CONDOLENCES TO THE DAMAN FAMILY

 CONDOLENCES TO THE DAMAN FAMILY

FROM INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

It is with deep pain, sorrow, and gratitude to Almighty God for a life well spent
we the members of the Independent Publishers Association, IPA at this moment condole the entire family of Daman on the painful passing away of their mother and grandmother late MAMA RHODA YILLAK ANDREW DAMAN Whose death took place on the 12^th December 2022

“There is time for everything and a season for every activity under the heaven. A time to born and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 NIV)

The life and times of MAMA RHODA YILLAK ANDREW DAMAN could be summed up in the words of Apostle Paul “She fought the good fight, she has finished the race and it is now time for her to rest” God’s time is irreversible and death is inevitable. The legacy of mama could be visibly seen in the lives of her children. May the good Lord continue to comfort the immediate and extended family and may the soul of the departed rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ and may the peace and comfort of God be with you and strengthen you.

Once again receive our condolence in Jesus' name amen

 

Signed: Shabul Mazadu

Chairman, IPA

PST. DR. NENGAK SUWA ADDED ANOTHER FEATHER TO HIS CAP

PST. DR NENGAK SUWA ADDED ANOTHER FEATHER TO HIS CAP

The founder of New Jerusalem Ministry and BICE Chingnenka Foundation Pastor Doctor
Nengak Suwa has bagged another significant award in recognition of his philanthropic and benevolence contribution to humanity most especially the indigent ones in society.

Well bestowing a Humanitarian Service Award by Dinamite Impact Missions, Pastor Nengak Suwa is described as an astute gentleman whose contribution to uplifting people from the shackles of poverty, regardless of color, creed or race, or ethnic affiliation

Pst. Nengak is an award-winning international gospel singer, a motivational speaker, and a great philanthropist who has been involved in feeding and clothing thousands of widows, orphans, the elderly, the poor, the less privileged, and the disadvantaged.

His contribution.

Dr. Nengak is best described as a maestro with a tough pedigree in promoting dignity to human life, as evidenced by his missionary work, and as a youth with a vast wealth of experience in leadership, management, and acumen who is well-equipped and ready to deploy his experiences, leadership and managerial skills to transform people around him.

   Pst. Dr. Nengak Suwa and family
The recognition given to him will definitely spur him to do more and is a pointer to the fact that he has been assessed and is found worthy of the recognition.

THE PARADOX OF CELEBRATED UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

 

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, December 6, 2022; 08116181263; loisayuba420@gmailicom)

THE PARADOX OF CELEBRATED UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

It is high time Nigeria draw a lesson from Navajo Proverb which says: "You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep." Taking sleep as a metaphor for ignorance, it can be said that this proverb succinctly captures the core of Nigeria's greatest problem. I have the conviction that in most cases, Nigerians, especially, our leaders claim ignorance as a strategy. They know what our most pressing needs are but acting promptly is always a problem itself. Our leaders prefer the country to last in its current contradictions because they are profiting from it. Even the masses that are worst hit are getting acclimatized and okay with the sorry state of our nation.

Some years past, I read a book that talked about the "fear of freedom". To fear freedom is to be dead-minded and comfortable in a state of serfdom. A dog that has become used to the chain is likely to surrender to fate and refused to go even if unchained. An anonymous writer wrote that "You can't liberate a slave who has found comfort in captivity." He further noted, "That is the state many Nigerians have found themselves today. And it is very sad."

Under what conditions could a man or a people become underdeveloped or permanent savages? There are many causes but the main ones include but are not limited to fear of freedom, intellectual ignorance, political illiteracy, the papacy, hypnosis, religious indoctrination and brainwashing, tribal or religious bigotry, etc.

Fear of freedom is a motivation for tyranny. Tyranny has no future but the allowance or breathing space oppressed cowards sheepishly grant tyrants. In other words, tyranny is a grant-aided political enterprise of rogue elites whose trade in stock is to cash in on the collective ignorance of docile people. No wonder, Fredrick Douglass said, "The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppose" or oppressed. This means that when the oppressed gets fade up and sustainably react in unison against their oppressors, they helplessly quit and sooner than expected too!

