News

Breaking: Plateau 2023, Prof. CJ DAKAS Withdraws From Gubernatorial Contest

Published

4 years ago

May 10, 2022

Preport

Plateau 2023, Prof. CJ DAKAS Withdraws From Gubernatorial Contest

*MY POLITICAL ODYSSEY AND THE GOVERNORSHIP RACE: NO SACRIFICE IS TOO MUCH TO MAKE IN THE OVERARCHING INTEREST OF PLATEAU STATE.*

My dear People of Plateau State.

Today, after prayers and deep reflection, I have made an excruciating, but strategic, deciwsion to withdraw from the race for the governorship of our dear State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Against the backdrop of the media frenzy and trending news that I would be purchasing the APC Expression of Interest Form and Nomination Form today, this is obviously a stunning turn of events. Indeed, I travelled to Abuja to purchase the requisite forms today. Additionally, many individuals and groups offered to purchase the forms for me. However, after series of consultations with several critical stakeholders in the Plateau Project, I decided to sacrifice my aspiration in furtherance of our collective resolve to ensure that the leadership recruitment process produces an outcome that is in the overarching interest of our dear State. This is consistent with the fact that in my political odyssey, especially in the context of the governorship race, I have always been of the firm conviction that I am only a channel through which the interest of the good people of Plateau State would be articulated, aggregated, promoted and defended.

My aspiration to govern our dear State was driven primarily by three profound imperatives: 1. Service Above Self; 2. Impact; and 3. Legacy. Driven by these imperatives, I looked forward to prioritizing and guaranteeing the security and welfare of our people and building the Plateau of our Dreams through trailblazing transformation. Notwithstanding the current dizzying turn of events, I am mindful of, and encouraged by, the fact that the most important office is that of the citizen. Therefore, as citizens, whether or not we are political office holders, this is a task that we must all resolve to accomplish.

I am in awe and deeply humbled by the outpouring of support for my governorship aspiration across the entire State, anchored on the unwavering belief that I have the competence and integrity to manage our human and material resources in a selfless, solutions-driven and innovative manner, and herald a bold vision for our dear State.

As angels on assignment, many of you prayed, individually and through chain prayers, without ceasing; many of you fasted; many of you provided financial support; many of you donated campaign offices; many of you contributed campaign materials; many of you devoted your precious time; many of you availed your expertise in diverse areas; many of you availed your political structures; many of you offered wise counsel; many of you put in a good word for me when critical issues were under consideration; many of you risked your friendships and alliances on my account; many of you had restless moments which, sadly, took a toll on your health; many of you had sleepless nights; many of you risked your lives and livelihoods in support and defence of this cause; and many of you dared to speak truth to power on my account. My family and I deeply appreciate your sacrifices and labour of love.

As a mark of my appreciation and in furtherance of my continuous service to humanity, I have decided to support charitable causes with the money that I would otherwise have spent on the purchase of the requisite forms. As Scripture enjoins us, we must never get tired of doing good.

To my mentors, benefactors, friends, political associates, teeming supporters and well wishers, we must neither despair nor be despondent. Together, as we chart our next course of action, in spite of the shenanigans, horse-trading and highfalutin antics that sometimes bedevil our politics, let us keep hope alive and renew our commitment to the Plateau Project. As developments unfold, I look forward to constructive and robust discourse with you on how best to, under the circumstances, actualize our vision of a united, secure, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau State.

It is well with Plateau State…

News

“Four-Day Journey Made It Tough, But I Came for the Title” – Ogundiran, Nigeria Fastest Woman

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Preport

USA-based sprinter Blessing Ogundiran overcame travel disruptions and an exhausting four-day journey from the United States to emerge as Nigeria’s fastest woman after winning the women’s 100m title at the Commonwealth Games Trials in Lagos on Monday.

Competing at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Ogundiran produced a brilliant run of 11.12 seconds (-0.5m/s) to claim victory in a highly competitive final and secure the national crown.

Read Also: President Federation Cup: FC Robo Queens Eye Historic Final Spot Against Heartland Queens in Benin

The newly crowned champion revealed after the race that her preparation for the event was far from ideal, having endured a lengthy trip caused by weather-related challenges in the United States.

“It was a tough time getting here after traveling for almost four days due to what happened in the US (storm), but I am grateful to God that I am going back with the title,” Ogundiran said.
She added that the advice from her coach before the race played a key role in helping her stay composed under pressure.

“When I was at the start block, I was thinking of what my coach told me—that I should just execute my race and not panic—and that was exactly what I did.”

Ogundiran was pushed all the way by the impressive Miracle Ezechukwu, who clocked a personal best of 11.15 seconds to finish second.

