Category: News

Senator Diket Plang has clarified his legislative role in the revival of the stalled Akwanga–Jos–Gombe dualization project and the establishment bill for a Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Kanke, insisting that both initiatives followed due process and were not sudden developments. He also dismissed suggestions that legislators were claiming credit for unfinished processes, saying, “Nobody should say it came from the blues.”

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Jos, the Senator explained that the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe dualization was first awarded in 2018 under former President Muhammadu Buhari through a foreign-financing arrangement that later collapsed. “The road was awarded at one billion dollars at a rate of ₦333 per dollar, totaling ₦333 billion,” he said. “When the deal collapsed and the exchange rate rose to over ₦1,500 per dollar, the cost shot above ₦1.3 trillion, making it impossible to fund from the ministry’s annual budget.”

Plang said he moved a motion for the road to be included among President Bola Tinubu’s national legacy projects, arguing that North Central and North East corridors had long suffered neglect. “North Central and the North East were not on the federal map for major road or rail investments. We demanded inclusion, and the Senate agreed,” he stated.

On the Federal Medical Center Kanke Bill, Plang said his proposal passed second reading before being merged with similar requests. “There were several bills for federal medical centers. The Senate leadership consolidated them so we don’t repeal the law today for one, and repeal it tomorrow for another,” he explained. “The FMC Kanke bill is properly sponsored by me and has gone through the necessary readings.”

He added that the Kanke facility would bridge major healthcare gaps in Plateau Central and surrounding states. “If the Federal Medical Center is established in Kanke, it will go a long way to solve most of our medical issues,” he said.

Plang urged constituents to monitor and support the process rather than downplay it. “Clap for us when we do it, and encourage us to do more,” he said.

Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, has returned from Morocco following the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), expressing excitement over Nigeria’s performance and emphasizing the lessons gained from the continental tournament.

Speaking on arrival, Ashoms said he felt “excited, elated and blessed”, noting that the experience would serve as a source of exposure and learning for the Plateau sporting community.

“This is a journey that we should also be partaking as Plateau people because you will take mental notes, you will get experience, you will be exposed and you will be educated. And we will be trickling it down back home,” he stated.

Nigeria finished the tournament with a bronze medal, which Ashoms described as a positive outcome, adding that the matches offered inspiration and strategic lessons for young athletes.

Using Senegal’s dramatic comeback in one of the matches as an example, he urged Plateau youth to confront adversity head-on:

“When you have a challenge, face it. You will come out stronger. You will even win at the end of the day,” he said.

Ashoms commended Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for providing support and opportunities for sports development, revealing that the delegation also promoted Plateau State during their stay in Morocco.

According to him, several Nigerians, including people who once lived, schooled, or served in Plateau, recognized the state and expressed pride in its identity.

He also praised Morocco’s growing sports infrastructure, describing it as a model worth emulating.

“If what I’ve seen is going to be sustained in the next 10 years, there’s nowhere in the world that will be better than Morocco in sports,” he said, citing visible facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, and football pitches across cities.

Ashoms encouraged Plateau residents to take pride in their cultural and economic assets, urging them to market the state in the same way Moroccans promote their country.

He further expressed concern that no player of Plateau origin featured in the Super Eagles squad during the tournament and challenged local athletes to raise their level of performance to compete globally.

“It is a clarion call to our sport lovers and footballers to up their game,” he said, expressing hope that future competitions will see Plateau players represented at national level.

The Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has commenced its 2026 field activities with a sensitization exercise at Bukuru Market, as part of ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier Plateau State.

The exercise, which marked PEPSA’s first official outing of the year, focused on educating traders and shop owners on proper waste disposal practices. Emphasis was placed on the use of polythene bags for packaging refuse to enable easy and timely evacuation by PEPSA waste collection trucks.

As part of the engagement, polythene bags were distributed to traders as both a goodwill gesture and a practical demonstration of acceptable waste management standards. The sensitization was interactive and well received, with traders showing strong cooperation and actively engaging with PEPSA officials.

Market leaders also supported the exercise, encouraging traders to embrace proper waste management as a shared responsibility that benefits the entire community.