Intellectual ignorance is another window for underdevelopment. Being dormant and lacking in critical thinking skills which is the product of education is a huge setback in personal liberation. Educated people serve and cannot swallow things undigested. Educated and critical-minded people will always ask questions like what, why, how, etc. The idea is to gain enough information to help them make informed decisions. Educated citizens cannot be toyed with or served carelessly but are respected and, in most cases, consulted before decisions that affect them are taken at any given time.

Political illiteracy is a subset but the worst form of illiteracy. A political illiterate does not understand how political systems work and so knows not when a system becomes faulty and he or she is short-changed by the system. He might be knowledgeable enough to read and write books but stay aloof to politics and or do not decipher that his lack of participation has implications for the overall working of the system. He does know that everything starts and ends with politics as far as resource allocation is concerned. A political illiterate does not mind selling his civil and fundamental human rights for the price of a cigarette, data, or plate of porridge and will do so with pride and glaring arrogance.

 

Paupacy is the status of being poor. It is another sign and propeller of underdevelopment. Living in abject poverty as the case is, in developing countries like Nigeria is capable of leading the citizenry into savage/serfdom conditions, that is, the status of being slaves. In the November 2022 Report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), it was revealed that 133 million Nigerians are living in abject poverty. This further established the report by Poverty Clock in 2019 which chronicled Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world and has remained so up-to-date. While countries like India, China, Indonesia, etc. are lifting their citizens, in millions, out of Poverty, Nigerians are speedily railroading into it in unusual and unacceptable. A country whose dynasty of poverty is expanding is certainly on the road to serfdom.

Hypnosis is a diabolic and manipulative means of mentally chaining someone to think upside down and to do things that he would have done otherwise if left alone. People who are operating under a spell, that is, being taken captive by diabolic manipulation, religious brainwashing and indoctrination are at risk of facing complex developmental contradictions. In this regard, it can be argued that the obsession of most Nigerians with poor religious orientation has become the greatest undoing of the country since the people cannot help themselves but resort to continuous prayers without working the prayers. I have always argued that hard work is the continuation of prayers and so people who cannot exercise their franchise and faculties to create value but stay in prayer houses 24/7 are cultivating nothing but abject poverty.

Religion has its role but cannot fix problems arising from other systems whose modus operandi is not religion friendly. For instance, creating value or putting food on one's table which is a matter of skilled labor in economics, has nothing to do with prayers. A man who is actively praying and lazily sleeping will eventually die in poverty and hunger. No religion can prevent this. Religion cannot save an over speeding driver who ignores traffic regulations under the guise that he has prayed before taking off. Only total concentration and driving according to the rules of manufacturers who might even be atheists and traffic regulations will help!

A profane member of my faith or yours cannot spare your goats or public treasury just because you voted based on religious inclination. When the demons in him start, you might even be his first victim. A criminal does not have a tribe or religion but one target: His victim. The interest is to have someone to short-change as a means of earning a living. Political criminals who found their way into public offices feast on the gullibility and ignorance of the toiling masses.

Tribal or religious bigotry is another issue. The story of the axe and the forest provide a classical explanation: "The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them" (Turkish Proverb). A sizeable number of Nigerians have no problem with bad leadership provided it is from their tribe or religion.

 

In 2014, the then APC Presidential candidate and now two terms President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari while discussing the ASUU strike, tutored Nigerians on a sense of what can be indexed as a misplaced and irresponsible government when he appeared on a Chanel's Television (TV) Program, "Hard Copy" anchored by a veteran journalist, Makwe. His words are cited unedited in the next paragraph

"Teachers of the tertiary institutions and polytechnics were on strike. These strikes were, at least, for a whole academic year. I think a serious government if they have N7bilion to throw about, will go and negotiate with ASUU and then the teacher's organization or teachers' unions of the tertiary institutions from polytechnics downward, so that our children should remain in school, even complement equipment (you know) and other social facilities (you know) for educational institutions. I was so personally against that because the National Assembly is there. I believe the executive ought to have sent a memoir to the National Assembly if they want constitutional amendment in line with the 1999 constitution as amended. Why go and take 7 billion that you could not afford when our children are on the street? I think this government has the capacity for wrong priorities." This was a hard knock on the then-PDP administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan which was eventually voted out and the accuser took over.

