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Articles by Blessing Odega
Plateau hit by health scare as death toll rises to 23
By Blessing Odega Plateau State has recorded 148 suspected cases of diphtheria and 23 deaths, prompting the state government to intensify efforts to contain the disease and distribute medications to designated treatment centres. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Jos.
Mutfwang describes NYSC as key institution for national unity
Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as one of Nigeria’s most enduring and successful institutions for nation-building, national integration and unity. Mutfwang said this on Friday at the official opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch “B” Stream II corps members’ orientation exercise in Plateau.
ITF begins nationwide screening of 225,000 artisans under SUPA
News Express | 14th Jul 2026 | 94 By BLESSING ODEGA The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced the nationwide screening of 225,000 practising artisans under its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme to boost skills, certification and employment opportunities. Mrs Nancy-Ndidiamaka Ekong, Director of ITF’s Technical and Vocational Skills Training Department, said this on Tuesday in Jos, during the screening process.
Plateau ADC chair slams colleagues, says Mark’s leadership validly elected
By Blessing Odega The Plateau Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mrs Hanatu Gagara has distanced herself from some state chairpersons who are not in support of Sen. David Mark-led leadership of the party. Garga said this on Wednesday in Jos while affirming that Mark and Rauf Aregbesola were validly nominated as chairman and secretary by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of ADC to lead the party.
JEDC introduces flexible debt repayment plan for customers
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) PLC, has introduced a flexible debt repayment plan aimed at helping customers clear outstanding electricity bills in a more convenient and structured manner. This is contained in a statement by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs Saratu Dauda-Aliyu, on Monday in Jos.
Lassa fever: Plateau records 6 confirmed cases, 4 deaths
News Express | 6th Feb 2026 | 41 By BLESSING ODEGA The Commissioner for Health in Plateau, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, says the state recorded six confirmed cases of Lassa fever with four deaths. Baamlong made this known at a press briefing on Friday in Jos. The Commissioner said the confirmed cases were reported in Jos South, Jos North, Qua’an Pan, Wase, Shendam, and Mangu Local Government Areas (LGAs).
NYSC ready to adopt inclusion of corps members with disabilities - D-G
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says the scheme is ready to adopt and implement a standardised protocol for inclusive handling of corps members with disabilities throughout the orientation course and service year. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, said this on Wednesday in Jos, at the opening ceremony of the NYSC 2026 pre-orientation workshop. Nafiu said the initiative focused not only on compliance but also on dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
NYSC a unique pool of human capital says D-G
The Director-General (D-G) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has described the NYSC as a unique pool of human capital capable of driving national development.
ADC a credible alternative for Plateau people - Chairman
The Plateau Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mrs Hannatu Gagara, says the party is a credible alternative for good governance for the people. Gagara stated this on Tuesday in Jos during the party’s end-of-year meeting to review its activities. The chairman said that ADC remains a party to beat in the 2027 general elections. She described ADC as a beautiful bride for the people that want uncommon development and wellbeing for Plateau and Nigeria.
Lassa Fever: Plateau records 2 confirmed cases, 2 deaths
Plateau Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, has said that the state recorded two confirmed cases of Lassa fever, with two fatalities. Baamlong, on Tuesday in Jos, said the confirmed cases were reported in Unguwan Gar, Kwalla communities in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.
Skills, valuable currency in global economy - says ITF D-G
The Director-General (D-G), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Afiz Ogun, has said that skills, were now the most valuable currency in the global economy. Ogun said this on Wednesday in Jos, during the fund’s 2025 interactive forum with the theme entitled “Skills/ a veritable tool for wealth creation”.
NAFDAC seizes N30m expired, revalidated beverages in Jos
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has seized expired but revalidated alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages worth N30 million from shops in Jos. The Director, NAFDAC North Central Zone, Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, said on Saturday in Jos that the agency had earlier received reports from a consumer who purchased the expired but revalidated beverage and had health issues after consumption.
Kidney Disease: JUTH reports surge in demand for dialysis
The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) says it is having an influx of patients requiring dialysis since its implementation of the N12,000 dialysis subsidy by the Federal Government. Prof. Oche Agbaji, Consultant Nephrologist and Head of Nephrology Unit at JUTH, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Jos.
100,000 artisans to sit for ITF exams skills test examinations
News Express | 24th Sep 2025 | 116 File photo of artisans undergoing training File photo of artisans undergoing training By BLESSING ODEGA The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) says that 100,000 trainees of its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) scheme’s second phase would sit for a nationwide certification examination on Wednesday, September 24th.
