Christian youths from Benue, Southern Bauchi, Southern Kaduna, and Plateau State have issued a strong call for urgent government intervention in what they described as coordinated attacks, displacement, and religious persecution of indigenous Christian communities across the Middle Belt.
The coalition, comprising leaders from the Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), addressed a joint press conference on Friday where they condemned the killings, destruction of farmlands, and forceful occupation of ancestral lands in the region.
According to the youths, the violence is often misrepresented as farmers-herders clashes, communal disputes, or attacks by “unknown gunmen.” They argued that such descriptions mask the true nature of the crisis, which they insisted amounts to a deliberate campaign of ethnic cleansing and religious persecution.
“We are disturbed by the continuous killings and destruction in our communities. Bullets and machetes do not recognize denominational boundaries. Catholic, Anglican, ECWA, COCIN, NKST—all are targets,” the statement read.
The youths said many victims had been killed, displaced, kidnapped, or subjected to rape and abduction, while minors were being forcefully converted. They also pointed to systemic discrimination, citing the denial of civil service opportunities, refusal to implement gazetted chiefdoms such as the Zaar Chiefdom in Bauchi State, and imposition of non-indigenous leaders on Christian-majority communities.
Their Demands
The coalition outlined a series of demands they believe are critical to restoring peace and justice in the Middle Belt: 1. Recognition of the true nature of the crisis – Rejecting the narrative of “farmers-herders clashes” and naming the violence for what it is: deliberate ethnic cleansing. 2. Return of displaced persons – Immediate and permanent return of displaced Christians to their ancestral homes, not mere resettlement. 3. Land rights – Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to displaced persons over their ancestral lands to affirm their legal titles. 4. Farmers’ rights – Legal protection for farmers to cultivate their farmlands without harassment from cattle herders. 5. Disarmament of attackers – Government action to seize sophisticated weapons from extremists to prevent communities from resorting to armed self-defense. 6. Justice and accountability – Arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, stressing that “they are not spirits.” 7. Security reform – Impartial and professional conduct by security forces in protecting lives and property without religious bias. 8. Speedy trials – Immediate trials for indigenous Christian youths detained by security agencies. 9. Equitable governance – Equal distribution of state resources and opportunities regardless of religion. 10. Respect for traditional authority – Recognition of the right of Zaar people in Bauchi State to freely choose their chief without imposition. 11. Security architecture review – Strengthening community policing to restore confidence in security agencies.
The youths cautioned that continued silence and politicization of the crisis could worsen instability in the country.
“Meeting these demands will restore the faith of our people in the Nigerian State and demonstrate that government is committed to justice, which is fundamental to peace,” they declared.
History was made in Plateau State as Lingzhi Global successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Coffee Festival International Nigeria. The prestigious event drew coffee producers and stakeholders from across the globe, including Ethiopia, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, and others, positioning Plateau as a new hub for global coffee culture and trade.
In her welcome address, the CEO of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd., Blessing Nanman, described the International Coffee Festival as the first of its kind in Nigeria, with participants from over 30 countries. She said the event was designed to promote skills development and showcase the rich heritage of Plateau State through coffee.
Nanman revealed that the vision of Lingzhi Global is to create over 10,000 jobs within the first three years by building a sustainable coffee value chain. According to her, both government and the private sector would be involved to drive economic growth.
She further urged Nigerians, especially the people of Plateau, to embrace patience, sacrifice, and unity in order to achieve their dreams. She prayed that the festival would renew belief in the greatness of Nigeria and open opportunities to share the state’s fertile land and natural resources with the world.
Declaring the Coffee Festival International Nigeria open, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, said coffee is a key cash crop for Plateau State.
He noted that his administration is committed to developing the value chain and encouraging young people to embrace entrepreneurship. “Plateau is safe, full of culture, and blessed with the best weather and the best quality coffee,” he said.
The Governor praised Lingzhi Global CEO, Blessing Nanman, for promoting coffee and Plateau internationally. He also announced the government’s support with a one-million-naira purchase of 20 copies of her newly launched Lindsay Coffee magazine.
Dr. Ehindame Paul, President of the Coffee and Tea Association, explained that Nigeria’s coffee industry collapsed in the 1980s due to global price crashes, the exit of the United States from the International Coffee Organization, and the Structural Adjustment Program. He noted that many farmers abandoned coffee after government commodity boards were scrapped.
