In a heartfelt observance of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Jaksham Community in Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State, transformed the national holiday into an act of compassion and civic advocacy. Led by the traditional ruler, Ngolong Justin Job, the community held a humanitarian outreach that provided food relief to hundreds of vulnerable residents.
The event, held at the community square, saw the distribution of assorted food items to elders, women, youths, and families from Jaksham and neighboring villages. It was a moment not only of celebration but of reflection on the deeper meaning of democracy at the grassroots.
Speaking to attendees, Ngolong Job emphasized that democracy is more than politics — it is about community, leadership, and shared responsibility.
“Democracy is not only about elected officials. We, as traditional rulers, are also part of governance. Today, we join the rest of the country to celebrate democracy in a way that touches lives directly,” he said.
He explained that the outreach was prompted by the economic hardship affecting many in the community and symbolized Jaksham’s role as a development partner.
Ngolong Job also commended the efforts of key political leaders whose work continues to impact the state positively, including:
- Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang
- Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan
- Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ephraim Usman Gar
- Chairman of Kanke LGA, Hon. Lapchin Golime
- Member representing Kanke Constituency, Hon. Joseph Gokum
He called for greater collaboration between government and grassroots communities and used the occasion to spotlight critical challenges in Jaksham, including:
Lack of Formal Recognition for Village Heads
“Many of us have been appointed, yet we await official letters or certificates confirming our roles. Without this recognition, our effectiveness in local security and mobilization is limited,” Ngolong Job appealed.
Dilapidated School Infrastructure
He noted that the only school in Jaksham is in dire condition, with insufficient classrooms for the growing student population. While Hon. Gokum has pledged to add a classroom block, the ruler urged other stakeholders to support efforts in expanding educational infrastructure.
“The future of our children depends on the education we give them today,” he stressed.
Inadequate Access to Clean Water
The community currently relies on a single borehole for all water needs.
“One borehole cannot serve everyone. We call on government and good-spirited individuals to help us provide more boreholes. Water is life,” he said.
Hon. Emmanuel Gompil, Secretary of Kanke LGC, who represented the Council Chairman, praised the outreach, noting it reflects the administration’s vision of people-centered development.
“Ngolong Jaksham’s initiative is a reminder that governance starts at the grassroots,” he said.
Ngolong Defor Ring, who also attended the event, encouraged other traditional leaders to emulate the gesture, describing it as a bold message of leadership and responsibility.
The event concluded with goodwill messages from the Jaksham Community Development Association (JCDA) and other dignitaries, who collectively called for greater rural investment in education, water, and security.
As Democracy Day drew to a close, the spirit of the celebration in Jaksham stood out—demonstrating that true democracy thrives where leaders uplift the vulnerable, and communities unite for common progress.