Interestingly today, history is repeating itself as Nigerian universities went on protracted strike for 8 uninterrupted months with no solution in sight under Buhari's regime. How can one explain a situation where these universities and other related tertiary institutions are closed down for this long but some youth and parents who are direct or indirect affected by this ugly development still chant APC, the ruling party that is superintending over this mess? During the Ekiti governorship poll, ASUU was on strike for four consecutive (4) months but the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) who is the leader of all students in the country 'was happy that he delivered his polling unit to the winner', APC government. What a paradox!

How can one also explain a situation where a nation and its citizens are living in perpetual fear of the unknown, there is a clear and present danger: People are being maimed, killed, and destroyed with impunity through the activities of insurgents, terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, etc., yet, even direct victims still praise and support the government that has utterly failed in halting these killer threats? There can be some good candidates in the APC but the candidates should be sober and not brag about the performance of the incumbent as though all is well. The party has not failed flat but certainly has not taken Nigerians to the land of Eldorado: Not fulfilled its bogus promises!

How can a people support a system that impoverishes them in such a manner in this country? Nigeria has become the poverty capital of the world with the north which dominated the governance structure of the country for decades, being the worst hit for it. However, the mass majority of impoverished people of this region are still the ones celebrating our indigenous slave masters. Listen to the poetic lyrics of some northern artists/poets and you will be surprised how poor northerners are, ironically, praising the unjustifiably rich amongst them!

 

How can a country be moving in a reversed gear and the citizens be delusional hoping to attain sustainable development? The author is not known who remarked that Nigeria is the only developing country where poverty is increasing. Yet, the citizens of this country are reputed the happiest people on earth based on World Happiness Index (WHI). This is an unassuming and surprising puzzle of a nation. Given the current hardship in Nigeria, it is rather mysterious that the country's people are the happiest on the face of the earth. The possible explanation for this 21st Century's irony could either be that the citizens are substantiating Marx's thesis that 'religion is the opium of people or that the frustrated people are smiling at the storms of their lives in such a fashion that is common with mentally retarded folks. One index of mental retardation is for a man to be exceedingly comfortable and happy in an abnormal situation!

For a country like Nigeria to be liberated from the clutches of bad leaders, sound wisdom must be applied. One way of doing this is for the citizens to harken to the simple but profound voice of Arthur Ashe which commands as follows: "Start where you are, Use what you have, Do what you can." Nigeria is a free democratic state and so the greatest weapon for liberation in this system is the ballot box. What the citizen can do in the next general elections is to exercise their franchise in stepping out to vote for credible leaders at all levels; not the highest bidders. Nigeria can only get it right when citizens resist hedonistic temptations and massively vote for credibility. The opportunity and possibility for a functional system are lost when citizens vote for money and not their convictions.

Another profound and distilled wisdom can be deduced from the postulation of Marcus Aurelius who stated that "when a bunch of known corrupt people unite against one man and spare no effort to ridicule him, blackmail him and attempt to assassinate his character, blindly follow that one man." This is because the corrupt have no virtue to offer but to destroy those that can. It is, however, important to note that choosing a virtuoso man over corrupt elements is a revolutionary act that must be asserted with tack and unwavering courage. This is the implied sense conveyed in George Orwell's submission that "in a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act."

It is paradox that a people could celebrate being savaged. Nations that expelled or minimized savage living in history all started by being increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo and rose to the occasion by collectively saying enough is enough. They risk their lives resisting tyranny, the custodians of serfdom, and sometimes recording not only success but casualties. America did. South Africa did. Ghana did. Even the heroes of our struggling democracy in Nigeria did and we can do it too through the power of the ballot box. The ballot revolution is loading again in Nigeria!

Pastor Nengak Suwa Bags a Prestigious Honorary Doctorate Award

 Pastor Nengak Suwa Bags a Prestigious Honorary Doctorate Award

The saying a Gold Fish has no hidden place was practically displayed at Green Valley on Sunday when

Pastor Nengak Suwa of the new Jerusalem Ministry was bestowed with an honorary doctorate of divinity by a US-based organization. First Trans-Atlantic College (Nig) an Affiliate of International kingdom University, USA in conjunction with College of Bishops of Heart of Peace Catholic Mission inc.

Well presenting the award to Pastor Nengak Suwa in a brief but colourful ceremony witnessed by family members, friends, and well-wishers the representative of the institution described Pastor Nengak as a shining star whose time has come to brighten the world and also drew men closer to God,

He said pastor Nengak's personality and contributions to the ministry have stood him out. His knowledge of the word of God is outstanding and enlightening, a pastor who has traversed the world and left an indelible landmark in all his endeavours; he is such a credible person who has offered himself to serve his people in the vineyard of the Lord.

