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    Women and Youth at the Forefront of Peacebuilding in Plateau

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    Women and youth have been hailed as the driving force of peace and unity in Plateau State as stakeholders gathered in Jos to mark the International Day of Peace. The Peace Summit, organized by the Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development in partnership with the Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace Centre (DREP), called for urgent action to strengthen inclusive peacebuilding efforts under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World: Women and Youth Leading the Way.”

    In his welcome address, Sunday Dombin, Director of Research, Planning, and Documentation, expressed joy that women are speaking up for themselves. He urged participants to act promptly in addressing negative issues affecting women and youth, encouraging them to engage in meaningful dialogue and celebrate the gains of peace.

    The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, represented by Hon. Jiritmwa Goyit, delivered the keynote address. She described the theme as a strong call to action that reflects the urgent realities of today’s world, including inequality, climate change, and persistent conflicts.

    She noted that conflict resolution in the past was largely male-dominated, but modern peacebuilding has become more inclusive, with women and young people playing crucial roles. “The Honourable Commissioner asked that I inform women here that you are critical partners in the effort to bring peace to our homes, our community, our society, and the nation at large,” she said.

    The commissioner also urged participants to take the knowledge gained from the summit back to their communities, stressing the need to act as ambassadors of peace while sustaining unity and harmony.

    The event featured two panel sessions that sparked engaging conversations. The first, themed “Women as Peacebuilders – Breaking Barriers (Women Transforming Conflict into Peace),” brought together Rev. Agwom Bliss, Sunday Dombin, Prof. Ruth Reuben, and Maureen Dakim, moderated by Rejoice Shammah. The session explored how women can break barriers and actively transform conflict into lasting peace.

    The second panel, titled “Youth as Change Agents (Voices of the Future),” featured Matthew Tegha, Ali Ali, Lekur Patience Naanzem, and Aisha Mohammed Kabiru, also moderated by Rejoice Shammah. The discussion focused on empowering young people as strong voices for peace, unity, and social transformation.

    Delivering a goodwill message, Mujidang Sitdang, Regional Programme Manager of Tetra Tech (North Central), said the organization was delighted to partner in commemorating the International Day of Peace. He urged participants not only to discuss peace but to act on it, stressing that true progress comes through practical commitment to peaceful coexistence.

    Ali Ali, Acting State Coordinator of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO), described the summit as a vital step toward restoring peace in Plateau. He highlighted the importance of involving women in peacebuilding, noting their influence on shaping children’s values at home, while emphasizing that youths remain the engine room of society.

    Similarly, Folafoluwa Asabi, a mental health advocate and student of the Air Force Institute of Technology, said the summit was timely for Plateau State. She stressed that empowering women translates into empowering the nation and called for greater mental health awareness, self-love, and support among women.

    She further urged women to draw inspiration from leaders like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, saying, “When women are empowered, they rise to transform nations.”

    Closing the event, Jeremiah Bulus Gode, Programme Manager at DREP, thanked all participants, speakers, and volunteers for their contributions to the success of the summit. He described the insights shared as inspiring and capable of strengthening ongoing peace efforts in the state.

    He also appreciated Tetra Tech for sponsoring the event, urging everyone to take practical steps toward peace. “We must keep working together to build a brighter and more harmonious future,” Gode said.

    Felak Group: Allegations Won’t Derail Our Commitment to Integrity

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    Abuja, Nigeria — September 18, 2025 — Felak Group has strongly denied reports linking itsGroup Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Achimugu (OFR), and its subsidiary, OceangateEngineering Oil & Gas, to a purported $7 million cash transaction involving Providus Bank.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the company described the allegations, published by Mr.Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, as “false, contradictory, and misleading,” insisting that neither Dr. Achimugu nor Oceangate had any involvement in the matter.

    “We categorically state that neither Dr. Mrs. Achimugu nor Oceangate Engineering Oil &Gas has any connection whatsoever to the alleged transaction,” the statement read.

    Felak Group pointed out what it called glaring inconsistencies in the report. While thepublication suggested the funds were deposited in Lagos, legal proceedings referenced in thearticle reportedly indicated Abuja. The company argued that this contradiction underscored thestory’s lack of credibility.

    The group also expressed concern over what it views as a deliberate attempt to tarnish itsreputation and discredit the work of its subsidiary.

    “The attempt to link our principal and subsidiary to this matter is unfounded, misleading,and without any factual basis, and represents a gross abuse of free expression,” themanagement said.

    Asserting that it will defend its name, people, and legacy, Felak Group demanded an immediateand unconditional retraction and apology from the author and all those who circulated the story,insisting the correction must receive the same visibility as the original report.

