NEWS
Stakeholders Converge on Jos for North Central Zonal Transport Conference
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Stakeholders in the transport sector has converged in Jos the Plateau State capital to chat about a common front for the transformation of the transport systems in the region towards meeting global standards.The Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria in collaboration with the Plateau State Government with the theme: “Transforming Transport Infrastructure for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria,” held at Crispan Hotel, brought together participants across Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau state respectively.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang declaring the conference open on Wednesday expressed the commitment of his administration to strengthen the transport sector which he said is key to the economic boost of Plateau state, the region and the entire country.The Governor represented by the Head of Civil Service Stephen Pam Godong said there is an urgent need to revamp the transportation system within the region in order to unlock the vast economic potential that lies within the region.Mutfwang emphasizes, “As a nation, and particularly in the North Central region, we are confronted with the urgent need to revamp our transportation systems whether by road, rail, air, or waterways in order to unlock the vast economic potential that lies within our states and across the country.”For us in Plateau State, the transformation of transport infrastructure is not just a matter of development, it is a catalyst for peace, integration, economic prosperity, and job creation. A well-connected Plateau is a prosperous Plateau. We understand that no economy can thrive without a robust transport network.”Efficient logistics drive down the cost of goods, connect markets, boost tourism, facilitate trade, and encourage investments. Therefore, we are committed to prioritizing road rehabilitation, exploring rail linkages, and modernizing our urban and rural transport systems.” The Governor assured the gatheringMutfwang stressed that the state cannot do it alone but with strong collaboration. “We know we cannot walk this journey alone, that is why gatherings like this are crucial. The expertise and recommendations that will emerge from this conference can inform policy, strengthen inter-state collaborations, and guide implementation strategies at both state and regional levels,” Mutfwang emphasisedThe Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, Prince Begun Ochuko Obayendo said the conference brought them together to evaluate not only where the region is but also how they can move forward collectively.He stressed that in most parts of the world, transport is well-regulated, well-funded, and given its rightful place in national development. “We must ask why it is not so here. We are gathered here to address that.Obayendo maintained that as a region, and the country at large, they must work towards building an intelligent transportation system with interconnected, accessible data across states. “The data from Kogi should be accessible in Plateau; Plateau’s should be visible in Lagos; that is how we modernize our systems.”Let’s also not forget our inland waterways. We’ve seen tragic incidents of boats capsizing, lives lost. Why does this keep happening? Is there no solution? Are we truly helpless? Last year alone, the number of deaths on inland waterways was alarming.”One of the problems is that these sectors, especially road and water transport are dominated by unlicensed, untrained, and unprofessional operators. Who licenses them? How were their vessels or vehicles certified? Are they even certified at all?”Until we fix these human capital issues, we will continue to abuse our infrastructure. It’s not enough to build roads and bus terminals if the people using them are not regulated or trained. The same applies to rail. While it is yet unconfirmed, initial reports suggest the recent derailment may have been due to vandalism.” He expressed concernsThe Plateau state Commissioner of Transport Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau noted that with the recent signing of the National Transport Policy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “We are currently working on the Plateau State Transport Policy to align it with contemporary realities and national guidelines.”A robust and harmonized framework will ensure proper regulation, licensing, safety enforcement, and capacity development for transport operators across the state,” he stated.
By David Torough, Abuja
The founders and Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr. Paul and Dr. (Mrs.) Becky Enenche, have successfully trained and empowered 100 individuals in agribusiness as part of their commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Dr.
Paul Enenche made the announcement during the church’s Thanksgiving and Testimony Service on Sunday, highlighting the initiative as a strategic effort to promote self-reliance and agricultural productivity.According to the cleric, each beneficiary will be allocated at least one hectare of farmland to commence farming activities upon completion of the training programme.
He further disclosed that the beneficiaries will receive monthly stipends to support them until their agricultural produce is ready for harvest.Dr. Enenche noted that the training and empowerment programme represents a significant investment, with each participant’s training costing approximately ₦500,000.
The beneficiaries, who constitute Batch A of the Entrepreneurship Agribusiness Training Programme, graduated from the C.S.S. Farm and Skills Acquisition Centre located along the Keffi–Abuja Road. The entire programme was fully sponsored by Dr Paul,Dr (Mrs.) Becky Enenche and the church as part of their ongoing efforts to empower individuals with practical skills and sustainable means of livelihood.
The initiative reflects the church’s commitment to transforming lives through both spiritual and socio-economic empowerment.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election, saying INEC has no candidate or political party to favour.
In a post obtained from INEC’s X handle on Sunday, Amupitan stated this during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb.
Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of the commission’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for the 2027 elections.The visit formed part of activities surrounding INEC’s planned interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment at the zonal level.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Aides and other senior officials of the commission.
Amupitan described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their influence and reach within communities.
He said elections were fundamentally about the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office, stressing that public trust was essential to the success of democracy.
According to him, INEC has commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria.
He said the commission had moved away from last-minute preparations and was testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan assured the Emir that INEC remained committed to neutrality, fairness and transparency in the conduct of elections.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” the INEC chairman said.
He added that the commission would continue engaging traditional institutions and other stakeholders as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has deployed personnel to Garko Local Government Area to track and contain dogs suspected to be infected with rabies.
The service said the suspected rabid dog had bitten 18 people in Garko and its environs.
The NFSS State Commander, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the service, Usman Abdullahi-Umar, on Sunday in Kano.
Al’ameen said: “The command received a distress report at about 2 p.m. that a dog suspected to be rabid has attacked residents in Garko town.
“The dog has so far bitten 11 persons in Garko town before moving to neighbouring communities, including Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai.
“It has also attacked and bitten seven additional persons in the affected communities.”
The commander further explained that they had received another report that two more dogs had been infected with rabies in the area.
Al’ameen said personnel of NFSS Garko Division, under the leadership of the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, had been deployed to the affected areas to track and contain the infected dogs.
He urged residents of Garko and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report sightings of stray or suspected rabid dogs to the nearest NFSS office or other security agencies.
The commander also advised residents who might have been bitten by suspected rabid dogs to seek immediate medical attention.
Al’ameen assured residents that the NFSS would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.(NAN)
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