THE VIRTUOUS NEVER DIES: A EULOGY IN HONOUR LATE PROF DALIS TONGNAN DABWOR

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, February 19, 2024, 08116181263)

It was just a whisper I got, then, a call from a well-respected professor in the department of Economic, University of Jos and, finally, a post on our PhD platform that reads: "We lost prof. Dalis this morning. These messages were reviewed simultaneously and within a minute or two. They came swiftly and dropped like thunder bolt. I was not fully convinced until I managed to get to the residence of the revered professor, the house I have always visited.

Prof. Dalis (now 'Late' as the reality of life has forced me to accept), will always warmly welcomes me into his beautiful and serene house even when he was battling the ill-health that eventually consumed him. I got to the house but this time around, i made a few early callers and, at the entrance door was the portrait of this man with a good heart staring at me as if he was going to say, 'Ayuba welcome' as he will always do. This was when it dawned on me that the worst has happened again!

So hard to believe it happened but absurd not to believe it happened too. It is a sad reality but who will say no to the higher call of nature? Death is the higher call of nature, a separation of the body from soul which no mortal can resist. It has no protocol and, when it knocks, nobody says no. Sadly, that was the universal fate that befell the legendary professor, my supervisor, my father figure and friend.

With Prof. Dalis' demise now, I have lost the two supervisors with whom I started my PhD journey. As a PhD candidate, I lost and mourned Prof. James Hantsi Landi of blessed memory who died on August 10, 2020. It was a day that left a bitter taste on my emotional being just the same way February 14, 2024 has done to me. I felt badly robbed of a mentor, father figure and, a friend on Valentine's Day. While the world was in red celebrating the love ones, I was in black mourning a friend so idyllic. I'm a sad man. Why has nature visited these two hard knocks on me? So many questions to ask with no answers insight!

Let me put the matter of tragedy that had befallen us in perspective. What is going on here? Are these the 'days of the locust' for the Department of Economics, university of Jos? So much has gone under the bridge. Aside Late Professors Landi and Dalis, the Department of Economics, University of Jos had, also, lost great minds like Dr. Zogore, Prof. Akaahan, Prof. Omeijakwu and Mr. Bello, a very popular clerical staff in the department, all in a span of four (4) years. These were high ranking, respected and resourceful professors and staff as it were.

It takes decades to produce professors and we are losing them. This is an isolated incident but very bad trend. We cannot afford to lose our reservoirs of knowledge in this way. Oh God, have mercy on the department and the university of Jos. Enough is enough, never again, please. Otherwise, these harvest of deaths and the subtle 'Japa syndrome' that is manifesting in the institution might cripple this citadel in no distant time!

I wish this prose was a tribute but, sadly, it is a eulogy. I have tried demonstrating in words and action that I appreciate the kindness of Late Prof. Dalis but I wish he is alive to know how I feel about him as my academic tour guide. This eulogy looks at my encounter with the late professor, his biographical brief and meteoric rise to fame in the temple of intellectualism. It, also, touches on the virtues he generously shared with the world before exiting.

After our one-year MPhil/PhD course work in 2019, two supervisors were allocated to each of us based on our respective areas of interest. My supervisors happened to be Late Prof. Landi and Late Prof. Dalis. The journey began and these departed egg-heads encouraged me a lot. The former who was the lead supervisor assured me that 'we will do it together' and, the latter who was the second supervisor, similarly, said: 'It will be his joy to graduate and watch me do great things in the field'. I was highly motivated and assured them that with God holding me on the one hand and them holding me on the other hand, I shall pull through. However, Prof. Landi, eventually, passed away. 

Prof. Dalis who is, also, gone now graciously took over as the main supervisor with Dr. Eneji as my second supervisor. It was with the generous support of these two that I presented my proposal in June last year before the former's ill-health intermittently intensified to the point of no return. I watched this great man dies helplessly!

Right now, I have Dr. Eneji, an erudite scholar who has been very supportive.  I still rely on God and the vessel He will provide through the department of Economics to join this gentle scholar to guide me through the yet to be consummated journey. I shall not give up. I shall not quit because nobody ever taught me how to quit. The honour, I owe these intellectual giants is the honour of finishing strong and of bringing to bare the rich intellectual and moral virtues they lavished on me from day one and before the left!

As long as I live, and by the grace of God and, the extended support of my supervisor(s), I shall pull through and present to my departed heroes-cum-supervisors the title they were determined to help me achieve before death forcefully snatched them away from me.

Late Prof. Dalis Tongnan Dabwor was born on September 10, 1971 to the family of Late matriarch Shom'an and patriarch. Dalis Ghin of Abwor-Dyis, Pankshin LGC, Plateau State. He attended the Ekan Primary school of the community and graduated in 1983. Thereafter, he proceeds to Government Secondary School (GSS), Jak where he obtained his General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 1988. The hardworking man rested for only two years and, then, fired on.

Between 1991 and 1992, Late Prof. Dalis was at the School of Preliminary Studies (SPS) Keffi in present Nasarawa state where he wrote Interim Joined Admission and Matriculation Examination (IJMBE) - A level certification examination and graduated with flying colours. The was before he moved to the prestigious Amadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained his first degree in Economics in 1997. In 2004, the Late professor, then, a younger person with lofty ambitions enrolled in masters' degree programme at the university of Jos and, thereafter, defended his PhD title in 2015. Subsequently, Late Prof. Dalis rose to the zenith of his career where he was appointed a Prof. on October 1, 2021 by the university of Jos ahead of some of his contemporaries. 

