Pst. Vincent Nanle picks nomination & expression of interest forms to run for Governor under PDP

As the 2023 race to Little Rayfield intensifies, Pst Vincent Nanle, a 50 year-old Architect by profession, influential leader, Pastor and a business tycoon has picked PDP's nomination and expression of interest form to contest the 2023 Governorship.

The decision of Pst Vincent Nanle to officially join the Governorship race has once again, rekindled and renewed a fresh hope of finally realizing the "Plateau of our dream" as well as a breathe of deep sigh of relief from the near total absence of governance, despair, agony, reckless killings, executive lawlessness experienced for nearly seven years. This is because Pst Vincent Nanle is a rare gem and a golden personality, who is surely about to be unearthed and bequeathed as a golden gift to Plateau State. 

Considering his positive footprints and impacts in his private and public life, Pst Nanle, a seasoned technocrat with endless abilities, is best suited to steer the affairs of the State in the right direction and bring back to the State, its lost glory of being the Home of Peace and Tourism, with its attendant economic prosperity which has eluded the State for a long time! The fact that God is involved in this journey/aspiration of Pst Nanle is well encapsulated in the campaign slogan of this quintessential enigma - *GRACE MANDATE, 2023.* 

Pst. Nanle, who is an experienced Arbitrator and a Diplomat, believes that peace is non negotiable, especially on the Plateau where the people have constantly suffered the brunt of crisis. Rather than being forced to tolerate one another, Pst Nanle believes Plateau people can be made to "understand and appreciate our unique differences, cutting across ethnic, cultural, religious and political spheres", which he believes is a huge blessing if properly managed and harnessed.

 Pst Nanle is also a firm believer in the economic viability of Plateau State and he had once observed that with the agricultural potential of the State, Plateau State can survive on its own without subvention from the Federal Government, but only with the right leadership that is willing to exploit and harness the huge economic potential of the State, especially from the agricultural sector of the economy. Pst Nanle has vowed to give Plateau State the right kind of leadership if given the opportunity.

Trooping crowd of well wishers and supporters who accompanied Pst Nanle to the National Secretariat of the party  were seen dancing in jubilation of the anticipated coming of a selfless leader per excellent, while describing him as a humble, hardworking, resourceful, dedicated, detribalized, people-friendly personality and indeed, Plateau's shining light which the State cannot afford to miss come 2023.

 PST VINCENT NANLE'S MEDIA AND STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Isaac Kwallu: Still, he rises, heroically, he Triumphs and courageously, he accomplishes

If I adopt the elementary and conventional means of writing a personality feature about Hon. ISAAC KWALLU an erstwhile chairman of Qua’anpan Local Government and one of the refined political leaders of Plateau State, I would probably find myself writing an encyclopedia. A lot has been written and told about him over the years. The influence and clout embedded in his name resonates and reverberates all across the political and social firmaments of Plateau State.

Literally and thankfully, the name keeps echoing for the right and just cause, not the other way round. A pragmatic, visionary and resourceful leader you can say. Firstly, this article aspires to accomplish two things. It is written to diagnose why resourceful leaders are a scarce commodity and secondly of course to make the most strongest and eloquent case for ISAAC KWALLU whom I know and I can vouch for based on his antecedents, resourcefulness and eloquence of his vision.

In this world and wide, there comes a time when the people have got to carefully diagnose their collective situation and examine their collective conscience by fundamentally raising rhetorical questions: How did we get here? Who has our interest at heart and who can guarantee us the enabling atmosphere to rise and achieve optimum, maximum success? Those leaders are very rare because of certain perceived interests. Plateau state is in dire need of leaders with big ideas, bold vision and courageous spirit to fill the gap raise the bar. Make no mistake. If 5 people are counted, ISAAC KWALLU falls within that category.

What gives me the greatest joy about KWALLU is the fact that he is a strategic seed sower. He looks at the soil, toils it and sow seeds. More than anything else, he waters the seed, takes care of them and help facilitate their germination. What do I mean by the parable? In explicit terms, he mentors the younger ones and help them to grow and accomplish great things in life. One of the reasons for the political growth and development of former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu is the consistency in terms of raising political leaders and a critical investment in their future. That’s the power of building a strong and stable tomorrow for people. Realistically, that’s the model, style and strategy of ISAAC KWALLU. Apparently loved and admired by an overwhelming majority of youths within the state, me inclusive, during one of his recent visits to Qua’anpan Local Government in the spirit of networking for 2023, the crowd that came out to identify with the people’s servant and visionary leader was, oh my goodness! Intensely massive. Watching it on phone almost broke my screen (Laughter)… That’s the power of influence. A true definition of a leader is influence. KWALLU influences lives positively. He directs and rejigs the course of history for the betterment of humanity. His humility is terrific, ideas inspiring, vision well-articulated, principles uncompromising, strategy carefully crafted and political leadership resourceful. Still, he rises, heroically, he Triumphs and courageously, he accomplishes his missions, goals, plans and dreams in ways that inspire me and countless others to take action and begin to make sense of their future. A businessman, investment mogul and workaholic man, KWALLU success stories and rise to stardom can best be attributed to his dint of hardwork, commitment, optimism, courage and meticulous application of wisdom, strategy, attention and plan to achieve win-win outcomes. In his personal capacity, he has empowered and touched lives on a massive scale. While holding sway as Executive Chairman of Qua’anpan Local Government, he satisfactorily and practically implemented his policies, programmes and action plans in the best interest of his people before his mandate was thwarted, unfortunately, through acts of illegality and injustice. Thankfully, the court of competent jurisdiction later countered the illegality and injustice while restoring his mandate. Permit me at this juncture to take you through a journey of some of his accomplishments in office.

·         Ensuring a secure, peaceful and socially cohesive Qua’anpan LGA.

·         Creating opportunities, stimulating inclusive growth and entrenching sustainable shared prosperity.

·         Providing good, innovative, transparent and participatory governance.

·         Reinvigorated the work force through settlement of backlog of various entitlements and prompt payment of salaries and allowances, the result of which is a highly motivated and more productive workforce.

·         Sponsored 27 Executive bye laws.

·         Re-electrification of Shendam-Kurgwi-Kwalla-Doemak-Baap 33KV low tension line and provision of three (3) substations.

·         Award of Scholarships to 615 Students of Qua'an-Pan in various tertiary institutions (PhD 19, MSc 60, Degree, Diploma, NCE, etc 536).

·         Organized the peace and unity Chairman’s football tournament after 22yrs;

·         Supported the successful hosting of the maiden edition of Koes (Traditional Wrestling) tournament 2018 and 2019.

·         Free treatment of over 800 citizens through medical outreach in Kwa and Namu in partnership with Shendam/Quaan Pan/Mikang nursing students Association and Quaan Pan Development Initiative respectively.

·         Procured and installed Modern Ultra- Sound Machine and ultra-modern X-ray Machine at Cottage Hospital, Kwalla.

.     19 years contractual liabilities owed contractors by the previous administrations at the Local Government all cleared.

.     The only Local Government in the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria that established an ICT innovation hub under Kwallu.

.    All backlog of workers salaries and allowances also cleared.

.    Recruited about 173 local vigilante members and hunters for the purpose of providing and securing the lives and properties of the people of Qua’anpan from armed robbers and kidnappers

.   Organized countless leadership, entrepreneurship and capacity building programs for local community dwellers and distribute starter packs.

.    Established anti-snake treatment centre where neighboring local governments and states like Nassarawa, Taraba and bauchi benefited from immensely.

The above are literally the few among the many achievements of KWALLU. He has paid his dues, wrote his name with gold in the sands of history and marches relentlessly towards a future full of optimism, hope, prosperity and potentials. He believes in investing in the future and carrying other people along so as to succeed in togetherness. He helps in paving the way for young minds to realize their bearings, re-channel their energies, hopes and aspirations towards worthy and productive ventures.

2023: THE WAY FORWARD

 As the 2023 political year beckons, it is no longer news that HON. ISAAC KWALLU has thrown his hat in the ring to run for the position of House of Representatives (Shendam, Mikang, Qua’anpan) Federal Constituency under the Platform of the PDP. He needs your support. He needs our support. He’s got my support. I admire his leadership style. He’s coming with a bigger, higher, taller and inspiring agenda primarily to do what needs to be done in order to move the constituency forward through robust and resourceful leadership. Trust him with your mandate. The end would ultimately justify the means. Go Isaac Kwallu, go!

