Religious leaders must play compelling roles to boost the economy of local communities – Tohomdet

In practical terms, building and sustaining the economic life of local communities is largely contingent upon the efforts put forward by religious leaders. This was an emphatic message delivered by Mr. Obadiah Tohomdet an excellent compelling business speaker and CEO of Simans Strategic Communications Ltd Abuja, during a mini business and economic meeting with Church leaders held during the annual Easter Crusade in Kagu, Pankshin Local Government. Barr. Tohomdet spoke passionately about the need for churches to encourage their members to engage in small-scale businesses so they can practically support the growth of the church and become enterprising people committed to building a better society. He further stressed on the need for churches and their leaders to diversify the economy of churches and follow strictly the principles of making money in a godly way. “Prayers alone can’t help you to make money. It is fundamentally about following the blueprint and principles in order to become economic growth contributors for posterity sake.” The Easter Crusade took place in Kagu from Thursday 18^th to Saturday 20^th 2019 and had Evangelist Judah Bedima as guest preacher. It was an opportunity to draw people closer to God through the word of faith and prayers in Mupun Land. For the past 8 years and counting, the Crusade Team with its leader Mr. Obadiah Tohomdet has been on the frontlines of championing the gospel of God throughout Mupun Land. The Meeting with the leadership of CAN (Kagu Branch) and other church leaders became a forum for the sharing of ideas and moulding opinions to facilitate the economic development of Kagu and Mupun Land.

A new Vision for Simans Strategic Communications Ltd – By Satmak Dapar

"A program or project without communication is like building a house without applying mortar to fix/hold the bricks or stones to each other. Of course, such a house will neither stand nor have shape and aesthetic beauty. Same with any project without Strategic Communication, It will either collapse, like the tower of babel, or produce no results." - Obadiah Tohomdet

I once came across a statement that reads “Vision is the ability to see potential in what others overlook.” How true! Setting up Simans Strategic Communications Ltd is a clear reflection of the aforesaid. The Strategic Communications Company was established by Mr. Obadiah Tohomdet a former World Bank official to among other things, raise the bar of excellence and explore the potentials of communication which is something that has been woefully under-appreciated over the years. Throughout my academic pursuit – from Undergraduate to Master’s Degree level, I’ve had the privilege of studying communication and media studies both in Nigeria and abroad. I think to a large extent, I possess ample knowledge and expertise in the field. Meeting and working with Obadiah Tohomdet sounds like a thriller and a blessing I can’t measure. In other words, meeting him was like a turning point and I knew he had something better to offer in order to not only redefine communication, but, very essentially take it to the next level in conformity with emerging challenges. Having worked for many years with the World Bank and other multilateral organizations throughout the world, it’s fair to say that his cumulative experiences, unmatched expertise and deep knowledge in strategic communications ultimately became the cornerstone and vision upon which Simans Strategic Communications Ltd is anchored on. It is just great that I am part of the vision as a team member. Our underlying mission across the World is to add value and help Ministries, Agencies, Government Parastatals and corporate organizations mainstream communication in their policies, programs and projects for visible success and result. Thankfully, our work has been successful and the vision of our company shines like a morning star. Communication is not something new to us. It lives with us, we practice it daily by exchanging ideas, cross-fertilizing thoughts, establishing meanings and developing opinions.  We express ourselves essentially through the print, electronic and social media. It could be done on official and none-official grounds. In other words, it could be done verbally or none-verbally at individual, group or corporate levels.  Well! These are the basics of communication. However, achieving result-oriented communication – communication that has the potential to pay higher dividends in the future of governments, companies and corporate organizations is the cardinal mission of Simans Strategic Communications Ltd. We work to deliver results with high sense of dignity and professionalism in partnership with globally-recognized and intensely-trained communications experts. It’s all about your interests quite frankly. What do we do literally? In short and simple language, we do the following:

• ·         Capacity-building on strategic communication and designing Communication Strategies for development projects.

• ·         Integrating strategic communication and development communication in the design and implementation of development projects, programs, reforms and change interventions financed by National and International development organizations.

• ·         Technical assistance to development practitioners on integrating strategic communication into their projects as well as reforms and change programs.