According to him, the government is now reviving the sector with private sector support through the Coffee Association of Nigeria. Paul praised Plateau State for its role and described coffee as Nigeria’s “real crude oil,” stressing that it can create huge job opportunities for young people.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, also praised Blessing Nanman for bringing the Coffee Festival International to Plateau State. “This event has placed Plateau on the global coffee map,” she said, urging government and farmers to keep supporting the project.
She added that coffee can create jobs and transform lives, noting that Plateau is blessed and destined to become a global hub for coffee.
Brazilian coffee specialist, Rebecca Nogueira, described the Coffee Festival International in Nigeria as “an amazing movement” with great potential. She said, “If Nigeria decides to make coffee a big industry, it is possible, and Brazil is ready to support from seed to cup.”
Nogueira praised Madam Blessing Nanman for driving the festival and revealed that she and her colleague, Natalia, were invited to explore possible collaboration between Brazil and Nigeria.
The Coffee Festival International in Jos also thrilled guests with cultural performances by Dantala, Asharuwa dancers, and Afri Theater Abuja, while special appearances from Anthony Amaechi Umeh, Lilian Uchenna, Nwosu Ngozi, and veteran actor Francis Duru added glamour to the event.
Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos has called on leaders and faithfuls of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resolve all pending issues and unite the party ahead of 2027 general elections.
This came during the PDP Northern Zone caucus meeting where His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, was formally endorsed for the 2027 governorship race in Plateau State.
Speaking at the event, Da Jonah Jang, a founding father of the party and former Governor of Plateau State, thanked the Northern Zone caucus for the confidence and support given to Governor Mutfwang. He further accepted the endorsement on behalf of the Governor, describing it as a step toward strengthening the PDP family.
Bagos emphasized that genuine reconciliation and unity remain key to sustaining good governance and securing victory for the PDP in Plateau State. In his words: “Let’s us not be cosmetic with the truth instead, let us come together to correct the betrayals by some party members during the last congresses”
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced an upward review of fees for the Nigerian Standard Passport, with the new charges set to take effect from September 1, 2025.
Under the new structure, the 32-page passport with a five-year validity will now cost ₦100,000, while the 64-page passport with a 10-year validity will be priced at ₦200,000.
NIS disclosed this in a statement by its spokesperson, ACI AS Akinlabi, on Thursday.
NIS said the revised fees only affect Passport Application fees made within Nigeria and that the adjustment is intended to maintain the quality and integrity of the passport.
“In a bid to uphold the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Passport, the Nigeria Immigration Service hereby announces an upward review of Nigerian Stardard Passport fees, set to take effect on 1st September, 2025,” NIS announced.
“The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee thresholds for 32-page with 5-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000.”
However, NIS also disclosed that passport application fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged.
It stated that applicants abroad will continue to pay $150 for the 32-page with five-year validity passport and $230 for the 64-page with 10-year validity.
“Meanwhile, Nigerian Passport Application fees made by Nigerians in diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for 32-page with 5-year validity and $230 for 64-page with 10-year validity.”
The Service reiterates its commitment to balancing quality service delivery with the need to ensure Passport services are accessible to all Nigerians.
Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd. has begun receiving coffee experts from over 30 countries ahead of the historic Coffee Festival International Nigeria, holding from August 28–30, 2025 at Langfield, Little Rayfield, Jos.
For the first time, Plateau State will host coffee stakeholders, farmers, roasters, baristas, and enthusiasts from around the world—including coffee giants like Brazil—to celebrate and transform coffee into a true driver of economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange.
This 3-day experience will feature: ✅ Barista competitions ✅ Coffee tastings & pairings with Plateau dishes ✅ Workshops, exhibitions & training sessions ✅ Showcases of coffee’s journey from planting to roasting, packaging & sales
But the vision goes beyond the festival! 🚀 Lingzhi Global plans to establish 821 coffee shops nationwide, mobile coffee carts, education centers & start-up grants for coffee and chocolate entrepreneurs—projected to create 10,000+ jobs in just 3 years.
Plateau’s unique altitude, fertile soil, and cool climate make Jos the perfect home for Nigeria’s coffee revolution. As Blessing Nanman, CEO of Lingzhi Global, says: “This is not just a beverage festival. It’s about empowerment, mindset shift, and national development.”