Plateau Assembly raises alarm over mining activities in residential areas
News Express | 2nd Sep 2025 | 12 Plateau Assembly raises alarm over mining activities in residential areas Plateau Assembly raises alarm over mining activities in residential areas By BLESSING ODEGA The Plateau State House of Assembly, presided over by its Speaker, Daniel Nanlong, has raised alarm over mining activities in residential areas in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
Plateau lawmakers hold retreat to enhance legislative capacity
By Blessing Odega The lawmakers of the Plateau State House of Assembly have commenced a three-day strategic retreat to enhance their legislative capacity. The Speaker, Mr Naanlong Gapyil, said at the opening of the retreat on Tuesday in Jos that it would also enhance collaboration and strengthen governance. Gapyil explained that the retreat, which was for lawmakers and principal staff of the house, was also to deepen their understanding of legislative processes.
ITF gets City & Guilds approval
News Express | 9th Aug 2025 | 11 By BLESSING ODEGA The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has secured approval from the City and Guilds of London, UK, to operate as a certified examination centre. The Director-General (D-G) of ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, said that the fund joined six other approved centres in Nigeria in the certification.
Unaccredited health schools in Plateau pose public risk, lawmaker warns
A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Nanbol Daniel Listick (LP–Langtang North Central), has raised the alarm over the proliferation of unaccredited tertiary institutions in the state, particularly those offering health-related programmes. He expressed concern that the existence of such institutions posed serious risks to public health and safety, calling for urgent regulatory action to verify their legitimacy and ensure compliance with minimum standards.
Plateau Assembly urges stringent animal checks to curtail zoonotic diseases
The Plateau House of Assembly has urged the state government to ensure strict inspection of animals at the abattoirs to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. The house, presided over by its Speaker, Naanlong Daniel, made the call after a motion of notice by Mr Nanbol Daniel (LP/Langtang North Central Constituency) during plenary on Wednesday.
Plateau speaker is a unifier, says information committee chair
Mr Matthew Kwarpoe, Chairman of Plateau House of Assembly Committee on Information, has described Daniel Naanlong, the newly elected speaker of the assembly, as a unifier. By Blessing Odega Mr Matthew Kwarpoe, Chairman of Plateau House of Assembly Committee on Information, has described Daniel Naanlong, the newly elected speaker of the assembly, as a unifier. Kwarpoe (APC, Mangu South) said this on Thursday in Jos when he briefed the press on the latest developments of the 10th assembly.
Why Dewan stepped down as Naanlong emerges Plateau Speaker
The Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, on Wednesday, resigned from the position of leader of the 10th assembly. Mr. Daniel Naanlong (APC/Mikang Constituency) was unanimously chosen by his colleagues to lead the 24-member legislature. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dewan submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday during an emergency plenary, after which the election took place.
NOA trains participants on national values
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has trained some participants on national values and leadership. By Blessing Odega The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has trained some participants on national values and leadership. The Director-General of the NOA, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, said on Friday in Jos that the 3-day training was in partnership with Tomruk iHub Multiverse and Dakrisbenic Foundation for Unity and Development in Africa (DAFUDA).
Rotary club aids 150 Jos girls with hygiene kits
No fewer than 150 girls from Government Secondary School, Township, Jos, have benefitted from the Hygiene Hub for Girls (HHG) project. The initiative, led by the Rotary Club of Jos, is aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and ending period poverty among schoolgirls. The project, conducted in collaboration with PAG Marlvis Olubiyi of the Rotary Club of Brampton, Canada, was designed to break the stigma surrounding menstruation.
DisCo unveils discount promo for indebted customers
News Express | 19th Jun 2025 | 4 Alh Mammanlafia Umar, Managing Director MD, JEDC Alh Mammanlafia Umar, Managing Director MD, JEDC By BLESSING ODEGA The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has unveiled a debt validation and discount promo for its indebted customers. JEDC acting Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Saratu Daudu, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday in Jos. Daudu said that Alh.
2 Bus conductors jailed 12 months each for unlawful possession of dangerous weapon
An Area Court in Jos on Monday sentenced two bus conductors, Adamu Bala and Adam Abubakar, to 12 months imprisonment each for unlawful possession of dangerous weapon. The judge, Mrs Shawomi Bokkos, sentenced the convicts after they pleaded guilty to the offence. The judge however gave the convicts an option of N50, 000 fines each.
2 Bus conductors jailed 12 months each for unlawful possession of dangerous weapon
An Area Court in Jos on Monday sentenced two bus conductors, Adamu Bala and Adam Abubakar, to 12 months imprisonment each for unlawful possession of dangerous weapon.fd By Blessing Odega An Area Court in Jos on Monday sentenced two bus conductors, Adamu Bala and Adam Abubakar, to 12 months imprisonment each for unlawful possession of dangerous weapon. The judge, Mrs Shawomi Bokkos, sentenced the convicts after they plea ded guilty to the offence.