For those who may not know: "Professorship is a universally acclaimed hard-earned, life title resulting from several years of dedicated hard work in teaching, research, community service and experiences as well as publications in peer review journals and proceedings", explained Prof. John Woktong Wade, 2024). Who said it is not possible? From a very humble background, Late prof. Dalis defies all odds to shatter the glass ceiling. This is the trajectory of a rising and non-stop star who was on a mission to make a difference in his life time!

Late professor Dalis was a unique brand with a transformational mindset. He understood the power of knowledge and through sheer determination bulldozed his way to become a force to be reckoned with in the academia through the transformative power of this virtue - knowledge. He shared with me about his humble background and, also, about the adventurous manner in which he pursued his rise to fame, perhaps, to encourage me. He pointed out that when he sees people trying vitreous things, he will too and that, most often, those impromptu but deliberate decisions or steps ended in huge success, to the glory of God.

Late professor Dalis could be said to be a born teacher. He taught at St. Murumba College, Boy Secondary School (BSS) Gindiri, the Plateau State Polytechnic before he joined the services of the University of Jos as lecturer. While in the University of Jos, he was visiting at Karl Kumn University (KKU) where he acted acting as pioneer Head of Department Economics of the new but promising institution. The Late Professor was an examination officer, faculty representative at the Post Graduate School Board (PG Board), PhD Coordinator as well as Deputy Director, Office of Research and Development (ORD). This a pointer to the idea that Late Prof. Dalis was never a lazy breed but a well occupied enigma, a multi-tasking personality who effectively and efficiently handled sensitive responsibilities the system saddled him with.

Armed with requisite knowledge and exposure from the onset, the man was battling ready for the task ahead. Late prof. Dalis a a classical polymath. Therefore, his employment as lecturer in the university was the right thing to do. Nothing else could have been better for a man who has invested so much in his education. Considering that a university's tripartite functions are teaching, researching and community services, one could only say, and rightly too, that this departed scholar was a round peck in a round hole. While alive, in other words, he manages his professorship well.

Late Prof. Dalis was, indeed, a reference point. He was for me in economics what Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein were in the world of physics. He has reached his commanding height in his academic career. His academic exploits could rival the feat the likes of Adam Smith, the father of economics, John Maynard Keynes and Milton Friedman had attended in the field of economics. Late Prof. Dalis was a scholar with a clear difference. His intellectual opinions were highly respected in the department. It was just going to be a matter of time for this thorough bred to hit the intellectual airwaves, globally, and, in the manner heroes in the field!

There is so much to say, Late Prof Dalis was so passionate about his job. Even on his sick bed, he was still contributing to our PhD presentations and discussions through phone calls. He has done that twice in my presence and, perhaps, such has never happened in the history of the department or the university as a whole. The departed Professor, also, added empathy to his passion and determination. He was still attending to us his candidates to such a point that I was feeling very guilty approaching him with my work and I told him, but he insisted I should be coming. 

Sometimes, while attending to me, he will ask me to read the work while he listened but, in the process, pains will over-power and that, will be all for the day. I will leave with so much concerns for him (not for my work) but, yet, with something to enrich my thesis too. Until his last days on earth, he was making contributions that were enriching to the PhD work of many, I must say. This makes him one of the greatest benefactors who died doing the work they know how to do best!

Late Prof. Dalis once told me that this thing (knowledge), if you do not share, it shall be total waste when you are no more. He understood this secret and, so, was purposefully extravagant with his wealth of knowledge and experience. It was as if he knew he was going to die so soon and, was, literally, in a haste to impart knowledge. This makes him an intellectual philanthropist!

Like Tabitha in the Bible, the Late Professor left behind many towering and enduring legacies. The students he graduated (PhD candidates, MSc students not to talk of undergraduates), his publications in peer review journals and the journals he edited both locally and internationally; the experiences he shared with colleagues and students will continue to speak in his honour now and always.

I am consoled that Late Prof Dalis left behind family that will nurture and extend all the virtues and principles that he stood for while alive. Mrs Usharan Dalis, the wife whom I came to know as a perfect match and companion of my prof., the children Nanribet Dalis, Chaimun Dalis and Mabumshak Dalis are proud heirs and replica of this embodiment and fountain of good things. The family shall grow to make their mother happy here and their Late father, also, happy man at the other side of existence!

The virtuous shall never die. Late prof. Dalis was a virtuous man. He was a dynamic and a very resourceful teacher. The departed Professor was, equally, a tested philosopher who was very deep in his thoughts and extravagantly generous with his wealth of knowledge and experience which he did give at no cost to the beneficiaries. He was not that generous because he was rich in knowledge (there are stingy fountains of knowledge everywhere); instead, he was generous because he was a good man.

In the final analysis, Late Professor Dalis was a force for good. He was an embodiment of virtues, one who was complete with both hard and soft skills. He was a well informed and integrated personality. While I extend my sincere condolences to the family, I pray that may he walks down the gate of heaven with pride and be warmly received by the celestial host of that divide. Bye, legendary scholar as you will be committed to mother earth on February 23, 2024!

HON. SYLVANUS NAMANG, THE APC PUBLICITY SECRETARY THAT I KNEW. BY SHITTU BAMAIYI.

I am still dazed, perplexed and dumbfounded by a call I received around eight o'clock in the morning on Sunday, informing me of one of the most heinous crimes unleashed on humanity. 

The caller, sounding heartbroken and in a quivering tone, informed me of the gruesome assassination of an astute and outstanding journalist- Slyvanus Namang, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State.

This unexpected news not only sent shivers down my spine, but cast my mind back to a similar incident, where a friend and classmate from Bassa Local government area was murdered by some 'unknown gunmen' .

To compound my state of mind at that time, was the information that one other person was killed along with the late Namang.

