Month: August 2026

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has entered into a formal partnership with the College of Peace and Reconciliation Studies (CPRS) to strengthen peacebuilding, research, capacity development and reconciliation efforts in Nigeria.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on August 19, 2026, with the IPCR represented by its Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, while the College of Peace and Reconciliation Studies was represented by its Rector, Rev. Prof. Joseph Maren Sampson.

Under the agreement, both institutions will collaborate on peacebuilding training, research initiatives, capacity-building workshops and reconciliation activities aimed at equipping students, researchers and practitioners with practical knowledge and skills for promoting peace and resolving conflicts.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Prof. Joseph Maren Sampson described the signing as a major milestone for academic excellence and collaborative research in the region.

He said the agreement, finalized alongside the Director-General of IPCR, would create new opportunities for the institution while strengthening its academic programmes through collaboration with a federal government think-tank.

Representing the College at the signing ceremony were Prof. Joseph Maren Sampson, the College Registrar, Mr. Stephen Pwaspo Mangniang, and the Student Representative, Mr. Joseph Dung.

Prof. Sampson said the partnership would add immense value, depth and credibility to the College’s academic programmes by connecting grassroots academic training with federal-level policy research and expertise.

According to him, the collaboration is expected to expand opportunities for students, researchers and practitioners working in the areas of peacebuilding, reconciliation and institutional development.

He further noted that the partnership would contribute to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical peacebuilding efforts, while creating a platform for deeper research and capacity development across Nigeria.

The MOU is expected to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two organisations and provide a framework for joint initiatives that promote sustainable peace, conflict prevention, reconciliation and human capacity development.

The partnership comes at a time when the need for stronger collaboration between academic institutions and policy-oriented organisations remains critical to addressing Nigeria’s complex peace and security challenges.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, has relocated his tactical headquarters from Jos to Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following the deadly attack on Bin-Per community in Kombun District.

The decision comes after an early morning attack on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in which 23 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed.

Dangana arrived in Mangu on Wednesday, August 19, accompanied by additional troops, military equipment and other operational resources to strengthen security operations and personally assess the situation on the ground.

The GOC said relocating the tactical headquarters would enable him to closely monitor developments and conduct immediate, on-the-spot assessments of security challenges in the area.

“For some time now, especially with the attack in Bin-Per village where we lost a number of persons, I decided to relocate my headquarters from Jos to Mangu here,” Dangana said.

“So, my tactical headquarters is here. I’m going to be here to have a close view of what is happening and be able to have an on-the-spot assessment.”

He explained that his deployment to Mangu was backed by additional manpower and resources aimed at enhancing the military’s capacity to respond to threats and protect residents.

Dangana also announced the commencement of Operation Hard Knot, a new military operation aimed at confronting and eliminating security threats in Mangu and other affected parts of Plateau State.

“Operation we will be beginning with Operation Hard Knot today to crack any knot that is a problem for us here on the Plateau and particularly in Mangu,” he said.

The Army commander assured residents that troops would intensify operations across affected communities, clear areas of threats and work to restore lasting security.

“We are here to clear every area for the period we’re going to be here and make sure that our citizens here are safe and remain very safe,” he said.

The relocation of the tactical headquarters and deployment of additional troops come amid heightened security concerns in Mangu following the Bin-Per attack.

With Operation Hard Knot now underway, the Nigerian Army is expected to maintain a stronger and sustained presence in the area as security forces work to prevent further attacks and protect communities across the affected parts of Plateau State.

Concerned journalists in Plateau State have rejected what they described as an attempt by Mr. Andrew Nanyak Daman, popularly known as Shaks, to blackmail, disparage and undermine the integrity of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo.

The journalists said the recent comments allegedly attributed to Mr. Daman, particularly those circulated on social media, were unfortunate and appeared to be a continuation of efforts to create unnecessary division among journalists, the NUJ leadership and the Plateau State Government.

They recalled that journalists in the state had collectively passed a vote of confidence in the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap, stressing that the decision was taken in the interest of the profession and should not be misconstrued as an attack on any individual or group.

The journalists also dismissed as inaccurate the alleged claim that there has been a court case between the NUJ and the Plateau State Publishers Association over any dispute, maintaining that no such matter has been brought before the courts to their knowledge.

