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Plateau Hosts World Bank Delegation as PEPSA Transfers Sanitation Projects to Communities

The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) hosted a high-level delegation from the World Bank Group as part of an assessment visit to ongoing water, sanitation and hygiene interventions being implemented in Plateau State under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme.

The delegation, led by the Global Director for Water at the World Bank, Saroji Kumar Jha, and the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, visited the state to review progress made in the sanitation and hygiene sector and to formally witness the handover of sanitation facilities constructed under the programme.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya stated that the ongoing fight against open defecation in Plateau State is based on a standing mandate given by the State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, directing the agency to take deliberate and practical steps toward ending open defecation across the state through sustained social and behavioural change campaigns, promotion of household toilet construction and use, and inclusive sanitation interventions that ensure vulnerable members of society are not left behind.

The Director General explained that the Governor’s political will has continued to guide sanitation reforms in the state and has strengthened the implementation of the SURWASH Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative being carried out in selected states across Nigeria, with Plateau State among the participating states due to its demonstrated commitment to improving water, sanitation and hygiene services.

As part of the activities reviewed during the visit, PEPSA presented progress recorded in community-led sanitation efforts in Jos South Local Government Area, where more than 200 household toilets have been constructed or upgraded in eight communities through behaviour-change campaigns and community participation.

Under the Institutional WASH component of the programme, the agency has also constructed 27 sanitation facilities in schools and primary healthcare centres to provide safer and more hygienic environments for pupils, patients and residents.

The World Bank delegation expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded so far and commended the Plateau State Government for the commitment shown toward achieving improved sanitation outcomes.

PEPSA noted that while Nigeria’s national target for ending open defecation is 2030, the Plateau State Government has set a more ambitious target of 2028, with officials expressing confidence that the goal is achievable with sustained government support, continued partnership with the World Bank, and active participation from communities.

PEPSA added that the formal handover of the sanitation facilities and the positive feedback from the assessment visit serve as encouragement to sustain ongoing efforts aimed at protecting public health, restoring environmental dignity, and ensuring that Plateau State becomes one of the leading states in Nigeria to end open defecation.

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Gbong Gwom Jos, CAN, JNI Back Dialogue as Inter-Religious Council Pushes for Lasting Peace in Plateau

The Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony has stepped up efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence in the state through a series of advocacy visits to key traditional and religious leaders.

The delegation on Thursday, March 12, 2026, visited the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos as well as leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), seeking collaboration in addressing recurring security and communal tensions across Plateau State.

During the visit to the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, emphasized that lasting peace on the Plateau can only be achieved through sincere dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among religious and community leaders.

The paramount ruler noted that both Christianity and Islam worship the same Creator and therefore should not allow differences in faith to become a source of conflict.

According to him, many crises experienced in the state are often driven by political interests rather than genuine religious differences.

He urged clerics and community leaders to be cautious in their messages and avoid statements capable of inciting division among residents.

The monarch stressed the need for unity, love and understanding among Plateau citizens, adding that leaders must take collective responsibility for promoting peace and stability in the state.

Co-Chairman of the council, His Royal Highness Muhammad Sambo Haruna, explained that the visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos was to seek royal blessings and guidance for the council’s peacebuilding mandate.

Haruna said the council, established by the Plateau State Government, has been actively engaging communities and stakeholders following recent crises in parts of the state.

He observed that Christians and Muslims have lived peacefully together for generations and must resist narratives that seek to divide them.

The Emir also urged community leaders to act as the council’s “eyes and ears” by encouraging dialogue and promptly addressing issues that could escalate into violence.

Speaking during the engagement, the council’s Co-Chairman, Rt. Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat, stressed the importance of unity and shared responsibility among religious and traditional leaders in sustaining peace in Plateau State.

Yamsat explained that the council was established to strengthen peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims and ensure that Plateau remains a safe and welcoming home for all residents.

He noted that the council comprises respected representatives from both faith communities who are committed to fostering understanding and reconciliation.

According to him, the advocacy visits were aimed at introducing the council’s mission and encouraging religious leaders to actively support peacebuilding efforts.

Yamsat urged clerics to remember their influence within society and to ensure that their teachings reflect the principles of peace, unity and tolerance.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Plateau State, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, welcomed the council’s delegation and expressed optimism that the initiative could help restore harmony across communities.

Gomwalk noted that the composition of the council includes respected Christian and Muslim leaders with a genuine commitment to building bridges between faith groups.

He added that many Plateau residents already live peacefully as friends and neighbours across religious lines, stressing that such relationships should serve as the foundation for rebuilding trust and unity.

Also speaking, Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Salim Sale, said genuine peace requires honesty, justice and commitment from all stakeholders.

