely, and responds decisively—especially on issues that affect ordinary citizens.

Beyond his official responsibilities, Chief Usman is widely admired for his personal warmth and commitment to human development. His philanthropy is quiet but consistent, driven not by political gain but by a genuine desire to uplift communities. From supporting local initiatives to empowering youths and women, his accessible and compassionate nature has endeared him to many across Plateau Central.

Professionally, he is regarded as a results-driven administrator whose tenure as Commissioner was marked by transparency, discipline, and innovation. Colleagues recall how he strengthened institutional processes by promoting teamwork and fairness. This rare blend of administrative skill, community loyalty, and personal integrity positions him as a compelling choice for higher national leadership—and explains why his name continues to resonate as Plateau Central searches for its next voice at the Senate.

Publishers Honour FRSC Officer Elizabeth Ameh for Deworming Over 5,000 Children, Championing Community Health and Road Safety

(By WALBE OGAK )

The Plateau Publishers Association (PPA) has honoured Corps Commander Elizabeth Ameh of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for her outstanding contributions to child health, community welfare and road safety enlightenment across Plateau State.

The recognition ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the FRSC Zonal Headquarters in Jos, drawing senior FRSC officials, media executives, family members, friends and admirers of the Celebrant.

Representing the Zonal Commanding Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Gabriel G. Taya commended Corps Commander Elizabeth for her far-reaching programmes, describing her as “a shining example of how a uniformed officer can go beyond official duty to touch lives.”

Deputy Corps Commander Kabir M. Alkali, who represented the Sector Commander, also praised her for harnessing her nursing background and road safety expertise to improve community wellbeing. He urged other officers to emulate her dedication:

“This is the kind of story we want to hear about FRSC – not only enforcement on the road, but compassion, health and preventive education.”

Other commendations came from Deputy Corps Commander Gloria Ofulani, who described Elizabeth as “a mentor to many junior officers, especially women,” noting that her consistent outreach had lifted the public image of the Corps.

Chairman of the Plateau Publishers Association, Mr. Yakubu Samaila Ajala, said the award was a result of years of tracking her impact across schools and rural communities.

“You are not just an asset to FRSC. You are an asset to Plateau and to Nigeria,” he said. “You have gone where many people have never attempted—school to school, village to village—teaching health, road safety and even subjects people avoid discussing.”

Board of Trustees member Mr. Shabul Mazadu, whose humorous “after breastfeeding” remark drew laughter, explained that it highlighted how extensively the celebrant educates the public on health, family life and wellbeing.

In an emotional moment, Corps Commander Elizabeth recounted the tragedy that inspired her work—the loss of her only brother in a road crash at age 12, along with other schoolchildren. That incident, she said, changed her life.

“I felt compelled to say at least one or two things about road safety wherever I found myself,” she said. “And beyond that, to ensure children are healthy enough to face the world.”

Since 2015, she has led 12 school health outreaches and two community programmes across five local government areas—Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Bassa and Riyom—reaching 5,602 children and adults.

Her interventions include:

Deworming thousands of schoolchildren.

Providing iron supplements and basic medication for women and nursing mothers.

Partnerships with hospitals, NGOs, banks, religious and traditional institutions

“A healthy child will ultimately be a healthy road user,” she emphasized.

Her husband, Mr. Ameh, delivered a heartfelt tribute, saying:

“I do not see her as only my wife. I see her as someone touching lives. Anyone who touches the lives of others is my friend.”

He likened her impact to global figures who began by changing their immediate communities, adding:

“When you touch the life of a child, you build the future.”

Corps Commander Elizabeth also acknowledged partners who empowered her programmes, including medical teams, The Anchor Centre for Empowerment led by Prof. Musa Umar, the CBN Jos Branch, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the Corps Marshal and various Plateau State agencies such as the Ministry of Health and SUBEB.

She noted that the Executive Chairman of SUBEB personally attended her last two outreaches.