    The company warned that failure to do so would leave it with no choice but to seek legalremedies.

    Despite the controversy, Felak Group reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and excellenceacross its operations.

    “Felak Group remains steadfast in driving innovation and excellence across our industrieswhilst conducting business with the utmost integrity,” the statement concluded.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DOtVLkBDJ7s/?igsh=ejBmejdjZnB4MWh5

    PDP stakeholders in Jos endorse Mutfwang for 2027

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    Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gyel District of Jos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau, has endorsed Gov. Caleb Mutfwang ahead of 2027.

    Some of the stakeholders spoke during the party’s congress of the district on Monday in Jos.

    Mr Dalyop Mancha, a two-term member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, said that the endorsement followed the developmental strides of the governor in the state.

    He, particularly thanked the governor for constructing abandoned roads and other projects within the Gyel.

    Mancha, who represented Jos South Constituency in the assembly, also thanked the governor for appointing some residents of the district into key positions in Jos government.

    “Gyel district is part of the Jos metropolis, but it has never had this good in terms of infrastructural development like in the current administration in the state.

    “We are grateful to the governor the revisiting some of the abandoned road projects and opening new ones to link our communities.

    “This administration has constructed and rehabilitated the DB Zang Junction-stadium road, building material-Bukuru Low-cost-Nyango road, the Nyango bridge, among many others within Gyel.

    “Also, beyond key appointments, we recognise the several developmental interventions by this administration that have direct impact on residents of district and neighboring communities,”he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Joseph Dangyang, the former Chairman of Jos South LGA, called on the people of the district to support the governor to succeed.

    Dangyang, who urged the governor to contest again in 2027, stressed that his policies were gradually lifting Plateau residents out of poverty.

    According to Dangyang, the governor has excelled in road infrastructure, education, transportation, agriculture, rural electrification, and other critical sectors.

    “We, the PDP stakeholders in Gyel, reaffirm our solidarity and deepest appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for his remarkable transformation of the state.

    “We are proud to identify with our dynamic governor whose people-centred leadership is anchored on transparency, inclusiveness, accountability, and service to humanity

    “Since 1999, Gyel has not had it so good like during the tenure of Gov. Jonah Jang and the current administration and so, we will support the governor to succeed,”he assured.

    Responding, Mr Davou Jatau, the Commisioner for Transportation in the state, Responding, thanked the residents of Gyel community for their support.

    Jatau, a native of the community, said the Mutfwang-led administration remained committed to improving the welfare of Plateau people.

    “Today, with little amount of money, you can move to any part of the Jos and environs using the metro buses.

    “Aside the quality roads, this administration has revived the train services, the health, education, agriculture and other sectors have been revived.

    “Only recently, the governor has inaugurated a new market in Bukuru and plans to construct more in order to boast the economy,”he said.

    He urged the community to continue praying and cooperating with the governor and his deputy to deliver more democratic dividends across the state.

    Beyond Oil: How Oceangate Is Powering Hope and Changing Lives in Nigeria

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    When people think of oil and gas companies, they often imagine rigs, refineries, and reserves. But for Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, success has never been about barrels alone. It is about people. It is about how the wealth beneath the ground can transform the lives above it.

    Through its CSR arm, the Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF), Oceangate is quietly rewriting what it means to be an energy company in Nigeria. Beyond profit margins and production quotas, the company has committed itself to classrooms, clinics, and communities — proving that corporate power can be a force for human progress.

    Lighting the Path to Education
    In towns across the FCT, Benue, Nasarawa, and Delta States, there are students sitting in classrooms today because SEF believed in them. Over 1,300 scholarships have been awarded so far, giving young Nigerians a chance to dream bigger than their circumstances. For many, it is the difference between dropping out and graduating; between cycles of poverty and new beginnings.

    For Oceangate, education is more than charity. It is an investment in the country’s future — a way of nurturing talent that might one day lead Nigeria’s industries, government, and yes, even its oil and gas sector.

    Empowering Women and Youth
    Nigeria’s economic future will be built by its young people and women, and Oceangate knows this. Through SEF, more than 7,500 women and youths have been trained in vocational skills — from tailoring and catering to small-scale farming and digital literacy.

    The training doesn’t end with certificates. Oceangate provides start-up support to help participants launch small businesses, turning skills into livelihoods. These programs ripple through households, lifting entire families and strengthening local economies from the grassroots up.

    Healing Beyond the Hospital Walls
    Access to healthcare remains a pressing challenge in many Nigerian communities. Oceangate has stepped in to bridge this gap, reaching more than 55,000 people with medical services. This includes not just check-ups but life-saving surgeries that give families back their loved ones.

