LOOK UP TO GOD THROUGH CHRIST WITH HOPE, TRUST AND LOVE IN TIMES OF CRISIS
God is our refuge and strength, and ever present help in trouble times and situations. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Psalms 46:1‭-‬2
People of faith the Lord God Almighty has brought us to the end of the second month of the year 2021. The last two months had not been without challenges but certainly the grace of God has sustained us this far. May God forgive our failures, comfort the bereaved, bring back the abducted school children and end this shameful and disgraceful events that are tarnishing the name and image of our nation.
The emerging second wave of COVID-19 and many unabating reports threatening our security, educational system and creating anxieties and worries of the future, our wellbeing and sustainability of our democracy, and worst of all the church seems helpless, and the frightening rate of abductions in this month alone, call for absolute remembrance of God’s promise of being with us and healing our land if we humble ourselves, pray and seek His face.
The Bible is full of examples and stories about people of faith. Thus, facing crisis, uncertainty of the future, lack of food, temptation of idolatry and fighting against enemies are not peculiar to our time and generation. The children of Israel were all familiar with crises on their journey to possess the Promised Land, crossed the Red Sea, collected manna and in the New Testament witnessed Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death and the promised of his soon second and final return to reward both doers of evil and good.
What would be our story as people of faith?
As we have the opportunity and privilege to begin another journey of faith in the month of March, what would be our story and legacy as a people of faith, light and truth in this crooked and perverse society?
In this time of self isolation and new normal ways of serving God and one another, let us endure and go through the crisis as a means of purifying ourselves to be proven people of faith, not people of the buildings.
Those who cannot meet and worship in our church buildings, can use technology and Internet, phone calls, text messages and zoom in order to overcome isolation and loneliness with faith.
This reminds me that we can’t leave in isolation we need to help each other to look up to God and be a good support for one another. And that is what the church did very well for centuries! Do not be shy to call your friend or colleague to share your burdens and anxieties. Don’t hesitate to call someone just to ask how they are doing and pray with them.
From 2020, God gave us many opportunities and tools to build the church world wide
which we did not have in the past. We must use them well so that we can continue to grow as people of faith and encourage others to follow Jesus Christ.
Another opportunity in this time of crises is to have virtual churches for worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship and preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Many pastors can be invited to preach online in the church in another city or country. I can visit many churches online in my area and experience connectional aspect of their church. And even though online presence cannot replace physical presence, it is a wonderful opportunity that we as people of faith can use in such a time like this. 
As we face daily crisis let us be people of hope, faith, and trust with Christian character. No matter the challenges let us persevere and stay true to our Christian ideals. It is these ideals that set us apart from everyone else, in them we found our hope in Jesus Christ. That is what Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome: 
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5 NIV).
May this month of March add blessing to your Hope, Faith and Trust in God through Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Rev Dr. Soja Bewarang
COCIN BoT Chairman

IRATE HUSBAND DIGS GRAVE TO BURY WIFE ALIVE
The least is yet to be heard of matrimonial scandals now a days, as it has been reported that Mr. Philip Tersso, a native of Yelwata Community in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, ran out of luck and got arrested before executing his plan of burying his wife in a 10ft grave he dug over allegations of infidelity with his friend, Aondowase Chiahemba, whom she is said to be carrying his three months child.
Reports have it that Tersso and his wife Mary have been married for ten years without a child and later he felt so sick which all hope of his recuperation was lost. While on his sick, Philip who later own recovered and testified said his wife told him that after his demise she will get married to Chiahemba his friend and that she was already pregnant for him. He then dug a grave in which he will cut her into pieces, put her body parts in a bag and bury them. But before executing his plan, he was arrested by the vigilante in Toto at the instance of his wife divulging his plan when she saw the grave he dug after telling her he will kill her.
Giving the reasons for his actions, Philip said his wife has ripped his heart with her infidelity with his friend, and has caused him great and unbearable pain, shame and disgrace, which the best way to recompense her is by sending her to death. He lamented that since their marriage, they didn’t have a child and he was doing everything possible to see to it that they have one as complaints were emanating from their families, but unfortunately he fell sick for a long time. And that while on sick bed his wife kept telling him she will marry after his death, and true to her words she was having sex with his friend which he never anticipated. According to him he was expecting sympathy from his wife and friend, but got none.
After his recovery he went on, he told his wife to abort the child, but she refused.
On her part, the wife said long before her husband fell ill he was denying her sex, and she was starving of it, and being human she was tempted to look for it elsewhere and to test her fertility. And she got it from his friend. She added that she is regretting of her action but she cannot abort the child because age is not on her side. And that she told her husband much earlier to prepare his mind that the pregnancy wasn’t his eventually if she gives birth. According to her, she had the premonition that it will hurt him badly after giving birth then he got to know that the baby wasn’t his.
As at now Mary is in her father’s house while Philip is in police custody. General speculation have it that his long time sickness has affected him mentality and was responsible of his planned murder of his wife.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The report trending the media about a lecturer who poured hot water on his wife is a lie and one sided.

