EDWARD PWAJOK, SAN, LB, KSG, MOURN AS CHIEF EDWIN CLARK DIES AT 97

The loss of Chief Edwin Clark coming so soon after that of Pa Ayo Adebanjo is sad. The two of them were like Fathers to me .

I was privileged to meet them in person about four or five times at Chief Clark’s house at Halle Sellase Street, Asokoro , Abuja between 2022-2023.

Whenever the Likes of the late Chief Iwuanyanwu referred to the duo as their fathers , I referred to them as my grand pas . In spite of their advanced age, I was struck by their deep memories and sharp intellect. They reeled accurate figures and dates of events that occurred in our country as far back as the 1940s from the benefit of their participation and not what they read from books that belied their age .

The two nonagenarians were patriotic. It was love for their fatherland that kept them in the trenches and they feared no mortal . Each time I encountered them , I was inspired to be courageous and to stand for principles and love my fatherland . Not for them cowering before potentates .

They had clear visions of the kind of country they wanted and fought with all their remaining strength to get nigeria back on track . They fought the good fight, finished the race and now wear the crown of righteousness .

Chief Clark fittingly wrote his autobiography called ‘brutally frank’ before his departure. I remember he used to regularly say that he was at the departure gate waiting for the last call . God kept him so long at that gate for us to benefit from his tremendous knowledge and wisdom. I know the contents of the book would be brutally frank . It is a measure of the quality of the book that it is not in the market because of its scarcity. I have been looking for it in bookshops or bookstores in our major cities to no avail . The booksellers always told me that buyers rush and buy all copies the minute they are supplied . I will be glad if anyone can let me know how and where I can get a copy to buy .

Generations unborn will remember the duo. They were a rare breed , who in spite of their different backgrounds bonded together in the twilight of their lives for the benefit of nigeria . What a co incidence that they died almost at the same time . It will take sometime for even their opponents to adjust to their absence . Their absence will be felt when their weighty voices will not be heard at momentous moments in the nation or when the need to cry out for justice arises as they often do .

Their passage is truly a colossal loss to the nation at a time those who have the courage to differ from those in power are becoming endangered species. I will continue to write on the two icons who have joined the pantheon of deceased heroes . Adieu Papa.

Edward G Pwajok , SAN .

HEARTFELT APPRECIATION

On behalf of myself and beautiful wife; I wish to express our heartfelt and overwhelming joy for your indebtedness,valuable support.

We are deeply grateful to our family,the church, friends and colleagues for your contributions in cash and kind, standing by us in prayers, you stood by us out of your crowded schedules to grace, prayed and witness our wedding.Time and space will not be enough to mention your names but permit me to appreciate the church, Cocin LCC Kufang,Jos East LGC, NPF Anglo Jos, my in-laws, friends and well wishers.

We are deeply grateful and we pray the Lord bless and honour you all.

Thank you.

Mr & Mrs Zion Ayuba Chirtau

GOVERNMENT COLLEGE BOKKOS OLD STUDENT'S ASSOCIATION (BOKOSA)

The newly sworn-in National President of Bokkos Old Students Association (BOKOSA), Mr. Aaron Selleng, has pledged to continue the good legacies of the past Executive Council. 

In an acceptance speech shortly after the  taking over the mantle of leadership at De-bridge Vile Hotel, Jos, during the Plateau Chapter annual meeting, President Selleng promised to do even better rather than collapse the good efforts of the outgoing President and his Executive Council.

Aaron sought the cooperation of the Executive Council and members, pointing out that there is no association that thrives without the support of its alumni. He pledged to operate an open-door policy, encouraging members to bring their positive criticisms to the table.

 While soliciting the outgoing Executive Committee's continued involvement, he emphasized the importance of their wealth of experience in enabling the new EXCO to succeed.

Earlier, the outgoing President, Joel Gatba, congratulated the new Executive Council and promised to make himself available whenever needed. Gatba enumerated some of his administration's achievements, including several notable initiatives, and encouraged the new Executive Council not to relent in bringing new ideas to move the association to greater heights.

The newly sworn-in Executive Council, expected to chart a new course for Bokkos Old Students Association (BOKOSA), includes Mr. Aaron Selleng, President; Mrs. Grace Garba, Vice President; and Mrs. Krist Hicenth, Secretary-General. Other members are Mrs. Yop Joy, Assistant Secretary-General; Mrs. Zainab Umar Ukpo, Treasurer; Mrs. Rotmwa Murphy, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Sabarka Bawul, Public Relations Officer; Mrs. Florence Michael, Director of Socials; and Mr. James Makama, Disciplinarian. The position of Ex-Officio went to Mr. Joel Gatba., respectively.

The highlight of the event was the  handing over of the mantle of leadership between the past and new Executive Council.

Signed,

Sabarka Bawul

National Public Relations Officer

Bokkos Old Students Association (BOKOSA)

GOODWILL MESSAGE: The Executive Chairman of Jos East Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Markus Usaini Nyam

The Executive Chairman of Jos East Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Markus Usaini Nyam, on behalf of the Executive, Legislative, Stakeholders and the entire citizens of the Local Government Area wishes to felicitate with His Royal Highness, the Agbang Agwom Izere, Reverend Dr Isaac Azi Wakili JP, Ambassador of Peace on his 75th birthday anniversary. As you step  into the new year  in your  age, its called for reflection on the achievements on the previous years and target to achieve in the incoming year.  As a Local Government, we are proud to identify with you  as you have remain committed towards enhancements of peaceful coexistence, unity and progress of Izere Nation. It is therefore our sincere prayers that God Almighty will grant you good health and long life to continue reign. Once more congratulations,  happy birthday and wishing long life. 