Tearfully and sorrowfully, as I scribble this piece, Namang's innocent face intermittently kept flashing my mind, reminding me of our shared goals and mission in promoting the ideals of the APC, not only in Plateau State but the Country as a whole.

As spokespersons of the Party and the governorship campaign outfit, we were virtually, the face of APC in Plateau State, to the extent that anything we said or wrote, were taken seriously.

Unfortunately, some people for whatever reasons misrepresented our positions and regarded us as enemies .

We were not only cyber- bullied but received series of threats to our lives to the extent that at various points in time, we had to employ some people to watch our back .

Undeterred by the cacophonous threats, we kept firing from all cylinders, until the jig was up, and the game over.

One thing that made Namang to stand out, was his flair and passion, in carrying out his assignment to the latter, not minding whose ox is gored as long as it was within the precinct of the law and his mandate.

The late Namang showed courage, strength of character, commitment and sacrifice, as well as putting his life on the line, in the cause of APC in the State.

The sixty-six year old Namang, from Kopa'al in Panyam district of Mangu Local Government area, was a man of strong conviction and principles, who never shirked his commitment to the cause of his party, despite the fact that majority of his Kith and kin belonged to a different political divide.

He never relented in propagating the ideals of his party in the face of persecution, humiliation, and name-calling from within and without his tribal enclave.

Therefore, when the cowardly and mindless assassination news broke out, it was to me shocking but not surprising, in view of the threats to our lives, except that I never thought it would come even after all the dust associated with the electioneering campaigns and legal tussles had since evaporated like soap bubbles.

Though the police in a statement had claimed that the deceased was a victim of kidnap attempt, a lot of narratives are being peddled, which call for more detailed explanation by the security agencies.

Namang's death is a monumental loss to both his immediate family and the mwaghavu'ul nation, and as such it needs to stand up too, so that its voice would be heard  in demanding for justice over the death of this great son of Plateau, a journalist of repute and patriotic Nigerian.

Let the killers of Namang know no peace, and may his soul rest in peace.

AS NDA GOES TO POLL IN APRIL, 2024

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, February 17, 2024, 08116181263)

On February 9, 2024, the Ngas Development Association (NDA), through its 2024 Electoral Committee announced in a press statement the commencement of sale of forms to interested members who contest for various elective positions in the association. This marks the beginning of activities heralding the emergence of new leadership for the association through a democratic process that will be guided by the Constitution and electoral guidelines of the association.

The NDA which is the umbrella body of the Ngas nation has the women wing, youth wing (Ngas Youth Movement), National Association of Ngas Students (NANGS) and the elders forum as functional organs. It is composed of district six (6) associations (home) and 60 branches associations all over the world (diaspora) with duly registered members. The permanent headquarters of the association is in Pankshin Local Government. 

The motto of the NDA "shall be love, unity and development". The vision and mission statements of the association, therefore, was supposed to be clearly curved out within the context of this slogan as a way of defining the future ambition (the big picture) and the present motivations - mission pointers of the association.

Anyway, the objectives of the association, according to the constitution, are stated as follows: 

"To foster the spirit of love, brotherhood and unity amongst people. To work towards achieving a common good for the development of Ngas Nation. To create awareness amongst Ngas people towards realising the goals and objectives of the association. To promote socio-cultural, linguistic, economic and educational advancement of Ngas people. To offer constructive advice to government and agencies when the need arises."

Responsibility beckons, the objectives listed above are responsibilities that the leadership of the NDA are expected to champion as a way of driving the overall development of the Ngas nation. The information available to this author indicate that, since inception, the NDA had produced Nine (9) presidents along other executive members. 'The Constitution of NDA was approved in November, 1988, at an all embracing Congress of Ngas Youth Movement attended by invited Elders at Pankshin Youth Centre.The election of the first National NDA Executives was conducted in January, 1989, at Pankshin Youth Centre. Nde Gideon G.Barde was elected the first Chairman (now National President). This Executives served for two terms,1989 to 1993. Nde Joshua M. Waklek succeeded him. Thereafter, the following succeeded each other: Late Nde Elisha Dimka, Nde Emmanuel Jankanwa, Late Arch Simeon Longson and Prof. Nenfot Gomwalk, Late Nde Dominic Wakgung, Prof. Sylvester Shikyil and Engr Gonen Gofwen.' These were passionate Ngas stakeholders in their own rights!

In the nearest future, a separate piece will be dedicated towards reviewing the scorecards and achievements of each of these presidents. Be that as it may, it is important to hurriedly point out that so much has been achieved but so much is left undone as well. In other words, the NDA is far from being where it is supposed to be!

In a democracy, periodic leadership change is a universal reality. Aside constitutional provisions which limits the tenure of any NDA leadership to, at most, two tenure of three (3) years each; the desire to reinvigorate or change strategy of development in any organisation that often makes the need for new leadership very germane. In other words, the wisdom behind having a new leadership is that, new approaches will be injected as a means of adding or creating more value in the system. It is only on the basis of value creation or addition that the frontiers of civilisation can be expanded for the common good of humanity and, particularly, that of the Ngas people.

According to the press statement of the electoral committee led by prof. Meshach Gomam Goyit, the NDA election is slated to be conducted on April 19, 2024. Part of the timelines and activities lined up for action by the committee include but not limited to the following:

'1.  Advertisement runs from today (9th February, 2024) to 11th February, 2024 via Ngas social media platforms in the first instance;

2. The sales of nomination forms is between 19th February and 11th March, 2024. 

4. Costs of nomination forms are: (a). President and Vice President -  N20,000.00

(b) General Secretary - N15,000.00

(c). Assistant General Secretary and other positions - N10,000.00

5. The closing date for the submission of nomination forms is 18th March, 2024.

6. Display of the list of Aspirants - 21st to 29th March, 2024

7. Screening of Aspirants - 30th March, 2024

8. Display of the list of candidates - 1st to 18th April, 2024.'

With these line up of activities, the process has earnestly began. But more importantly is the kind of leaders the association craves given the fact that 'everything rise and fall on leadership.' No matter how endowed a nation is, as long as it has leadership deficit, there will be serious problems. In other words, no nation can develop or rise above the quality of its leadership.

