Month: September 2025

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NYSC Corps Members Empowers Jos South Youths Through Vocational Skills Initiative

The grand finale of the Off-the-Street Empowerment Project held on 4th September 2025 at Crispan Hotel, Jos, drawing community leaders, government officials, sponsors, NYSC representatives, and beneficiaries together in a celebration of impact and youth transformation.

The event marked the culmination of weeks of training, mentorship, and empowerment for 20 young participants selected from Kufang community, Jos South. It showcased not only the vision of Corps member Tertsea Iorpuu Murphy and his team, the initiator of the project, but also the collective support of stakeholders who believe in equipping youths with sustainable skills to combat idleness and foster economic independence.

Representatives of government agencies, community leaders, sponsors, parents, and beneficiaries all expressed heartfelt gratitude, underscoring the project’s significance not only to the participants but also to the wider Plateau community.

The NYSC Local Government Inspector for Jos South, Mr. Kachalla Hamza, expressed pride in Murphy’s vision and commitment. “When he came to me with this idea, I encouraged him. I was pleasantly surprised when he showed me the list of partners supporting him. To the beneficiaries, I urge you to use the training and the tools given today wisely. In today’s Nigeria, one source of livelihood is not enough—you need skills to survive,” he advised.

In the same spirit, Community Leader, Da Francis Choji, reflected on how the project started with a simple request for idle youths in the community to be mobilized. “I never knew today would be a grateful day like this. The youth have received their training, and I pray they will use it well to help themselves, others, and those coming behind,” he remarked, while also offering prayers for the Corps Member and his team.

The representative of Mrs. Julie G. Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, conveyed her message of support, emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment in peacebuilding. “Since 2001, many young people in Plateau have not experienced true peace. This initiative by Murphy is not only fulfilling NYSC requirements but leaving behind a legacy of hope, strength, and peaceful coexistence. We were inspired to partner because he identified the role of youths in both conflict and peace. This project is indeed gigantic, and we are proud to support it,” she said.

One of the sponsors, Mrs. Violet Adama Kaburuk, described Murphy as a “son of the Plateau” whom she had mentored closely. “He has done us proud, his parents proud, Benue people proud, and the NYSC proud. To the beneficiaries, don’t take this for granted. Use your start-up kits wisely and always remember Murphy and his family in your prayers,” she urged.

In an emotional tribute, Sir James Iorpuu, Murphy’s father and Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency, expressed pride in his son’s achievement. “This project is not just a program, it is a mission. Twenty young people have been given tools for destiny and livelihood. I have always told my son that the true measure of a man is not what he accumulates for himself, but in the number of lives he transforms. Today, Murphy has proven that truth,” he said, urging beneficiaries to multiply the opportunities given to them.

DG Aondoaseer Leo-Angelo Viashima commended Corps member Tertsea Murphy’s Off-the-Street Empowerment Program as exemplary service. Reflecting on his NYSC journey, he noted how mentorship shaped his international career. He stressed that NYSC can “form or deform” lives, urging youths to embrace diligence, discipline, and selflessness to drive community transformation.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Sunday Abdu, described Murphy as a “quintessential young man” whose project would outlive him. Drawing on biblical references, he encouraged the beneficiaries to see their start-up kits not just as material gifts but as seeds of greatness. “What you have now is a small beginning—never look down on it. Use it to stand and fly higher. This initiative will ripple through generations, and I pledge to support and follow up with these youths even beyond this program,” he promised.

Adding his voice, Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shekarau commended Murphy’s courage to give back to a community that is not even his native home. “This shows there is hope for Nigeria. The Igbo are successful because they raise one another. If we all commit to lifting just one person, the impact will multiply across generations. Empowerment like this is not just about the present; it is about shaping the future,” he said.

In his address, Tertsea Murphy Iorpuu explained that the empowerment project was inspired by the need to curb youth idleness and social vices in Kufang by equipping young people with sustainable skills for financial independence. Twenty participants received start-up equipment to immediately launch businesses, with a monitoring system in place to track progress. He expressed gratitude to government agencies, sponsors, NYSC officials, media partners, and his family for their support. Addressing beneficiaries, he urged discipline, wise use of the tools provided, and the replication of knowledge through training others. He called for collective action to build a society of opportunity.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Nancy Mancha, could not hide her joy. “I really appreciate this big opportunity they gave us about this program. Before now, I was just finishing my secondary school. This program is a huge opportunity for me, and I will make sure to use it well,” she said, radiating gratitude.

The event climaxed with the presentation of start-up equipment to the 20 beneficiaries, who were trained in vocations such as baking, shoemaking, make-up artistry, and others.

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Hajiya Riyan Adamu Foundation Sponsors Free Health Insurance for 300 Jos North Residents

In a bid to ease healthcare burdens of Jos North residents, the Hajiya Riyan Adamu Charity Foundation has partnered with the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) to provide free health insurance to more than 300 people in the community. The initiative, fully sponsored by Hon. Dr. Adamu Aliyu, Member representing Jos North-North in the Plateau State House of Assembly, is designed to ease the burden of medical expenses and expand access to affordable healthcare.

Speaking on the intervention, Coordinator of the Foundation, Aliyu Muwaffak Gudus, explained that many residents of Jos North cannot afford even basic drugs, a challenge that prompted the sponsorship. “This initiative was created to lessen the hardship of our people when it comes to accessing healthcare. By covering the premiums for 300 beneficiaries, we are reaching the grassroots communities where medical care is most needed,” he said.

