A political support group under the banner of Progressive Mind of Zabot Ward in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has thrown its weight behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John (CJ) ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The group publicly endorsed his ambition to represent Barkin Ladi-Riyom Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strong show of commitment, the group also promised to purchase the APC nomination and expression of interest forms for the aspirant, describing him as a credible and capable leader with the vision to deliver quality representation to the people of the constituency.
Leading the group, Hon. Elder Dung Stephen Gwong said the Progressive Minds of Zabot Ward, made up of over 2,000 APC members across men, women, and youths, had carefully assessed all aspirants and found Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John best suited to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
He explained that the endorsement followed a thorough evaluation of the aspirant’s vision, competence, and readiness, especially after his recent stakeholders’ engagement in Zabot, where he clearly outlined plans for effective and people-centered representation.
Gwong noted that the group’s decision was driven by the need for quality leadership, stressing that Chun John possesses the capacity, experience, and grassroots connection required to deliver meaningful representation at the National Assembly.
As a demonstration of their commitment, he announced that the group would purchase the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the aspirant, urging him to step forward and contest while assuring him of their full support.
Hon. Ayuba Hwere, a former Majority Leader of the Barkin Ladi Legislative Council, described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a grassroots leader who is always present and supportive, especially during times of insecurity, noting that his closeness to the people and consistent interventions make him fit to represent the constituency.
On behalf of the women, Mary Gyang, the Woman Leader, urged members of the ward to rally behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John, calling for unity in support of his ambition. She appealed to the aspirant to prioritize empowerment and security if elected, and prayed for God’s guidance and success in his political journey.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Comr. Hwere David Ayuba described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a resilient and impactful leader who has consistently empowered young people through various initiatives, noting that even without holding elective office, he has demonstrated strong leadership and capacity, making him a worthy choice to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
Responding, Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John expressed deep appreciation to the people of Zabot Ward, describing their endorsement and decision to purchase his nomination and expression of interest forms as a rare show of love and confidence in his vision.
He said the gesture came as a surprise, noting that the willingness of an entire ward to take such responsibility reflects their belief in his capacity to deliver and their commitment to the movement.
The aspirant assured the group that he would not take their support for granted, pledging to justify the trust reposed in him if given the opportunity to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
He further emphasized that the growing endorsements from different wards signal that the time is right for a new direction, adding that he is ready to step forward and serve the people with dedication and purpose.
The event was concluded with a special prayer for the aspirant for Gods divine guidance and protection towards his political ambitions.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, officially declared open the 11th Jos National Trade Fair at the Polo Field, Jos, with a renewed commitment to positioning Plateau State as a leading centre for agricultural processing, industrial development and investment in Nigeria.
The trade fair, organised by the Plateau State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, is themed “Harnessing Agricultural and Livestock Value Chains for Food Security, Job Creation and Shared Prosperity.”
The event brought together business owners, farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors, exhibitors and other stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria to showcase products, explore investment opportunities, strengthen business partnerships and promote economic development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Mutfwang expressed optimism about the economic future of Plateau State, revealing his administration’s ambition to transform the state into a major industrial processing hub within the next two to three years.
The Governor highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, livestock production and industrial revival in restoring Plateau’s commercial strength and creating sustainable economic opportunities for its people.
He also disclosed that his recent trip to China had resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese investors interested in establishing an industrial park in Plateau State.
According to the Governor, the proposed investment is part of the broader efforts to attract investors, strengthen local industries and create an environment where agricultural produce can be processed into finished and marketable products.
The initiative is expected to support value addition, stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for the growing population, particularly young people.
HARNESSING AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK FOR SHARED PROSPERITY
The theme of the 11th National Trade Fair underscores the importance of moving beyond primary agricultural production to developing a complete value chain that connects farmers and livestock producers with processors, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers.
Plateau State possesses considerable potential in crop production, livestock farming and agro-processing. Harnessing these opportunities effectively could strengthen food security, reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ incomes and create employment across different sectors.