The honorary awardee is the founder of the fastest-growing New Jerusalem Ministry world prayer and prophetic ministry, a centre of outstanding Christian ministry and philanthropist with its headquarters in Jos, Plateau State

Pastor Nengak Suwa is an array of accomplishments as an award-winning international musician, a motivational speaker, and a great philanthropist whose humanitarian services through his NGO the BICE CHINGNENKA FOUNDATION has assisted and supported so many missionaries, pastors, and ministers of the gospel. Through this foundation, he has been instrumental in feeding and clothing thousands of widows, orphans, the elderly, the poor, the less privileged, and the disadvantaged.

Pastor Nengak Suwa is the CEO of an NENPAJI INTEGRATED DEV. LTD an award-winning solid mineral mining practitioner was recently honoured by the f#Federal Ministry of solid mineral resources at the Sheraton hotel in Abuja for his discovery and documentation of a new solid mineral (gemstone) mining site in Plateau state.

He is a recipient of so many public service awards as many of his friends described him as an achiever, his exceptional humility and leadership qualities as well as his passionate patriotism in all the tasks given to him are endless, given his track record in providing brilliance and ideal ideas on developmental issues; boundless.

Pastor Nengak Suwa's intimidating profile and legendary accomplishments are laudable, above all, his firmly immense dispositions, unquestionable character, an uncommon passion for the spread of the word of God are endless, as some said the award presentation is just a starting point.

END OF TOURISM GEOGRAPHY: A EULOGY ON LATE DR. TK GONTUL

END OF TOURISM GEOGRAPHY: A EULOGY ON LATE DR. TK GONTUL

By Ayuba Yilgak'ha, December 1, 2022*

Phone lines and phone calls are some of the greatest innovations that have made the world go round. However, I have come to realise that some calls can be unsettling. The call that broke the news of the earthly exit of my late cousin, Dr. Timothy Kitwuna Gontul is one of such.

A day before the sad horrible news broke, my cousin too, Nenbun Bauson had phoned me that the deceased was at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention. He however noted that he was relatively 'stable'. It was already evening and so there was no way I could go immediately.

My younger brother, Nendi, eventually came by and we collectively agreed to visit the hospital by 8 am. While I was about to step out of bed that day, the brother with whom I had arrange the visit called to inform me that it was the the last Saturday of the month and, therefore, we have to wait until after sanitation by 10am because there will be no movements. It was in the waiting time that I received the shocker from Manzo Bulus Timothy that our brother has finally answered the last call of nature. It was, indeed, a shattering piece of news!

I have learned how not to cry but not without tears. My heart bleeds with agonising tears. I'm not alone in this but other family members (both nuclear and extended), friends, colleagues and neighbours because of who this rare gem was while alive.

It was Elle Luna wrote a motivational classic with a title, "The Crossroad of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion." It is about the pursuit of passion without which a person is not worth living. Late Dr. Timothy had passion for academics and caught his nitche in lecturing. He started his lecturing career (which sadly ended with his demise) at the Department of Geography and Planning, University of Jos in 1995. His Post Graduate Degrees, M.Sc and Ph.D were both in Tourism resources planning ang management.

By all standards, Late Dr. Timothy was a genus with towering profile in academic excellence. In this life, no one was ever perfect and no one ever shall be. The deceased had his personal downsides or achiles heel but, to say the least, he was a very frank and resourceful gentleman whose contributions to nation building, especially through knowledge, were not in doubt.

Having been the first to be employed university lecturer from my village, he became a trial blazing knowledge reservoir and role model for those of us who cherish and have great passion for academics. Indeed, he was a great source of personal inspiration and encouragement to me, both at home and in school!

I have had course to disagree with Late Dr. Timothy over a number of issues while he was alive but we eventually reconciled between ourselves with him promising to lead a family reconciliation. Our reconciliation and his desire to replicate same at the family level is a testament to the fact that the deceased was a silent bridge builder!