Leadership is a provisional platform for showcasing relative capabilities of responsible humans to create, manage, organise and reorganise their ecosystem towards growth and sustainable development for the benefit of all. It is about influence, vision, rallying and motivating people to advance the cause of their collective progress. A leader who is a breeder of life into leadership function. Therefore, a leader is a catalyst, rudder, mover and shaker of things in any organisation or nation. In a position of leadership, the leader mobilises and organises people towards achieving great results for the collective good all.

It is important to note that leadership is seasons sensitive. Without compromising the provision of any organisation, when circumstances changes in a democratic system, conscious people are expected to change or reset their leadership button. In Ngas nation, things are not the same as the were in the the past. There is relative tendency for envy and strife, intolerance, selective favouritism, disunity as well as  increasing drive towards individualism. The nation has the population and great potential for growth but needs to step up her drive towards transformation. It is the nature of our contemporary challenges that will dictate the kind of leader we desire as a people.

There is need for effective and efficient coordination to guide our people towards upgrading its  infrastructure and human capital development as a strategy for achieving holistic progress in economy, cultural tourism and politics. The Ngas nation needs a rallying point and unifier; an inspiring and frontal mobiliser of positive actions; a careful and tested listener who is capable of democratically appealing to the morals of our people both young and old; a humble and charisma leader who will lead by example and can influence collective action amongst us at all times. 

With the new Ngolong Ngas in place, the emerging NDA leadership has the advantage of leading transformation in the land through active collaboration. The monarch will provide royal guide as the NDA leadership champions holistic development in Ngas nation.

Now we need to know, who are the contestants? Tell us about yourselves. As you do that, all eligible voters are charged, admonished or even cautioned to assess these candidates objectively if credibility is anything to go by. All mundane group, political or sectional interests or biases must be put aside in pursuit of patriotic instinct. The Ngas nation is one with one vision: rising above accepted limits of mediocres and to be respected equal of all other nations, especially, our contemporaries around the world. We must not betray this onerous task or great sense of mission!

On the wheel of progress propelled by shared sense of responsibility we shall roll and on the solid rock of hope we shall stand unshakable. There is no other way and, when situations demand, we should be prepared to be prisoners of this rock-solid-hope. If anyone has any contrary motivation, he is wrong. God bless the Ngas nation and its people which we all are proud members and stakeholders!

Democracy is gaining frequency everywhere in the world, may our election be the best and a good model for others to copy. This can only be if the process is peaceful, transparent and result in the emergence of our best brands!

CONDOLENCE!

On behalf of myself, family, friends, Consolidation for Greater Plateau, well-wishers and supporters, empathize and sympathize with the Namangs, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mwaghavul nation and Plateau State in its entirety over the death of the APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sylvanus Namang, who was murdered in cold blood by assailants on Saturday 17th February, 2024, in Pankshin. 

Namang has paid his dues by serving our dear country meritoriously in the capacity of an analytic journalist both with print and electronic media.

Suffice me to commend him for rising through the ranks as feature journalist to feature editor and finally the General Manager, The Nigeria Standard. 

In the same vein he served the renowned Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, as his Chief Press Secretary, after which he secured an appointment with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, and served as its North Central General Manager.

I recall Namang provided me useful advice throughout my tenure as Hon Commissioner of Infotmation many years ago. 

Namang's last point of service to the country was his active participation in fostering robust democracy in the position of the APC Publicity Secretary. 

His death is a huge loss to Plateau State as a profuse gap has been created and hardly to be filled in terms of immense contributions to the growth and stability of democracy in regards to sound and effective opposition.

It is my sincere prayer that the Almighty God will  grant his family and other loved ones he left behind, the APC family and all true lovers of democracy, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 

Please accept my condolences! 

Signed:

Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum

CEO Institute of Human Virology Nigeria IHVN,

and Plateau Labor Party, LP, governorship in the 2023 general elections

THE BIRTHDAY OF A MAN PREPARED TO SERVE

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, February 17, 2024, 08116181263)

Before we met closely, I have heard so much about Nde Yakubu Iliya Gomos in the passing but know so little about him. Then, fate beckoned and, I stumbled on a book written in honour of him during his 60th birthday day celebration titled: "The essential Yakubu Gomos at 60: Testimonies of family and associates". The contents of the book have collection of remarks and goodwill messages to mark his birthday in grand style.

Because the book was displayed for sale in the bookstore where I saw it, I spent my last kobo that day to buy it without any hesitation. Not only did I buy the book but I used the next day throughout reading it from cover to cover.

It was nice and an interesting read. The book was a compendium of glowing tributes which gave me some salient insights about the person I can comfortably describe as a dynamic son of the soil!

In the forward of the book, former deputy governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden wrote as follow: "I do no not recall how I and Yakubu Gomos met, but I recall that I took immediate liking for him from day one. With a friendly mind, you cannot fail to notice him in a crowd; robust, lively and some will loud, Yakubu makes his presence felt wherever he is." What does this lines suggest to you? For me, it speaks to the substance of the adage that, "a golden fish has no hiding place"!