NYSC, cornerstone of unity, devt.
Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as a cornerstone for national development and unity. By Blessing Odega Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as a cornerstone for national development and unity. The governor made the remark on Friday during the official opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch "A" Stream II corps members' orientation exercise.
Man jailed 24 months for stealing 3TV sets, battery valued N125, 000
An Area Court in Jos on Wednesday, sentenced Abdulrazaq Musa to 24 months imprisonment for stealing three television sets and a car battery all valued at N125,000. The Judge, Mrs Shawomi Bokkos, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the offence. Bokkos gave the convict an option of N150, 000 fine or 24 months imprisonment. She also asked him to pay N60, 000 compensation to the complainant, or six months in default.
NYSC will continue to campaign against GBV, inequality -D-G
The Director-General (D-G), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, says that the NYSC would continue to champion the campaign against gender-based violence By Blessing Odega The Director-General (D-G), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, says that the NYSC would continue to champion the campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) and inequality.
NOA urges regular blood pressure checks to tackle hypertension
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure to detect hypertension early, as the condition often shows no symptoms. By Blessing Odega The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure to detect hypertension early, as the condition often shows no symptoms. The Plateau State Coordinator of the agency, Mrs Kaneng Pam-Hworo, made the call in a statement on Monday in Jos.
Plateau distributes relief materials to windstorm victims
The Plateau Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials to windstorm victims in six local government areas (LGAs) of the state. By Blessing Odega The Plateau Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials to windstorm victims in six local government areas (LGAs) of the state. The materials distributed include roofing sheets, nails, wood, among others.
ValueJet airlines resumes Jos-Lagos flight operations
News Express | 3rd Apr 2025 | 9 Plateaus Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Jatau Gyang Plateaus Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Jatau Gyang By BLESSING ODEGA Mr Jatau Gyang, Plateau’s Commissioner for Transportation, says ValueJet airlines has resumed flight operations on the Jos – Lagos route on Wednesday. Gyang said this on Thursday, in Jos, when he briefed the press.
Plateau Govt. Acquires Tankers To Boost Water Supply
By Blessing Odega The management of Jos Water Services Corporation (JWSC) says it has acquired 3 water tankers to boost water supply to communities within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis experiencing scarcity. Mr Apollos Samchi, JWSC Managing Director, said in a statement on Wednesday in Jos that the gesture would help alleviate the sufferings of communities with inadequate water.
Water scarcity : Plateau Govt. acquires tankers to boost water supply
By Blessing Odega The management of Jos Water Services Corporation (JWSC) says it has acquired 3 water tankers to boost water supply to communities within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis experiencing scarcity. Mr Apollos Samchi, JWSC Managing Director, said in a statement on Wednesday in Jos that the gesture would help alleviate the sufferings of communities with inadequate water.
611 health facilities offering TB control services in Plateau – Commissioner | Nigeria News Headlines Today
By Blessing Odega Plateau Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, says the state has 611 out of the 1,470 health facilities that offer integrated Tuberculosis (TB) control services. Ba’amlong said this at the news conference to commemorate the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest Deliver” in Jos on Monday. He said that 231 of the facilities that offered the TB integrated services were private health facilities, while 380 were public health facilities.
611 health facilities offering TB control services in Plateau – Commissioner - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
By Blessing Odega Plateau Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, says the state has 611 out of the 1,470 health facilities that offer integrated Tuberculosis (TB) control services. Ba’amlong said this at the news conference to commemorate the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest Deliver” in Jos on Monday. He said that 231 of the facilities that offered the TB integrated services were private health facilities, while 380 were public health facilities.
Cataract, glaucoma leading causes of blindness in Plateau -Govt
The Commissioner for Health in Plateau, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, says the state has a blindness prevalence rate of 2.7 per cent, significantly higher than the national average of 0.7 per cent. Baamlong disclosed this on Thursday in Jos while addressing the press to mark the 2025 World Glaucoma Day, with the theme, Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.
NOA, Foundation Train 55 Participants On National Values In Plateau
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has trained 55 members of staff of Federal Government agencies and the military on national values and leadership. By Blessing Odega The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has trained 55 members of staff of Federal Government agencies and the military on national values and leadership. The training was in partnership with Tomruk iHub Multiverse and Dakrisbenic Foundation for Unity and Development in Africa (DAFUDA).