Mr. Happy Gubak is a lecturer with university of Jos. He got attracted to one of his students named Na’ar who later turned to be his lovely wedded wife of 8year with 3 children today. He has done a lot to her in life as a prove of love but she (his wife) have been insatiable. One faithful morning, they had a minor argument which the woman who seems to be compounded with some pending issues carried the water she was boiling and aimed at damaging his face, in self defence, he immediately stretched forth his left hand in self defence and the boiled water splashed on the both of them which got up with his chest, left hand and left chest.

I got the one sided news “a lecturer poured hot water on his wife” and I was also as angry as anyone but on getting the real narration today from witnesses which little did I know that it’s my neighbor (though a bit distanced) in Jos, together with my good friends we immediately rushed back to Jos

On arriving his house, we first interacted with his tenants and close neighbours who gave us the balanced information of the whole saga after which we made with him (Mr. Happy Gubak) for more detail.

The information going round was a fabricated one as Mr. Happy Gubak was only on a mission of self defence from a wife that targeted at damaging his face and the entire body.

Happy Gobak is a peace loving and hard working man as attested by his neighbours and his tenants.
This is the balanced story as a disclaimer to that unbalanced, information that stated thus; “a lecturer poured hot water on his wife” because the wife attempted damaging him before both of them becomes the victims after his skilful and God ordained self defence.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

A lecturer with the University of Jos, has allegedly poured hot water on his wife after both of them had an argument. 

Mr. Happy Gubak Daniel, of the Department of Political Science, University Of Jos, was reported to have issues with his wife after which he took the hot water she was boiling to bath her children and poured it on her.

The incident has since been reported to the Nassarawa Gwong police division in Jos the Plateau state capital.

While accusations have been laid, reports say the Unijos lecturer, Mr Gubak Daniel, claimed that his wife wanted to pour the water on him.

While trying to block the water, it poured on her as he got burnt too even on his face, he claimed.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has relieved his SA on Media, Salihu Tanko Yakasai of his appointment over his continued unguarded comments and utterances which are deemed contrary to the stand of the (APC) government which he is serving.

The state commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, who conveyed the governor’s directive in a statement Saturday, said the sack is with immediate effect.

He said the aide had failed to differentiate between personal opinion and official stand on matters of public

Recall that Yakasai was earlier suspended by Ganduje after his remark about Buhari during the #EndSARS protest but was reinstated weeks after.

Salihu had called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to either deal with bandits in the country or resign.

Tanko-Yakasai spoke on Friday while reacting to students’ abduction at Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A report then emerged on Saturday that he has been arrested by the Department of State Services which was however denied.

Shortly after his comments, Salihu Tanko Yakasai went under, and his whereabouts according to his friends could not be ascertained, resulting to many insinuating that the DSS must have whisked him away.

According to him, the fact that the development comes about a week after bandits also abducted some schoolboys in Kagara, Niger State, shows that the government has failed its primary responsibility.



He said the All Progressives Congress-led government had failed Nigerians, noting that it cannot continue to lament when tragedy occurs without taking any action to prevent a repeat.

He wrote on Twitter: “Clearly, we as APC government, at all levels, have failed Nigerians in the number 1 duty we were elected to do which is to secure lives & properties. Not a single day goes by without some insecurity in this land. This is a shame! Deal with terrorists decisively or resign.

“Each time another tragedy happens, we lament, condemn, create a hashtag, the govt pretends to do something, no concrete steps to prevent re-occurrence, and then we repeat the process. To what end? Where are those saddled with the responsibility?

“Just last week, it was #freekagaraboys, today we have a new hashtag, #RescueJangebeGirls; who knows tomorrow what hashtag we will come up with? Perhaps one for ourselves when we get caught up in one of these daring attacks. This is sad & heartbreaking; I feel helpless & hopeless.”

*CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE* !
On behalf of my husband and the family, I congratulate all our women of substance who are featured in this book of *Plateau* *Women* , *First* *Among* *Equals* . No doubt, the remarkable landmarks you made in your various fields of endeavours in Plateau State, the Northern region and the Country at large led to this enviable recognition.
You have not only made us proud as Plateau women, but also demonstrated that through determination, hard work and dedication the sky will always be the limit. Indeed, you will remain role models for our younger ones as this is a proof that as women, we have all it takes to contribute to nation building.
I am very proud of you all and may God continue to open more ways for you.
Once more, Congratulations!

Signed:

*Mrs. Maureen Victor Dimka

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi Congratulates Bishop Michael Gobal Gokum on His Birthday

The leader of the DVD Movement in Plateau State, Nde Victor David Dimka fsi has congratulated the Catholic Bishop of Pankshin, Bishop Michael Gobal Gokum on his birthday celebration.

In a statement issued in Jos today, February 26, 2021, the leader of the DVD movement said;

“We join all Christians and people of goodwill, in congratulating His Excellency, The Catholic Bishop of Pankshin Diocese, Dr Michael Gobal Gokum on his birthday. We celebrate with this tireless Chief Shepherd of the flock of Jesus Christ and pray God to grant him several years of fruitful service in the vineyard of the Lord.
We associate ourselves with his giant strides in the development of Christendom in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
Happy birthday, to our Chief Priest, Hurray!!!”.

Boniface Kassam

Media Head DVD

ZAMFARA SCHOOL CHILDREN: NORTHERN GOVERNORS SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Again, the Northern States Governors Forum has condemned another attack on Government Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara State where where hundreds of schoolgirls were abducted.

In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said this trend is unacceptable and strong measures must be taken to put an end to it before it escalates into a monster that will consume educational pursuit and national aspirations.

Governor Lalong said this development which is coming on the heels of the abduction of school children in Kagara, Niger State still being addressed, calls for serious concerns among all Nigerians.

He said “as Northern Governors, we are deeply saddened by this embarrassing and unfortunate attack on our children who are in schools to seek knowledge and build capacity to impact the nation and create a better society. The assault on schools where innocent and harmless students are targeted should not be condoned in any way because it has the tendency to set the nation back to ignorance and more poverty. The Northern part of the country in particular is more educationally disadvantaged and cannot afford to have these disruptions. Enough is enough”.

The Northern Governors therefore urged security agencies to use every asset at their disposal to rescue the children and bring to justice those behind the act. They also want Nigerians to support the security agencies and government with credible information that will lead to swift resolution of the situation.

Lalong sympathised with the families of the abducted school children, the people and Government of Zamfara State, assuring them of the support of the Forum in tackling the problem.

The Northern Governors Forum rose from their meeting in Kaduna on Thurday where they resolved to take far reaching measures to address insecurity and other challenges of the region and the nation at large.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum.
26th February 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS PARENTS OF LATE FLT. LT. PIYO, SAYS NIGERIA HAS LOST A HERO.

Governor Simon Lalong has again consoled the family of Late Flight Lt. Henry Bitrus Piyo describing his tragic demise as a great loss to the Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Lalong met with the parents of deceased flight lieutenant shortly after returning from the Northern Governors Forum meeting in Kaduna and asked the family to accept the untimely death of their son as the will of God.

Lalong who had earlier sent a team to condole the family said the memory of the heroic pilot will continue to be honoured as he died in active service and for the security and peace of the nation.

The Governor was accompanied by his Kwara State counterpart Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak and Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau.
26th February 2021.

HON. GAGDI CONDOLES WITH EMIR, EMIRATE COUNCIL AND PEOPLE OF KANAM OVER THE DEMISE OF PRINCE ISHAKA.

The Honourable Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi(Danmalikin Kanam) has expressed sadness, and sympathy over the demise of Ishaka Muazu Muhammadu, younger brother to the Emir of Kanam.

In a condolence message he issued on Friday, the Danmalikin Kanam described the demise of Prince Ishaka an irreparable loss to the good people of Kanam.

“I remember with absolute admiration, the positive roles played by the deceased throughout Kanam and beyond. I am deeply shocked to learn of his sad demise, Gagdi said.

“On behalf of the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam, and my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, particularly the Emir of Kanam, Alhaji Babangida Muazu Muhammadu II, Kanam Emirate Council and the peace loving people of Kanam and it’s environs.

Gagdi prayed for the repose of the departed soul .

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

FEBRUARY 26, 2021.