I have one obvious regret losing Dr. Tim': He did not live long enough to attain the zenith of his academic career. Achieving such climax would have been a practical possibility since he was already a Reader (an Associate Professor), a transitional rank towards becoming a full fledge Professor of Tourism Geography. With the deceased's exit, I dare to say Tourism Geography has ended!

Late Dr. TK Gontul was born on April 7, 1964 and died on November 26, 2022. How big are the dreams of a man and how uncertain is chance of fulfilling them? We can dream dreams and make projections but only God knows how far one can go in realising them. This loss is a profound lesson in that regard!

I was looking forward to an emerging Professor Timothy Gontul becoming a Vice Chancellor of a university  someday or something even bigger to make us proud. He had all that it takes but that was not to be - Death betrayed us!

Oh Death, what have you done to us? I felt robbed and cheated by this bereavement. You have short-changed us of one of our 'finest and brightest'. You forcefully created a huge void in the  organogram and hierarchy of the family, community and the academia that will be hard to fill.

Oh death, is this your cruel way of dealing with mortals? So, it's real, anything can happen? I have also learned another lesson here, that the higher men go in their personal profiles, achievements and time, the closer they get to their graves. Now, I see and bear witness again to the reality of us fading away towards the gates of eternity which is the grave!

In Robert Greene's classic, "The Law of Nature" were the following lines: "Reality can be quite harsh and is full of limits and problems. We all must die. Every day we get older and less strong." How true this can be!

In Timothy's exit have come a new me. I'm dead to dreams but not without hope in Jesus Christ who is 'the Author and Finisher of our faith'. Before I stray far away in my beclouded imagination, let me quickly say: I am sorry lord, incase, i have sin in my reflection on this bereavement.

I know and believe it to be true that all that God does is for the greater good of those whose trust is on him. I have no questions but to say thank you to God for His grand plan and perfect will over our lives and that of our love ones. Whatever God takes is no longer ours but His and cannot be of help to us back here on earth!

Our own Tim is sadly gone and singing a hymn to say good bye to this father, brother and teacher will do. But what better hymn captures the mood of the moment than than "God be with you Till we Meet Again" which was composed by Jeremiah E. Rankin, (1828–1904) and sang by William G. Tomer (1833 –1896) as follow:

1. God be with you till we meet again;

By his counsels guide, uphold you;

With his sheep securely fold you.

God be with you till we meet again.

*Chorus*

Till we meet, till we meet,

Till we meet at Jesus’ feet,

Till we meet, till we meet,

God be with you till we meet again.

2. God be with you till we meet again;

When life’s perils thick confound you,

Put his arms unfailing round you.

God be with you till we meet again.

3. God be with you till we meet again;

Keep love’s banner floating o’er you;

Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you.

God be with you till we meet again.

Let us pray: Oh Lord, our wills are rolled into yours and it is in this that we draw comfort and the strength to recover from our worst shocks and to face tomorrow again. Oh Lord, I pray you will graciously raise another resourceful Timothy for the family and community. May you comfort Late Timothy's primary constituencies: The University of Jos, Gochom community and, more importantly, the immediate family!

Legacies do not die. Late Dr. TK Gontul's visible legacies, particularly, the students he trained across all levels of education and the family he raised will continue to stand in witness and in his name and honour. It is over with your infirmities, worries and cares of this fading world Tim. Rest on genius, rest tight, sir!

HISTORICAL TRAJECTORY AND PROSPECTS OF NGAS CHRISTMAS CAROLS

HISTORICAL TRAJECTORY AND PROSPECTS OF NGAS CHRISTMAS CAROLS

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, November 27, 2022; SMS: 08116181263; loisayuba420@gmail.com)

In this piece, I tried to avoid sounding academic, but for the purpose of clarity, an attempt is made to explain what Christmas carols mean and then delve into its evolution and development to the level it is today. The point though is to contribute to the growth and development of a project that has come to be a role model in carols celebrations in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Carol(s) 'is a religious folk song or popular hymn, particularly, one associated with Christmas.' This is no definite history as to when Christmas Carols started. However, it has been observed that "Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago, but these were not Christmas Carols. They were pre-Christian/pagan songs, sung at Winter Solstice celebrations. But what is Winter Solace?

Solstice as a word means, "the time or date (twice each year) at which the sun reaches its maximum or minimum declination, marked by the longest and shortest days (about 21 June and 22 December)." Christopher Muscato, in his "History of Christmas carols", stated that "The winter solstice was a powerful pagan holiday in Europe, celebrated through drinking, dancing, and the loud singing of joyful and popular songs." 