Dedicating the award to her team, she said:

“This award is not about me alone. It belongs to my colleagues, my team members and the resilient women and children in our communities.”

She pledged to deepen her advocacy:

“Let us keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers and building a culture of compassion and kindness.”

The event ended with applause for a woman whose quiet service has transformed classrooms, communities and the public health landscape of Plateau State.

GOV. CALEB MUTFWANG IN NO SECRET DEAL WITH THE APC REMAINS A LOYAL & COMMITTED TO PDP

The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to a series of unfounded, mischievous and deliberately misleading rumours circulating within certain political circles, insinuating that His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, is involved in a clandestine arrangement with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of truth, clarity and public confidence, we wish to state emphatically that there is no such deal, no such discussion, and no such intention anywhere public or private.

Governor Mutfwang remains a bona fide, dedicated and loyal member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and continues to uphold the values and commitments of the party under which he was overwhelmingly elected by the good people of Plateau State.

These rumours are the handiwork of political speculators who thrive on deceit, sensationalism and unnecessary tension. Their aim is simple: to distract a performing Governor and create confusion where none exists. Plateau people know better. They know the Governor’s long-standing conviction, his principled political journey, and his firm loyalty to the PDP family.

Governor Mutfwang is wholly focused on restoring peace, rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening institutions and delivering democratic dividends to every corner of the state. He has neither the time nor the inclination for political theatrics sponsored by those who fear progress and stability.

We therefore urge members of the public, party stakeholders and supporters of this administration to disregard these baseless speculations. The Plateau State Government remains steady, united and unapologetically committed to the PDP platform.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s mandate is secure, his loyalty is unwavering, and his dedication to the people of Plateau State is total.

Signed:

Gyang Bere

Director of Press & Public Affairs

Gover

From Vilification to Vindication: Plateau Critics Now Seek Entry Into Party They Once Mocked

(By WALBE OGAK)

If you don’t fear political propaganda in Plateau State, then you likely fear nothing at all. Few examples illustrate this better than the treatment meted out to Prof. Nentawe. During the last election cycle, he was vilified, mocked, and branded with all sorts of labels. His opponents went as far as accusing him of planning to “sell the state” simply because of the political platform he chose to run on.

Fast-forward barely two years, and the same individuals who demonised him are now alleging that he is sabotaging their attempts to join that same political party. The irony is striking. Those who once claimed he was unfit to lead are suddenly eager to benefit from the very structure they ridiculed—and they now blame him for standing in their way.

It should be noted that despite the persecution he endured, Prof. Nentawe did not retreat or fade away. Instead, the turbulence strengthened his political relevance. He was first appointed as a Minister and later elevated to the position of National Chairman of the party—clear indications that his competence and resilience were recognised far beyond the noise of local propaganda.

In the end, the shifting narratives only expose the inconsistency of his critics. What was once condemned is now being pursued, and the man they maligned has risen even higher. Plateau politics remains unpredictable, but its contradictions speak louder than any smear campaign.

Mutfwang Versus Gagdi What Next?

By WALBE OGAK 

Politics has a way of surprising even the most seasoned observers. Alliances shift, rivals become partners, and unexpected collaborations emerge when interests align or circumstances change. It is this fluid nature of politics that often keeps the public intrigued.

At the moment, one development many people are watching closely is the evolving political landscape in Plateau State. The possibility of Hon. Yusuf Gagdi and Governor Caleb Mutfwang appearing together on the same campaign platform is one of those moments that highlights how unpredictable the game can be.

Seeing both men—who have operated from different political spaces—Media War. to see them stand side by side during campaign will certainly be interesting. It will not only signal a significant realignment but may also reshape political conversations across the state.

To be continue...

TYRANNY OF CHOICES IN A DEMOCRACY

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 5th December, 2025)*

This piece starts with two separate but similar and profound lines i read recently. The first is from an anonymous social media influencer which goes:  _"The thing is, humans do worse with more choice. We forgot that. So, when we have more choices, we make bad decisions."_ 

The second citation is from Daniel Pink's book, "To sale is Human", published in 2012 and reads: "Everybody loves choices. Yet ample research has shown that too much of a good thing can mutate into bad things." In other words, good brands could derail into bad options with power which experts say corrupts and corrupts absolutely if left unchecked or without moderation.

