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Plateau state Rallies for Malaria-Free Future as Prevalence Drops to 2.8%
The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with the Plateau State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), development partners, and key stakeholders, on Saturday marked the 2026 World Malaria Day with a renewed call for sustained action to eliminate malaria across the state and Nigeria.
The event, held at Crystal Hall, Crispan Suites in Jos, carried the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” alongside the slogan “Let’s Do It.” Activities commenced with a sensitization health walk from Air Force Roundabout to the venue, aimed at raising awareness on malaria prevention.
The commemoration attracted a wide range of participants, including healthcare workers, students of health institutions, SMEP officials, development partners, and representatives of the Plateau State Ministry of Health.
Representing the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Dr. Benjamin Garkuwa Sumi described the occasion as a moment to reflect on progress made and reinforce commitment to ending malaria, which remains a major public health concern in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria accounts for nearly a quarter of global malaria cases and deaths, with an estimated nine to ten fatalities recorded every hour. Despite this, he highlighted significant progress, revealing that malaria prevalence in Plateau State dropped from 18.8% in 2021 to 2.8% in 2025.
Dr. Sumi attributed the achievement to coordinated efforts by the State Ministry of Health, SMEP, and development partners. He also pointed to key milestones, including over 100% coverage during the 2024 and 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaigns and a 96% success rate in the 2024 distribution of insecticide-treated nets. He added that malaria testing kits and treatment drugs are now available in over 400 health facilities across the state.
He urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as consistent use of treated mosquito nets, maintaining clean environments, early testing, and proper antenatal care.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, commended stakeholders for their contributions and stressed the importance of environmental sanitation in eliminating mosquito breeding sites. He expressed confidence that sustained efforts could lead to near-zero malaria prevalence in Plateau State.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager of SMEP, Nurse Kisito Ndak, described the celebration as both a milestone and a platform to assess progress and plan ahead. He credited the decline in malaria cases to interventions by partners, including the Malaria Consortium, alongside increased public awareness through media and community outreach.
In a keynote address, Dr. Elijah Otopka emphasized that malaria remains one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases globally, with Africa accounting for about 95% of deaths. He noted that Plateau State’s progress demonstrates the effectiveness of interventions such as treated nets, seasonal prevention, rapid testing, and improved treatment services.
He called for increased funding, stronger health systems, and continued collaboration, stressing that the tools and knowledge needed to eliminate malaria are already available.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Malaria Consortium, Dr. Mbwas Mashor highlighted that over one million children in Plateau benefit annually from preventive malaria treatment under the SMC programme. He urged sustained investment and data-driven strategies to prevent a resurgence.
Similarly, a representative of the World Health Organization, Muoghah Abere Favour, reaffirmed support for Plateau State and Nigeria, emphasizing prevention through treated nets, timely treatment, and improved environmental hygiene.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that while significant progress has been made, continued collaboration and public participation are essential to achieving a malaria-free Plateau State and Nigeria.
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The Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE), Plateau State Chapter, on Friday, November 13, 2026, held an educational empowerment programme in Jos, Plateau State, with the distribution of free laptops to deserving students across tertiary institutions in the state.
The initiative, held at Tamarald Event Centre, Jos, was organised in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the vision of Renewed Hope Youth Movement . It is aimed at promoting digital inclusion, strengthening educational opportunities and equipping young Nigerians with the technological resources needed to excel in today’s increasingly digital society.
The event featured the presence of the Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement initiative, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, who was accompanied by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.
Other notable dignitaries included the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Prince Miaphen; the Plateau State Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, Prince David Daser; the State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Youth Engagement, Mr. Manji Wilson; alongside other government officials, youth leaders, political stakeholders and students.
500 LAPTOPS TARGETED, 50 STUDENTS BENEFIT IN FIRST PHASE
A major highlight of the programme was the announcement of plans to distribute 500 laptops to deserving tertiary institution students across Plateau State.
Under the first phase of the initiative, 50 students drawn from various institutions received brand-new laptops to support their academic activities and digital learning.