The insurance package purchased by the foundation covers premiums worth ₦12,000 each for one year. Head of Enrollment at PLASCHEMA, Josh Dagean, confirmed that the scheme will enable enrollees to access healthcare at highly subsidized rates. He explained that beneficiaries would only pay 10% of medical bills while the insurance shoulders the rest. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, persons living with diabetes, sickle cell disease, and disabilities, were among those enrolled.

While presenting insurance cards to some of the beneficiaries, Hon. Dr. Adamu Aliyu expressed his satisfaction with the initiative. He recalled his experience as a civil servant, noting that it helped him understand the importance of health insurance in reducing people’s suffering. “This is a government-backed program introduced under former Governor Simon Bako Lalong, and I commend the legislation that continues to strengthen it. Our people deserve healthcare relief, and this program is one step towards achieving that,” he said.

Dr. Aliyu further encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the scheme, highlighting that it was designed to significantly reduce hospital bills for citizens. He praised the collaborative effort between the foundation and PLASCHEMA, describing it as an example of leadership rooted in compassion and responsibility.

Godwin Okechukwu, representing the Forum of Desk Officers for Health Insurance, urged the beneficiaries to use the scheme responsibly. He stressed that while most medical needs are covered, exclusions apply to cases such as injuries from domestic violence or risky adventures. “This scheme is here to serve you, but it requires responsible usage for sustainability,” he cautioned.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Joe Bukar, wife of the Plateau State House of Assembly member representing Shendam, applauded the effort of Hajiya Riyan Adamu and Hon. Dr. Aliyu. She called on other lawmakers to replicate such interventions in their constituencies, noting that healthcare support is one of the most direct ways to impact lives positively.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude in heartfelt words. Saratu Babaji, Women Leader of Angwan Rogo/Rimi, described Hajiya Riyan Adamu as “a kind and devoted woman whose commitment to the people is evident in this gesture.” She praised both the foundation and Dr. Aliyu as exemplary leaders. Another beneficiary, Sani Aliwal Hassan, commended the program as a welcome idea and urged more stakeholders to emulate the initiative in order to support vulnerable communities.

The initiative, according to stakeholders, not only provides relief for struggling families but also reinforces the importance of health insurance as a tool for achieving universal healthcare coverage in Plateau State.

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“No One Can Hold Party To Ransom”, PDP Dares Wike, Ortom Fayose, Others

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a hardline stance against former governors Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Ayo Fayose, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi after they issued a six-point ultimatum to the National Working Committee (NWC), declaring that the party will not be blackmailed or hijacked.

The clash came to a head in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration of the 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (Main Committee), where PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed; Chairman of the Convention Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; and former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, represented by former Kaduna Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, openly confronted the threats to the party’s unity.

Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and his allies had demanded fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra in line with court rulings, a new South East Zonal Congress, immediate conduct of Ekiti LGA congresses, respect for the South South Congress outcome upheld by the courts, an end to micro-zoning beyond the NEC’s approved formula, and retention of the National Chairmanship in the North Central. They warned that failure to comply would render the forthcoming convention invalid.

But Bala Mohammed was blunt in his response, warning that PDP governors would not allow the party to be dragged into self-destruction.

“We are not cowards. We are not afraid of anybody. But we cannot continue to keep quiet and allow people to take us to the slaughterhouse. That is their job. Our job is to make sure we don’t go to the slaughterhouse. We will not allow it. Accommodation does not mean stupidity. If anybody wants to form a faction of fools, we will allow him to go and do so,” he declared, sending a direct shot at Wike and his camp.

“We are working with the National Working Committee to ensure discipline is maintained. PDP is the only party that has remained consistent since 1999, and we will not allow anybody to take it for granted. Enough is enough,” he added.

National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum reinforced the defiance, declaring that the party would not break under pressure.

“Today, I say with conviction that the PDP is not broken. The PDP is not defeated. The PDP is marching forward; stronger, more determined, and better prepared to reclaim the presidency of this great country and rebuild Nigeria from the mismanagement of the current ruling party,” Damagum thundered.

He went further, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of backing internal saboteurs in order to destabilise the PDP.

“The ruling party has shown no regard for democracy. Their only interest lies in disenfranchising voters and stealing mandates. Just as our founding fathers once challenged the military, we too must rescue Nigeria’s democracy from undemocratic forces,” he charged.

Senator Ahmed Makarfi, representing Senator Wabara, appealed for restraint but also warned that the majority would not be held hostage by a few.

“The work of the convention planning committee is quite challenging. It is not about excluding anybody, but it is also not about denying the majority their right to prevail, because that is what democracy is about. A convention is not about 100 per cent agreement, but about the overwhelming majority. That is what must be reflected at the convention,” Makarfi said.

Convention Committee Chairman, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, vowed to deliver a free and fair convention, making it clear that no amount of pressure from within or outside the party would derail the process.

“I will not place our relationships above this party. I will deliver on my assignment. Nobody will be denied the chance to contest any position. Buy the forms, submit them, and test your popularity before the delegates. That is how democracy works,” he declared.

Taking aim at PDP members who frequently escalate issues to the press, Fintiri lashed out: “Let us not take all our matters to the media. It is becoming too embarrassing. If you are a party man, you settle issues within the party. We will not allow indiscipline and blackmail to derail this process.”

He assured members that his committee would deliver ‘the fairest and most credible convention ever’ and called on them to rise above selfish interests.

“The Secretariat is open, the work begins now, and I call on all members of the committee to sacrifice personal comfort to ensure that we deliver a transparent, successful convention that will send a clear message: PDP is alive, PDP is united, and PDP is ready to take power,” Fintiri said.

Party leaders made it clear they would no longer bend to threats. While Wike and his allies may have set demands, the PDP leadership insisted the party’s future will be guided by discipline, majority will, and readiness to return to power.