Citing the Qur’an, he noted that taking an innocent life is equivalent to killing all humanity, emphasizing that violence in the name of religion contradicts the true teachings of faith.

Sale called on religious leaders to work sincerely toward reconciliation and also advocated greater inclusiveness in governance to address feelings of marginalization among communities.

He acknowledged that previous efforts at sustaining peace had faced challenges but said there was now a renewed opportunity to chart a new path through dialogue and cooperation.

Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Julie G. Sanda, commended the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening interfaith collaboration in the state.

Sanda noted that the council had earlier visited the Gbong Gwom Jos and the Christian Association of Nigeria as part of its outreach to religious institutions.

She expressed optimism that renewed cooperation between Christian and Muslim leaders would reinforce ongoing peacebuilding initiatives and help restore Plateau State’s long-standing reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”

Also speaking, Ambassador Abdullahi Shehu, representing Jama’atu Nasril Islam, urged the council to clearly articulate its framework, mandate and achievements in promoting peace.

He stressed that peace cannot simply be proclaimed but must be achieved through deliberate action, sincerity and cooperation among all stakeholders.

Shehu assured the council of JNI’s readiness to partner with other groups to advance lasting harmony across Plateau State.

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PLASIEC Adjusts Timetable for 2026 Plateau LG Elections, Extends Party Primaries

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has announced an adjustment to the timetable for the 2026 Local Government Elections, extending the period for political parties to conduct their primaries.

In a press release issued on March 12, 2026, the commission said the changes became necessary following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

According to PLASIEC, political parties will now conduct their primaries from March 7 to April 7, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of March 12, 2026.

The revised timetable indicates that political parties will collect nomination forms between April 8 and April 10, while submission of completed forms to the commission will take place from April 13 to April 17, 2026.

PLASIEC will publish the personal particulars of candidates on April 20, followed by the screening of chairmanship candidates and their running mates from April 22 to April 25. Screening of councillorship candidates will hold from April 26 to April 30.

The list of qualified candidates will be released on May 20, with appeals by aggrieved aspirants scheduled for May 21 and hearings on May 22. The final list of nominated candidates will be published on June 8, while political campaigns will officially begin on June 9, 2026.

Other activities remain unchanged, including the publication of the official register of voters on July 21, submission of polling agents by political parties on August 12, and publication of the Notice of Poll on August 17.

Campaigns will end at midnight on September 7, ahead of the local government elections slated for September 9, 2026, across the 17 Local Government Areas of Plateau State between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

PLASIEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections and urged political parties to strictly comply with the revised timetable and guidelines.

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APC Felicitates Plateau Governor Mutfwang on 61st Birthday

The Plateau State Chapter of the (APC) has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Governor of Plateau State, , as he marks his 61st birthday.

In a message issued in Jos, the APC State Chairman, , conveyed the party’s congratulations on behalf of its executives and members across the state.

Bature said the party joins well-wishers in celebrating the governor on the occasion, while praying for his continued good health, strength, and wisdom in the service of the state.

According to him, the party stands in unity with the governor as he celebrates the milestone and expressed hope that the administration will continue to focus on initiatives that promote the development and progress of Plateau State.

“We wish you long life, good health, and divine wisdom to pilot the affairs of our dear Plateau State to greater heights,” Bature said in the statement.

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Reps Propose Two-Year Jail Term, N10m Fine for Dual Party Membership

The on Wednesday amended Section 77 of the recently assented to impose stricter penalties on individuals who maintain membership in more than one political party at the same time.

Under the amendment, offenders risk a fine of N10 million, two years’ imprisonment, or both upon conviction.

The decision was taken during the Committee of the Whole session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, , where lawmakers introduced three new clauses, 8, 9, and 10, into Section 77 of the Act. The clauses were adopted after a heated debate among members of the House.

According to the amendment, any individual discovered to be registered as a member of more than one political party simultaneously will have such memberships declared void.

Clause 8 states that no person shall be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.

Clause 9 provides that where it is established that a person holds membership in multiple political parties simultaneously, the dual membership will be invalidated, and the individual will cease to be recognised as a legitimate member of any political party until the situation is regularised in line with the provisions of the Act and the constitution of the concerned party.

Clause 10 further stipulates that any person who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party commits an offence, punishable upon conviction by a fine of N10 million, imprisonment for two years, or both.

The amendment is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework and promoting discipline within the country’s political party system.

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Gabriel Hodus (Elmore), Popular Nigerian Producer Declares Interest in Plateau Assembly Seat

Popular Nigerian music producer and entrepreneur, Gabriel Hodus, widely known as Elmore and nicknamed the “Mayor of Jos,” has officially declared his intention to contest for the Jos North/West constituency seat in the Plateau State House of Assembly under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to posts circulating on Facebook, Hodus made the declaration in what he described as “a clarion call for Jos North-West Constituency,” signaling his move from entertainment and business into active politics. 