 

Written by Hon. Isaac Kwallu Media and Strategic Engagement Team

Opinion: A World in Transition: What value do we bring? - By Alfred Dapal Damiyal

All wealth comes from adding value, from producing more, better, (different), cheaper, faster, and easier than someone else.

- Brian Tracy

A few months ago I came across a funny cartoon picture of the globe showing the countries of the world and what each offered – from manufacturing in China, IT related products in America to electronics in Japan…and what caught my eye was seeing Africa lumped together under the tag RAW MATERIALS.

Funny but sadly true.

This begs the question, what value do we add.

In the mid 1980’s, Michael Porter, a world renowned academic with the Harvard Business School, postulated the concept of value chain analysis.

A value chain is a set of activities that a firm operating in a specific industry performs in order to deliver a valuable product (i.e., good and/or service) for the market. 

Value chain analysis first takes a product, breaks down the different steps or processes leading up to the manufacture of that final product, listing out the various intermediary products and their value.

Companies review this intermediary products and steps with the aim of identifying areas of improvement in terms of quality, most profitable intermediaries products or even areas to make an entry in terms of creating a new line of business.

In the context of our productivity as a country or even as a state, a value chain analysis of the produce shows that we are greatly shortchanging ourselves.

For example – as a country our major source of revenue is from crude oil sales. 

A barrel of crude oil is about 159 liters in volume, and it goes for ~$80 (~N65,000) based on average November 2021 prices.

Refine that barrel at a cost of ~$33 (N13,500) and you get about 70 liters of gasoline (petrol), 34 liters of diesel, 12 liters of jet fuel (kerosine), 6 liters each of LPG (cooking gas), heavy fuel oil and heating oil, and 25 liters of other products. Cumulatively these by-products are sold for about $185 (N76,000); effectively a loss of value of ~$72 (~N29,000) per for every barrel of RAW crude oil we sell. 

Let’s come close to home, Plateau State is one of the few places in Nigeria, and infact Africa that supports the growth of ‘Irish’ potatoes. With the state accounting for more than 60% of the Nigerian output, a major factor of what in our ranking of 7th in Africa. However we are not maximizing optimum value from this product.

From a value chain perspective, we average a yield of ~3.1 tonnes/hectare as against a potential 12-17 tonnes/hectare obtained more properly managed farming communities, this shows that even the ‘raw material’ output is underutilized. 

Now lets reference the mile 12 market in Lagos, a bag of potatoes goes for  N55,000-N60,000. Add a 20-30% production cost, and that bag can produce chips (pringles, lays etc) worth over N250,000 or the new product gaining traction, poundo potato flour worth upwards of N160,000. And add to that the potential jobs such a processing facility will create as well.

Do this same value chain analysis for Yam – poundo yam or starch filler for pharmaceuticals, Maize – corn syrup or starch, Tomato – tomato paste or ketchup, and so on, and you will realize the huge loss of value we bear from not making the effort to add some level of processing to our agricultural products.

This is not only endemic to the agric sector, zoom in on mining and you will see that almost all the minerals extracted from the state (legally or illegally) are sold as raw materials, these days mostly to China. From Kaolin to tantalite, from Cassiterite to the different gemstones. All these products leave as raw materials and return to us as paint, cosmetics, electronic components and bling-bling.

A former football coach once said – “the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra”.  

Earlier in the year, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, proclaimed that his country will no longer export raw cocoa beans to Switzerland, opting to rather produce and export raw black chocolate. 

And why did he have to take this radical decision? Ghana produces about 21% of the world’s supply of cocoa, but in a chocolate retail industry that is worth ~$170B, the country makes on approximately $2B.

Value addition to products needs to go beyond mere government rhetoric from every elected administration and transit to practical policies, incentives provision and actions taken to ensure semi-processing of raw materials becomes a minimum standard for goods leaving the state.  

We as a people also need to extend this concept of value addition to ourselves. 

A quote I saw says - “The key to becoming relevant in the marketplace is to add value. The more value you can add the more relevant you will become.” 

As citizens of Plateau what value do we bring to our land and country, we have some of the brightest minds in different fields of endeavor in the country, some of the best entertainers, produce outstanding footballers… We are known for having hospitable and likeable personalities, and in the business world – have a reputation for contentment and integrity. However how have we added value to this to make us relevant and increase our sphere of influence…at the least nationally.

This is a mindset that we need to task ourselves with and I believe we will witness its results from the level of governance in the form of increased revenue and decreased unemployment, to the individual by seeing an uptick in personal productivity.

Alfred Dapal Damiyal (A.D.D)

2023: Support Chief Robert Taple for Governor, read full profile and rich Resume

Robert Andrew Taple was born to the humble family of Andarawus Banle and Rahila Nafirep Taple at Gindiri on 26th Dec 1954. They however hail from Asa village and of the royal family of kodichan in Lankan district of Pankshin local government area.

Robert Taple started his early education at the Sudan United Mission (sum) primary school in lankan from 1959 to 1967 for his first school leaving certificate.
1968 – 1974, he went to the famous keffi government college for both his secondary and higher school certificates.
Immediately after his higher school certificate, he started a career in journalism with the then famous new nigeria newspaper ltd in kaduna. Later posted to Jos as city editor where he resigned in May 1976 to join the plateau state civil service.

He joined the plateau state civil service in June 1976 as assistant executive officer and rose to the peak of his career as permanent secretary in April 2000 through sheer hard work, determination and diligence.
While in the service, Robert Taple, through sheer determination and penchant for academic pursuit to enhance his capacity for progress in his civil service career attended the following academic studies through the in- service policy of the successive governments then to develop capacity for the work force.

1. 1979-1981, was at college of arts and business studies (cabs) kaduna polytechnic where he graduated with diploma in management studies (dms) upper credit.
2. 1985-1986, was at the University of Jos, where he graduated with advanced diploma in public administration (adpa) upper credit.
   3.1996-2001, was at the university of jos again where hegraduated with bachelor of law (ll.b) second class upper.
3. 2003-2005, back to the University of Jos for his master’s degree in law (ll.m).
4. 2007-2008, was at the law school for his bar part2 studies
   Was called to bar in nov 2008 and enrolled as solicitor and advocate of the supreme court of Nigeria.

His tract records in all the ministries, departments and agencies where he served with successive military and civilian governments of the state including the following but not limited to the ones listed below are:

1. Assistant secretary, jos local government, 1982 to 1983.
2. Sole administrator, keana local government (now in Nassarawa state) between feb to dec 1983.
3. Secretary, plateau state tenders board, between jan.1985 to April 1986.
4. Secretary, plateau state industrial development fund (pida) between May 1986 to Feb.1988.
5. Private secretary to the military governor of plateau state ( col.lawrence enebi onoja) between march 1988 to feb 1989.
6. Director of administration and policy in the cabinet office between march 1991 to feb 1993.
7. Executive secretary, plateau state christian pilgrims welfare board, between march 1993 to may 1998.
8. General Manager, plateau state tourism corporation, between june 1998 to april 2000.
9. Served as both permanent secretary, government house administration and permanent secretary security between april 2000 to jan 2004.
10. Permanent secretary, ministry of water resources and rural development between feb 2004 to dec 2005.
11. Posted back to government house as permanent secretary government house administration between jan 2005 to july 2007.
    Retired from the civil service in Dec 2007. Started private legal practice from 2009 to 2014 at Robert Taple and co and later at S. dashi and co. 2014 June to Feb 2016, was senior legislative aide to Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye at the national assembly.

Appointed executive chairman, plateau state local government service commission and chairman, plateau state local government staff pension board from June 2016 to July 2019.

Re-appointed executive chairman, plateau state local government service commission and chairman, plateau state local government staff pension board from March 2021 to date.

Bestowed with the traditional title of “ngu dyel yil mupun ( wazirin mupun) prime minister of mupun nation by the mupun traditional council in recognition of his tremendous contribution to the mupun nation in 2009.