ANNOUNCER: Hon. Chief MarKus Usaini Nyam, Executive Chairman, Jos East LGC

NEWS FROM JOS EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL 15/01/2025

Executive Chairman of Jos East Local Government Council Chief Markus Usaini Nyam have assured veteran soldiers and families of the deceased Soldiers of better days ahead

The Chairman who gave the charing news during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration and Emblem appeal fund at the Council Secretariat Angware on Wednesday stressed that the labour of the heroes past have kept Nigeria one and indivisible entity and other peace keeping missions abroad hence the need for sober reflection on their sacrifices.

Nyam announced a donation of 400,000.00  for the Council,100,000.00 personal, appointment of a veteran and a wife of deceased soldier as Special assistants on veterans, sewing of uniforms for the veterans and to look into other challenges in due cause as his administration last.

Earlier on, Chairman, Veteran soldiers, Jos East chapter, MWO Yohanna Azi (rtd) who was represented by WO Samuel Abok (rtd),  enumerated some of their plight to include: lack of employment for their children, allocation of fertilizers, securing seat for pilgrimage, support in sewing veterans uniforms, construction of veterans Secretariat among others and thanked the chairman, traditional Council, Legislature, religious bodies and civil servants as well as all those who supported them during the emblem appeal week and called for more effort to their challenges incurred in their quest to defend the country during the Nigerian civil wars and other peace keeping missions abroad.

In their separate good will messages, Agbang Agwom Izere, Reverend Doctor Isaac Wakili, through the District head of Shere Ada John Haruna, CAN Vice Chairman, Rev Fr James Largum, JNI Chairman, Mallam Ibrahim Abdu

Chairperson, women wing of the veterans and the widows respectively drumed for support from all and Sundry for the up keep of the veterans and wives of the deceased Soldiers

Highlights were parade, inspection of guard of honour, special prayers by CAN and JNI, laying of wreath and emblem appeal fund, among others.

JOS EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL NEWS DECEMBER 23, 2024.

The Executive Chairman of Jos East Local Government Council, Chief Markus Usaini Nyam lays the 2025 Budget estimate of over six Billion Naira before the Legislative Arm for scrutiny.

 Presenting the proposed total budget estimate of Six Billion Two Hundred and Forty Nine million, Three Hundred and Sixty Five Naira (N6,249,338,665:00) only for the 2025 fiscal year to the Legislature Council, on Monday, the Executive  Chirman revealed that the proposed bill is tagged "Citizens Budget" which focuses on completion of ongoing projects and design for new ones.

Markus Nyam further said, the break down shows that N3,053,338,165, Three Billion, fifty three million, Three hundred and thirty Eight thousand, one hundred and sixty five Naira, only, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, which account for 43.6% of the total budget.

He pointed out that the remaining N3,196,000:00. Three Billion, one hundred and ninety six million Naira is allocated for capital expenditure, constituting (51.2%).

Nyam further stressed that the Council will no longer depend on Federal allocation and however, highlighted the need for improve internally 

generated revenue in order to achieve the targets through concerted synergy with Traditional and Community leaders as well as other stakeholders towards enhancing the revenue profile of the Area.

The Chairman, Therefore, called upon the Legislature to accord timely perusal to the appropriation bill to enable early implementation, in other to improve the living standard of the citizenry. In other to consolidate on the achievements of the previous years and address future chanllenges

Responding, Leader of the Legislative Arm, Luka James Idoh, while commending the cordial working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, assured that the law makers will immediately swing into action of scrutinizing the document to enable prompt passage into law.

NEWS FROM JOS EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL 2ND DECEMBER, 2024

As the world marks World AIDS Day today, stakeholders in Jos East Local Government Area have been urged to intensify efforts in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

Honourable Chief Markus Usaini Nyam, Executive Chairman of the Council, emphasized the importance of awareness, testing, and adherence to drug specifications in reducing the rate of infection ¹.

The Chairman who was represented by his deputy Honourable Yusuf Atsen recalled that the call to action is significant to address the challenge faced by organizations such as APIN Public Health Initiatives which are working with the Plateau State Ministry of Health to expand HIV treatment services, particularly in communities with high prevalence rates.

Director,  Primary Health Care Department, Mrs Elizabeth Dapal and LACA programme Officer, Jos East LGA, Mrs Rosemary Daboer, both  established that many people are still ignorant of the fact that HIV and AIDs is real, hence there is a deliberate need to embrace testing and treatment.

They opined that the theme for 2024 world AIDS day is "taking the right path to prevent the HIV and AIDS" is apt and timely, adding that those that are positive should take their medications as at when due and stop spreading the virus.

Rev Fr James Largum, CAN Vice Chairman Jos East and Joseph Agwom  Chairman Kauna group General Hospital Angware, who spoke separately, pointed out the need for gender equality, abstinence, prompt adherence to HIV and AIDs drugs and aptly use of condoms.

Singed :

Sabarka  Bawul

Assistant Chief Information Officer,

Jos East Local Government Council.