Elmore is known in Plateau’s entertainment and creative industry as the CEO of BED Music Africa, where he has been involved in developing and promoting local talents and supporting the growth of the music industry in the state. 

His declaration has begun attracting attention among supporters and political observers in Jos, as many see his candidacy as an attempt to bring youthful leadership, creative industry experience, and grassroots engagement into the Plateau State legislative space.

If elected, he would represent the Jos North-West constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, one of the constituencies in the Plateau legislature responsible for lawmaking and constituency representation. 

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Iran Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Efforts

The government of has expressed readiness to support in its fight against terrorism, describing the West African nation as a partner confronting similar security threats.

The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, , disclosed this in an interview with while commenting on Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges and the activities of insurgent groups operating in parts of the country.

According to the ambassador, Iran strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and is open to cooperating with countries battling insurgency.

“Iran condemns terrorism of any kind and expresses readiness to cooperate with governments facing it,” Raja said.

He noted that Nigeria continues to face serious security threats from extremist groups such as and the .

“Nigeria faces security challenges from Boko Haram and ISWAP, and we are ready to support the government in combating terrorism,” he stated.

Raja added that Iran’s position is shaped by its own experience with terrorist attacks, noting that the country has also been a victim of terrorism.

“As a victim of terrorism ourselves, we condemn terrorism in Nigeria,” he said.

The ambassador further emphasized the importance of international collaboration among countries confronting similar threats, stressing that such cooperation is essential to tackling global terrorism and strengthening security efforts.

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Army Denies Report Claiming 40 Soldiers Killed in Borno Attacks

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging that more than 40 soldiers were killed during recent terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State, describing the claims as misleading and based on unverified information.

The reaction followed a report by Sahara Reporters which alleged that the military suffered heavy casualties during coordinated attacks on several communities in the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the publication presented a distorted account of the incident and failed to acknowledge the efforts of troops who defended communities against the assaults.

According to the army, the attacks were carried out by remnants of Boko Haram fighters who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained military offensives.

“The attacks on multiple communities occurred when remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, who had earlier been dislodged from the Sambisa Forest during sustained offensive operations by troops, regrouped and launched coordinated night attacks from multiple directions,” the statement said.

The military said the attackers targeted communities and troop locations around Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok and Jakana.

It explained that troops responded swiftly to the attacks and engaged the insurgents in fierce battles to protect residents and secure the affected areas.

“The troops on the ground responded swiftly and fought gallantly to repel the terrorists and defend the affected communities,” the statement added.

While confirming that a commanding officer and some soldiers lost their lives during the confrontation, the army said several terrorists were neutralised in the exchange of gunfire.

“Sadly, a Commanding Officer and some brave soldiers paid the supreme price while courageously confronting the attackers and preventing further devastation on other communities,” the statement noted.

The army also rejected claims that its troops were overwhelmed during the incident, insisting that the soldiers maintained control while engaging the attackers from different fronts.

“It is important to note that the troops were not overrun as portrayed in the report. Rather, they engaged the terrorists from multiple fronts in a determined effort to protect innocent civilians and restore normalcy,” the statement said.

According to the military, the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire during the night assault, which also resulted in civilian casualties after residents were caught in the crossfire.

The statement further disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had visited the theatre of operations in Maiduguri to assess the situation and boost the morale of troops.

During the visit, the army chief directed the immediate reinforcement of troops and deployment of additional equipment to the affected areas to intensify ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

The army added that coordinated ground and air offensives are currently underway to track down the attackers, dismantle their regrouping elements and rescue civilians who may have been abducted during the attacks.

It urged members of the public to disregard what it described as exaggerated reports capable of undermining the morale of troops, assuring Nigerians that military operations against terrorist groups would continue until they are completely neutralised.

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Joseph Maren Peace Foundation Trains Community Volunteers on Peacebuilding in Bokkos

The has trained community volunteers on peacebuilding in as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots responses to conflict and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.

The training, held at the NUT Hall in Bokkos, brought together youths from various districts across the local government area. The programme aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to promote non-violence, dialogue, and cooperation within their communities.

Welcoming participants, the State Coordinator of the foundation, , commended the youths for attending the peacebuilding training and urged them to take the lessons seriously in order to promote unity and stability in their communities.

He emphasized the need for a renewed approach to addressing recurring conflicts, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved when communities work collectively and remain committed to protecting one another and their localities.

Speaking during the training, the National Director of the foundation, , said his passion for peaceful communities inspired the establishment of the organisation. According to him, he has spent more than two decades working across communities in Nigeria to promote peace and conflict resolution.

“I have been involved in peacebuilding for over 20 years, moving from one community to another to ensure people can live together peacefully and that conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding,” he said.