Plateau people, we the members of united plateau patriotic movement for good governance and progress are very proud to present to you this tested technocrat, erudite administrator per excellence, perfect gentleman who has contributed tremendously to the progress and development of plateau to contest the number one seat for little Rayfield come 2023 to Maximise his potentials for the progress of Plateau State.

Chief Barr. Robert Andrew Taple (Wazirin Mupun) has been tested and proven. He is a gentleman per excellence full of capacity and high integrity, charismatic and a pleasant personality to take us to the Promised Land come 2023

Opinion: A world in transition: ‘Postponing Judgement day’ – By Alfred Dapal Damiyal (A.D.D)

You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today” Abraham Lincoln

In writing this episode, I am reminded of the words in the book ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell “…all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”.

If there is one thing this current government, especially at the Federal level, has been able to accomplish is to confirm the truth in these words. The level of nepotism witnessed in appointments and government patronage, handling (or not) of the problems of insecurity and other indices that negate the principle of Federal Character, has pushed us to the point where people are questioning the existence of our country as a single entity.

Never in our history has the issue of self-determination gained ground like the present, all because we have a government, a president that has not been able to manage our diversity.

These agitations take different forms – from Biafran separatists popularly known as IPOB to Afenifere’s push for regionalism (both fiscal and constitutional), and the sometimes silent wailings of ethnic minorities.

What are the direct and indirect effects of these on us as a state you may ask…even as we frown at our state governor’s inability to define a progressive position for us?

Anyway, I believe the first real foundation for fiscal federalism, which is a precursor to regionalism, was laid a few weeks ago with the ruling on the lawsuit over collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) instituted by the government of Rivers State, led by the courageous Gov. Nyesom Wike. And I think it is symbolic that the judgement which empowered states to collect VAT was delivered by an indigene of Plateau State, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam.

The South-South region from whence comes the oil and gas resources that has been the main stay of our country has been at the forefront of the agitation for resource control and fiscal federalism for a very long time from the days of Isaach Boro to Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni 9, down to the struggle led by Obong Victor Attah (former governor of Akwa Ibom) resulting in the of 13% derivation fund.

The current system where accrued revenue goes to the Abuja, and gets shared monthly to States at FAAC meetings is unsustainable and only breeds laziness in governors – this is what has led to the labeling of the North as a parasite on Nigeria.

Little by little, the foundations of the current fiscal system is being chipped away, a day will come when a collapse will be inevitable. Will our Internally Generated revenue (IGR) as a State be sufficient to sustain us?

Let us start by looking at where we are; with reference to the recently released ‘The State of the States Report by BudgIT, Plateau State –

2020 IGR was N19.12B up from N16.48 in 2021, FAAC allocation 2020 N54.36B down from N56.95B in 2019, State budget 2020 N177.3B and 2019 N148B.

Looking at these figures, and going back historical data, our IGR is 21-26% of the States revenue, and when compared to the budgets, IGR is a mere 10-11% of the budget.

As a result, Plateau State currently sits on a domestic debt of N137.78B and foreign debt of $37.9M (N15.62B).

To put it a different way (in per capita terms), while every person living in Plateau State makes just N4,086 per year, he or she owes N32,117…that means if the state government decides not to spend any money, it makes (no salaries, no roads, schools, hospitals built…nill…zero expenditure) it will take us 8 years to finish paying this.

Stay focused on this numbers and add the agitation for fiscal federalism and you see that despite our huge potential as a State – we are ill-prepared to stand on our own.

What can be done? What should be done?

The next governor/government (I say next because it is clear the current government lacks the capacity for economic expansion) needs to first recognize the gravity of the situation and push to creatively get our economic productivity up.

Talking of how our State is blessed has become a stale truth; we need to look at ways to innovatively steer up economic activity. Instead of moving raw foods (tomatoes, potatoes, yams, etc) out of the State, why can’t we add value to them with some processing and move tomato paste, chips and starch, which commands far more monetarily (with the added benefit of increased employment)…with the temperate climate what stops us from promoting internationally traded crops like Wheat, Tea and Coffee. While Zamfara State has found a way to generate revenue from the gold deposits, why can’t we create SPV’s backed by law to benefit directly from solid minerals and in a State with abundant water falls what stops us from having mini hydro powered electric plants which has capacity to boost industrialization.

So much can be done – what is needed is leadership that will not stay and complain but fold its sleeves, through creative thinking and get us to a position of sustainability.

A proof of leadership, as being the chief determinant, look at Kaduna State, regardless of people’s views of Governor El-Rufai, he has created a business friendly environment in his State and grown IGR to N50.77B (2020) and with FAAC allocation at N72.79B, the State’s IGR is over 40% of its revenue.

It is said that ‘na gaba sun yi gaba, na baya sai labari’ (those ahead have gone ahead, we will only hear gist of those behind).

We are moving to a point where States will have to be financially sustainable to survive in the new Nigeria that is being birthed and we cannot push the ball down the road anymore.

We need to demand a leadership that will guide and position us on a path of increased productivity and economic growth by creatively utilizing the resources (material and human) that we have within our borders.

To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin – “we may delay, but time will not”

Alfred Dapal Damiyal (A.D.D)

AS WE CELEBRATE EID-EL-MAULUD, LET US EMBRACE PEACE, RELIGIOS HARMONY AND UNDERSTANDING - CHIEF EZRA DAKUP

Today is a special day for Muslims worldwide. A day of history, promise and remembrance. I felicitate with millions of Muslim Faithfuls in PKK and Nigeria as they mark this year's Eid El Maulud.

As they celebrate, I would like to urge Religious Leaders to be at the forefront of fighting religious bigotry which has been  watering the seeds of hatred and violence in the country. It is important that we tolerate one another in order to build a stable, prosperous and  peaceful country.

Given our cultural, religious, social and economic diversities, it behooves on our  religious and community leaders to be at  alert and sensitive to any threat to peace on account of incendiary utterances in the name of religion and culture.

Prophet Mohammed (SAW), the center of today's celebration, remains a towering example of peace, humility and justice for all, and as Muslims honour him on this great occasion, I urge them to follow his examples in words and actions.

I would like to also seize the opportunity to pray fervently for peace, security and rapid socio-economic development of Plateau State and Nigeria at large. It is my belief that collective faith in God and sustained prayers for peace, unity and progress of the country, remain the surest route for the full realization of dreams and aspirations of our founding fathers.

I therefore urge all Nigerians to continue to imbibe and nurture the qualities of compassion, fairness, justice, honesty, self-discipline, tolerance, hard work, perseverance and devotion in all our dealings as exemplified by the great Prophet.

Thank you and happy celebration!

 Chief Ezra Dakup

A World in Transition: Follow the money – Alfred Dapal Damiyal

No matter what rallying cries the orators give to the idiots who fight, no matter what noble purposes they assign to wars, there is never but one reason for a war. And that is money.

 -  Margaret Mitchell

Of recent two videos out there in the public domain have been trending on social media; Sheik Gumi’s meeting with the terrorist Fulani herdsmen AKA ‘Bandits’ and the Police parading the killers of Senator Joshua Dariye’s father.

In the former, the Sheik makes a case for amnesty for the terrorist, describing them as economic victims of persistent cattle rustling and neglect by the Government, encroachment of reserves set aside for grazing,  and add to that the general knowledge on Fulani migrations as a result of draught in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Reflecting on the interview and the pre-dominant news headlines this year, it is obvious that the ‘bandits’ are gaining more prominence at the expense of Boko Haram (or some might say a collabo is occurring).

Why you might ask?

The truth is whenever religious ideology and economic gain collide more often than not, the economy -MONEY wins; it was the same for Judas Iscariot and his 30 pieces of silver, and it speaks true for Boko Haram fighters abandoning their cause and teaming up with the ‘bandits’.

An article by Malik Samuel, a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies published Mar 2021, stated that “ There are numerous reasons for Shekau’s forays into the North-West and North-Central areas. These include the desire to create an Islamic state that goes beyond the north-east, recruitment and financial gains from ransom payments and other activities like illegal gold mining”.

