Season’s Greetings from the Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN)

As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, let us also reflect on the gift of good health. This season reminds us of the importance of love, compassion, and community. At CiSCANEN, these values inspire us to take cancer prevention outreach to the grassroot communities—where it's needed the most.

Together, we can empower communities with knowledge and resources to reduce cancer risks and ensure healthier tomorrows for all. Thank you for supporting our mission. May your holidays be filled with joy, hope, and good health!

Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year!

— CiSCANEN Team

THE BIRTH OF JESUS, DAWN OF A GREAT LIGHT

I am not in the right standing to publish this gospel to the world. My reason is simple: I am a sinner needing help myself but when grace speaks, God uses anything, even the unqualified. Therefore, I stand on the alter of Grace to share these treasures that the birth of Jesus represents starting with the historical context.

In his book, "The Road Less Travelled", Peck Scott observed that, "Confronting and solving problems is a painful process which most of us attempt to avoid." For determined problem solvers, however, no price is too high to pay. They could risk anything including their lives to fix an outstanding problem. That was exactly what Jesus Christ did!

On 25th December every year, the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated. There is a cogent reason for this celebration which is connected to mystery that is associated with the redeeming power that is ever present in the name of Jesus. The power that is in the name brings great joy to those who believe, but sorrow to those who do not as the reality of death and hell crystallises in their minds!

Before the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the world was in shambles. The fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden had polluted the world. Through them, all me have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The man that was created in the glorious image of God had gone astray in pursuit of his evil schemes (Ecclesiastes 7:27-28).

The situation of the world at the time, and even now could best be described in Shakesperean's words: "Hell is empty and all the devils are here." The world was so corrupt and cruel eliciting God's anger and regret for creating man. The cruelty that was in the world could be mirrored in Stephen Crane's fable cited in the book written by Harry Harrison entitle, "Planet of the Damned". In the fable, "A man said to the Universe: "Sir, I exist". "However", replied the Universe, "the fact has not created in me a sense of obligation."" In other words, the Universe was literarily saying, you are on your own, i am under no obligation to care - protect, provide and guide you.

The world was in a state of anarchy where anything goes. It was also in its darkest moment, a situation of man eating man feeling normal as if nothing happens. This turn of events was not the original plan of God for man hence the need for redemption of man from dark abyss of sin and eminent condemnation. The birth of Jesus Christ, therefore, signifies the illumination of a dark world. It, also, signifies the ushering in of a new government that entrenches justice, restores orderliness and peace universal and everlasting. Of course, if there is anything the world craves, it is good governance and enduring peace.

Good governance is a government that is anchored on constitutionalism where its institutions are strong enough to root out corruption. It is about due diligence and probity (transparency and accountability). Good governance is compassionate and it is sustained by love empathy and the equalisation of opportunities for all. It does not allocate opportunities based on patronage (prebendalism).

The prophesy of the great redemption move was documented in Isaiah 9:2-8 (NIV), especially verses 2, 3, 6 and 7 which reads: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." A profound prophecy has whose reality has since come to past in the New testament.

The world is currently living under God's love revolution through Jesus Christ. In other words, the illumination and restoration of man and his world has been consummated in the birth, death and resurrection Jesus Christ Christ. In John 3: 16, the Scripture says: "For God so loved the world and gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." This means that those who believe in this total redemption process, have seen great light and living in the exceeding joy of being saved. The following Chorus bears such witness: 'I've got in my heart, peace in my heart, happiness in my heart all the time; Jesus is my peace, till my journey ends, I have got joy in my heart all the time'!

The darkness that the world is currently witnessing has been a derivative of man's rebellion to God's model of life. Through Jesus Christ, the provision has been made, but the scale has not fallen off the eyes of those whose hearts have refused to yield to God's extravagant grace. They can be happy through the works of their hand but never joyous in life. Being happy has to do with external motivations; being joyous, on the other hand, draws motivation from internal peace irrespective of what happens outside them.

The world is still wallowing in darkness, but the situation would have been worst with the coming of Jesus Christ. The name Jesus is a profile in redemptive virtues. He is love and compassion personified. Jesus conceded his comfort zone for our sake. Though without sin, he bore our transgressions. NK God, captured this trade-off well in her song which says: "He paid the debt that i owe; i owe the debt I could not pay." What a work of sacrificial love and unmerited grace, hallelujah!

The best of Christmas is celebrated in understanding of the generous gift of salvation. Christmas is not about wild celebration but a period for thanksgiving for the great act of love of God towards humanity.

The testimony of the Jesus Christ, in John 10:10, confirmed and revealed that: "The thief (devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." This onerous mission of the Redeemer, our friend, is a heart-warming one because, the devil is an enemy; and in elementary International Relations (IR), an enemy's enemy is a friend!