    During crises, the company extends its reach even further. With over 40,000 meals distributed to vulnerable households, Oceangate has proven that humanitarian relief can — and should — be part of an energy company’s DNA.

    Why CSR Is Core Business at Oceangate

    What makes Oceangate different is that CSR is not an afterthought or a PR move. It is embedded in the company’s philosophy. For every pipeline laid or block secured, there is a parallel effort to ensure Nigerians feel the benefit in real and tangible ways.

    The company’s vision is clear: oil and gas profits must translate into social dividends. In a country where communities have too often seen only the negative side of energy exploration, Oceangate is showing that the sector can give back — and do so meaningfully.

    The Bigger Picture
    Nigeria is at a crossroads. As communities demand more accountability and corporations face increasing scrutiny, companies like Oceangate are setting a new benchmark. By integrating social progress into its business model, Oceangate is redefining what corporate citizenship looks like in the oil and gas sector.

    It is no longer enough to extract resources; the true measure of success lies in how much you give back.

    A Model for the Future
    Through the Sam Empowerment Foundation, Oceangate has touched more than 100,000 lives — and counting. In doing so, it has proven that oil companies can be both profitable and transformative.

    As Nigeria navigates its energy future, Oceangate stands as a case study in how corporations can align business growth with human impact. Beyond the oil fields, it is fueling hope, creating opportunities, and building a legacy of progress that outlives profit.

    Building Nigeria’s Energy Workforce: Oceangate’s Local Content Commitment

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    As Nigeria’s oil and gas sector evolves, the conversation is increasingly focused on one critical question: how do we ensure that growth benefits Nigerians first? For Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited, the answer lies in a deliberate and disciplined local content strategy.

    Prioritising Nigerian Talent

    From inception, Oceangate has placed Nigerian engineers, contractors, and service providers at the heart of its operations. Every project, from shallow-water prospecting to deepwater exploration, has been designed to maximize local participation, creating jobs, expanding skills, and strengthening the domestic supply chain.

    This approach has already translated into thousands of jobs and a nationwide network of contractors and service providers that benefit directly from Oceangate’s projects. By embedding local content policies into its DNA, the company is helping ensure that Nigeria’s oil and gas resources generate lasting economic value for citizens.

    Driving Skills Transfer

    Beyond immediate jobs, Oceangate is committed to building long-term expertise. Through training and skills transfer initiatives, young Nigerian professionals are gaining exposure to cutting-edge upstream operations. This prepares the next generation of energy leaders to compete not just locally, but globally.

    A Model for the Industry

    In an era when many companies outsource internationally, Oceangate has proven that local talent can deliver world-class results. Its model shows how Nigerian companies can scale, compete, and succeed internationally, all while prioritising domestic capacity building.

    Why It Matters

    The future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry depends on more than reserves and rigs — it depends on people. Oceangate’s commitment to local content ensures that the sector continues to create value long after the last barrel is produced.

    Breaking Cycles: How Oceangate is Turning Women and Youth into Community Builders

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    In many Nigerian communities, the story is often the same: women with incredible skills but no capital to grow a business, young people full of ideas but locked out of opportunities. For decades, this cycle of untapped potential has slowed progress at the grassroots. But in places like Benue, Nasarawa, and Delta, the tide is turning. Thanks to the Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF), the CSR arm of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited, women and youth are not just learning trades — they are rewriting the economic story of their communities.

    Take Mary*, for instance. A single mother of three in Nasarawa, she once relied on seasonal farm work that barely kept food on the table. Through SEF’s vocational training program, she learned tailoring, received start-up support, and today runs a small shop that supports her family and employs two apprentices. “I no longer worry about my children’s school fees,” she says, smiling. Mary’s story is just one among thousands proving that empowerment is more than a word — it’s a lifeline.

    SEF has trained more than 7,500 women and young people in vocational skills ranging from tailoring to ICT, agriculture to welding. Beyond training, it ensures that beneficiaries are supported with start-up kits and small grants, helping them transition from learners to business owners. The result is a ripple effect that spreads across communities. Those who have been empowered not only earn a living for themselves but often create employment opportunities for others. Families become more stable, households are able to cover basic needs like food and education, and entire communities thrive from the presence of small but steady businesses that keep the local economy alive.

    Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate has been a long-standing challenge, while women often face structural barriers that prevent them from contributing fully to the economy. Oceangate’s approach doesn’t just provide handouts; it builds capacity and resilience. Grassroots empowerment ensures that development is sustainable. When young people and women are given tools to succeed, they don’t just improve their own lives — they become engines of progress in their communities.

