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Plateau Media Professionals Explore AI, Fact-Checking and Peacebuilding at GIZ Workshop

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3 months ago

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Journalists and media professionals from across Plateau State have concluded a three-day intensive Media for Peace workshop organized under the Peacecore Project implemented by GIZ Nigeria at Crispan Suites and Hotel, Jos.

The workshop, which marked the Second Cohort of the Media for Peace training, focused on conflict-sensitive reporting, communication development and peacebuilding, artificial intelligence, and the use of fact-checking tools in journalism practice.

Speaking during the training, Susan Gopuk of GIZ Nigeria highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and livelihoods support in Nigeria. She explained that GIZ, a German agency for international cooperation funded mainly by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, operates in over 120 countries and has maintained a presence in Nigeria for 51 years with more than 30 projects nationwide.

According to her, the Peacecore Project currently operates in Kaduna, Plateau, and Taraba states in collaboration with governments, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and international partners. She noted that while the project’s first phase focused on strengthening peacebuilding and conflict resolution between farmers and herders, the second phase now emphasizes conflict transformation and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable groups including women, youth, children, internally displaced persons, farmers, herders, and persons living with disabilities.

Susan stressed that gender equality remains central to the project, with deliberate efforts aimed at improving women’s access to rights, representation, and resources. She also highlighted interventions in dialogue, mental health support, youth engagement, climate-smart livelihoods, and infrastructure development.

She further emphasized the role of the media in promoting peace and countering hate speech, misinformation, and divisive narratives, especially in fragile communities like Plateau State.

One of the resource persons, Lady Irene David-Irene, delivered a presentation on Communication Development and Peace Building, where she underscored the influence journalists and media professionals wield in shaping public perception and social cohesion.

She warned that every action or inaction by journalists carries consequences, particularly in conflict-prone societies where reports can either promote peace or escalate tensions. She identified misinformation, sensationalism, hate speech, and biased reporting as key issues threatening peace and stability.

Lady Irene urged participants to embrace ethical, balanced, and conflict-sensitive journalism capable of fostering dialogue, unity, and mutual understanding within communities.

Thaddeus Yilmen said the sessions refreshed journalists on the ethics, responsibilities, and expectations of the profession, particularly the “do’s and don’ts” of responsible reporting. He called for more regular trainings to enable more media practitioners to benefit and contribute to peace-focused journalism.

Similarly, Tongnaan Bawa appreciated the organizers and facilitators for what she described as a valuable and enlightening experience. She assured that participants would apply the knowledge gained and continue promoting responsible journalism and peaceful narratives in their respective platforms.

The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by GIZ through the Peacecore Project to strengthen peace-focused communication, counter misinformation, and build the capacity of journalists and young people as advocates for peaceful coexistence and conflict prevention in Nigeria.

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Business

Plateau Strengthens Technical Education, Prepares NITT Centre for September Take-Off

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1 day ago

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August 19, 2026

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The Plateau State Government has taken a major step towards expanding access to specialised transport education and practical technical training with the handover of facilities at the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.

The facilities, comprising part of the college’s Mechanical Workshop, five classrooms and a residential quarter, will serve as the NITT Learning Centre and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, providing students, technicians and professionals with opportunities to acquire practical skills in modern transportation technology, CNG conversion and logistics.

The Plateau State Government was represented at the handover ceremony by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, who said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, skills development and the adoption of modern transportation technologies.

Jatau said the Mechanical Workshop would provide a practical environment for CNG conversion training, while the classrooms would support theoretical instruction, professional development and capacity-building programmes.

He added that the residential accommodation would improve the welfare of personnel and learners who would be associated with the centre.

The commissioner expressed confidence that NITT would make effective and sustainable use of the facilities to expand educational and technical opportunities for people in Plateau State.

“We are confident that NITT Zaria will make effective and sustainable use of these facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mrs Jummai Shekarau, described the handover as an investment in technical education, innovation and human capital development, rather than simply the provision of infrastructure.

She said the CNG Conversion Centre would provide young people with practical skills that could improve their employability and enable them to take advantage of opportunities emerging in the CNG value chain.

According to her, the centre would also encourage entrepreneurship and job creation while supporting the transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

The Registrar of NITT, Zaria, Dr Maina Williams Tarfa, commended the Plateau State Government for providing facilities beyond what the institute had initially requested.

Tarfa said the intervention would enable NITT to establish a strong educational presence in Plateau State and bring specialised transport training closer to residents.

He expressed confidence that the centre would commence operations by September, providing training opportunities for local government technicians and other professionals across the state.

He explained that NITT would introduce programmes including Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programmes in Transport and Logistics, while deploying its technical experts to deliver quality training and practical services.

Tarfa said the centre would help bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical skills by giving learners direct exposure to modern transport technologies.

Dr Sani Barau, Special Adviser to the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the handover marked the transition from planning to implementation after concerted efforts to secure and prepare the facilities.

Barau stressed the need for a clear and speedy activation plan to ensure that the centre becomes operational as soon as possible.

He said the initiative would involve local technical stakeholders, create investment opportunities and strengthen the skills base required for the development of Plateau State’s transport sector.

The officials subsequently toured the facilities to inspect the progress of rehabilitation works at the institution ahead of the planned commencement of operations in September.

The establishment of the NITT Learning Centre is expected to strengthen technical and vocational education in Plateau State, giving students, technicians and professionals access to practical training and advanced qualifications in transport, logistics and emerging vehicle technologies.

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Entertainment

Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026

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2 weeks ago

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August 3, 2026

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The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.

The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.

 

Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.

The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.

The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.

Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.

With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.

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