The history explained that Christmas Carols is the transformation of the solstice practice where traditional pagan practices were changed into Christian ones by Christians of that epoch and this coincided with before the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ which is called Christmas. Today Christmas carols have become so popular and widely observed in Christendom with Shikrot Khinen Network (SKN) keying into it and organizing the Ngas Christmas carols every year since it started in 2006

Great is the faithfulness of God. That is just the best way to describe how God can build something from nothing and make great virtues out of it. This piece is a classical lesson in the power of little beginnings which SKN, the precursor and anchor of the Ngas Christmas Carols represent. 

Like child's play and from his little corner at Census, a neighborhood around the State Secretariat Junction, Mr. Darshak Simon Gobum curved and shared the initial vision with progressive friends and well-wishers and the Ngas Christmas Carols were birth and nurtured by many more people to the glory of God. Time and space cannot warrant the mention of names but posterity will be kind to these silent destiny helpers!  

The Ngas Christmas Carols is, arguably, the single biggest Christian Carols ever hosted by any tribe in Jos and Northern Nigeria. The idea of Ngas Christmas Carols which started as a mustard seed in almost two decades has leapfrogged into one of the most urbane events heralding the celebration of Christmas in Nigeria and Plateau State in particular.

One of the profoundly instructive elements of the Annual Ngas Christmas Carols is the celebration of Jesus Christ in unique Ngas cultural flavors. At the event, the best of the material and non-material culture of the Ngas people are represented with great joy and excitement and unto the glory of God. While the non- material flavor features the deployment of the Ngas dialect in praise worship; Bible quizzes; bible recitation; and lots more. The material culture is represented in the Ngas traditional attires, dances, and delicacies which are unique and spacious in every modest sense.

In the spirit of love and brotherliness, the Ngas Christmas Carols have also always featured multiple other tribal groups in the state and beyond. This has contributed to adding color and variety to the celebration. In fact, the bonding that is being cultivated between Ngas and other tribes during the carols, though intangible, is quite profound!

The Christian faith-based event, the Carols is also a platform for the promotion and showcasing of the Ngas heritage: Her culture and the demonstration of the nation's acknowledgment of God's abiding love in blessing it with so much and, more importantly, salvation through Jesus Christ.

Year after year, since the annual Ngas Christmas Carols began, the organizers, the SKN have continued to introduce new innovations into the organization of the Carols which makes it even richer in content. During the yearly event, very seasoned ministers of the Gospel, especially, those of Ngas extraction are mobilized to come with sound and life-changing Gospel messages.

During the carols too, dignitaries, especially, Ngas sons and daughters from all works of life and resident across the length and breadth of Nigeria including politicians are invited to take part and give goodwill messages that have to continue to strengthen the bond of unity and togetherness in Christ within and across tribal lineages. It has always been a gathering for the propagation and harvest of the benefits of Jesus' Revolution where love is the trade in stock.

The Ngas Christmas Carols is a one-stop event and grant point of contact for long-time-no-see friends. It is not just a period for spiritual refreshment but social interaction and cultural rejuvenation. Call it a gathering for the deployment of Ngas heritage in holy praise and worship to God. It is a link-up program for vertical and horizontal connectivity among God's chosen people and nation.

The Christmas Carols is a platform for spiritual enterprise but not without challenges. Over the years, the organizers of this noble event have had to grapple with funding constraints. The monies necessary to take care of the general organization of the program from the venue, logistics, and security are always in deficit. However, thank God for the generosity of spirited individuals who have always made sacrifices to come to the rescue in kind and cash. It has been God working through these ones and the prayer is that they shall never relent in doing good, especially, God's bidding because in due time, they shall reap the harvest.

Traffic control has also always been a challenge during the event too. With thousands of people coming for the carols, it has always been a herculean task controlling and affecting the free flow of traffic to and away from the venue. Hence, there is a need for humanitarian support from traffic control agencies, particularly, the Road Safety Corps to assist in this regard.

The general security of the venue is another challenge. With the attendance rate running into thousands and counting, there is a need for massive security deployment to protect lives and properties. God has been faithful in the area of security throughout the inception of the Ngas Carols but prayers are being said as the organizers seek the intervention of lead and internal security agencies like the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) amongst others is to help now and in subsequent hostings.