The world will continue to be shaped by communication. Partner with us and let’s deliver result and learn together. Learning is fun you know. For further enquiries, please contact us via simans.obadiah@gmail.com or visit our head office at Suite 118, Bahamas Plaza, Joseph Gomwalk Street, Apo Gudu District Abuja, Nigeria. Mobile Number +234 803 313 8937.

Condolence message from NANS President Turkish Zone Comrade Zachariah Madaki

With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of God, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Turkish Zone, Comrade Zachariah Madaki condoles with the family and Government of Nigeria over the death of former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Turkey, Amb. Ibrahim Isa. Comrade Madaki expresses his condolences in a press release through his media assistant dated January 20, 2019. In the same vein, the president also condoles with the Nigerian community in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus over the untimely death of it member Mr. David Ityoember Afeah who until his death was a student of Cyprus International University. The president describes the death of Amb. Isa and Mr. David Afeah as one tragedy too many and calls on both families to take solace in God saying both of them left indelible legacies that will stand the test of time.

Opinion: Plateau in the Hands Of 2023: A Look through an Eagle’s Eye – By Satmak Dapar

Quite recently, I had a conversation with one of my friends from Bokkos Local Government. Interestingly, here is a man who knows the XYZ of Plateau politics and to a large degree, the greater conventional politics.  The import of our conversation was on the fast approaching 2019 election which would perhaps serve as a litmus test for 2023. Some of my readers I’m certain will ask rhetorically why I am writing on the upper political dispensation and not the one at hand. I think I’ve written a lot on that. Thus, it’s time to join the league of advanced planners. The reality is that, next year’s general elections will form the dynamics that will remarkably define and usher 2023’s dispensation. Firstly, let me come clean. I am a passionate advocate of peaceful and truly democratic elections reflective of the people’s will. Quite frankly, I wish we could have this electoral breakthrough in 2019. Is this possible? The answer is a thunderous yes. However, the ball is in our court to make it happen. I grew up learning the art, science and practical sense of politics  at Campus unionism level before I took a bow and joined the mainstream, albeit, it is not my primary calling. I do so as part of my contributions to nation building. In other words, my kind of politics is not one based on the projection of a party but very fundamentally, on the basis of support for one’s quality of vision and manifesto.

Assessing the Impact of Rotational Politics in the Light of 2023’s Election

What impact does zoning agreement have on democracy? This part of the article will focus on the critical analysis of the pros and cons. Over the years, the theory had generated both heavy and light criticisms. Many have debunked the theory on the grounds that it doesn’t have roots in the 1999 constitution (as amended). On the other hand, many others have upheld it because directly or indirectly, they have benefited from it. As I earlier mentioned, it has its advantages and disadvantages in my view. The people of Plateau state and indeed Nigerians have become accustomed to it. The Governorship seat for example rotates within the 3 senatorial zones that make up the state (Plateau North, Central and South). Democratically, his Excellency Gov. Joshua Chibi Dariye held sway for 2 terms (1999-2007). He hails from Bokkos in Plateau Central. Thereafter, he was succeeded by Gov. Jonah David Jang from Jos South in Plateau North who served from 2007-2015. Now, in the spirit of zoning, the natural progression would have been a credible person to succeed Gov. Jang from the Southern Zone. He anointed his political son GNS Pwajok of blessed memory. Here was a man with outstanding and rich political credentials but unfortunately he lost to the incumbent Governor Simon Lalong from Shendam (Southern Zone). GNS Pwajok didn’t enjoy much supported not because he was not credible or perhaps his manifesto wasn’t convincing. He had a unique blueprint and I truly admired his courage. Gov. Lalong got overwhelming support from different angles in the spirit of zoning and he coasted to victory with a total of 564,913 votes against his closest opponent GNS Pwajok who got 520,672 as announced by INEC. Having served for one tenure, the incumbent seeks to be re-elected in 2019. His performance can best be judged in the court of public opinion. Now in the spirit of zoning, almost all the political parties have zoned their Governorship seats to the South except that of Aliance for New Nigeria (ANN) with Alex Ladan as its flag-bearer. He hails from Mangu in Plateau Central. On the other hand, Social Democratic Party (SDP) is enmeshed in crisis. Prior to the crisis, Amb. John Pofi from Plateau Central emerged winner of the primaries but after the manifestation of some developments, Godfrey Miri from Plateau South debunked the earlier result and got recognized by the national headquarters. However, John Pofi took the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction and presently awaits the outcome. Other flag-bearers are Gen. John Temlong of ADP, Gen. Jeremiah Useni of PDP, the incumbent Gov. Simon Lalong of APC, Chief Joe Bitrus Musa of ADC among others all from Southern Zone. Surely, a winner will emerge among the aforementioned and this will be based on the collective decision of Plateau people.