Her performance also earned her qualification for the Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize, an initiative established to reward outstanding performances by home-based athletes.

Another USA-based sprinter, Olayinka Olajide, completed the podium places with a time of 11.28 seconds.
Ezechukwu’s remarkable run received special praise from Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, the initiator of the Excellence in Athletics Prize.

“This is exactly what the Excellence in Athletics Prize was created to achieve – to inspire our athletes to push beyond limits and believe in their abilities,” Aghazu said.

“Seeing Miracle Ezechukwu achieve the benchmark with a personal best performance is rewarding. It shows that when athletes are given motivation and a platform to compete, they respond positively.”
Aghazu reiterated her commitment to supporting athletes based in Nigeria and hailed the overall quality of competition on display.

“Our home-based athletes are incredibly talented. They deserve recognition, encouragement and opportunities to excel.

The Excellence in Athletics Prize is about celebrating hard work, dedication and excellence, and today’s performances have justified that vision.”

Elsewhere, Olympian Chukwuebuka Enekwechi claimed the men’s shot put title with a throw of 21.46m, securing the national crown for the fifth consecutive time since representing Nigeria, while Oyesade Oyetayo won the men’s hammer throw with 65.07m.

The men’s 100m competition also gathered momentum, with Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, Tejiri Godwin, and Enoch Adegoke all progressing to Tuesday’s semifinals and final after winning their respective heats.

In the 400m semifinals, top contenders including Patience Okon-George, IyanuOluwa Aderemi (51.86s PB), Taiwo Kudoro, Faith Ezechukwu, Jecinter Lawrence, and Becky Ebiyadi booked places in the women’s final.

In the men’s category, Emmanuel Ojeli, Sikiru Adeyemi, Victor Sampson, Samson Nathaniel, Victory Achakpoekri, and Tyler Johnson advanced to the final.

The final day of the trials will feature the men’s and women’s 200m finals, the 400m finals, as well as the 100m and 110m hurdles events.

The event attracted several athletics legends and stakeholders, including Mary Onyali, Solomon Ogba, Chief Malik Itiako Ikpokpo, Hameed Adio, Gloria Obajimi and Emilia Edet, who witnessed another memorable chapter in Nigeria’s growing athletics resurgence.

Business

Ondo Police Foil Two Kidnap Attempts in Owo, Rescue Victims and Family Members

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Preport

BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Ondo State Police Command under the proactive leadership of CP Felix Ohagwu psc, mnips, mspsp has successfully foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area of the State, rescuing all victims involved and forcing the fleeing criminals to abandon their mission following swift and coordinated security operations.

The incidents, which occurred within a few hours of each other on Sunday, 21st June, 2026, underscore the Command’s proactive operational readiness and the effectiveness of ongoing efforts aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.

The first incident occurred at about 7:05 p.m. when the Police received a distress call indicating that a six-man armed kidnapping gang had stormed the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him. Acting promptly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Owo, mobilized and led a patrol team to the scene.

Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed assailants, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The superior tactical response and determination of the Police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan. The intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued unharmed and subsequently relocated to a safer location for enhanced security and protection.

In a related development later that same night, at about 11:10 p.m., another armed gang attacked one Daniel Ologun, a 39-year-old resident of Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo. During the attack, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg while the assailants forcefully took his wife, Mrs. Taibat Ologun, aged 34 years, and their two young children, aged four and two years respectively, into the bush.

Upon receiving information about the incident, the Police immediately launched a rescue operation. The rapid deployment of operatives and sustained pressure mounted on the fleeing kidnappers disrupted their movement and compelled them to abandon the Mr Daniel Ologun. In a coordinated search-and-rescue effort involving the Police and personnel of the Nigerian Army, Mrs. Ologun and her two children were later successfully rescued unhurt from the assailants who escaped with gunshot injurieat about 1:50 a.m.

The injured victim was promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is currently receiving medical attention and responding positively to treatment.
Meanwhile, joint security teams comprising Police operatives and military personnel have intensified bush-combing operations in the affected areas and adjoining forests with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling any criminal hideouts within the axis. Efforts are ongoing to track down all members of the criminal gangs involved in the attacks and bring them to justice.

CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed that the rescued victims be immediately debriefed to obtain additional information that may assist ongoing investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at identifying and apprehending the fleeing suspects. Afterwhich all rescued victims be reunited with their families while ensuring that necessary security measures are put in place for their continued safety and well-being.

The CP commends the bravery and swift response of the operatives involved in both operations, as well as the support of the Nigerian Army and members of the public who provided timely information that aided the successful rescue missions.

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