Apart from the book, the next time I encountered Nde Yakubu Gomos, at close range, was on February 11, 2023, during the second JD Gomwalk Memorial Lecture organised by the National Association of Ngas Students (NANGS). Through the, then, president of the association, Comrade Yelgola Filkuk, I was requested to curve a suitable topic for discussion at the event and, after doing so, I was, subsequently, invited to present a paper on it together with Nde Yakubu Iliya Gomos but I told the president that memorial lectures are moments for deep reflection and, that one thorough breed scholar could do justice to the topic slated for discourse. Therefore, I opted out to allow Nde Yakubu Gomos to take charge as the guest speaker as the organisers featured me one of the discussants.

Together with other guests who turned up for the well attended event, I listened with wrapped attention to Nde Yakubu discuss the life and times of our great legend, Joseph Dechi Gomwalk of blessed memory. As the lecture progresses, I told myself that the decision to bring the guest speaker,  Nde Yakubu, was not misplaced, after all. The lecture contents I had developed before we settled for him were so similar with his' as if we sat together to develop them. The only difference was in the use of illustration. As a seasoned journalist and public relations practitioner, he injected great humour and practical experiences I didn't have as a younger intellectual.

The lecture, Nde Yakubu Gomos presented, was a moving one which expatiated and shed great light on the life and times of a tested and transformational leader. He drew our attention to the virtues that can be learned from "the man in the mirror" as a way of bettering our leadership lot in the state and nation state, Nigeria.

The audience and I dealt with our ears hearing and savouring the contents the man brought to the table and, I later made complementary remarks that were centred on the lecture and late JD who was the centre of discussion. I remember saying that the lecture was a moving one; very rich in contents and brought to bare fresh memories of a departed hero that selflessly served humanity and with greater distinction. I pointed out to the audience that Late JD Gomwalk was an innocent and peaceful man who was killed violently for no justifiable reasons. It was a crude jungle justice that cannot find expression or tolerated in any decent democracy and society!

Once again, I encountered Nde Yakubu Gomos as a faculty member of the African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development (ACLSD) which in collaboration with Mountain of Hope Foundation (MoHF), Jos, is committed to training transformations and trans-generational leaders in the continent of Africa which is battling quality leadership deficit. Having mingled with this dynamic man for 12 solid months, I had more opportunity to engage with him as my teacher and broker of leadership essentials.

Put it this way: The sense I can make of Nde Yakubu Iliya Gomos, in all of these tripartite encourage through book, public lecture and leadership classes, is that the man is resourceful, a benefactor highly connected, humble and rich in humour.

You need to attend the lectures of Nde Yakubu to know how humourous he can. During classes, he can be so humourous in the James Bon style. He will make you laugh with jokes and still pass his messages seamlessly!

The book, tributes compendium, I read on him and the lectures he delivered in my presence bore great witness to his resourcefulness. When the citation of Nde Yakubu Gomos was read for us at the Centre LSD/Jos leadership school,  I marvel at how a man with such high profile can be so humble. That Nde Yakubu is the Executive Director, Jos University Advancement Centre - "the only executive Director for the university" as the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, observed in the preface of the "essential" book, pointed to how strategic his position is, in the life of the great citadel of learning. In other words, to be a critical stakeholder in the development of a great learning institution is to say, "the man deh" as one of my colleagues at work will always put it slangwise whenever he meets an important and resourceful person.

Nde Yakubu Gomos is a tested benefactor. When I graduated from the Centre LSD/Jos leadership school, I was entitled to nominate a participant for the next set (the third set) which I did. However, after the name of my nominatee was submitted, an interested brother who could not get it last year approached me for help. Because my chance was exhausted, I met Nde Yakubu for help as a faculty member and, surprisingly, when the list of successful applicants for the course came out, the belated request I made was expressly granted and the candidate is now enrolling to the glory of God. This indicates that, Nde Yakubu, will not hesitate to help whenever he is in the power to do so.

One of the salient lessons I deduced from the sixteen (16) chapter book earlier reference in respect Nde Yakubu Gomos, is that, being a member of many platforms could increase the visibility of a person, especially, when such individual is of good morals and, also, adding or creating value in the lives of members of those platforms. You can't believe it, 16 chapters of the book represent 16 different platforms (family, school, mates, church, colleagues at work, etc.) where,  at least, two (2) persons had something good to say about Nde Yakubu Gomos.

To be visible means to be seen, heart and engaged or accessed and even admired by people. Personal visibility determines the social net-worth of a person or an individual. For instance, by being a faculty member in the well intentioned and established leadership school like centre LSD/MoHF, Jos, Nde Yakubu Gomos, has increased his personal visibility as an eminently qualified mentor and roll model in functional leadership. The logic is that you cannot be a mentor in anything if you are not resourceful in something of value to the society. Therefore, Nde Yakubu Iliya Gomos is an index of leadership and given the opportunity, he will not be a liability.

Just recently, Nde Yakubu Gomos whispered to me that he was contesting for the seat of national president, Ngas Development Association (NDA) and, I told him my prayers were with him. I cannot pray less because I have come to know his brand and vibe substantially.

When it comes to Leadership, character and vision are constant indices for objective consideration. I have the deep conviction that whoever has read, internalised and passionately discussed the leadership legacies of JD Gomwalk at very important functions like Nde Yakubu Gomos did, such person must have, at least, learned the rudiments of visionary and transformational leadership and can do well with power. The is because, leadership capabilities are learned and not inherited as some leadership theorists are insinuating. I believe strongly that whatever a man passionately learns and pursues, he becomes it in time!

Leadership is about influence, inspiration and motivation; innovative and agenda setting towards the mobilisation of resources development; it is an anchor and rallying point for teamwork; it mitigates negative actions as well as coordinates positive ones for human progress. The Ngas nation deserves a composite leader with these cherishable attributes!