Jos is not just brewing coffee this August—it’s brewing opportunity, innovation, and national pride. 🇳🇬✨
Plateau State has taken a decisive step toward overhauling its internal revenue generation system by hosting a historic two-day Tax Summit focused on property and land administration. The engagement, which concluded on Friday, August 22, 2025, brought together top government officials, legal experts, technocrats, development partners, and community leaders to address long-standing challenges in harnessing domestic resources.
Themed “Unlocking Domestic Resources: Strengthening the Administration of Property and Land-Related Taxes in Plateau State,” the summit underscored the importance of land as a critical driver of internally generated revenue (IGR).
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the Government, Arch. Samuel N. Jatau, emphasized that the summit was not merely about taxation but about redefining governance and strengthening the social contract between government and citizens.
“Land is one of our greatest assets, yet it remains underutilized in driving development. What we are doing with this summit is to set a new tone—that Plateau must look inward, harness its resources, and build a transparent system of taxation that benefits every citizen. We cannot continue to rely solely on federal allocations. Our people deserve clean roads, running water, better schools, and hospitals, and these things require funding. Property and land taxes are not punishments; they are contributions from all of us toward building a state we are proud to call home,” the governor remarked.
He further pledged his administration’s commitment to reforms that will harmonize land administration, expand the tax net, and ensure fairness in enforcement. “We are determined to create a system that is fair, predictable, and transparent. A Plateau where citizens willingly comply because they trust that their taxes are being used wisely—that is the Plateau Project,” he concluded.
Shocking statistics presented at the summit revealed the scale of underperformance in property taxation. Despite NASA surveys identifying over one million buildings across Plateau State, only about 14,000 properties are currently captured in the tax net—representing just 1.4 percent of the state’s total building stock.
Dr. Jim Pam Wayas, Executive Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), likened the revenue gap to a medical emergency. “Revenue is to government what blood is to the human body. Without blood, the body cannot function. Plateau has been operating with just ‘six pints of blood’ when it could easily have seven or more,” he said.
Nationwide, property taxes account for less than five percent of total government revenue—far below international standards—making reform both urgent and inevitable.
Central to the summit’s deliberations was the challenge of harmonizing statutory land laws with living customary tenure systems. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Philemon Audu Daffi, emphasized that the problem was not a lack of taxing instruments, but rather the “fragmentation and visibility gap” in Nigeria’s land administration system.
“The central problem is not the absence of laws. Plateau already has a Property and Land Use Charge regime. The challenge lies in bridging the disjuncture between statutory land administration and customary tenure systems,” Daffi explained.
The Plateau Geographic Information Service (PLAGIS), represented by Mr. Sunday Bulus, showcased how digital property mapping and spatial data could transform tax administration. By integrating PLAGIS with PSIRS, property identification, valuation, billing, and collection could be automated—allowing property owners to receive demand notices via SMS or email and pay electronically from their homes.
“Data has become the new oil,” Dr. Wayas emphasized. “The question is: how do we harness it to generate wealth? That is why we are here.”
International perspectives were also shared. Dr. Titilola Akindeinde cited reforms in Sierra Leone, where locally tailored solutions have improved property taxation despite limited resources. Other experts, including Hon. Mustapha Ndajiwo and Tijjani Ahmed, presented research on taxation in Kaduna, Niger, and Ekiti States, with findings attracting interest from the Gates Foundation.
A major highlight of the summit was the inauguration of an Implementation Committee chaired by the Attorney General, with members drawn from ministries, PSIRS, local governments, and technical agencies. A seven-paper action plan was adopted, covering: 1. Harmonization of land tenure systems. 2. Capacity building for local governments. 3. Data-driven revenue forecasting. 4. Technology integration across agencies. 5. Community awareness and public education. 6. Objective property valuation reforms. 7. Updates to legal and regulatory frameworks.
Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Hon. Peter Nyam Gei, stressed that the reforms aim to eliminate duplication and harassment. “We want to make revenue generation a one-stop shop. Once you are given a demand notice and you make your payment, that’s it—you are done,” he said.
The second day shifted focus to the revenue performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) under the theme “Appraising the Revenue Performance of MDAs and the Way Forward.” Governor Mutfwang was represented by Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang.