God has shown humanity great love. As beneficiaries of this rare benevolence, we are obligated to replicate same to others now and always. In doing this, we are guided to 'love people from our heart, not from our mood and needs.'

As a conclusion, people all over the world are called to join in meditatively singing just the three (3) stanzas of this timeless song, "Joy to the World", by Phil Wickham (2019), to usher in the Christmas celebration. If you are ready, let's go: 'Joy to the world the Lord is come

Let earth receive her king

Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and Heaven and nature sing...

'Joy to the world the saviour reigns

Let men their songs employ

While fields and floods rocks hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy...

'He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love

And wonders of His love

And wonders, wonders of His love 

Joy to the world...' 

Happy Christmas celebration, and a prosperous new year ahead to all and sundry!

(Modest Thought with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 24th December, 2023; 08116181263; loisayuba420@gmail.com).

PIDAN PLATEAU CENTRAL DESCRIBED SEN DIKET PLANG AS A DOGGED FIGHTER

Diket Plang is commended for his efforts in sponsoring a bill to establish the Federal University of Mining and Geo-Science in Jos, Plateau State. 

Leading a delegation the President of Plateau State Initiative for the Development and Advancement of Natives, PIDAN Plateau Central Alfa John Dakwak paid a courtesy visit to diket plang’s in his jos residence to commend his efforts and accomplishments in sponsoring a bill for the establishment of the university Geo Science and Mining

In his statement this move is expected to boost the state's economy, given its rich solid mineral resources, noting that the proposed university aims to provide comprehensive technical services in mining engineering and related fields, which will likely transform the Nigerian economy.

He said, the group has been monitoring the Diket Plang performances at the National Assembly and discovered his unwavering commitments, dogged efforts and exceptional qualities of representation and describing him as a true son of Plateau State who is poised to go at any length to support any initiatives that will bring development to the central zone and the state atlarge.

The bill, which was passed by the Senate on December 11, 2024, repeals the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geo-Science Act, 2018. Senator Plang's initiative demonstrates his commitment to promoting economic growth and development in Plateau State. His efforts have been recognized as a significant step towards harnessing the state's mineral resources and creating opportunities for its people.

PIDAN Plateau Central has praised Senator Diket Plang, describing him as a relentless and determined advocate for his constituents. This characterization underscores his unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights and interests of the people of Plateau Central. As a senator, Plang has demonstrated his dedication to addressing the challenges facing his senatorial district, including issues related to security, infrastructure development, and education. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition as a champion of his people's causes.

STAMPEDES AT MAITAMA AND OKIJA: TRAGEDIES IN POVERTY OF FOOD

The deadly stampede which reportedly resulted in the death of ten (10) vulnerable and elderly people that turned up to receive alms at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday, 21th December, 2024, is not surprising at all. The victims were not scavenging food for merriment but survival. It was an existential expedition which represents the general struggle of suffering Nigerian people. 

Life has no meaning to a person who is not sure of their next meal; he/she can give up his/her live to earn a day's meal. This is the sad reality of life.

Same day, another similar tragedy has occured at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State. The report has it that, 'no fewer than 17 people have been killed and many others injured' following a stampede that occured during and after a rice-sharing event organised by Obi Jackson Foundation which is owned by Ernest Obiejesi, an oil magnet and philanthropist.

These tragedies can be put in perspective that poverty and hunger are widespread in Nigeria. Thus, the victims are desperate and will stop at nothing to scamper a morsel when opportunity presents itself.

The Church and the Foundation meant well for the people but the situation at hand has overwhelmed their good intentions leading to avoidable death.

The Maitama incident presents a curious scenerio. This is because the place is in the heart of Abuja. Maitama is one of the city's suburbs for the rich and powerful, but has sizeable number of poor people living there and doing menial jobs like security, domestic cooking, house, etc. There are many big mansions there but their owners hardly live in them. 

Death is a fated human reality but the causes and timing could be human induced. Food, shelter and clothing are basic necessities of life. They are fundamental human rights. So, any person that is lacking in these rights is vulnerable and susceptible. Put it differently, poverty is a red flag! 

For the sake of emphasis, it should be noted again and again that living in perpetual poverty is an accident waiting to happen. In other words, hidden in poverty are possibilities for mass destruction/death. Poverty is a tragedy, and tragedies can be induced by 'dynasty of poverty'.

It was a Dark Saturday on Saturday right under the nose of the seat of power, and at the heart of a well known South-East business state. These two incidents suggests that Nigeria's leadership and economic matrix has a wide inequality gap to bridge, and dishing out palliative by privileged economic agents (spirited individuals, corporate organisations and government) has proven ineffective. 

A mass production strategy that will address mass poverty and hunger in the Country is urgently required. The modalities for wealth redistribution in the country have to be reviewed to minimise sharp material inequality. The new Tax Bill presents ample opportunity for inequality issues to be tackled headlong!

Never again, and may the souls of the departed victims find rest in the great beyond, and the families comforted!

