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Dr. Gad Shamaki: Youth Must Be at the Heart of Peacebuilding in Plateau

Published

1 year ago

June 27, 2025

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Member of the Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee and National President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, Dr. Gad Peter Shamaki, has emphasized the need for youth to be fully involved in conversations and initiatives aimed at resolving the recurring violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country.

In an interview granted on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Dr. Shamaki described the youth as both the primary victims and active participants in the ongoing conflict, making their inclusion in peacebuilding efforts not just necessary, but urgent.

“Eighty to ninety percent of those involved in the fighting are young people. They are the ones being killed, the ones whose futures are being destroyed—no education, no businesses, no farming, no interaction across divides,” he said.

He warned that continued exclusion of young people from meaningful dialogue and economic opportunity will only deepen the crisis. According to him, the unrest has created both social disconnection and economic loss among youth, who are now unable to freely associate or do business beyond ethnic or religious lines.

While acknowledging calls for government empowerment schemes, Dr. Shamaki said the real issue is not the absence of opportunities but the collapse of the system due to insecurity.

“If there is no peace, empowerment and skill training won’t work. First, youth must stay alive, stay educated, and remain focused on using their knowledge to better society. Then government can support with ventures and funding,” he explained.

Dr. Shamaki also praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for setting up what he described as a truly intentional committee. He revealed that out of ten members, only one is a Plateau indigene—a move that reflects the governor’s readiness to find an unbiased, lasting solution.

“This is not like other committees. We are visiting real communities, seeing mass graves, speaking to victims and even alleged perpetrators. That alone shows seriousness,” he said.

Highlighting the significant number of youths in Governor Mutfwang’s administration, Dr. Shamaki urged young people to take responsibility and support the government’s peacebuilding efforts.

“Many commissioners, LG officials, even leaders in chiefdoms today are young. We must rise up and help this system work, not destroy it.”

He concluded by saying that the committee’s final recommendations would be a collective responsibility—not just for the state government, but for stakeholders at all levels, including the federal government.

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Nigeria Crowned African Scrabble Champions as Jimoh Leads All-Nigerian Podium

Published

15 seconds ago

October 26, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria has emerged champions of the 16th African Scrabble Championship in Monrovia, Liberia, after Abdulmumin Jimoh claimed the individual title and the country secured the Best Country award ahead of Kenya and hosts Liberia.

Jimoh produced a remarkable comeback to top the 110-player field, finishing with 23 wins and a cumulative spread of 1,760 points. His compatriot and reigning Nigerian national champion, George Ezinore, also recorded 23 victories but settled for second place with a spread of 1,005 points, while Emmanuel Umujose completed an all-Nigerian podium in third position.

Jimoh demonstrated resilience throughout the four-day competition. He finished the opening day in 12th position with five wins before climbing to third on day two. Despite dropping to sixth on day three, he mounted a late charge to move into contention for the title.

A crucial victory over Larry Etuwa in round 31 strengthened his position at the top of the standings. Although he lost his final game to Ezinore, Jimoh’s accumulated spread proved decisive in securing the continental crown.

His triumph continues Nigeria’s strong tradition in African Scrabble and sees him succeed clubmate Oluwatimilehin Doko, who won the championship in Kigali two years ago. Doko endured a difficult campaign in Monrovia after falling ill during the competition.

Nigeria’s success extended beyond the individual standings, with the country claiming the Best Country award to underline its dominance at the continental championship.

Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer Bright Idahosa, commended the athletes for their outstanding performances and praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its support of Nigerian sports.

“I commend our players and the Federation in general for the determination shown throughout this tourney and for flying Nigeria’s flag high on the continental stage. This achievement reflects the talent, commitment and competitive spirit within Nigerian Scrabble.”

“I also sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their support. The Director-General consistently called to enquire about our results, assess our progress and discuss the way forward. This demonstrates genuine passion and intentional leadership in Nigerian sports,” Idahosa said.

In the women’s category, Ghana’s Betty Kyeremateng emerged Best Female Player after recording 20 wins from 32 games. Nigeria’s Sophia Ekeruche, recognized as the World’s Best Female Junior Player in 2025 and 2026, finished second in the female standings with 18 wins.

The Nigeria Scrabble Federation is expected to build on the achievement as it continues efforts to sustain the country’s success at continental and international competitions.

The post Nigeria Crowned African Scrabble Champions as Jimoh Leads All-Nigerian Podium appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

News

You can't hide Tinubu's failures with lies – ADC knocks APC

Published

16 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

PlateauReports

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has lashed out at the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying it cannot hide the failures of President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday.

The ADC was replying to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake over his attack on the party.

According to the ADC, the irresponsible falsehood of the ruling party cannot hide Tinubu's failures in government.

DAILY POST reports that Alake had earlier said that the ADC has nothing to offer Nigerians.

In response, the ADC said Alake should focus on his ministry, instead of defending Tinubu's failures with lies and propaganda.

According to the opposition, Nigerians are suffering under Tinubu and no amount of lies by APC will hide the hunger and hardship in the country.

It further said that Tinubu has failed in the economy, security and governance and Nigerians will vote him out in 2027.

"The ADC categorically rejects this allegation as an irresponsible falsehood, deliberately concocted to mislead Nigerians and distract attention from the monumental failures of the Tinubu administration.

"If the APC has any credible evidence to support its claims, it should produce it rather than continue to insult Nigerians with fabricated stories masquerading as press statements," the ADC said in the statement.

You can’t hide Tinubu’s failures with lies – ADC knocks APC