They therefore questioned the basis of the alleged attacks on the NUJ Chairman, particularly the claim that she has deliberately sidelined chapels in an attempt to perpetuate herself in office.

According to the journalists, Mrs. Pwaspo was duly elected alongside her executive committee and has served for the past three years. They noted that her leadership has received the support and endorsement of journalists across the state, which they said demonstrates confidence in her administration.

The journalists further rejected insinuations that the NUJ Chairman is working against the Plateau State Government or belongs to any political camp, stressing that journalism is a profession that demands objectivity, independence, fairness and responsible reporting.

They urged Mr. Daman to exercise restraint, verify information and use established professional channels to ventilate any genuine grievances rather than making allegations on social media that could damage the reputation of individuals and institutions.

They also advised him, particularly as someone related to the First Family of Plateau State, to conduct himself with decorum and responsibility, noting that public statements capable of generating unnecessary controversy could inadvertently embarrass the government and the people of the state.

The journalists called for an end to the politicization of professional journalism and urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and responsible communication in resolving disagreements.

They stressed that differences within the media profession are normal but should be addressed through the appropriate structures of the NUJ and other recognised mechanisms rather than through personal attacks and unverified allegations.

The group finally appealed to members of the public and the wider media community to disregard unverified claims and allow relevant professional institutions to address genuine grievances through established channels.

United Kingdom | August 16, 2026

PDP Governorship Candidate Unveils Plateau Consensus Brain Trust, Calls on Professionals at Home and in Diaspora to Help Shape State’s Future

Entrepreneur, politician and philanthropist Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano, PDP governorship candidate for Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election, has outlined a governance agenda centred on security, inclusive leadership, economic development and the mobilisation of Plateau professionals at home and in the diaspora.

Speaking during the Plateau State Association Cultural Event 2026 in the United Kingdom, Kefiano said the challenge of insecurity must remain one of the foremost concerns of anyone seeking to govern Plateau State.

He pledged to confront the security situation with determination, strong political will and a comprehensive strategy combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

According to him, while effective security operations, intelligence gathering and cooperation with relevant agencies are necessary to protect communities, lasting peace will also require dialogue, community engagement, conflict prevention, youth empowerment, economic opportunities and deliberate peace-building efforts.

Kefiano maintained that Plateau cannot fully realise its potential in agriculture, tourism, mining, investment, education or enterprise without first creating an environment in which citizens and businesses feel safe.

PLATEAU CONSENSUS BRAIN TRUST

A major part of Kefiano’s address focused on the Plateau Consensus Brain Trust, which he described as an initiative designed to bring together the knowledge, experience and professional expertise of Plateau sons and daughters, irrespective of where they live.

He said the initiative would invite professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, experts and other stakeholders from Plateau State, both at home and across the diaspora, to contribute their quota towards finding practical solutions to the challenges facing the state.

The Brain Trust, he explained, would draw expertise from critical sectors including security, the economy, education, healthcare, mining, technology, agriculture, infrastructure and other areas essential to Plateau’s development.

Rather than limiting policy development to government officials and political appointees, Kefiano said his vision is to create avenues through which Plateau professionals with knowledge and experience in different fields can contribute ideas, research and workable solutions capable of driving sustainable growth.

He stressed that the objective is to harness Plateau’s human capital wherever it exists and translate that collective expertise into policies and programmes that can move the state towards an admirable position nationally and globally.

For Kefiano, the development of Plateau State is a collective responsibility.

He insisted that every son and daughter of Plateau must have a sense of belonging in the governance and development of the state, adding that no individual, community, profession or section of the state should feel excluded.

His administration, he said, would pursue an inclusive system of governance that listens to citizens, engages professionals and communities, and recognises that the growth and prosperity of Plateau belong to everyone.

Kefiano also called on Plateau indigenes in the diaspora to become more actively involved in the political, economic and developmental affairs of the state.

“The strength of our state is in our people, both at home and abroad,” he said. “I call on all members of the diaspora to support the politics of Plateau State and invest in initiatives that will move our communities forward.”

He said diaspora engagement should go beyond financial contributions to include knowledge transfer, investment, professional expertise, mentoring, technology, international networks and participation in policy development.