Speaking during the sensitization, the Director of Administration, Mr. Izang Pate, disclosed that PEPSA would return to the market to assess compliance with the directives issued. He noted that while the exercise is primarily aimed at awareness creation, enforcement measures would be applied where necessary to ensure sustained behavioural change.

The successful sensitization at Bukuru Market sets a positive tone for PEPSA’s activities in 2026 and reinforces the agency’s commitment to community engagement, environmental education, and sustainable sanitation practices across Plateau State.

President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Thursday’s election extending his four decades in power by another five years.

He gained 72% of the vote, the election commission announced, against 25% for his closest challenger Bobi Wine, who has condemned what he described as “fake results”.

Wine has called on Ugandans to hold non-violent protests.

Museveni, 81, first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 but since then has won seven elections.

The election process was marred by violence and Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star, says that at least 21 people have been killed.

The authorities have so far confirmed seven deaths.

Access to the internet has been cut in the country since Tuesday, making it hard to verify information.

The authorities say the blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud and the incitement of violence – a move condemned by the UN human rights office as “deeply worrying”.

Wine has demanded that the internet be restored.

Credit: BBC

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that sales of application forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) will begin on Monday, January 26, 2026, with key registration and examination dates confirmed for the 2026/27 admission cycle.

In a public statement, the Board said, “Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria for the 2026/27 academic session.”

JAMB emphasized its age eligibility requirement, noting that “Only candidates who will not be less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 are generally eligible to apply/be considered.” However, the Board also introduced a waiver option for exceptional underage applicants, requiring an “intensive evaluation” and a minimum performance of “not less than 80% in each of UTME/ALEVEL, PUTME, SSCE and the exceptional candidate assessment.” It added that results for such candidates would be withheld until the assessment is concluded.

According to the schedule released, UTME registration, including for foreign candidates will run from January 26 to February 28, 2026, while the vending of E-PINs begins earlier on January 19 and ends on February 26, 2026. Registration closes on February 28, 2026.

For Direct Entry, sales of application documents and E-PINs will commence on March 2 and close on April 25, 2026, and will only be available at JAMB State and Zonal Offices.

The Board also unveiled three categories of e-PINs for applicants: Direct Entry (₦5,700); UTME without Mock (₦7,200); and UTME with Mock (₦8,700). The breakdown includes: Application Fee (₦3,500), Reading Text (₦1,000), CBT Centre Registration Service Charge (₦700), CBT Centre UTME Service Charge (₦1,500), Bank Charges (₦500), and optional Mock UTME Fee (₦1,500).

On examination timelines, JAMB announced that the 2026 UTME will hold from April 16 to April 25, 2026, while the optional Mock-UTME is scheduled for March 28, 2026.

The announcement officially opens the admission process for tertiary institutions nationwide for the 2026/27 academic year, as candidates prepare for another cycle of competitive entry examinations.

Plateau State is set to host one of its most prestigious civic gatherings as the Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA) @11 takes center stage on Sunday, 8th February 2026, at the Usiju World Events Centre, Jos, Plateau State. The highly respected platform is dedicated to recognising outstanding leadership, service, innovation, and community impact across the state.

In reflection of Plateau State’s 50-year journey, PMYA @11 convenes distinguished public servants, business leaders, professionals, creatives, and change-makers for an evening of honour, reflection, and inspiration.

More Than an Awards Ceremony

PMYA @11 goes beyond trophies and accolades. It is:
• A convergence of excellence and leadership
• A platform for meaningful engagement and networking
• A moment to reflect on Plateau’s journey while inspiring the next generation

Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday, 8th February 2026
📍 Venue: Usiju World Events Centre, Jos, Plateau State

Whether you are a senior leader, an emerging voice, a corporate partner, or a community builder, PMYA @11 offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to a legacy-driven conversation on leadership and service.

Participation & Enquiries

Interested in being part of PMYA @11? For partnerships, tickets, or table reservations, please contact:
📞 08036615288 | 09023643119 | 08115601779
You may also send a DM for details. Seats are limited.

Dress Code

Traditional Elegance – Guests are encouraged to showcase Plateau State’s rich cultural heritage and identity.

PMYA @11 promises to be a memorable gathering defined by leadership, heritage, and purpose.

Plateau Man of the Year Awards (PMYA)
Honouring Leadership. Preserving Legacy. Inspiring the Future.