In a democracy, citizens enjoy freedom of choice. Thus, elections are recurrent decimals. 

At regular intervals, citizens of voting age are filed out to vote for those who will lead them. The point is that,  legitimacy in leadership, drives from popular votes generated from the people in whom power resides in any democracy.

It is heart warming that, in our democratic space,  many persons have always indicated interest in contesting for elective positions at various levels - Wards, local governments, state constituencies, federal constituencies, senatorial districts, state and the federal republic. This is good for a democracy as the saying goes, "the more the merrier." However, there is a law at work: When there are many choices, the tendency is to make errors.

Leadership is a very serious responsibility. Therefore, in every electoral cycle, electorates  are cautioned and encouraged to wear thinking caps and think clearly before voting for those that will lead them going forward. Voting for a wrong aspirant or candidate during elections, is like an accidental discharge that puts the lives of citizens in real danger. This is what this exposition calls tyranny of choices and calls for caution and eternal vigilance.

The electorates must do due diligence to know the antecedents of those courting their mandate and seek God's guidance to vote based on personal conviction and without any worthless bias. 

The corporate good must supercede our personal interest if going forward is anything to go by. Before and during election, the prayer of a legendary english poet, Josiah Gilbert Holland titled, "God, Give Us Men!", comes to mind: "God, give us men! A time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands; Men whom the lust of office does not kill; Men whom the spoils of office can not buy; Men who possess opinions and a will; Men who have honor; men who will not lie; Men who can stand before a demagogue And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!

Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog In public duty, and in private thinking; For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds, Their large professions and their little deeds, Mingle in selfish strife, lo ! Freedom weeps, Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps."

Borrowing from the prayer and wishes of Paul Henry Eboh and Mario Umegbolu, in their poem, "Our Leader", published in 2012, these prophetic declarations are made for us as citizens and electorates: ....

"O never shall we choose the devil, or a greedy, shamming an' lying impostor 

Or the vile craze, dozy, pompous prig That paradises and pollutes our sacared thrones.

"O never shall we choose a misanthrope, 

The sot, the loony proud skirt at the poll! 

We'll rather elect a wise angel, 

The good an' fair.

"The patriot with heart of love 

To lead us to the Promise Land 

It's far better for the world to be Without a leader, any leader at all Than to've a fool, sot, hell, beast, An' bloody worm as a leader."

2027 is far yet close as time kicks, turning seconds into minutes; minutes into hours; hours into days; days into weeks; weeks into months; and months into years. Very soon elections will be here again. Only aspirants or candidates with potential to sustain good leadership virtues deserve a chance. Best wishes to our aspirants and more wisdom to the electorates to go for nothing but the best!

Rev Soja Bewarang: A widower's lone voice

(By Katdapba Yunana Gobum)

Life's journey for all humans has its ups and downs. Everyone of us goes through it one way or another.

No matter the degree of life's vicissitudes, the way to surmount all that it brings depends on the quality of character imbued in a person.

Have you ever heard Rev Dr Soja Bewarang, former President of COCIN and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) tell his life's story?

He tells it matter of factly; without being ashamed of the details of his parentage. He is not used to theatrics, that can be pleasing to the listener.

If he was a performer on stage, he may likely fail acting his parts. But he is a pastor, thus confining the relevance of acting his parts well for didactic consequences.

The reason may not be far fetched: He tells his listener the truth as it should be. It is little wonder, he was called to serve in God's vineyard.

For a man whose background and upbringing are a lesson for children, who are documented to have disparaged their parent's stations in life, his is one which should serve them well.

Come to think of it, if he was a politician, it is likely he may not survive this terrain. Truth is, no politician could be in the mould of a pastor.