After 2019, What Next?

After 2019 governorship election, preparation in earnest will begin for that of 2023. Ideally, the seat would be zoned to the Central zone. Gladiators and analysts have started making their projections and charting different roadmaps. Hopefuls are beginning to set their eyes on the seat and are making moves covertly and overtly to see the possibility of clutching the opportunity. Both new and old faces in politics are expected to emerge. It will be interesting quite frankly. Different interest and youth groups are mounting pressure on some people in Central Zone with accomplishments in leadership, philanthropy, education and business to go for the plum seat and use what they have got to move the state forward. If the pressure becomes huge in scope and scale, in other words, if the pressure is consistent with their motivation, the following names will ring a loud bell in 2023: Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Mr. Alfred Dapal, Dr. Patrick Dakum, Nde Hezekiah Dimka, Hon. Timothy Golu, Joseph Lengmang (Joelengs), Kefas Ropshik (Kefiano), Dr. Chinnan Maclean Dikwal, Chief Pedro Dafur, Dr. James Dalok, Prof. Shadrack Best, Santos Ayuba Larab, Amb. John Pofi, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, Dr. Bala Yilkyes, Arch. Hart Bankat, Hon. Jiritmwa Morgak, Hon. Diket Plang, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Goar among others.

What INEC needs to do.

I truly commend INEC for its role in sustaining and strengthening democracy. Elections are crucial to the sustenance of democracy undoubtedly. Although, the electoral umpire has its weaknesses in many respects but I do believe that it will overcome those weak areas and emerge stronger than ever before. INEC needs to rekindle the confidence of all electorates by ensuring the conduct of free, honest and transparent elections. It should collaborate with security forces to maintain peaceful and credible elections. There must be a level playing field for all candidates irrespective of their party platforms and all policy initiatives must be respected to the latter so history could place the country as a truly democratic one.

My Wish for Plateau state

Plateau is one of the 36 states in Nigeria. It is remarkably cosmopolitan. Our politics is a boiling point in the Middle-Belt and perhaps the North in general. We’ve got boundless human and natural resources. What do we lack, almost nothing. governments come and go. Dariye did it. Botmang did it. Jang did it. Lalong is doing it. After the incumbent, somebody will come and continue. They all did their best but the best of the best is yet to be attained. Plateau needs security. Our people have suffered beyond measure. The youths need to be engaged on critical ventures so they could feel the motivation to contribute to development. Education and the elimination of poverty must be taken to heart as cardinal priorities of current and future governments. I believe in the capacities of those I mentioned earlier who might seek for governorship election. Anybody that emerges in 2019 and 2023 respectively deserves our collective support, prayers and solidarity. I sincerely hope for a better future. I wish Plateau state the best.

Satmak Dapar writes from Cyprus International University, Northern Cyprus, Turkey. He can be reached via satmakdapar1@gmail.com

Democracy Day: NANS President Turkish Zone Comr. Madaki Zacharia felicitates with Nigerians

The president of the National Association of Nigerian Students Comrade Zachariah Madaki has warmly felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy day. This was contained in a press release signed on his behalf by Satmak Dapar.his media aide. The president in his message urges Nigerians to continue to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria. In the same token, he calls on leaders at the top echelon of leadership to constantly review their social contract with Nigerians and do things that would justify the mandate they were given at the polls. "Nigeria is confronted by challenges of monumental proportion, but, that does not mean her situation is beyond redemption. through collaborative and patriotic efforts, we will scale through and reposition her future for sustainable growth and development. We can't flag or fail in this regard. I felicitate with Nigerians and urge us all to continue to pray for the peace and unity of our dear country." The statement reads in part. The president further calls on the government of Nigeria to consider the welfare and social security of all Nigerian students at home and in diaspora as a major priority because according to him, "students deserve a better future." He concludes the statement by reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises.