I have learned that 'leadership is not a position', a 'chair' or an 'office' but an action packed responsibility that require tact and discipline. Therefore, whoever aspire to lead must be prepared intellectually, morally and emotionally. 

I am yet to know if there are other contestants for the office of national president but, one thing, I know for sure, is that the Ngas nation has no short of capable hands that could stir the ship of our nation to greatness. However, for every time and season, there is a leader that fits it. If there are other contestants for the seat of the President and/or other available executive seats, I wish them well even as I wish the Ngas nation the best in leadership.

Let me conclude this piece by congratulating Nde Yakubu Gomos, a man who is prepared to serve, on his 62nd birthday and, to wish him God's guidance as he seek an opportunity to serve Ngas Nation at the highest level. Congratulations on his birthday and best wishes to him in his electioneering campaigns!

ISSUES IN NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha; February 10, 2024; 08116181263)

Nigeria and Nigerians are currently passing through increasingly difficult times. The country's economic downturn has become a recurrent decimal that has left the country's citizens with worst living conditions. However, it is unfortunate that economic experts and public affairs commentators have often underestimate the problem. Ours has been a case of diagnosing and treating malaria when the problems at hand is a near cancerous one, maybe, because of cheap political expediency or patronage.

History has shown clearly that Nigerians have high capacity to adapt even to harsh situations. The citizens adapt to situations with relative ease when such conditions get bad and cannot be tolerated in other climes. Perhaps, this is part of the explanation for why the country's citizens are rated the happiest people on planet earth.

Truth be told, times are real hard for Nigerians. Our situation is that of a people  that are 'smiling in tears'. The ironic smiling spree is a function of false sense of hope occasioned by religious passusion and encouragements. No wonder, Karl Marx postulated that religion is the opium of the people - meaning, religious is a soothing embalmment that brings emotional relief when situations got haywire (confused or disorderly)!

These are not the best of times for Nigerians. The situation of the country is what economic experts regard as stagflation. Any statistic that suggest Nigeria is out of recession in the light of current realities can only confirm one of the three (3) lies Mark Twain talked about. According to Twain, there are 3 types of lies in the world: "Lies, damned lies, and statistics". Stagflation is the real name of Nigeria's current economic problem! 

Stagflation is an unwanted economic condition of an economy where the three economic evils: Very weak and slow growth, high unemployment and hyper inflation are dangerously moving in the same direction. It is an advanced situation of recession where a economy experienced negative economic growth in two successive quarters of a year. This on its own a problem enough for an economy, not to talk of advancing into a stagflationary situation!

It is necessary to note that stagflation is a very dangerous economic situation because, under Phillip's curve theory, there is a trade-off relationship between unemployment and inflation. In other words, when inflation increases; unemployment is expected to decrease correspondingly. Where this trade-off does not occur, the economy is said to be in a state of lock jam (stagflation).

Stagnation is an indication of failure of a country's stabilisation policy which covers both the fiscal and monetary policy structures of the economy. When the fiscal and monetary policy instruments of an economy failed to  moderate or fix the tendencies of an economy, the economy suffers greatly.

Fiscal policy is a policy that has to do with government revenue, government expenditure and public debt. It is a budget centred responsibility of government which determines the sources of revenue to be explored (tax and/or debt), type of budget to be adopted and the debt opportunities and obligations to be relied upon. Fiscal policy is an executive function of government which is subject to the scrutiny and passage by the legislature. It Monetary policy, on the the other hand, deals with the determination of control interest rate, exchange rate, money supply, reserve ratio of banks as well of exchange rate by the central bank of a country. 

The interplay of the fiscal and monetary policies of an economy will determine the growth and stability of an economy. This implies that the mix of these policies in Nigeria, has not yielded the expected output that will place the country on the path of stability let alone sustainable development.

The reality of the presence of stagflation in Nigeria is evident in the poor performance of the country's economic indicators (economic growth, unemployment, inflation, poverty, exchange rate, etc). In the country, the most current economic growth statistic stood at 2.3% after running into recession in 2016 and 2020; poverty, 40%; unemployment, 33.3%; inflation, 28.9% inequality rated at 35.1 while exchange rate is N1580 to $1 (reports of Jonathan Lain & Pape UTZ, 2023; Nation Bureau of Statistics, 2023; PWC, 2023). There is gross deficit in infrastructure and human capital development. These statistics are harvested in the face of enormous natural resource endowment in the country. It is a classical case of 'suffering in the midst of plenty'. They have compromised the overall economic development of the country with far reaching implications on the living conditions (wellbeing or welfare of) of the citizenry.

Just as political scientist could describe a failed state in terms of rampaging insecurity, absence of national consensus, etc.; economists described a failed economy as a composite function of Stagflation.The cumulative effect of stagflation is surely part of the potential threat or trigger of the wide scale insecurity or glaring unrest Nigeria is suffocating from and, gasping for fresh air of peace and social stability. 

Security problems like Boko Haram insurgency in the Northern East; banditry and kidnappings in the Northern West, north Central and parts of South West, the activities of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and oil bunkering, illegal refineries and bombing oil installations are cases in point of security problems that cannot be de-linked from poverty related contradictions. 

Nigeria has since become the poverty capital of the world. It has continued to deny the country of its national pride. Worse still, poverty and insecurity have continued to cause countless lives in Nigeria more than even the fatality figures that were recorded during the 30 months (1967-1970) civil war!

In view of the bad economic situation in Nigeria, the rich are hamming and the poor are dying. Only a few privileged ones who have direct access to public resources or collateral to borrow that are relatively smiling, at least, in the short-run. Even the privileges these ones are enjoying will ultimately be translated into a trans-genrational national or state financial liability for present and succeeding generations.