*(Modest thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 21st Dec, 2024)*

GOOD MORNING AS HUMAN ENABLER

Good morning is an everyday courtesy that is loaded with salient mysteries and possibilities that need attention and reflection by humans being toward making better outings in their daily living.

When you woke up in the morning, what comes to your mind? What does the smiles and radiant rays of the morning sun tell you? For me, it has always been the dawn of a new beginning, starting something new or sustaining efforts towards finishing what was left undone the day before. 

Every morning brings hope alive. An Anonymous puts it this way: "A morning is a wonderful blessing either cloudy or sunny. It stands for hope, giving us another start of what we call life." This, for me, is profound. As you read this pieces, you are charged to harken to the wisdom that says: "Make hay while the sun shines." Everyday, is a day to remember; make your mark(s).

There should not be any room for despondency at all even in failure, and there should not be any peak of achievements because the frontiers of achievements are highly elastic. I cannot agree less with Winston Churchill when he said: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

When you achieve a great feat, a new height emerged; to fail is just an opportunity to try again with better experience.

Good morning is an energiser. It alerts and elicits a sense of worthiness in the community of people hence brings warm, inspiration and the motivation to dare great things!

Good morning is a social mobilisation capital. It greases  the will of love and social integration. A world without good morning is a red flag, a sign that war is lurking, in human civilisation!

When you woke each day, find a reason to say good morning to someone. Hello world, good morning! 

*(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 18th Dec, 2024)*

Plateau State University Enhances Career Counseling Services for Students

Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU) has formally completed a three-part capacity training program for members of the university community conducted by the newly established Career Service Center at PLASU in preparation for an aggressive career guidance drive for existing, prospective and graduating students.

The Center aim to empower students to make informed career choices and secure job placements that match their skills, according to the  Director of the center Dr.Annah Faka ,it will contribute effectively to national growth and development.

The training with the theme  "Role of Career Guidance and Counseling in Fostering Various Career Alternatives," featured theoretical and practical training on various aspects of career services, delivered by renowned academics, to include Professor Rahila Gowon of the University of Jos and Professor Buba Mamman Wufem, Director of Academic Planning at PLASU.

Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Shedrack Best expressed confidence in the capacity of the Career Service Center  to deliver quality career services, having received comprehensive training.

 Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration Associate Professor Keziah Ayuba, the Vice Chancellor encouraged career counselors to regularly update their knowledge and skills to meet contemporary expectations as PLASU has taken a significant step toward enhancing the academic and professional journey of its students.

The initiative aim to address concerns of unemployment linked to career choices and skills, making PLASU one of the first ten Nigerian universities to establish a Career Service Center  with support  from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Prof. Dakum Urges Supporters to Remain Calm and Optimistic Amidst Defection of Reps Members.

Professor Patrick Dakum, the 2023 Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State, has called for calm and optimism among LP supporters following the defection of some National Assembly members to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dakum emphasized that the defectors' decision shouldn't cause any trouble or fear, as the Consolidation for Greater Plateau movement remains solidly grounded.

Dakum, who is also the CEO of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, reassured supporters that he is still committed to the Labour Party and is focused on his humanitarian work, prioritizing the betterment of lives through his non-governmental organization. He expressed gratitude to those who have shown solidarity and encouraged him to re-contest, emphasizing that he values friendship above politics and considers his supporters as friends.

Dakum's message of calm and optimism serves as a reminder that the movement is bigger than individual defections, and that better days are ahead. His commitment to the Labour Party and his humanitarian work demonstrates his dedication to creating positive change in Plateau State and beyond.

Professor Dakum Appeals for calm and optimism Despite the Defection of Reps members.

In an interaction with newsmen Shabul Mazadu the media consultant to Prof. Dakum, said the recent defection of Hon. From Dalyop, member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, and Hon. Alfred Ajang, member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in the green chamber of the national assembly, from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) should cost none of our supporters sleep. 

He asserted that the defectors have the right to join forces where they are comfortable, but that should not cause any trouble or fear to members of Consolidation for Greater Plateau as we are solidly on ground. He admonished them to remain calm and optimistic as better days lay ahead.

When asked whether Prof. Dakum is contemplating jumping ship also, Mr. Mazadu asserted that Prof. Dakum at the moment is still LP and is preoccupied with his non-governmental organization (NGO) and other humanitarian aid activities to better the lives of humanity, stressing that helping humanity is his fulcrum and innermost desire, but in the course of time he would address the press on this and other issues.

Mazadu further stated that Dakum has extended his gratitude to those both in the PDP and APC who took their time to show solidarity to him and called on him to re-contest, adding that hope should be kept alive and stick with him as they are doing as in due course he will make known his political decision whether to contest on not. 

According to him, Dakum values friendship above politics and sees all his supporters as friends, and tries bettering their lives in his little way, and as best as he can.