A review of five years’ data showed chronic underperformance between 2020 and 2022, followed by a breakthrough in 2023 when Plateau achieved 102 percent of its budget and IGR rose to 34 percent. Performance climbed to 62 percent in 2024. However, mid-year 2025 data revealed that only 13.4 percent of MDAs had met at least half their revenue targets, while 63.4 percent performed below 25 percent, and 17.1 percent recorded no collection at all.
High performers included the Ministry of Information & Communication (1,243.76%), Ministry of Justice (729.43%), Jos Main Market Authority (428.96%), and Plateau State Scholarship Board (125%). Underperformers included the Ministries of Agriculture, Science and Technology, ICT Development Agency, and Health.
Recommendations included setting realistic targets, deepening automation, diversifying revenue sources (including land taxes and tourism), quarterly monitoring, performance contracts for MDA heads, and public recognition for high performers.
The summit concluded with optimism and determination. “Success means building a fair, predictable, and transparent system where citizens comply, government enforces, and ultimately everyone sees the results in better roads, water, security, and public services,” Dr. Wayas affirmed.
As federal allocations continue to decline, Plateau’s tax reform initiative may serve as a model for other states. By harmonizing land laws, integrating technology, and holding agencies accountable, the state is laying the foundation for sustainable governance and fiscal independence.
“This is not a talk-shop. We are moving beyond rhetoric to action,” one participant noted. With the Plateau Project now firmly underway, fair taxation is set to meet robust governance, unlocking domestic resources for the benefit of all citizens.
Youths across all districts that made up the six local governments of Plateau North Senatorial Zone have called on the former member, representing Jos South/Jos East federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives Abuja, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, to run for the seat of Senator of Plateau North Senatorial District. The youths in their thousands adopted the former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, as its sole candidate.
The youths, who took turns to speak according to their local government areas, said in their unanimous statement that Hon. Bagos’s track record as a member representing the Jos South and Jos East federal constituency in the House of Representatives has set him high above others. They have outlined Bagos’s interventions in education, youth and women’s development, empowerment, etc., as the core indicators that informed the adoption of Hon. Bagos as their candidate. They said because vision resonates with the aspirations of youths in the Northern Zone.
They assured Hon. Bagos of unwavering support and dedication to the movement. Thus, the youths resolved to go back to the communities and electoral wards to further galvanize support for His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, and the former member.
While responding, Hon. Bagos thanked the youths for the call. He assured them that he would not fail them and charged them to see to it that they elected leaders that deliver the dividends of leadership as the one being exhibited by our leader and governor, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State. He encouraged the youth to see that they support His Excellency, the Governor, to continue with his laudable and impactful leadership of providing people of Plateau State with what they need.
Highlights of the events featured a panel discussion on the progress of Plateau North Senatorial District and music performances by different artists.
Dafwam Yakubu Danja Special Adviser Media and Publicity to Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos
Jos, Plateau State – The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) on Friday, August 22, paid a courtesy visit to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Jos (NOHJos), with a call for stronger collaboration to drive health awareness, effective information dissemination, and narrative control in the state.
The delegation was warmly received by the Chief Medical Director of NOHJos, Prof. Icha Inalegwu Onche, alongside the Director of Administration, Mr. Gideon Nchoka Adamu.
Speaking during the visit, PLABOMA’s Public Relations Officer, Peter Akpah, described the association as Nigeria’s first organized bloggers’ body, stressing its role in credibility and narrative management. “People now look to us for credible news. Even influencers among us seek our validation before posting,” he said. “We have sanitized the blogging space in Plateau. We don’t just add anyone—our members are screened for professionalism.”
In his remarks, PLABOMA Chairman, Mathew Tegha, highlighted the purpose of the visit, noting that it was beyond courtesy but a demonstration of the association’s commitment to building bridges between digital media and critical institutions. “The National Orthopedic Hospital Jos stands as a beacon of hope in specialized healthcare. Our mandate as PLABOMA is to shape narratives, amplify positive stories, and ensure that institutions like yours receive the visibility they deserve,” he said.
Tegha proposed areas of collaboration, including amplifying NOHJos’s success stories, promoting preventive health awareness, safeguarding the hospital’s reputation against misinformation, and strengthening digital community engagement. He later presented a formal partnership proposal to the hospital management.