Our political culture is built on greed and sustained by prebendal political motivations. Unfortunately, any political culture that is built around these tendencies will have no regards for meritocracy. The reward system here is cash and carry with no due regards for objectivity at all. The reward system is nothing but illicit patronage. Character, competence and capacity which are the hallmark of credible Leadership have no place in a prebendal political equation or order such as the one we operate in Nigeria.

It is important to add that the present economic downturn in Nigeria is further compounded by the reality of the post election hangover too. What post election hangover means is the effect of the extravagant expenses of the political class during electioneering campaigns. The huge monies spent during these campaigns will always trigger inflationary problems after the poll. Where hard currencies like the US dollars, pound sterling, Euros were used, exchange rate problems will be complicated. This is, perhaps, part of those potent explanations to the present Nigerian economic hemorrhage or diarrhea.

All said, it is sad to announce that the solution to these complex socio-economic problems cannot be immediate. There are no quick fixes. In the short run, palliatives or even social safety nets will be necessary but, ultimately, massive production to meet up with the shortfall in output in the country. No economy that is caught in the web of conspicuous consumption can come out of stagflation without rejigging and upgrading its productivity quotient!

Ordinarily, the current depreciation of the naira should attract patronage of local products in the international market. This is simple law of demand and supply. This demand-induced explanation in respect of trade advantage is not for a country that is deficient in productivity and, grossly dependent on importation to survive like Nigeria. For such an economy like ours, the current exchange rate disequilibrium is a serious challenge that requires frontal austerity measures. Our monetary policy regulators must look inward to regulate the exchange rate as an interim measure to adjust before relaxing the proposed exchange rate policy.

It is important to state that the sudden removal of fuel subsidy and the deregulation of the exchange rate at the same time without any provision for robust palliative arrangements to cushion the effect of such decision on the citizens was ill-timed. Agreed, the successive subsidy regimes that have been in the country were more or less scams. Nigerians were not reaping the full benefits of the subsidy.

Perhaps some of the reasons Nigerians are suffering excessively have a lot to do with increasing debt servicing, increasing tax, especially, Value Added Tax (VAT) as well as the absence of price control in the system. Exposing the citizenry to a completely deregulated economic system without any robust security and safety (welfare) nets is a recipe for hardship and misery for the people. The adverse effect of these capitalist orientation is worst with fixed income earners who have to battle to survive under highly inflationary economic conditions.

It is important to note that the issues confronting the Nigerian economy are extraordinary ones which requires extraordinary solution. The application of mere economic laws and conventions may not work. Our policy makers will have to think outside the box to find solutions that will ameliorate the excruciating pains and frustrations the citizens are going through. No policy excuses will be excused, no plea for extended citizens' patience can be tolerated for too long. The resumption of hunger demonstrate across states is a clear warning sign that Nigerians are running out of patience. This is even so as the the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued fourteen (14) days ultimatum to the federal government to fix the economy.

These labour and trade unions - NLC and TUC must not be hypocritical in the push for solutions; the government must not indifferent in their response either. There has to be frontal political will to make this Nigeria work in all its ramifications; nothing matter anymore but to make this happen within the shortest possible time. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it citizens!

2024 WORLD CANCER DAY (WCD) THEME: ““CLOSE THE CARE GAP””

By Yohana Tokbish

February 4^th has been set aside as World Cancer Day. It is a day for massive sensitization on cancer disease, treatment options and palliative care, HPV vaccination awareness, and lifestyle moderation.

 “CANCER KILLS MORE THAN HIV, MALARIA & TUBERCULOSIS; EARLY DETECTION & TIMELY TREATMENT SAVE LIVES.

In 2022, the global cancer community commemorated the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helped to attract attention to, and awareness about, the disease. The event also emphasized on, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease with the theme: “CLOSE THE CARE GAP” is for us to recognize that our commitment to act will lead to powerful progress in reducing the global impact of cancer. All the hundreds of activities organized on International Breast Cancer Awareness Month happen in almost every corner of the globe. International Breast Cancer Awareness Month has become one of the most amplified and impactful global platforms for all cancer patients and advocates - a platform where we can all make a lot of noise, by way of reminding all that we can win the war on cancer.

Scientific update has it that Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Cancer scenario in Nigeria reveals that about 500,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, and that it kills over 250,000 people annually in Nigeria. It is further said that Cancer kills more people than HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria (ATM) combined (WHO 2006a, 2006b). However, medical experts have continuously advocated early detection, regular awareness creation, timely screening, vaccination and treatment as major interventions against the disease.

The Civil Society for CANCER Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN), and other key stakeholders in the response to cancer in the Plateau State hereby urges everyone to join this campaign and commit to strengthening CiSCANEN activities for qualitative achievement, in the areas of screening, early detection, treatment and palliative care.

The primary goal of International Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer and is an opportunity to rally the international community to end the menace of preventable suffering from breast cancer.

Globally, there are an estimated 20 million new cases of cancer and 10 million deaths from cancer.  The cancer burden will increase by approximately 60% over the next two decades, further straining health systems, people and communities. The predicted global burden will increase to about 30 million new cancer cases by 2040, with the greatest increases occurring in low and middle-income countries.

On January 17, 2024, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released their Cancer Facts & Figures in their 2024 report, which provides nationwide and state-specific estimates of new cancer cases and deaths for the current year. This year's data includes a sobering milestone--this is the first year the U.S. expects to surpass 2 million new cases of cancer. Researchers attribute this trend to aging and growth in the population as well as a rise in diagnoses of 6 of the 10 most common cancers (breast, prostate, endometrial, pancreatic, kidney and melanoma cancers).