NOA, Foundation train 55 participants on national values in Plateau
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has trained 55 members of staff of Federal Government agencies and the military on national values and leadership. By Blessing Odega The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has trained 55 members of staff of Federal Government agencies and the military on national values and leadership. The training was in partnership with Tomruk iHub Multiverse and Dakrisbenic Foundation for Unity and Development in Africa (DAFUDA).
Plateau Assembly seeks government regulation of outrageous house rents
By Blessing Odega The Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan (YPP/Pankshin North), says the house is seeking government intervention to regulate outrageous house rents in Jos-Bukuru metropolis. Dewan made the call in a notice of motion during the assembly plenary on Tuesday in Jos.
Jos phone thieves Jubril ,Umar bag 12 months in jail
Two men jailed 12 months each for stealing mobile phones Two men jailed 12 months each for stealing mobile phones Theft By Blessing Odega Two men identified as Rabiu Jibril and Bilal Umaru has been sentences to 12 months imprisonment each for stealing two mobile phones valued at N620,000 in Jos, Plateau State. Police Prosecutor, Insp Ijuptil Thlawur, told the court that the case was reported at the Anglo Jos Police Station, on Jan. 6, by Ms Favour Donald and Queen Ochanya, the complainants.
Technician Jailed 6 Months For Selling Client's TV Without His Consent
An Area Court in Jos on Monday, sentenced a technician, Shafiu Abdulwahid, to six months imprisonment for selling an LG 32-inch television set he was given to repair By Blessing Odega An Area Court in Jos on Monday, sentenced a technician, Shafiu Abdulwahid, to six months imprisonment for selling an LG 32-inch television set he was given to repair worth N70,000 without the consent of the owner. The judge, Shawomi Bokkos, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to theft.
Technician jailed 6 months for selling client’s TV without his consent
An Area Court in Jos on Monday, sentenced a technician, Shafiu Abdulwahid, to six months imprisonment for selling an LG 32-inch television set he was given to repair By Blessing Odega An Area Court in Jos on Monday, sentenced a technician, Shafiu Abdulwahid, to six months imprisonment for selling an LG 32-inch television set he was given to repair worth N70,000 without the consent of the owner. The judge, Shawomi Bokkos, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to theft.
Lawmaker advocates govt funding of faith-based health institutions
Member, Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Nanbol Daniel (LP/Langtang North Central Constituency), has sponsored a bill for the government to fund and support faith-based health institutions. Daniel presented the bill during the assembly’s plenary session on Wednesday in Jos. The legislator stated that the faith-based health institutions have been providing critical healthcare services and have been complementing the efforts of the state government.
SEMA Distributes Food Items To IDPs In 5 Plateau LGAs
The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in five local government areas ( By Blessing Odega The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in five local government areas (LGAs) of the state. SEMA Executive Secretary Mr Sunday Abdu said during the distribution on Friday that the intervention was from the Bank of Industry (BOI).
SEMA distributes food items to IDPs in 5 Plateau LGAs
The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in five local government areas ( By Blessing Odega The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in five local government areas (LGAs) of the state. SEMA Executive Secretary Mr Sunday Abdu said during the distribution on Friday that the intervention was from the Bank of Industry (BOI).
Jobless man steals six mobile phones
By Blessing Odega An Area Court in Jos on Friday, sentenced an unemployed man, Tuagat Moses, to six months imprisonment for stealing six cell phones worth N1. 4 million. The judge, Shawomi Bokkos, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to theft. The judge, however, gave the convict an option of N 30, 000 fine. He also ordered the convict to pay N1.4million for the phones to the complainant or spend 18 months in prison.
JUTH Commences Free Obstetrics Services For Vulnerable Women | Nigeria News Headlines Today
31 total views today Obstetrics By Blessing Odega The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has commenced free obstetrics services for indigent women to curb rising maternal mortality. Dr Pokop Bupwatda, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of JUTH, said this on Wednesday in Jos, during the inauguration of a standing committee for Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and NewbornCare (CEMONC) services in JUTH.
JUTH Commences Free Obstetrics Services For Vulnerable Women - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Obstetrics By Blessing Odega The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) has commenced free obstetrics services for indigent women to curb rising maternal mortality. Dr Pokop Bupwatda, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of JUTH, said this on Wednesday in Jos, during the inauguration of a standing committee for Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and NewbornCare (CEMONC) services in JUTH.
YOUTH IN PERIL: The Deadly Grip Of Drug Abuse And Trafficking
The alarming rate of drug consumption among youths has reached crisis levels, threatening the very fabric of society. This scourge must be confronted head-on. Youths are falling prey to the allure of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis. These substances wreak havoc on mental and physical health. The consequences of drug abuse are devastating: addiction, mental disorders, impaired cognitive function, and even death.
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