Prof. Maren explained that the initiative, titled “Building Bridges: A Community Initiative for Peace,” focuses on training local peace volunteers drawn from various communities. He noted that the volunteers are equipped with skills such as negotiation, reconciliation, and peace advocacy, enabling them to return to their communities to promote peaceful coexistence.

He further identified ignorance, negative perceptions among communities, and religious intolerance as major challenges to peacebuilding. He stressed the need for tolerance and mutual understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds to reduce recurring conflicts in Bokkos.

Also speaking at the event, , Assembly Chaplain of All Saints Protestant Church and a member of the Nigeria Police Chaplaincy at Barki Ladi Police Barracks, urged participants to embrace peace as a personal responsibility. Quoting Romans 12:18–21, he noted that lasting peace begins with individuals and transcends religious differences.

Facilitator , who trained volunteers on Local Community Peace Projects and humanitarian values, emphasized that building bridges of peace requires forgiveness, respect, patience, and tolerance. He warned that dehumanization, stigmatization, and intolerance based on religion, tribe, or language often undermine harmony in communities.

In a goodwill message, the Divisional Police Officer of Bokkos, represented by , urged the volunteers to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies. He also cautioned against shielding criminals, stressing that community cooperation is essential to maintaining peace and security.

Similarly, officer noted that peace begins within individuals before extending to the broader community. He encouraged volunteers to promote reconciliation, share accurate information, and respond to conflicts with patience and compassion.

Also speaking, warned against hatred based on religion or tribe, stressing that genuine peace requires a change of mindset. He urged volunteers to embrace dialogue, mediation, and social cohesion under the “Building Bridges of Peace” initiative and to take ownership of the foundation’s peacebuilding efforts.

One of the volunteers, , commended the foundation for its impactful intervention in Bokkos. He expressed appreciation to the National Director for providing the training and pledged to apply the knowledge gained—particularly in dialogue, mediation, and collaboration—to promote peace and harmony within his community.

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Kingdom Kids Klub Marks 15th Anniversary, Unveils New Logo, Transitions to Family-Based Care Model

Kingdom Kids Klub (K3), a children’s home and advocacy organization supporting orphaned and vulnerable children, has celebrated its 15th anniversary with the unveiling of a new logo and a renewed commitment to family-based child care.

The anniversary event, held on Friday, highlighted the organization’s journey over the years and its deliberate transition from operating mainly as an orphanage to promoting family-centered care models.

Our correspondent reports that the organization has also transitioned into the Iyali Hope Community Centre, reflecting a shift in focus toward strengthening families and communities rather than long-term institutional care.

The new approach prioritizes keeping children in stable, loving family environments through reunification, kinship care, foster care arrangements, and community-based support systems. The strategy aligns with global best practices that encourage family-based care for vulnerable children instead of extended stays in orphanages.

Founded in February 2006 by Pastor Sandra Dirmwa Chikan, Kingdom Kids Klub was inspired by her personal experience of losing both parents at a young age. The organization began modestly by supporting 18 children but has since grown into a major voice in trauma-informed care, education, and advocacy for family-based alternatives to institutional care across Nigeria and parts of Africa.

Headquartered in Jos, K3 provides immediate, short-term, and medium-term interventions for children affected by violent conflicts, domestic violence, terrorism, HIV/AIDS, and other crises. It also operates facilities such as Destiny Home while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality care that ensures every child receives love, emotional stability, spiritual guidance, and personalized attention.

Under Pastor Chikan’s leadership as Founder and Global Director, the organization has expanded its impact through several initiatives, including the Stand Out Aging Out Africa (AOA) Mentoring Network, teen camps, support for youth transitioning out of care, higher education assistance, and partnerships with organizations such as the Association of Orphanages and Homes in Nigeria (ASOHON).

Recent efforts have focused on sustainable family-centered strategies, including developing permanent support sites, strengthening community partnerships to prevent unnecessary institutionalization, empowering caregivers economically, and promoting safe reintegration of children with their biological or extended families.

Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Pastor Chikan described the milestone as a reflection of resilience and collective commitment.

“This 15-year milestone is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the collective efforts of many who believe in restoring hope. We’ve seen transformed lives, restored families, and brighter futures, yet the work continues as we advocate for every child to belong in a forever family,” she said.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Grace Dongkum, also praised the founder’s vision and dedication, noting that the organization’s journey began with small gatherings for children in 2007 and fundraising dinners in 2009.

“From the early days with the initial group of 18 children, her focus was always on quality, ensuring every child feels the presence of God and the love of people genuinely invested in them,” Dongkum said.

She added that the organization is now entering a new global phase and called on partners and stakeholders to support its mission.

“I encourage you to engage, contribute, and invest in this space so that together, we can grow it far beyond where it is now,” she said.