In the Police press conference of Pa Dariye’s killers, we saw confessions from Pa Jethro and Mangut (our people) on how they colluded with some Fulani’s to kidnap and eventually kill the father of our former Governor.

Bokkos is one of the regions ravaged by incessant attacks from Fulani Herdsmen, hence one would expect  that the strong mutual suspicion which exist will prevent such an alliance; however for the prospect of economic gain, supposed enemies have become partners in crime.

  

There’s always an economic aspect to every conflict. 

Is there a religious (spiritual) angle to the security challenges we face as a people? YES

Is there an ethnic and territorial expansionist tendency to the attacks we experience? YES

However as with any crisis or war, resolution is usually achieved with a multi-pronged approach and I believe focusing on the economic aspects (Financing) has the potential to tremendously shorten conflicts. 

After 911, the US governments efforts didn’t start with boots on the ground in the Taliban controlled regions in Afghanistan, it started by working with the banks to choke off financing to Al Qaeda. 

One of the interrogation videos of an arms supplier to the ‘Fulani bandits’ puts the price of an AK47 at one million naira (N1,000,000) and bullets at one thousand naira each (N1,000)…it is obvious being a terrorist isn’t cheap!!!     

This will explain the appeal of kidnapping for ransom and abandonment of Boko Haram fighters to join the terrorist herdsmen.

The Nigerian Federal Government which regulates the banks, controls immigration and our borders, telecommunications, the security agencies particularly DSS, international affairs need to do more to choke off the flow of money going to these groups.

Our State governor, Senators, Reps, Federal Minister, Perm sec, Federal civil servants, journalists, social media influencers, opinion makers, party men/women (both PDP, APC and other nationally influential personalities from Plateau State need to spearhead this charge by using whatever voice or avenues  sphere of influence they command to push the Federal Government to act.

Sad to say, all we hear is how suspected sponsors are released seemingly on bail, and rumors of complicity by highly placed persons who remain nameless and untouchable.  

At the State level not much can be done to choke off this financial stream accruing to these terrorists, we can however attend to the internal aspects of the conflict by empowering our people. 

When we address the economic aspects of this conflict by pushing for the economic empowerment of our people and increased productivity of the State, we can enjoy a three-fold benefit as it concerns security; 

One, it reduces the probability of our people being recruited as internal collaborators.                          Every conflict festers-on when internal collaborators are prevalent, and how are they mostly recruited – financial enticement….MONEY. 

Break down our demographics in terms of unemployment and poverty indices, and you will realize we are sitting on a timebomb as a state (and a nation at large). The almajiri’s of yesterday are the bandits and Boko Haram members of today...the out of school, illiterate, unskilled and in most cases unemployed Plateau people are mostly the collaborators undermining security efforts. 

Secondly, economic empowerment avails people the means to better defend themselves.                       The speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly has been under fire of late for calling on people to rise and defend themselves.

While most erroneously think of self-defense only in the light of acquiring guns (which is illegal) – organizing neighbourhood watch groups, vigilante with means for rapid response, influencing security outposts and the like require resources.

Lastly, if our States resources; from Agriculture to Solid Minerals, can be fully developed/harnessed, the inherent value it brings to the nation can be ‘weaponized’ to force the hands of regions that appear sympathetic to these terrorists rethink their positions. 

The Southern States, home to plentiful grazing grounds, by agreeing to collectively pass laws banning open grazing has forced Miyetti Allah to soft peddle on their strong rhetoric and seek negotiation, and the Value Added Tax (VAT) battle led Gov. Wike of Rivers State is causing Northern States to take the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) potential of their domains seriously, which will force them to checkmate the excesses of religious extremist. 

Funny enough the core North also tried this and failed woefully when an embargo on moving food to the South was placed.

The impact and influence of MONEY-ECONOMICS-FINANCE in conflict resolution has to be exploited as beyond guns and bullets, it all mostly comes down to financial benefits.  

Afterall, Megan W. Turner said “To make war you need three things: one, money; two, money; and three, money”

Alfred Dapal Damiyal 

Science Minister Spends 150m FG Fund to Buil Palace for brother

Minister of state for science and technology, Barr Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi is being accused of using federal government money to built a befiting Palace for his younger brother,Dr Ahmed Abdullahi who is the traditional ruler of the Uke kingdom, known as the Yakanajie Uke.

 The minister is said to have sneaked the construction of the new palace into the 2021 federal government budget for implementation and already, about 50 % of the funds have been released to the contractor who was singlehandedly selected by the minister.

The project, domiciled under the National Institute for building Research, NBRRI is titled " pilot prototype demonstration project to renovate Palace of Yakanajen Uke, using NBRRI technology for adoption by Fgn/ states in Karu, Nasarawa state and is a new project with an appropriation cost of #150 million naira. It has a code number ERGP3155719 under the 2021 Appropriation Act signed by President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Aggrieved members of the sleepy but agrarian Uke community have accused the minister of abandoning his people and preferring to built a palace which has no economic value to providing basic amenities like roads, water, electricity, schools and health facilities. They said the only health facility in Uke and its surroundings is the local General hospital built by the second Republic governor of old Plateau state, the late chief Solomon Daushep Lar in 1982.

The Yakanajen Uke was appointed as a second class traditional ruler of Uke Kingdom by former governor Almakura Tanko when the minister was Secretary to the state government between 2015 and 2019.

" How can a minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria allocate 150million naira for the building of his brothers house under the guise of Palace when his people have no roads to their farms, storage facilities or other basic amenities?

Look at the NBRRI budget and you will see it very clearly there. Its not hidden at all. We have many problems here and yet he will chose to build a palace. 

He wisely sneaked it under the budget of one of his agencies for easy coverage and supervision", said a community leader who spoke to our correspondent during a visit to the construction site.

A close Palace official who refused to comment publicly to this medium, however admitted that it was facilitated by the minister to help the community.

 It remains to be seen how President Buhari will treat this kind of betrayal of his trust and brazen impunity of his appointees who  pays lip service to his anticorruption agenda. Whatever it is, this precedent must not be allowed to stand as other appointees and high ranking bureaucrats who hail from various royal families may want to renovate their family's Palaces with Government  funds.

Uke is a community under Karu local government Council of Nasarawa state and a second class traditional ruler is a staff of the LGA not even of a state to attract a federal government project.

A world in transition: ‘We will not go quietly into the night’ - By Alfred Dapal DAMIYAL

We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.  – Gwendolyn Brooks

My heart and prayers go out to all the families that lost loved ones in Miango, Bassa, Riyom, Jos North and other parts of our beautiful state at the wicked hands of Fulani herdsmen. May God continue to be our comfort.

To the families of all the innocent commuters, students and passers-by who lost their lives in and around Jos; and also the family of DSP A.I Dan’zakara, may God be our comfort. 

To the family of Major Datong and all the people who live in constant fear of being attacked throughout the state, God shall continue to prove Himself our protector and liberator as He has faithfully done in time past.

This series is titled A WORLD IN TRANSITION, it makes reference to how the world is moving, progressing at an alarming rate – while we are still stuck in the same cycle of violence.

This is indeed a sad time for us as a people. Everyone is grieved beyond words.

“PAIN HAS NO RELIGION”

I read this statement in an online post, and it got me thinking – deep down we are all human, we all have the same aspirations. 

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; a theory that postulates factors that motivate and dictate an individual’s behavior, are physiological (food and clothing), safety (security), love and belonging needs (friendship), esteem, and self-actualization. 

Breakdown all our individual desires and you will realize that in essence these are what we all want – Muslim, Christian or Pagan, Berom, Ngas or Tarok, Northerner or Southerner, men, women or children – we all have basically the same needs. The American constitution sums it up with this comment in the declaration of independence – ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness’.

Occasionally the quest to attain these needs will bring us at crossroads with another’s’ aspirations – and that is where compromise within the bounds of respect (especially respect for the right to live) is essential.

 Afterall WE ALL BLEED RED.

NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO PAIN AND GRIEF. 

In this month of August, we were inundated with pictures of the wedding of the Presidents son, I must say I was angry because our political elite lavishly partied while the country burned (and is burning) – what kind of leaders show public joviality while, as at the time of writing this, more than 60 students (our children) of Bethel Baptist School, Kaduna and countless others, are still in the hands of kidnappers.  