Satmak Dapar

on behalf of Comrade Zachariah Madaki
(NANS President Turkish Zone)

Goodwill message: Amb. John Pofi felicitates with Isael @ 70

AMB POFI FELICITATES WITH ISRAEL @ 70.

I Amb John Pofi the Governorship Aspirant of the Social Democratic Party, my teaming supporters and the members of the John Pofi Movement wish to celebrate with Israel as it clocks seventy.

Seventy years in the life of a nation is a great milestone which calls for celebration.

For those who have followed the turbulent history of Israel, you will agree with me that seventy years in the life of a nation that has been crisis ridden calls for not only celebration but re-dedication to God.

Let me also use this medium to commend the unparalleled courage, resilience, doggedness and the clear sense of service demonstrated by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu by officially declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. and the massive support the indefatigable, indomitable and unstoppable president of the United States of America, Donald Trump. He gave the idea not only in words but also in action by moving the American embassy to Jerusalem. The two leaders have demonstrated that, hope, though distance, is attainable.

It is also a truism that Israel is strategic in terms of world peace that is why I must reiterate the need for harmonious co-existence by Israel and its neighbours towards a better world for all.

While we pray for God's sustenance over the Holy Land, we also use this platform to call on African leaders particularly the ones in Nigeria to take a cue from Israel that despite its precarious history, is still together, making progress in different aspects of the economy.

We wish Israel many fruitful years ahead.

Signed :
Amb John Pofi
Chairman, John Pofi Movement organisation.

Opinion: Our wounds are still fresh: Please end this conflict - by Evans Binan

OUR WOUNDS ARE STILL FRESH; PLEASE END THIS CONFLICT!!!

I am making this narrative from a true life experience and also being a witness.  Life present itself in different forms and people live with the various outcomes at different stages of their being. We either accept to live with what is here with us today or we work to change future outcomes.
I will be using a case study of the recent Maiduguri ‘’confusion’’ which I am much aware of.
Recently, like 4 weeks ago (19th April, 2018), something happened in Maiduguri. The run for safety in the face of insurgency manifested itself in my dear presence. My friend and I just got back from work when this happened; sporadic sounds of gunshots, and people running away from their homes to an unknown location all in the name of safety. At this point, the concepts of ‘’danger’’ and ‘’safety’’ defined the mindset of these fellows all moving out for safety. This implies that cognitively, the brain is faced with a great puzzle; psycho-physiologically, the brain and other complex organisms were activated for a flight or fight reaction. Also of note, is the understanding that the scar of recurrent unrest in the North East region has not moved to the unconscious mind, hence, the subconscious mind stores this traumatic events and a slight trigger reminds many of the state of affairs in the region.
Back to the story line, I remember that being a witness was not an easy one. My experience was just one but then I can imagine the kind of traumatic battles these people have been fighting in their minds.
When conflict remains unabated, several factors may play out.  The NorthEast conflict has remained at the top of several discourse; however, ending this conflict has being the greatest nightmare Nigerians are faced with.
Retrospectively, the conflict in here has destroyed a lot of things, homes, children, and even fragile hearts. Prospectively, this conflict may result in the increasing influx of children and women on the streets, destruction of more homes, school absenteeism, etc.
During war and conflict situation, the main actors are the conflict entrepreneurs, the government, the victims and the humanitarian actors. And as conflict continues unabated, some sect of opinion holders began to make assumptions that the only KEY stakeholder in here remains the GOVERNMENT as the apparatus of government has been accused frequently to be responsible for the sorry state of Nigeria now.
I may rest my case to say that, the wounds of these victims of war are still fresh and we should do more to preach and work for peace rather than invoking war and mayhem.
I may conclude by what two respondents here said when asked by myself about the state of things. They responded thus; ‘’ this conflict has lasted for long and each time we are faced with displacements close to our homes, our minds begin to remember how the case has been from the past years, our wounds are still fresh, and we will need help to deal with our situation right now”. This summarizes an urgent need for help in policy and action, this will purify our societies from the shackles of war and armed conflict.
Thank you for taking the time to read my short article.
Evans Binan Dami
Writer/Researcher/ Social Analyst
07035578447

 

Hon. Jonathan Aminu donates e-Library to the people of Mangu, to train about 100 youths in computer studies