Among the institutions represented were the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State University (PLASU), Plateau State Polytechnic (PLAPOLY), College of Health Technology, Zawan, College of Health Technology, Pankshin, and other institutions.
According to the organisers, the beneficiaries were selected based on academic merit, particularly their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), through a process facilitated by their respective institutions.
The laptops are expected to enhance students’ access to digital learning resources, academic research, assignments, online educational platforms and the acquisition of essential technological skills.
SEYI TINUBU VISITS GOVERNOR MUTFWANG, BARKIN LADI MEDICAL OUTREACH
Beyond the educational empowerment programme, Barr. Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State also featured other engagements.
Prior to the event in Jos, he visited a free medical outreach organised by the City Boy Movement in Barkin Ladi, where residents benefited from healthcare services.
He also paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, at the Government House, Jos.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government and the TIME IS NOW administration for their support and cooperation towards the successful hosting of the programme.
JOS ENTERTAINMENT STARS ADD COLOUR TO THE EVENT
The programme also featured entertainment and musical performances, making the occasion a celebration of youth, education and talent.
Popular Nigerian rapper Ice Prince Zamani, alongside Jos-based entertainers including Classic and Seemo Da Black Czar, thrilled guests and participants with live performances.
The entertainment segment added excitement to the gathering, bringing together education, youth engagement and the creative industry on one platform.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the organisers emphasised that the laptop distribution goes beyond the provision of electronic devices, describing it as an investment in the future of young Nigerians.
For the beneficiaries, the laptops represent valuable tools that will improve their learning experiences, expand access to educational opportunities, encourage digital innovation and prepare them for a technology-driven world.
The event which was well coordinated by Renewed Hope Youth Engagement further highlights the importance of youth-focused initiatives in promoting education, innovation, digital inclusion and sustainable development.
With a target of reaching 500 students, the initiative is expected to extend its impact to more deserving students across Plateau State as subsequent phases of the programme unfold.
The November 13 engagement marks another major youth-focused activity in Plateau State, bringing together government, youth organisations, educational institutions and the creative community in support of the development and empowerment of young people.
A political analyst, Sam Amadi, has said presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, cannot effectively run a typical Nigerian political organisation because of his minimalist political approach and reluctance to distribute money.
Amadi said Obi's style of politics was fundamentally different from Nigeria's prevailing political culture, where politicians expect financial rewards and other benefits from their political associations.
He argued that some politicians who left Obi's camp were partly driven by what they expected from him but did not get.
Speaking on Arise Television's Prime Time programme on Friday, Amadi said Nigeria's political environment was unstable, with politicians frequently moving between political platforms in pursuit of personal interests.
According to him, some politicians who left Obi's camp had approached him to explain their grievances.
Amadi said their complaints reflected a fundamental disagreement between Obi's political philosophy and the expectations of politicians operating within Nigeria's political system.
The former Director-General of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, maintained that Obi understood his limitations in managing the country's conventional political structure.
He also described Obi as a minimalist who prefers a less elaborate approach to politics, arguing that the former Anambra State governor would rather pursue a straightforward path to political success than engage in the extensive political mobilisation associated with conventional Nigerian politics.
Amadi said: "Peter Obi represents a different kind of politician. Everything about him is often also exaggerated.
"Atiku ran for election with him as vice. The first thing he did after the election was to jump.
"First, Nigeria has a political market that's unstable. Yes. Most of these guys who left, they've come to me, and I talk to them, and they bring issues of grievance. And I say to these guys, look, I've served as Senate president. I've served Jonathan. I disagree with these people, but it's part of it.
"There's a political career. These guys want to move on. Secondly, they also want to have some things Peter cannot offer. That's a deep dissonance between Peter and Nigerian politics. People forget that. Yes, he doesn't give money.
"So Peter is not capable; Peter cannot run a typical Nigerian political organization. He knows that.
"Again, Peter is a minimalist, but it's business. He likes to, if he can, just sneak through this. He doesn't have to open the whole place."
2027: Peter Obi can’t run typical Nigerian political organisation – Sam Amadi
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