Occasionally I wish to have God’s power for just 1 hour, to deal with the kind of evil persons we have in this country…but God knows better than to grant me that wish.

Back to the wedding – looking the at the images presented to us on social media, it is amazing that the same political elites from different party affiliations – ethnic, cultural and religious divides, who will call themselves unprintable names in the media and stir up strife, were busy bumping fists with boisterous laughter, showing no visible evidence of the pseudo-differences they will want us to believe exist. There was no PDP nor APC at the event, North nor South, it was just a collection of individuals feeding fat of our sweat and having the effrontery to flaunt it to our faces.

Should we hate them and live in bitterness? NO

Instead lets learn from them – see how, despite our perception of them as being adversaries, they are actually UNITED ‘cos of the common goal they have of perpetual hold on the political levers of power buoyed by the largess that flows from our democratic experiment.  

‘When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion’ – Author unknown.

I call on us the Plateau people to unite - for in our unity lies strength, in our unity we are better able to  plan strategically and put up defensive structures within the dictates of the law, only in unity can we be  resolute – to boldly stand firm and not cower in what we believe, and finally only in unity can we pray effectively – for we cannot deny the spiritual component of this battle.  

This should be a primary focus as a people. This should be our drive; the unity within, and afterwards we will be in a stronger position to face the enemy without.

In closing, to those who wish to eliminate us, paraphrasing one of my favorite quotes, know that Plateau State as a united front ‘…will not go quietly into the night…we will live on’.  

Alfred Dapal DAMIYAL

Muharram 1443 Ah: Goodwill Mesaage from Alfred D. Damiyal

On behalf of my family and friends, I wish to sincerely felicitate with the Muslim Ummah on the important occasion of Muharram 1443 Ah, an event celebrated to commemorate a new year in line with the Islamic calendar and faith. 

Given the strategic importance of today's occasion, it allows us to reassess ourselves, engage in sober reflection to strengthen our relationship with God as well as celebrate with other brethren. 

Islam is an important part of promoting peace. Literally and thankfully, the whole of the "Torah" is for the purpose of promoting peace. Thus, may today's occasion usher in a new era of peace and stability so that our dear state and country at large will overcome some of the pressing problems staring at us in the face. 

Let us use the opportunity to pray for our state and leaders as well as reflect the true virtues of love, tolerance and unity in our character and activities. 

Once more, accept my sincere felicitation and goodwill. Happy new year. 

Alfred D. Damiyal

Opinion: A World in Transition: Face me I face you - By Alfred Dapal Damiyal

“People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”  Alan Moore, V for Vendetta

Some days ago I came across a video, that went viral on social media, of an indigene of Akoka in Edo State, who was visible vexed when he inspected  a road construction in his area that was of very poor quality (See link below). A few days later, the deputy governor of the state responded to the video by visiting the site and revoking the contract.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAyvKm4s6kw

This incident exemplifies the type of response we should be getting from our government officials. 

And to look at it from another angle, it buttresses the essence of having an effective Local Government system in the country; a system of making governance really local…proximal…closer to the governed.

The localization of governance via the 774 LGA's is essential to guarantee that government officials are close to and do not lose touch with people and their needs. Such structure is essential in a democratic system.

The Local Government Administration is the third tier of government in Nigeria and the 1999 constitution has assigned functions, responsibilities and controls to this tier of government; which include pre-school, primary and adult education, provision and maintenance of the public health system, making economic recommendations to the State, collection of taxes and fees, establishment, maintenance and regulation of markets, motor parks and public conveniences, construction and maintenance of roads, streets, drains and other public highways, provision and maintenance of public transportation, registration of births, deaths and marriages, and assessment of privately owned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of a State, among other functions.

These functions truth be told are foundational to the establishment of a thriving society, and if effectively executed will reduce the cases of misgovernance and the social problems we see prevalent today... because the officials will be closer to the people, and that in itself is a means of ensuring accountability. This is why Calvin Coolidge, a former US president said “What we need is not more Federal government, but better local governments.

 So why are our Local Government Area’s not functional???

Any stable system just like building a house is best done from the bottom up, and in our current democracy we need to have a functional Local Government system and establish it as the foundation of governance. 

For that to happen Governors need to whittle down their overarching influence and interference on the LGA administration. It is surprising that the same Governors who complain of the dictatorial tendencies of the President have established themselves as emperors and demi-gods in their states. Remember the Excess Crude Oil Account (ECA) battles with former President Goodluck Jonathan to the struggle with President Buhari over financial autonomy of the judiciary and State assembly, Governors have accused Presidents of acting autocratic only to turn around and become despots themselves. 

We see these interferences in LGA affairs in two key areas:

Electoral mandate – Since the establishment of State INEC’s, have we ever had elections where the will of the people was respected in electing Local Government Chairpersons and Councillors? And how many times have we seen newly elected Governors upon resumption dissolve LGA administrations and in their place appoint caretaker committees! And this is done despite the many Supreme Court judgements describing such actions as illegal. 

How can LGA officials fully execute the responsibilities of their office when the system that brought them in can be considered akin to an appointment and add to that the fluidity of their tenures!!! 

Finances - Section 162(6-8) of the 1999 Constitution states that “Each State shall maintain a special account to be called ‘State Joint Local Government Account’ into which shall be paid all allocations to the Local Government Councils of the State from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State. Each State shall pay to Local Government Councils in its area of jurisdiction such proportion of its total revenue on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly...

LGA’s are entitled to their full allocation from which the elected officials are meant to carry out the responsibilities, but how can this be achieved when they only receive ‘pocket money’ at the discretion of the governor!!!

The Federal Government has tried different means to circumvent joint State/Local Government accounts so monies meant for the LGA’s get to them directly, but as long as State INEC’s are subject to the dictates of Governors and there is no protection for LGA officials who want to take a stand against this – nothing will change.  

This is why we have primary health care centers in shambles, basic primary education almost non-existent, LGA workers owed salaries month on end – and all these happening more pronounced in our state.

If our Governors truly want the system to work, give the people the freedom to choose those they want to represent them, and in addition let them have their financial due – afterwards set up a system of accountability where the officials that fail to deliver on their mandate and mismanage resources are prosecuted. Remember unlike Governors who have immunity – Local Govt. Chairmen/Chairwomen and Councillors have no immunity from prosecution.

And add to these a continuous enlightenment of the people on the roles each tier of government plays so we know where to channel complaints when failure in delivery of our rights are observed. 

Due to the closeness of LGA’s to the people, it is easier for the people to hold their officials accountable…that is why I titled this article face me I face you. The closer you are to me, the easier I can hold you to deliver on promises made. And given that politics is local, where you wan hide when I fit waka go your papa house?

As an added incentive, Local Government systems in all established democracies are a good training ground for future state and national leaders.

This closeness to the people is the main reason why our Local Government administrations need to be strengthened…it forces vigilance on the follower,  accountability on the leader and provides an environment for tomorrows leaders to be groomed in the art of governance. 

Alfred Dapal Damiyal

Feature: Dr. Patrick Dakum: The Guiding Light and Hope of Our Generation

Very many people may ask who Dr. Patrick Dakum is. He's literally not a new person in Plateau State and Nigeria. Over the years, he has created a niche for himself in the world of leadership and politics. He's a household name and someone many look up to for guidance, mentorship and impact. 

A man of exceptional qualities and attributes. 

Every rain that drops, a flower grows. Every candle that glows in the night, darkness gets dispelled.  In other words, every vision birthed by great men and women in history goes a long way in building an assurance of a tomorrow replete and abounding in grace, hope and endless possibilities. 

Each and every day, we meet new and old people, friends, families and perhaps enemies. At the meeting point, lessons – good or bad are learned. Somehow, you can easily deduce at the meeting point the reflective reality about their lives, ambitions, beliefs, viewpoints and philosophies. Words and actions speak loud for the most part – louder than an electric guitar and their impacts are heavier than a heavy metal. 

On the one hand, it’s ok to think about the things you would like to accomplish now and tomorrow. Every person who has ever achieved true greatness thought about it in fascinating and strategic ways. On the other hand, taking a corresponding action on your dream and beautiful thoughts always result in a win-win opportunity. The true measure of greatness that doesn’t get exhausted is a marriage between your dreams and action. That’s the deal. Let’s go further. 