It was Mark Twain who wrote: Politics is the only profession where you can lie, cheat, and steal, and still be respected. Not in all cases, if I might add.

God has helped him to rise above certain challenges of life, far above what some may have limited him to as: Son of a nobody!

It has been well documented, he bcame a 'son of nobody' (sorry for the usage); rising to lead the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) as its President.

An outbreak of meningitis had reduced his parents at young age to a pitiable status, but it was not enough to take away the joy of having children that would later change the course of history.

In fact, the meningitis attack ravaged the area that his father had one of his hands amputated, while his mother was consigned to the status of a deaf and dumb.

Some sons would have preferred they abandon them in the village, while they run to the city, start a life and live big, while their parents languish in abject penury back home.

Soja Bewarang would not contemplate such option; he had better initiatives up his sleeves: Being the first child, he had to struggle to earn a living to pay his way to school and take care of his four siblings.

It is a known fact, man cannot act God in the affairs of men: 'For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

'But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another, so says the Psalmist'.

God has been gracious in the most amazing ways to him and his family. If his story does not inspire you, the lines below may change your perspective.

Small beginnings that are not disparaged have always resulted in large accomplishments. That is not lost in the course destiny has shaped his life for.

Humanly speaking, the things of the spirit may be complex for easy comprehension; yet, when they begin to fall in place, one is tempted to remain awed in their manifestation.

Early in life, he was aware that being born into a Christian family was not an automatic licence to become one. He had to work out his personal salvation at 17 years old. For 60 of his 77 years walking this earth, he has stayed committed to serving the one who called him.

At the theological college, the name he was given at birth was 'recaliberated' to fit the path he had chosen. He was no longer 'Soja', he was to be known and called: Serve Only Jesus Always.

This year, he is in his 77th year of birth, but sadly, he has been without the mother of his children, Matwok Mercy Kande Bewarang since August 2020.

Since August 2020, his status changed; he became a widower, left to take charge of the children and of himself. No doubt, it is a difficult task to undertake; only those who have experienced it may tell the story better.

That experience has enabled him write, 'Finding Grace in the Silence of Loss-A Pastor's Five-Year Journey of Grace as a Widower', a book that chronicles what widowers go through that are hardly taken note of. It was presented to the reading public on November 23, 2025.

It is an addition to the body of knowledge that often, when a spouse is gone; society erroneously believes that the man, particularly if he is a clergy is capable of withstanding the pains of the loss.

For the man, it is believed, he is able to go all the way alone. Very few are able to discern that the men, have emotions, even also as they bear the burdens of many things as the women.

Experience, they say is the best teacher. Five years down the road, without his soulmate, he is well-placed to come to the aid of others in similar position with a word on how to weather the storm of loneliness and boredom.

But, far more than having had close affiliation with members of his various congregations over the years, he stands in a better stead to know the pains spouses go through in their loss.

Today, for no fault of anyone, the shelves are filled with sufficient literature on widows and their travails; however, there is little or nothing to read about on widowers.

On account of the silence from the widowers, many  who operate from the pulpit, most are of the opinion that they are least affected. Their silence, is often mistaken for acquiescence of their travails.

His effort is a journey shared; to bring hope, but more specifically to comfort more of those in the same class; who may not have the opportunity to speak out.

He however admits, there is a grace to sustain the brokenhearted especially those involved as clergy and church workers; who are often not given the opportunity to tell the world their predicament.

If you have followed him, you may have discovered that he has often quoted Psalm 34:18, when he visits bereaved families and others affected by a calamity; just so that he can calm frayed nerves, and reassure them of what God is able to do in such circumstances.

Between 2012 and 2013, he served as President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). He had earlier served as its Vice President from 2005 to 2011, and the Leading Pastor of the COCIN Headquarters Church.

It has not been forgotten, he was the Provost Gindiri Theological Seminary from 1985 - 2000 and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter.

Shortly after servicing as COCIN President, in 2013, he was made a Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration by the Gindiri Theological Seminary.