The fair provides a platform for stakeholders to explore partnerships, showcase innovations, discover new markets and identify opportunities for investment in agriculture, livestock, mining, manufacturing and other industries.
COMMISSIONER ASHOMS CALLS FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION
The Plateau State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, has described the 2026 edition as a unique opportunity for residents, entrepreneurs and investors to expand their business horizons.
He encouraged Plateau residents to patronise exhibitors, explore new products and take advantage of the commercial opportunities available at the fair.
Ashoms also highlighted the potential of the state’s livestock value chain, including the planned ultra-modern abattoir around Heipang, which is expected to create opportunities for livestock producers, traders, processors and other businesses.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to promoting business activities and encouraged residents not to miss the opportunities presented by the event.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to the exhibitors, PLACCIMA, the Plateau State Government and the media for their contributions to the trade fair.
PLACCIMA AND ORGANISERS PROMOTE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
The trade fair, organised by PLACCIMA in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, is designed to strengthen commercial relationships and provide businesses with access to customers, partners and potential investors.
The organisers have emphasised the importance of connecting agricultural production with processing, marketing and distribution, ensuring that more economic benefits reach farmers, entrepreneurs and communities.
The event also features exhibitions across several sectors, including agriculture, livestock, mining, manufacturing and Nigerian-made products, alongside entertainment and family-oriented activities.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN PLATEAU
The official opening of the 11th Jos National Trade Fair represents an opportunity to renew confidence in Plateau State’s commercial potential and encourage stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and local businesses.
Beyond the exhibitions, the real measure of success will be the partnerships established, investments attracted, jobs created and lasting economic benefits generated for the people.
As Plateau State pursues its ambition of becoming a major industrial processing hub, stakeholders will need to sustain the momentum by investing in infrastructure, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, improving access to finance, strengthening agricultural value chains and creating a business environment that encourages innovation.
For farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and investors, the message is clear: the future of Plateau’s economy depends not only on the resources it possesses but also on how effectively those resources are developed, processed and transformed into sustainable wealth.
The 11th Jos National Trade Fair therefore stands as a platform for promoting enterprise, attracting investment and advancing the vision of food security, job creation and shared prosperity across Plateau State and Nigeria.
📍 Venue: Polo Field, Jos, Plateau State
📅 Official Opening: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
🎪 Event: 11th Jos National Trade Fair
🎯 Theme: Harnessing Agricultural and Livestock Value Chains for Food Security, Job Creation and Shared Prosperity.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Sam Amadi, has launched a scathing attack on Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, accusing him of political suppression and poor governance.
In a statement, Amadi alleged that Governor Mbah is intolerant of opposition and deliberately suppressing dissenting voices in the state.
According to him, Mbah is failing unnecessarily despite the huge resources and goodwill available to his administration.
"You are failing unnecessarily. You are suppressing opposition instead of delivering governance. Enugu people deserve better," Amadi said.
He argued that the Mbah-led administration has failed to provide purposeful leadership and is more concerned with silencing critics than addressing the real challenges facing the state, including infrastructure decay, youth unemployment and economic hardship.
He added that democracy thrives on opposition and constructive criticism, stressing that any government that gags its people is heading towards authoritarianism.
Amadi further alleged that several opposition members and vocal citizens in the state have been harassed and intimidated for speaking out against the policies of the current administration.
He urged Governor Mbah to retrace his steps and focus on delivering his campaign promises to Ndi Enugu rather than fighting perceived political enemies.
He also questioned reports that the proposed NDC town hall meeting involving the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had been blocked, asking why opposition political activities had increasingly faced challenges in Enugu.
Amadi compared the political atmosphere in Enugu with those in Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi states, arguing that opposition parties appeared to have more room to operate in those states.
He maintained that Mbah had the right to support President Bola Tinubu but argued that such support should not come at the expense of political pluralism and the rights of opposition parties.