Meeting Patrick Dakum has taught us lessons metaphorically and literally. Countless others too can attest to the fact that his life is like an epistle, known and read by many. I otherwise couldn’t have learned those lessons if we hadn’t met him. Literally and thankfully, we are proud to meet him. It is just fascinating, you know! 

Making the most or otherwise of lessons learned when opportunities abound is up to you. This is an ultimate reflection of choices and decisions. My choice is deeply rooted and anchored on the endless possibilities of a strong, determined, well-lit, visionary and goal-inspired tomorrow, very much in the spirit of what Dr. Dakum believes in. 

Not all visions are implemented wholly and exclusively. Some rise and fall. In the course of time, some become thorns in the flesh of reality and the wheel of progress. Some, on the other hand are well positioned for productivity. Dr. Dakum's vision is crystal clear. He envisioned a society where youths can come together under the umbrella of collaboration to make sense of the future of Plateau. It’s fair to say, albeit, in subtle ways, the vision is coming to pass. He envisioned a society where the youths are not left out in the pursuit of education and where women are economically empowered to become productive members of the world economy. It is a blessing to know that the vision is on its way to the realm of accomplishment. He envisioned the Plateau of our dream where lives and properties are secured through active and robust security measures and a deep concern for the fragility and susceptibility of the security system. Thankfully, the vision will come to pass. He’s determined to make it happen. He envisioned a robust business environment where investors domestically and internationally can make their businesses thrive and blossom without much pitfalls and downsides. He equally envisioned a never-dwindling and depleting health system where all people including those living in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities can have access to and meet their primary health needs and other emergencies. These and many more are some of the most historic and promising visions clearly spelt out and articulated by Dr Dakum to be achieved as the future beckons. Interesting! Isn’t it? It was an awe-inspiring moment hearing him speak during a recent media chat. 

Plateau needs men and women of vision. In the same token, Nigeria and Africa needs the vision as a matter of urgency. We need to improve, advance, upgrade and move forward as a people. Truly, the future beckons. The best for Plateau is yet to come. It will come surely and fast. The future holds enormous potentials. In my evaluation, Dr Dakum has the courage and capacity to unlock those potentials in the best interest of all. Test and see the beauty of his dreams and visions. Test and see the awesomeness of his blueprint for a better Plateau. Test and see how his people-centred approach to leadership will make an impact. 

Gentle and calm, but very bold in determining a win-win outcome for every opportunity that abounds. Humble, yet, amazingly intelligent. He’s got brilliant ideas and initiatives that can make you go off your comfort zone and spur you to take action on your dreams and purpose. Oh my goodness! That’s Dr. Dakum for you. See you on the spot of success.

Opinion: Managing the future of PKK: The Ezra Dakup resourceful leadership model

When the abbreviation PKK is mentioned, what immediately comes to your mind? For the records, PKK literally stands for Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam. They make up a Federal constituency in Plateau Central Zone – obviously one of the constituencies with enormous complexities, much more, that you have to use a sort of microscopic eye and political will to understand and apply solutions to those emerging complexities. Leaders have come and gone under different platforms, yet, PKK still needs to move forward. Blueprints, strategies, schedules, systems have all been put forward, yet, the constituency hasn’t achieved its desired change. Thus, we have to diagnose this situation precisely and implement corrective measures in order to move in a faster pace. The time is urgent and time calls for immediate action. 

Ezra Dakup is one of the notable and illustrious sons of PKK paying his dues heavily and changing the course of history in political, social, economic and humanitarian contexts. The reality is that, almost everybody has appreciable knowledge of the issues defining PKK and to them, solutions are not far-fetched. That’s ok. However, knowledge comes at different levels and dimensions. What is known by Ezra Dakup may not be known by another person and vice-versa. At the end of the day, we’ve got to appreciate our differences and diversity in knowledge basically to make sense of our futures.

There we go. Having beamed his searchlight on the look-out for practical solutions and sustainable measures, there comes a time when the man whom the cap fits has got to step out and pave the way for PKK’s advancement in assuring ways based on his resourceful vision and leadership approach. Being with him is assuring and humbling. His life is an epistle, known and read by everyone. He’s got the right leadership acumen to assemble our multiple issues and apply solutions. In a recent media chat, when the interviewer asked him why he decided to throw his hat in the ring for PKK’s race, he gave the most epic response in history. In his words, he said, “PKK is my home. The people are my people. I love them with passion. I’m running to identify with them, give them a voice, embrace their concerns and use my time, energy and resources for the advancement of their struggle – a struggle that will pay off and add incredible value in their tomorrow.” 

The aforesaid means, he has justifiable reason to run for office. He’s not running to be famous or amass wealth but he’s running for a purpose – basically to make a difference and upgrade efforts for a better PKK.

It’s been said that “our journeys are neither marathons nor sprints but relays.” In the light of this great reality, Ezra Dakup will have the honor of collecting the baton of leadership from the incumbent. He’s determined to make a mark and bequeath legacies that will stand the test of time. His slogan “The Divine Mandate” means more than what we can imagine. It is literally translated as a mandate anchored on God’s ultimate purpose and will. His aspiration has nothing to do with self but everything to do with God and the good people of PKK. He believes in God, puts the people first, carries others along, shapes the path for greater accomplishments and determines a win-win outcome and success stories for PKK. When given the mandate, Ezra Dakup will work for the sake of conscience and posterity, defying all odds and giving meaning to our collective stories. A technocrat to the core who believes in managing resources and empowerment, his blueprint of economic empowerment of women and youths is at the heart of his mission. An outspoken and intelligent man, his motions, bills and debates will be people-centered and driven by goals, results and vision in the sacred interest of the people of PKK and the overall interests on Nigerians. 

2023, will come and go but Ezra Dakup’s vision for the betterment of PKK will stand. It will stand against the doubts of skeptics and run its course. It will burst upon the sea, traverse the length and breadth of PKK for a lasting impact. It will never be shaken by the whirlwind of despair and distractions until it serves its ultimate purpose for the redefinition of a future built on optimism and prosperity. 

 EZRA DAKUP MEDIA TEAM

Ziphion Chrysanthus visits road safety command, calls for ban of trucks parked along Hawan Kibo road to avoid accidents

Apparently concerned and worried about the constant road crashes at Hawan Kibo Jos road as a result of illegal parking of trucks on the main road, Hon. Ziphion Chrysanthus has paid a courtesy visit to the Federal Road Safety, Hawan Kibo Command to call for the ban of trucks parking illegally on the main road. 

Hon. Chrysanthus made the call while on his way back to Abuja after a series of political engagements in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam respectively. 

Hon. Chrysanthus calls for collaborative efforts between the road safety command and Special Task Force (STF) to ensure the effectiveness of the ban. He premised his call on the many road crashes claiming lives and pockets of insecurity around the axis almost on daily basis. 

On many occasions, due to illegal parking of trucks, motorists plying the Jos/Abuja road at Hawan Kibo face discomfort because the other lane is blocked resulting in the use of one-way. 

Hon. Chrysanthus was warmly welcomed and his concerns were heard. In response, the head of the road safety team said his visit was articulated as a matter of patriotism.

Award Conferment: My underlying interest is Plateau's growth and development - Ziphion Chrysanthus

The MD/CEO of Terziph Services Ltd Abuja Mr Ziphion Chrysanthus said, Tuesday, that the recent Plateau Man of the Year award 2021 conferred on him under the category of "Young Business Leadership of the Year" was dedicated to God as well as the progress and development of Plateau State in a press statement made available to Satisprime Media Online.

According to Chrysanthus, the award was a call for more patriotism to the state and country at large, noting that he will continue to do all he can within his means to serve humanity and use his business as a medium through which lives will be affected on a massive scale wherever he finds himself.

The Statement reads in part.

"I feel good and strengthened in the light of my award conferrment. Firstly, I thank the organizers of the event and those who participated in the voting exercise for finding me worthy. Secondly, I wish to dedicate the award to God as well as the progress and development of Plateau State. It's not about me, but about my people.