Responding, Prof. Onche expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging the importance of new media in tackling misinformation and projecting institutional achievements. He also shed light on the hospital’s challenges and progress. “Since May, we have had nearly 400 patients in our outpatient department. Recruitment has been tough, but we are determined to deliver specialized orthopedic care. What is holding us back now is the lack of critical equipment from the Federal Ministry of Health, which we are still awaiting,” he said.
The CMD praised the Plateau State Governor for his support to the hospital despite it being a federal project. “The governor has done so much for us—even beyond his mandate. From road works to water supply, he has supported us, knowing that Plateau people will benefit. We remain grateful,” Prof. Onche added.
He emphasized the importance of credible reportage and urged bloggers to help counter misinformation. “If a wrong story goes out, it can damage us. This is why we value you as partners. We must work together to project the truth and strengthen public trust,” he told the delegation.
Also speaking, Mr. Gideon Nchoka Adamu, Director of Administration at NOHJos, thanked PLABOMA for deeming it fit to visit the institution, assuring them of the hospital’s openness to partnership. “Like the MD said, we will consider your proposal. Continue to promote peace, healthy living, and the voice of truth,” he said.
PLABOMA Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Audu Alex, in a closing remark, underscored the far-reaching impact of digital media. “A single post from a reputable platform can circulate within minutes and counter fake news. Our members are bound by professionalism and credibility, and we are always available to support institutions like NOHJos,” he stated.
The visit ended with assurances of mutual collaboration, with both parties agreeing on the need for digital media to strengthen healthcare communication and public trust.
The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Hon. John Kyohroh Christopher, has attributed the endorsement of Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for a second term to the Governor’s superlative performance since assuming office in 2023.
Hon. Christopher stated this on Saturday, 23rd August 2025, at the Ornate Pavilion during a gathering of stakeholders, officials of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), top government functionaries, supporters, and other well-wishers who converged to formally endorse the Governor’s re-election bid in 2027.
Moving the motion for the endorsement, Hon. Christopher said Jos North has experienced significant transformation under the Mutfwang-led administration, earning the Governor admiration and acceptability across all wards in the LGA and beyond. The motion was seconded by Hajiya Jamila Gwandu, drawing overwhelming support from the stakeholders present.
The Council Chairman affirmed that his administration has fully keyed into the “Time is Now” agenda of the present administration and called on citizens to continue to pray for its success. Reeling out projects executed under his watch and outlining his vision for Jos North, Hon. Christopher stressed that citizens of the area are determined to reward the Governor’s performance with greater electoral support in 2027.
In his welcome remarks, PDP Chairman of Jos North, Hon. Elijah Azi, commended party stakeholders, supporters, and residents for their consistent loyalty. He lauded Governor Mutfwang’s strides in infrastructure and governance, assuring that the people of Jos North will remain steadfast in ensuring his return for a second term.
Also speaking, Deputy Chairman of Jos North Council, Hon. Sani Kabiru Garkuwa, described the solidarity walk and endorsement as a demonstration of unity, hope, and unflinching loyalty to the Mutfwang administration, which continues to enjoy widespread acceptance.
Goodwill messages were delivered by former House of Representatives member for Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, Hon. Aminu Zang; Adviser to the Governor, Da Hon. Joseph Danladi; Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Peter Nyam Gai; Hon. Sunday Abdu the Executive Secretary Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Elder Sunday Gini, Hajiya Jamila Gwandu; and former Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Simon Mwadkwon. They all commended the people of Jos North for recognizing the Governor’s achievements, which they described as impactful and far-reaching.
They further urged citizens to remain united, participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and redouble their commitment toward ensuring Governor Mutfwang’s resounding victory in 2027. They pointed out that the current administration has made greater strides since assuming power than the previous administration did throughout its eight-year tenure.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of Jos South LGA, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung; Commissioner for Water and Energy, Hon. Bashir Lawandi Datti; Hon. Ishaya Gyang Secretary Jos North Local Government Council, former Plateau State House of Assembly Member, Hon. Surv. Esther Simi Dusu; Chairman of the Muslim Welfare Board, Alh. Aminu Abdullahi; former Jos North-West Constituency lawmakers, Hon. Yakubu Choji and Hon. Danjuma Azi; leaders and members of the Jos North Legislative Arm; top government appointees at local and state levels; elders, women, youths, support groups, and other party loyalists.
A notable highlight of the Event was the solidarity walk from Polo Roundabout to Ornate Pavilion Jos, venue of the event to garner public support for Governor Mutfwang.
