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Plateau state government introduces monthly press briefing to highlight achievement

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By Asile Abel,jos

The Plateau State Government has began monthly Ministerial press briefing to inform citizens on government activities in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs)

The monthly briefing start with 4 Ministries held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Education Building, JD Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos, Plateau State.

Declaring the briefing open, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Musa Ashoms, stated that the event was a core mandate of the Ministry of Information and Communication, expected to bolster its vision for an enlightened, educated and informed populace.

He added that the event also corresponds with the present administrations idea of carrying citizens along in accordance with the first focal point of the Green Cap Policy Thrust, which is “Good Governance and Citizens Participation in Sustainable Development.”

“I therefore make due acknowledgment to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his enthusiastic support and expedited approval.

“…It is this attitude that drives the vigorous activities across various sectors and across the state, turning it into a huge project site for massive infrastructural development and an incubator for robust public policy initiatives.” He added.

Office of the Head of Civil Service hit the ground running with their report, where they enumerated responsibilities, successes and challenges of the office to members of the media community.

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The Plateau State Head of Civil Service, Barrister Rauta Dakok, said the office is the engine room of government and the administrative machinery for implementing the State Government’s Policies and Programmes.

Some of the achievements she captured were the physical verification of staff and pensioners for the offset of Salary/Pension Arrears inherited from immediate past Administration.

She said the office also obtained approval for the release of Three Hundred Million Naira (N300,000,000.00) Monthly to settle arrears of pensions/gratuities and death benefits from 1986 to date, adding that promotions for deserving civil servants is almost up to date.

“The establishment of Information and Public Relation Officer Cadre Structure on SGL 08 – 17 and Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations) Cadre Structured on SGL 06 – 14 in the Schemes of Service.

Barr. Rauta said the implementation of recalled workers into the mainstream civil service whose employments were initially suspended is at about 80% completion

The Head of Service also highlighted some challenges faced by the office to includes Inadequate Office accommodation, shortage of manpower in view of batched retirement and non availability of copies of current Public Service Rules and other relevant Government documents.

Others she said are indiscriminate encroachment on lands adjoining to Government quarters by
unscrupulous persons and how retired civil servants are still holding unto Government quarters by preventing the
serving civil servants from enjoying same.

Also, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ephraim Usman gave a scorecard of his ministry within the 11 months of the “Time is Now” administration which includes payment of salaries and pension arrears from the previous administration at the LGAs level.

Ephraim said, “The ministry in collaboration with ALGON purchased 35 Hillux vehicles for operation Rainbow to strengthen the security architecture at the grassroots level.”

He said the ministry in conjunction with the 17 LGAs is working on digitalization of indigene forms and marriage certificates with link to NIN.

On Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner said the ministry conducted the selection and coronation of the new Ngolong Ngas on first class status and also the selection of the new Mou Youm of Garkawa on second class status, noting that his coronation will soon take place.

Other ministries who gave their scorecards on the first press briefing were Ministry of Education, (Secondary) and Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development.

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Insecurity:Sack Service Chiefs, Pastor Adeboye Urges FG

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged the federal government to give Nigeria’s security chiefs a 90-day deadline to eliminate terrorists across the country or resign from office.

Adeboye made the call in a video shared on X on Tuesday in which he expressed concern over the country’s security situation and urged authorities to act swiftly against those responsible for the violence.

Addressing the government, the cleric said security chiefs should be held accountable for delivering results in the fight against terrorism.

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“If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, ‘Move fast and tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days or resign,” he said.

The cleric also called on the government to go beyond targeting terrorists and focus on those financing and supporting their activities.

“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists; they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” he added.

Adeboye recalled advising a former Nigerian president to issue a similar ultimatum to security chiefs in the past, noting that although the directive was given, it was not fully enforced when the deadline elapsed.

According to him, the experience underscored the need for stronger political will and strict enforcement of directives aimed at ending insecurity.

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School Abductions: NUT Begins Nationwide Rally Today

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Public schools across Oyo State shut down Monday as teachers joined a nationwide protest called by the Nigeria Union of Teachers over the ongoing captivity of pupils and teachers abducted 18 days ago.

Armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, taking students and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

Protests erupted in Oyo and Ogun states, with residents and civil society groups demanding immediate release of the victims.

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In Ogbomoso, a distraught mother whose children were among the kidnapped broke down in tears: “Where will I start from? The children are my tomorrow. Please help me.”

Teacher Ajibola Aboderin said: “How can anyone be so heartless as to kidnap a two-year-old? This country is deteriorating.”

Compliance with the strike was reported across all 33 local government areas of Oyo State. Parents turned children away from closed schools.

The union calls on federal and state governments to intensify security efforts and secure the captives’ release.

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Press centre Food Vendor Hajiya Hadiza Is Dead

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The Kano press community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Hajiya Hadiza, a popular food vendor.

Known for her warm personality and dedication to her business, Hajiya Hadiza reportedly passed away on Monday morning after a brief illness.

News of her death spread rapidly across the Press Centre, and environs on Monday, leaving many journalists, media workers and associates in shock.

Colleagues described the development as devastating, saying her absence would be deeply felt within the media community after nearly two decades serving meals to media practitioners and members of the public .

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For years, Hajiya Hadiza’s food stand was more than a place to eat. It served as a meeting point where reporters, editors and guests gathered for meals, conversations and moments of relaxation amid their demanding schedules.

Beyond her role as a food vendor, she was widely recognized for providing employment opportunities to young women, many of whom learned valuable skills and earned a livelihood through her business.

Several journalists who spoke on the development recalled her kindness, generosity and motherly disposition. They noted that she treated customers with respect and maintained strong relationships with people from different walks of life.

Members of the NUJ Press Centre described her as an integral part of the environment, saying her contributions over the years helped shape the social fabric of the press community. They prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal rest.

As tributes continue to pour in, many say Hajiya Hadiza’s legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched, the young women she empowered and the memories she created among generations of journalists who passed through the Press Centre.

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