By Friday Gutul

 May 10th, 2018


The former member representing (Mangu/ Bokkos) Federal Constituency at the 7th Assembly Hon. Jonathan Aminu has completed the building and furnishing of an e-library in Mangu Local Government as part of his efforts in promoting academic research and enhancing education. Mr. Aminu noted that the gesture was in line with his belief to help the youths achieve better education in a highly technological and digitally driven world. The Library is furnished with chairs, tables and computers. He has also begun the training of over 100 people especially the youths in computer studies. Thus, the target is 200 but the center has started with 100 participants. Furthermore, the Plateau state commissioner for secondary education (Hon. Jude Dakur) was at hand to officially flag off the program. He commended Hon. Jonathan Aminu for what he described as "his untiring zeal to promote mass computer literacy among the youths of Mangu." He further says that the initiative has the potential to engage the youths in positive ventures and check the spate of crimes in the locality. Hon Jonathan Aminu has thrown his hat in the ring to vie for the same position he held sway to consolidate on the achievements he recorded and to also give the good people of Mangu/Bokkos quality and effective representation in the 9th Assembly come 2019.

John Pofi Movement condemns renewed killings in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna state, describes act as inhuman & unacceptable

PRESS STATEMENT

The John Pofi Movement of plateau state has commiserated with the people and government of Kaduna state over the ruthless massacre of over sixty persons in Birnin Gwari in Kaduna state. 

The killing which  is fast becoming like a norm in  many parts of the country is inhuman, barbaric and unacceptable. 

The Movement once again called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency review the security architecture of the country so as to rescue the remaining Nigerians.

The Movement also appealed to those who lost their loved ones to accept it as an act of God and not to take laws into their hands.

While the the John Pofi Movement is praying for the repose of the souls of the departed, it also hopes that the killers will one day be brought to justice.

Signed :

Amb. John Pofi
Chairman, John Pofi Movement.

Press Release: Amb. John Pofi celebrates Gov. Lalong on the latter's 55th birthday

JOHN POFI CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION

PRESS RELEASE

Mr John Pofi, the Governorship Aspirant of the great SDP in Plateau state celebrates the Plateau state governor, Simon Bako Lalong for attaining fifty five years of age.

The Governorship hopeful said attaining the golden jubilee plus five in the life of an individual is a great milestone which should be celebrated.

In a statement signed by the media officer of the John Pofi Campaign Organisation, Kwamba I. Kwamba, Mr Pofi called on the people of plateau state to cooperate with the state government towards achieving a greater plateau.

John Pofi also prayed God to make the years to come more favourable, fruitful and rewarding than the years past for the governor and the people of the state.

Mr Pofi advised the governor to use this period to reflect on successes achieved and the grey areas in the last three years of his administration as well as ponder on the way forward for the overall good of the people of the state.

While calling on the people of the state to remain vigilant in the face of the precarious security situation in the state, the Governorship Aspirant called for a new approach by the federal government to end the incessant killings in the land.

Signed

Kwamba I. Kwamba 

Media officer, John Pofi Campaign Organisation (SDP, Plateau state)

Workers Day Celebration: Amb. John Pofi felicitates with the Nigerian Labour Congress, says he's hopeful of promising partnership

JOHN POFI CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION

PRESS STATEMENT

The Governorship Aspirant of the SDP in Plateau state, Rev John Pofi says he is proud to be associated with the Nigerian workers especially as they celebrate this year's workers' Day.

Rev John Pofi said governments at all levels are supposed to work in accordance with the objectives of the Labour day celebration.

A statement signed by the media officer of John Pofi Campaign Organisation, Philip Jibi said, Rev John Pofi who is an activist, will be a friend of workers when given the opportunity.

The statement added that the governship hopeful who is acutely aware of the plight of workers especially in plateau state said he absolutely agreed with the prompt payment of salaries but he differs as that is not the only problem of the worker who needs decent accommodation , quality health care services, security as well as standard public schools for their children and dependants.

When he becomes the governor, Rev Pofi said he will not only stop at paying salaries but will extend it to housing scheme and health insurance for plateau State workers.

While he is congratulating the workers for a  peaceful celebration, the Governor to be by God's Grace also assured Plateau State workers that GREATER and BETTER days are ahead.

Signed
Mr Philip Jibi
Media Officer,
John Pofi Campaign Organisation (SDP, Plateau state)