I've been a businessman over time and I find pleasure in empowering lives and strengthening destinies. I do so with a sense of responsibility and a clear conviction that the future holds much higher potentials and opportunities for us when we humble ourselves that others might be lifted. Today's award has further opened a new chapter and motivated me to continually do my best for the less privileged members of humanity through my businesses and initiatives. I thank my supporters for believing in me and helping me to chart a new course in my most turbulent moments and engagements. Let us continue to work together through engaging collaboration to make Plateau State a better place. I also encourage the youths to think outside the box and embrace opportunities as they unfold. Let us not depend entirely on government jobs but work hard, build progressive ideas and explore practical initiatives. Everything is in our hands. You can count on me through thick and thin."

A WORLD IN TRANSITION – Rest or Resting in peace? - Alfred Dapal DAMIYAL

Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.

- Nelson MANDELA

‘Home of peace and tourism’...this is one state slogan that many will ponder it's truth. We have the tourist attractions, but can we enjoy them without the peace?

In the nineties, a friend from Lagos schooling at Uni-Jos was always fascinated by how almost every home in Jos never locked their doors during the day. And my answer to him was "why should we?" 

Those were the days I would say we were ‘resting in peace’.

Fast forward to today, and the spate of insecurity has made us a people always on the edge, a people in an almost constant state of suspicion.

How did it get this way? What are the causes? And what are the solutions?

On the level and type of insecurity we are experiencing let me start by saying –

WE CANNOT FIGHT THE WARS OF TODAY WITH THE WEAPONS OF YESTERDAY. 

Permit me to briefly highlight what in my opinion are the root causes of robberies, cultism, kidnappings, rapes, muggings and the other crimes we see ravaging our streets and communities in Plateau State, and afterwards address the most pertinent problem we face; crimes committed by herdsmen (Fulani or not), rustlers, bandits or whatever name we feel comfortable calling them. 

Some major causes of the common types of criminality that we have seen increase astronomically recently  include (1) Unemployment (this is at an unsustainable rate of about 35.2% in Plateau State – and we know ‘an idle mind is….), (2) A weak judicial system (prosecution and dispensing of court cases is often very slow, and mostly favourable to the wealthy or ‘highest bidder’), (3) Easy availability of hard drugs and narcotics, (4) Porous international borders (uncontrolled influx of foreigners and the proliferation of  small arms and light weapons), (5) Developmental and structural imbalance (marginalization - most regional agitations which start as legitimate complaints against government bias always lead to the rise of criminal empires – think Niger-Delta militants), (6) Terrorism (resulting from forced imposition of one’s religious beliefs on others – this requires an address of such ideologies and the strict respect of our religious freedoms as a guaranteed by the constitution), (7) Break-down of moral authority in homes (mostly an economic problem - can a parent who cannot fully cater to the needs of his/her wards have the justification/confidence to set moral boundaries for them) and (8) Corruption in leadership (political leadership, religious leadership, traditional leadership – leaders generally serve as moral references for every society, their actions or in-actions are always used as a yardstick or excuse for the behavior of the followers).  

However, for now I would like to focus on the issue of ‘Fulani’ herdsmen which is currently threatening the very fabric of our existence and unity as a country.

Bandits, Fulani herdsmen, or just plain herdsmen whichever name you find appropriate diplomatically or politically.

Herdsmen of whom in Nigeria are mostly of Fulani descent, is a traditional ‘profession’ characterized by a nomadic lifestyle.

Is this nomadic lifestyle feasible and sustainable in this modern era - I say NO.

We have in time past always had skirmishes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers from as long as I can remember, and I know that within our traditional leadership structure these issues have always been resolved via dialogue and in some instances reprimands via payment of fines. 

The Fulani herdsmen and farmers clashes as it pertains to cattle trespassing and destroying crops, and the retaliation and counter attacks, is at its roots an economic issue that bothers on land…and let’s remember that the administration of land within the territory of states is the sole responsibility of the governors who hold it in trust on behalf of the people they govern.

In addition to the farmer/herdsmen clashes, what we are experiencing now is a whole new security challenge with the advent of kidnappings from our homes and armed robbery on our roads – most of which, from testimony of several victims in Plateau state, are perpetrated by persons of Fulani ethnic descent and their occasional local collaborators.

Hence, we have two security issues to address centered around the ‘Fulani herdsman’; herdsmen/farmer clashes and criminality (kidnapping and armed robbery).

 

About 2 years ago, a friend’s daughter (a University student) was kidnapped somewhere around Bauchi ring road in Jos North LGA of the state. And she confirmed to having been taken by Fulani men…however what is strange from her account was how during their walk to the kidnappers’ den they were forced to hide and keep still whenever any Fulani herdsman with cattle were sighted.

And this occurrence has been supported by other kidnap stories as well.

This leads me to the conclusion that we have on one side Fulani herdsmen who normally carry out there nomadic activities (with the attendant clashes with farmers) and on the other side criminals of Fulani descent who engage in kidnappings/armed robberies and roam about freely under the guise of herdsmen.

Where the later come from or how they got here  is a subject of different speculations; from the school of thought that say they are foreigners from Niger, Mali and other sub-saharan countries migrating down to Plateau and other middle belt states as a result of draught, to those who believe them to be mercenaries brought in for political reasons.

However, one thing is certain, separating the Fulani nomadic herdsmen from the Fulani criminal elements is a first step to resolving this security impasse.

It is my suggestion that to resolve both issues of herdsmen/farmer clash and provide a clear path to solving the kidnapping issues will require as a first step putting an end to the nomadic nature of cattle herding, via making ranching of animals mandatory, and incentivizing it.

Ranches should be established in partnership with the private sector and sited in locations -States, where the Fulani’s have cultural and religious affiliations, and make available facilities required for effective cattle rearing. On this  I give kudos to Gov. Abdulahi Ganduje of Kano state, who has taken concrete steps towards the establishment of ranches in Dansoshiya, Samsosua and Falgore forests (based on news reports), and who has been a vocal advocate to ending nomadism.

And I join my voice with his to say “NOMADIC CATTLE REARING MUST END”.

And thinking of the economic potential of ranching; the dairy, meat and leather industries that can be spurn off it, it should be a venture our state can provide incentives to encourage private individuals/companies to establish for the indigenes of our dear state,  after all, even yours humbly was a livestock herder as a boy. Cattle rearing is a profession, a business not ordained for any specific people group. 

The cattle population in Nigeria is estimated to be between 13.9 million  (Food and Agriculture Organization - FAO, of the United Nations) and 19.5m (National Agricultural Sample Census), for the sake of my being an eternal optimist I’ll use the latter figure. 

At 19.5 million cows Nigeria is 4th in Africa (behind Ethiopia, Sudan and Tanzania – 54m, 41.9m and 24.5m respectively) and globally with 1.36% of the world wide cattle population we are 14th.

Now let us compare our numbers with Brazil, which has the world’s largest cattle population, with 211.7 million cows (that is more than 10 times the cattle population in Nigeria) and of that number nomadic herding of cattle is highly negligible as almost all these cows are in ranches. And this has helped brazil to export about $5.4 BILLION worth of beef annually (yes more than 2 TRILLION-naira exporting ‘nama’).

Nomadic herding of cattle has implications for cattle genetics, adaptation, well-being, nutrition, and production; in other words it decreases the economic output in terms of the quality of meat, milk and skin (leather). An example of this glaring consequence is when you are informed that herded lactating cows in Nigeria produce less than 1 gallon/day of milk, while in Brazil the cows produce an average of 6-7 gallons of milk daily. 

And to think that Nigeria spends $1.2 – 1.5 BILLION (more than N500 BILLION) annually to import dairy products (milk, butter, cheese…).

So you see as much as ranching is a solution to a security problem, it can be a bigger solution to an economic problem.  

Some might argue that nomadism is a cultural practice that is sacred… but CULTURE - defined as the way of life of a people, is never static. Throughout history we have seen culture as represented in our clothing style, language, festivals, beliefs…evolve with changes in demography, technology, climate, economy and other factors. 

And in the light of the security challenges it portends and the potential economic benefits to be derived, shouldn’t the ‘nomadic culture’ of our Fulani brethren evolve with the times we are in?  