Another significant finding in the 2024 report is that people are increasingly being diagnosed with cancer in their youthful age. The incidence of colorectal cancer in adults younger than 50 has increased as well as the breast cancer mortality rate for women under age 50. Additionally, racial disparities in cancer cases remain. Although advances in early detection and cancer treatment have decreased death rates, not everyone has benefitted from these advances equally. Barriers are significantly greater in minority communities than in white communities. Disparities are also prevalent in the LGBTQ+ communities. The 2024 report includes a special section which explores the distinct challenges LGBTQ+ people face.

The good news, however, is that Cancer can be prevented and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, screening and early detection, treatment and palliative care. The most common modifiable risk factors for cancer, which are shared with many other non-communicable diseases, are Tobacco use, Low fruit and vegetable intake, Harmful use of alcohol, Lack of physical activity, age or race, and obesity. Some preventive measures include exercise (physical activity helps combat obesity and lower the risk of breast cancer), avoidance of  sugary drinks, and reduced consumption of energy-dense foods and processed foods, reduced intake of red meats (such as beef, pork, and lamb) and avoidance of  processed meats,”

 One third to one half of cancer cases could be prevented by reducing the prevalence of known risk factors. Examples of actionable interventions are tobacco control and lifestyles. The most effective primary prevention of breast cancer is based wholly on government approaches, with legislation, regulation and fiscal policies combined with activities to change community and individual behaviour. Public health messages and health promotion should present evidence on specific risk factors.

 Despite being a largely preventable and treatable disease, Breast cancer is an important public health problem, affecting mostly young and middle-aged. and socioeconomically deprived women in developing countries.

To tackle this important determinant of gender and socioeconomic inequalities, In March 2021, the World Health Organization introduced the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, aiming to reduce the burden of breast cancer, the most frequent cancer in women globally and in the American region.

The initiative aims to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5% per year, thus averting an estimated 2.5 million deaths by 2040. In 2020 there were nearly 500,000 new breast cancer cases and over 100,000 breast cancer deaths in the Americas. If successful, nearly 480,000 breast cancer deaths would be averted in the Americas region alone during the 20-year period. Activities for the initiative will focus on three pillars: Health promotion, Timely diagnosis, and Comprehensive treatment including supportive care

The Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN), Plateau State chapter has been able to organize a one-day capacity building workshop, with a total of 224 (122 Male, 102 Female) members on basic facts of cancer and demanded creation on cancer education and 480 (male-390 and female- 90) members of the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Plateau State Chapter sharing experiences on the medical aspect of cancer treatment and care.

A total of 24,123 (female= 15,264 and male 8,859) people (market men & women, NANTMP members, students, workplaces and the general public) in Plateau have been reached since 2016.

 Breast screening and examination has been conducted in secondary schools, tertiary institutions and the workplaces in Plateau State covering 1,034 women out of which 34 of them had lumps and nipple discharge suspected to be cancer cases.

 As we congratulate the Barr. Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang for emerging as the Executive Governor of Plateau State, we urge him to help follow up with the University of Jos Cancer Centre which was proposed during the last regime of President Mohammadu Buhari which stands out among his achievements as a dream come true to us at CiSCANEN, Plateau State chapter. This is so because it has come to serve as a boost to our activities in combating cancer on the Plateau. Our only humble request is that you help us support the creation of the “Plateau State Cancer Agency (PSCA)” as a necessary complement to the Cancer Centre as it will better coordinate the activities of the Civil Society Organizations to work in collaboration with the National Cancer Centre and to also enhance the quest/bid for the proposed April 2024 “Plateau State Cancer Trust/Health Fund lunch”.

Lastly, CiCANEN, The Government of Nigeria, through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), successfully launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 16 phase 1 states in October 2023. The introduction saw a successful turnout. Nigeria met its target coverage rate in most states with strong multispectral collaborations across relevant stakeholders such as Faith-based organizations, line ministries, education institutions, parents/guardians, community/traditional leaders, and other priority groups. The HPV vaccine offers significant value in the prevention of cervical cancer and related diseases.
HPV vaccination commenced a multi-age-cohort (MAC) campaign targeting girls aged 9-14 through school and community-based outreach and mobile strategies. After the successful introduction, the vaccine has been routinized and made available for adolescent girls who missed out during the campaign. While Plateau state takes its turn on the HPV vaccine campaign with other 20 states in phase2, Lessons learned from the phase1 introduction from the 16 states show the need to comprehensively engage and collaborate with the plateau key stakeholders at all levels and pre-sensitize communities to inoculate them against myths and misconceptions about the HPV vaccine,  we therefore call on all the key stakeholders (government, religious/traditional/community leaders) to rally round and give their maximum support for a successful exercise which will significantly reduce the incidences of cervical cancer among our young and adolescent girls

In conclusion, Every Action Counts as the World Cancer Day is a truly global event. In order to achieve the objective of reaching as much of the world’s population as possible, your help is needed, whether you do something as large as running your own World Cancer Day campaign, or as simple as sharing our template messages amongst your media networks and organizations, every action has an impact. Show the world that we can win the war on cancer. Get involved in the fight against cancer.

 

We appreciate that everyone supporting the Day has different needs and priorities, so there are a wide variety of ways to get involved and to also take advantage of the numerous vegetables and fruits we have on the Plateau: cabbage, carrots, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, mangoes etc which serves as diets for cancer patients. As we jointly participate in fighting cancer, it is hoped that the disease will be reduced to the barest minimum.

Submission on 2024, World Cancer Day with the theme “CLOSE THE CARE GAP” BY:

Tokbish Yohanna Mizak,

Deputy National Coordinator/Plateau State Coordinator,

The Civil Society for CANCER Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN),

Email- tokbishy@gmail.com......... 08036788777, 09035334480