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.
How will work setups change if we spend more and more time talking to our computers? A recent feature in the Wall Street Journal looks at the rising popularity of dictation apps like Wispr, especially now that they can be connected to vibe coding tools, and what that might mean for office etiquette.
One VC said that visiting startup offices now feels like stepping into a high-end call center. And Gusto co-founder Edward Kim is apparently telling his team that in the future, offices will sound “more like a sales floor.” (As someone still scarred from the time his desk was briefly relocated to a sales floor, let me say: Oh no.)
Kim claimed that he only types now when he absolutely has to. But he admitted that constantly dictating in the office can be “just a little awkward.”
Similarly, AI entrepreneur Mollie Amkraut Mueller said her husband became annoyed with her new habit of whispering to her computer, so their late-night work sessions now involve sitting apart, or “one of us will stay in our office.”
But Wispr founder Tanay Kothari insisted that this will all seem “normal” one day, just as it’s become normal to spend hours staring at your phone.
A frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of the in Plateau State, , has condemned the recent attacks and killings in rural communities across Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom Local Government Areas, declaring that the party is determined to take over the Plateau Government House in the 2027 general elections.
Dakur made the remarks during an engagement with Local Government, Ward, and Unit Executives of the ADC in shortly after attending the one-year remembrance service of late at RCC Pushit.
The ADC governorship hopeful described the recurring attacks in parts of Plateau State as unfortunate and called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting vulnerable communities and restoring peace in affected areas.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding while supporting security agencies with useful information capable of preventing further attacks.
According to Dakur, the ADC is steadily strengthening its grassroots structures across Plateau State as part of efforts to provide purposeful leadership to the people.
He said the party remains committed to offering credible leadership capable of addressing the security and developmental challenges confronting the state.
The governorship aspirant also charged party members to remain united, focused, and committed toward strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dakur stressed the need for loyalty, cooperation, and collective responsibility among party faithful, noting that unity within the party would be key to achieving victory at the polls.
He further pledged to work toward delivering the dividends of democracy to Plateau residents and ensuring lasting peace across communities affected by insecurity and other social challenges.
Speaking on the late Prof. Tyoden, Dakur described the former deputy governor as a man of wisdom, integrity, and selfless service whose contributions to Plateau State and Nigeria would continue to be remembered.
He said the late academic and statesman dedicated his life to education, peace, leadership, and the advancement of humanity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the ADC in Mangu Local Government Area, , appreciated Dakur for his commitment to the growth of the party in Plateau State.
Kwache assured the governorship aspirant of the support and solidarity of party members in Mangu while calling on members to remain committed to building a stronger and more united party ahead of future elections.
The remembrance service attracted political leaders, party faithful, community stakeholders, and well-wishers who gathered to honour the late Prof. Tyoden and reflect on his legacies.