We can stubbornly hold on to old systems, but think of it – anytime you enter a Habib Yogurt shop and order a cup of ‘fura da nunu’, each sip is a testament of the dynamism of culture. 

Promoting ranching will kill the proverbial two birds with one stone; (1) Result in a winding down of the perennial herdsmen/farmer clashes while increasing the economic value derived from cattle rearing, and (2) More importantly take away the ‘legitimacy’ of movement, or should I say the ability of the Fulani criminal elements to move stealthily under the cover of herdsmen. 

TAKE AWAY, VIA RANCHING, THESE LEGITIMATE FULANI HERDSMEN, AND ANYONE LEFT BEHIND IN OUR FORESTS IS A CRIMINAL AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH.

A people group research carried out by a mission agency shows that in Nigeria very few places still have undiscovered human populations, and I can confidently say that in Plateau state we don’t have any undiscovered/unconnected human settlements. 

This means that any isolated groups of people identified in forested areas should be treated as suspects.

What stops us as a State from deploying satellite imagery, drone technology or simple high-altitude balloons fitted with thermal cameras to monitor human movements at night along major hotspots on the roads and forests?

These supported by a network of local informants and community security outfits like the Hunters’ Association, Vigilante groups and Neighbourhood Watch, equipped with telecommunication gadgets to monitor, track and report movement of unidentified persons in their areas will furnish us with relevant information which can be used by our security agencies for rapid and precise response to threats.

We can also work with traditional rulers, village heads and concerned citizens to perform KYC on new arrivals to our communities and report suspicious activities via this proposed statewide network established for information gathering. And as an added deterrence, laws should be made to confiscate or in extreme cases destroy buildings used for kidnappings or as criminal hideouts, this is to compel owners or landlords to ensure they properly profile and certify people residing in their properties. 

Our state security outfit, Operation rainbow is also critical in combating criminal activities. With the use of intelligent information gathering coupled with the right and proper training, armed with high tech security equipment and strategically deploying personnel to flashpoints and identified criminal routes/hideouts; criminals and criminality can and will be flushed out of our dear state

We live in a world fueled by information technology, and in my industry I have seen drones, acoustic sensors, satellite imagery, radio-based tech, wireless telemetry and other available equipment to gather information that goes into effective monitoring of oil/gas pipelines, and these same technologies are being adapted for security purposes even here in Nigeria.

As criminals and crimes increase, new thinking and new tools are required to evolve new ways of preventing and combating them.  

The wars our generals in the past fought were against enemies you could pin to a geographic location, modern day enemies of the people deploy unconventional ways in carrying out their heinous activities. They are non-state actors, mobile individuals or groups with sinister agenda, often times living among us, occasionally one of us and we need to harness the power that technology offers in terms of gathering data/information to fight these battles. 

This is a matter that needs urgent response to as we are daily seeing the personal and economic impact of the actions of these criminal elements -  we see it in the prices of foodstuff at markets a result of farmers unable to till their lands, our sons and daughters living outside the State afraid to visit home and the loss of our hospitality as a people. 

Our right to live securely, drive through the streets without fear, farm our lands communally, have fun relishing the company of friends and family, and calmly enjoy the warmth of our spouses at night….Is being threatened –  however the security situation we face as a state is not a case of the irresistible force paradox; where an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. 

We as a people have surmounted impossible odds by the strength of our unity, the fervor of our ingenuity and our openness to embrace new thinking. 

So I stand behind the people of our dear state to say “Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain…”

- Alfred Dapal DAMIYAL

Opinion: A World in Transition: Plateau State What Do We See? By Alfred Dapal Damiyal

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking”

― Albert Einstein

Just as Moses received a divine message from God from the midst of a burning bush only he could see, as a nation we are faced with our ‘burning bush’ moment, but are we seeing and hearing the message?

Lets take a look at some of the quiet headlines we have seen this year…’President Biden ends the Keystone pipeline project and moves to rejoin Paris climate accords’, ‘French oil giant TOTAL acquires 20% stake in largest solar developer’, ‘54% of new cars sold in Norway in 2020 were electric’, ‘IOC’s in Nigeria reject deep water provisions in PIB’, ‘Surge in Tesla shares makes Elon Musk worlds richest man’, ‘ENI (formerly Agip), Italian energy company eyes clean energy investments in India’, ‘China aims for carbon neutrality by 2060’, ‘Renewable energy surpassed fossil fuel for electricity in Europe in 2020’, ‘All US federal government vehicles to be changed to EV’s’…

These headlines all point to one conclusion – we are seeing a gradual global movement away from petroleum.

It is coming sooner than we think.

Every major industrial change is preceded by a major breakthrough in technology – from the 1st industrial revolution driven by the steam engine powered by coal, which was overtaken by the internal combustion engine which ushered in the petroleum industry, for which Nigeria is a huge beneficiary to the present 4th industrial revolution which is a fusion of advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, genetic engineering, quantum computing, and other technologies. 

In lay man terms – advances in technology gives rise to major changes in the economy of countries, yesterdays economies driven by coal and the steam engine gave way to the ‘big boys’ of crude oil exemplified by OPEC countries,  the IOC’s (International Oil Companies) and our days of economic boom as a country which gave way to the age of computing and data driven economies.

The geometrically increasing power of computing means that advances in technology are coming faster, and with it CHANGES in the global economy. 

The world is moving away from oil, particularly the transportation industry with Electric Vehicles (EV’s) matching ‘petrol’ powered cars in price and performance.

This begs the question ‘Is Nigeria prepared or preparing for a post oil world?’ and ‘Are we in Plateau state aware of the negative impact such a scenario will have on us?’

Crude oil sales account for about 70% of the Nigerian governments revenue – and last year when prices crashed, a result of the pandemic we lost about 80% in revenue resulting in the Federal Government going cap in hand to the World Bank and IMF to borrow funds. And given that these monies are shared monthly via the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Plateau state was not and will not be spared the effect of this shortfall and loan repayments as well.

So what do the figures tell us?

In a space of one year oil price went from ~$66/barrel in 2019 to <$30/barrel in 2020; and Plateau state lost about 22% of its revenue from the federation account. 

In  the first half (H1) of 2019 our state received N21.37 billion from the FAAC and within the same interval, H1 2020, N16.53 billion was received from the FAAC. Internally generated revenue however remained almost constant at N9.41 billion in H1 2019 and N9.40 billion in H1 2020. 

Adjusting these figures for inflation which reached more than 14% last year and we will see that the actual loss of revenue (value) is >30%.

Simply put, if Mr Plateau made one thousand naira (N1000) in 2019 and he could afford to buy 2 large tubers of yam, in 2020 he made less than N800, and he could only afford one large tuber of yam and a little ‘change’ for keke Napep.

With the push by developed countries for increased utilization of renewable energy we should expect to see a continuous decline in revenues from the FAAC (or increased indebtedness beyond our capacity to repay) until a point is reached when Mr Plateau will have to depend on the crumbs from other peoples tables. 

What can we do about this?

As a state, we do not have a lot of control over what is available from the federation account, but what to do about our Internally Generated Revenue is entirely up to us.

The Plateau State Government should take practical steps towards increasing our IGR.

A breakdown of the revenue we generate as a state shows that more than 90% is generated from taxes; taxes on personal income (PAYE), fines, licenses and levies on business activities, road taxes and others. With income from investments being insignificant.

How do we increase this?

How do we attract companies and businesses to invest in the state?

How do we create an environment in the state for existing local businesses to grow?

How do we create industries out of the potential cash crops we have like coffee, wheat and cotton?

How do we utilize a PPP model to generate revenue from investments?

How do we benefit from the mining sector, most of which is done illegally by artisan miners?

How do we………………………………..………?

We as a people need to start asking the right questions of ourselves and our leaders because it is only in asking the right questions do we begin to position ourselves for the new thinking needed to start preparing for a world that is already in transition. 

Change is coming for us whether we acknowledge it or not, and what needs to be done requires us as a State to be strategic and wholistic in approach. 

Some might see this challenge as overwhelming, however as JFK, a former US president once said and I paraphrase………….”LET US BEGIN”.

Alfred Dapal Damiyal