SUPPORT FOR PLATEAU STATE ASSOCIATION

Kefiano commended the Plateau State Association for sustaining the cultural identity of Plateau people in the United Kingdom and for providing a platform that connects the diaspora with developments at home.

During the event, Chief Kefiano presented £2,000 to the Plateau State Association in support of its activities.

He further pledged to be a lead sponsor of the association, reaffirming his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote Plateau culture, unity, networking and stronger engagement between citizens at home and those in the diaspora.

The cultural gathering featured colourful traditional performances celebrating Plateau State’s rich cultural heritage and diversity, including a special dance presentation by members of the Ngas community in honour of Kefiano.

As Plateau looks towards the 2027 governorship election, Kefiano said his agenda would prioritise security and peace-building, inclusive governance, job creation, education, healthcare, economic expansion, mining, technology, youth empowerment, enterprise and community-driven development.

At the heart of that vision, he said, is a government that does not claim to have all the answers but is prepared to bring Plateau’s best minds to the table, listen to communities and build solutions collectively.

Kefiano maintained that Plateau possesses enormous human, cultural and economic potential and can attain greater national and global relevance when its people are secure, united and given meaningful opportunities to participate in determining the future of their state.

Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano is an entrepreneur, politician and philanthropist and a PDP governorship candidate for Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election. His agenda places security, inclusive governance, economic opportunity, professional participation and sustainable development at the centre of his vision for Plateau State.

Written by
Engr Charles David Tanko
DUKE OF JOS

FOR
Britnaija360.com

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is expected to offer employment opportunities to qualified Nigerians in its 2026 recruitment exercise, covering various technical, operational and administrative positions within the maritime sector.

For job seekers interested in building a career in Nigeria’s maritime industry, NPA opportunities can provide avenues for professional development and long-term career growth.

Available Positions

Depending on the vacancies advertised, recruitment opportunities may include entry-level, trainee and professional positions such as:

• Trainee Seaman
• Signalman-in-Training
• Marine Engineering Trainee
• Pilot Trainee
• Marine Officer II
• Senior Marine Engineer
• Radio Officer
• Assistant Manager, Harbours

Applicants should note that available positions and requirements may vary with each recruitment exercise.

General Requirements

While specific vacancies may have additional conditions, applicants may be required to meet some of the following criteria:

Educational Qualifications: Entry-level positions may require SSCE/WASSCE with relevant credits, including English Language and Mathematics. Technical and professional positions may require OND, HND or bachelor’s degrees in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering or related disciplines.

Age Requirement: Depending on the position, applicants may be required to fall within a specified age range, particularly for trainee and entry-level roles.

Professional Certifications: Candidates applying for specialised maritime positions may need relevant professional certifications, including Certificates of Competency and valid seafarers’ medical fitness certificates.

Other Skills: Basic computer knowledge, good communication skills and relevant technical or operational experience may also be required.

How to Apply for NPA Recruitment 2026

Interested applicants are advised to follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official NPA Website: Check the Nigerian Ports Authority’s official website at nigerianports.gov.ng for verified recruitment announcements and active vacancies.
2. Check Available Vacancies: Carefully review the advertised positions and select only those for which you meet the stated qualifications and requirements.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Depending on the position, applicants may be asked to provide educational certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, certificate of state of origin and relevant professional licences.
4. Complete the Application Form: Where an official online application portal is provided, enter your personal, educational and professional information accurately.
5. Submit the Application: Review all information before submitting the application and ensure it is completed before the official deadline.
6. Keep Your Confirmation Details: Applicants should retain their application/reference number, acknowledgement slip or other confirmation details for future correspondence.

Beware of Recruitment Scams

Applicants should exercise caution when applying for NPA jobs. Recruitment information should be obtained only through official NPA channels, and candidates should avoid individuals or websites requesting money in exchange for employment, shortlisting or preferential treatment.

Job seekers should also verify that any recruitment announcement is genuine and currently active before submitting personal information or documents.

Important: The positions, requirements, application dates and procedures for the 2026 recruitment exercise should be confirmed directly through the Nigerian Ports Authority’s official channels before applying.