In celebration of Sallah, the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation has extended its generosity to the Muslim community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The foundation donated food items, clothing, and cash to support the festivities and promote unity.
Mr. Stephen Kefas, representing the foundation, presented the donations at Anwang Hausawa in Bokkos. “Our esteemed Muslim friends, we rejoice with you and wish your families a peaceful and joyful Sallah. May this period foster unity in our communities and nation. With our kindest regards, we wish you happy and peaceful celebrations on behalf of The Revd Dr. Gideon & Prof Funmi Para-Mallam,” said Kefas.
Receiving the items, Alhaji Audu Idi Balarabe, the Sarkin Hausawa Bokkos, expressed his joy and commended the foundation’s efforts. “Such gestures promote peace and unity among different communities. I urge other groups to emulate these initiatives to build cohesion,” Balarabe said. He also lamented the ongoing conflict in the Bokkos community, which has resulted in loss of lives and livelihoods, and prayed for the return of peace and harmony.
Haruna Adamu Hassan, a youth leader from Tangur Tu Mayeti Allah, also called for increased efforts towards restoring lasting peace in the community.
Bishop Dr. Ayuba Matawal, chairman of the Bokkos IDP Welfare Committee, praised the foundation’s continuous support. “Efforts like this show that someone cares. The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation has done more than enough and is one of the leading contributors to relief efforts. Bringing this gesture to the community is commendable and will go a long way in providing comfort and preventing potential conflicts,” said Matawal.
The foundation’s initiative during the Sallah celebrations underscores its commitment to fostering peace and unity in Plateau State.
The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has intensified its flood response efforts across Jos, with ongoing desilting and drainage clearance exercises aimed at improving the free flow of stormwater and reducing the impact of flash flooding in vulnerable communities.
As part of the intervention, the Director General of the Agency, Mr Samuel Dapiya conducted an inspection of critical locations to assess conditions on the ground and coordinate immediate response efforts following recent rainfall.
One of the sites visited was the drainage corridor from Miango Junction to Educare Private School, where PEPSA personnel carried out extensive desilting and clearing of drainage channels that had become filled with sand and other debris. According to the Agency, the intervention is expected to improve the discharge of stormwater, while the area will continue to be monitored after subsequent rainfall to determine whether additional engineering or environmental measures may be required.
The response team also moved to Lugard Road by UTC, where a major culvert had become blocked, restricting the flow of water and causing floodwater to overflow onto the road. The situation resulted in traffic congestion and affected the movement of motorists, businesses, and other road users until the blockage was cleared.
Speaking during the exercise, PEPSA noted that while heavy rainfall is a natural occurrence, the condition of drainage channels plays a significant role in how effectively stormwater is conveyed. The Agency observed that drains and culverts function best when they remain free of obstructions, allowing water to flow without restriction.
PEPSA reiterated that protecting drainage infrastructure is a shared responsibility, urging residents, businesses, and motorists to adopt proper waste disposal practices and make use of designated community waste collection or drop-off points rather than disposing of refuse in drainage channels, culverts, waterways, or open spaces.
The Agency also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report activities that may obstruct drainage systems or pose risks to the environment, emphasizing that collective action is essential to maintaining a cleaner, safer, and healthier Plateau State.
PEPSA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and public infrastructure through timely environmental interventions and sustained sanitation efforts, while calling on all residents to partner with the Agency in promoting responsible environmental practices across the state.
Former Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senatorial aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Aisha Yesufu, says any vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, is for terrorists to continue in the country. Yesufu made this remark in a statement posted on her verified X handle on Sunday.
This is as the rate of insecurity in the country has significantly increased with killings and abductions across the country.
The human rights activist also charged every Nigerian above 18 years old to get their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs. According to her, the miracle people have been praying for is more accessible with their PVCs
“Any vote for APC is vote for these terrorists to continue what they are doing,” the co-convener of BringBackOurGirls Movement said.
Bishop Dr. Ayuba Matawal
June 19, 2024 at 7:22 am
This is one among many wonderful effort done by the foundation. We pray God bless bless them as the continue with the effort to help humanity