When a multitude gathers, health concerns are supposed to be watched. However, due to constraints arising from the papacy of funds still, this critical need is often downplayed. It is, however, wished and hoped that going forward, ad-hoc and volunteer medical personnel will respond to partner with the organizers to have, at least, a responsive, first-aid medical squad that is always on the ground to respond to medical emergencies, any. No bad incident has been recorded but the need to think ahead and be proactive is what SKN has proven to stand for all these years.

Partnership and sponsorship are allowed in event planning and practice. Therefore, SKN is encouraged not only to seek individual support but widen the scope of resource mobilization by approaching successful corporate organizations, especially, those within the Jos metropolis, be they media outfits, business or faith-based, to crave support that can lesson the burden of organizing such gigantic event.

SKN and its brain-child-turn-big event, have come to stay and got the potential to anchor the propagation of the Gospel of Christ during yuletide seasons. There is no limit to how far men of goodwill and corporate organizations can help with innovative ideas to make these brands grow from strength to strength and coast to coast.

The Ngas Christmas Carols are trailing the blaze. Its increasing popularity has motivated many tribes on the Plateau into organising similar events in the state. What this means is that Plateau State Government could adapt and make it a grand Annual Rainbow Christmas Carols that will host all the tribes and residents of the state. This will serve dual purposes of uniting Nigerians in worship to God and promoting religious tourism in "Plateau the Beautiful". I cannot wait to see plateau inhabitants rise in unison and togetherness to worship God under one big roof and in their different but beautiful cultures celebrate the birth of our great Redeemer: Jesus Christ!

With motivation and support, SKN has got all it takes to anchor holistic ministry for Christ and it is on a straight mission to produce a unique, standard, and global brand in yuletide celebration through the Ngas Christmas Carols Season 17 which by God's grace will take place at Solomon Lar's Amusement Park along Domkat Bali - State Locust Road, Jos, Plateau State, on Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 2 Pm.

As revealed by the event's sound jingles and fliers also, popular Evangelist Danjuma Fwenji of the God's Grace Divine Mission (GGDN) is expected at the carols as a Guest preacher while Tribal groups like Berom choir, Mwaghavul choir, Pan Choir, Yoruba Choir, Michika Choir, Afro for Christ and lots more will be ministering in Special Renditions. It promises to be wow: Rainbow colored with rhythm-packed melodies and feasting from the Word of God, all in unique cultural situations like no there. May the organizers gain more wisdom and the capacity to give out their best towards satisfying the great and varying expectations of all: 

Participants and well-wishers alike, wherever they are in the universe, amen!

GOVERNOR LALONG EULOGISES WIFE OF FORMER PLATEAU DEPUTY GOVERNOR NGGWO LYDIA BOT-MANG

 GOVERNOR LALONG EULOGISES THE WIFE OF FORMER PLATEAU DEPUTY GOVERNOR NGGWO LYDIA BOT-MANG 

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described the late wife of former Plateau State Deputy Governor Nggwo Lydia Kachallom Bot-Mang as a mother who dedicated her life to the service of humanity and God.

Lalong said this at the Service of Songs for the late Nggwo Lydia Bot-Mang held at her residence in Zawan, Jos South Local Government Area.

The Governor said the deceased who was a professional nurse combined her training and heart of compassion and love to work for the interest of others particularly the less privileged in society. 

He said she gave her very best to support widows, orphans, the poor and needy as well as people of her immediate community in various ways.

He praised her for supporting her late husband throughout his political and professional life enabling him to rise to the top and contribute to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria. 

Her Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Timothy Dabot said she was a faithful woman who believed in God and supported the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as developing physical structures of the Church. 

He praised for her commitment to the Church and generosity as well as mentoring which has assisted many young ones to find the right path in life.

Her friends, colleagues, classmates and relations all reflected on her good attributes which they say will remain with them forever.

While responding on behalf of the family,  son of the deceased and former Commissioner for Works Plateau State Pam Bot-Mang said mama was a woman who loved and disciplined her children while building their character.

Pam Bot-Mang who is also the APC Gubernatorial running mate said his mother never supported injustice in politics and always stood for the truth.

He said they will greatly miss her love and care but are consoled by her testimony of impact in the lives of other people across society. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 

23rd November 2022.