    For Oceangate, this isn’t about corporate charity. It is about a business philosophy where oil and gas profits must fuel human progress. By investing in women and youth, Oceangate is investing in the backbone of society. And when that backbone is strong, entire communities rise.

    The transformation taking place in communities touched by SEF is a reminder of what is possible when corporations commit to inclusion. Every business started, every skill learned, and every young dream supported is proof that CSR can be both profitable and purposeful. Oceangate’s story is clear: when you empower women and youth, you don’t just break cycles of poverty — you build cycles of prosperity.

    NEISA 2025: Set to Drive National Renewal Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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    Organised by COA Media, NEISA 2025 will take place in November 2025, in Abuja, with the theme: “Entrepreneurship for National Renewal: Unlocking Inclusive Growth in an Era of Tough Choices.”

    Speaking ahead of the summit, Amb. Cletus Akhimien, Team Lead of NEISA 2025, noted that the event is designed as a movement to reposition Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape—driving job creation, inclusive growth, and national renewal.

    This groundbreaking summit will serve not only as a prestigious awards platform for excellence in business and leadership, but also as a transformational marketplace of ideas and opportunities, featuring:

    • Innovation Showcases – spotlighting groundbreaking solutions from emerging and established entrepreneurs.
    • Investor Pitch Labs – connecting startups and SMEs with potential investors, venture capitalists, and funding opportunities.
    • High-Level Dialogues – engaging thought leaders, policymakers, and business icons on strategies for national renewal.
    • Networking & Partnerships – fostering collaborations across sectors, industries, and regions.

    Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the organisers emphasized:

    “In these tough times, we rise. We build. We innovate. We transform! NEISA 2025 is not just an event, it is a movement. A call to action for Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship as the most sustainable path to inclusive growth, economic resilience, and national transformation.”

    With Nigeria at a critical juncture, NEISA 2025 is positioned as a catalyst for shaping a new economic narrative, anchored on creativity, productivity, and global competitiveness.

    • Participation & Opportunities
    • Entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers across Nigeria and beyond are invited to be part of this historic gathering.

    Registration for participants and volunteers is currently open via the official platform; https://neisa.coamedia.com.ng

    In addition, sponsorship and partnership opportunities are open to forward-thinking brands and organisations ready to align with this transformational agenda.

    📞 For enquiries, sponsorship, and partnerships, please contact:
    +234 803 661 5288 | +234 703 898 4856
    📧 neisa@coamedia.com.ng

    NEISA 2025 Where Ideas Meet Investment, and Entrepreneurs Become Nation-Builders.

    Bagos’ Scholarship Scheme Yields Results as Beneficiaries Inducted as Medical Laboratory Scientists

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    The Hon. Dachung Bagos Scholarship Scheme has continued to yield remarkable results as some of its beneficiaries were officially inducted as Medical Laboratory Scientists by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). The induction ceremony was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the College of Medical Sciences, University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Lamingo.

    The scholarship scheme, introduced by Hon. Dachung Bagos, is a fully funded educational support program covering students from their first year until graduation. It has provided opportunities for many young people in secondary, tertiary, and postgraduate studies.

    In its second cohort of medical inductees, the scholarship scheme celebrated Esther Atong (MLS), Ibrahim Mamman Pate (MLS), Hannatu Agwom (MLS), and Nyam Choji (MLS). Several other beneficiaries are also expected to complete their studies and graduate in the coming academic session.

    The initiative is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive educational interventions by a public leader in Plateau State, as it cuts across different academic disciplines while ensuring inclusivity and equity.

    In their joint statement, the new Medical Laboratory Scientists expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Bagos for the life-changing opportunity. They described the scholarship as a rare intervention that has given them a future filled with possibilities.

    The beneficiaries also noted that the program reflects Bagos’ passion for empowering the next generation, even beyond his tenure in office, proving that true leadership extends into service to humanity.

    Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dafwam Yakubu Danja, Hon. Dachung Bagos reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education, stressing that investing in young people is the surest way to build a stronger society and a better Nigeria.

    Hon. Felix Gonung Defies Distractions, Delivers Ambitious 18-Point Agenda for 2025

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    From the very beginning, the administration declared a clear intention: to govern with deliberate and serious action. This isn’t just a slogan; it’s a commitment being visibly fulfilled across the Local Government Area.

    Recent attempts to tarnish the Chairman’s reputation through media campaigns are nothing but the handiwork of mischief-makers who prioritize selfish interests over the collective progress of Pankshin LGA. Let their words be drowned out by the sound of progress. This administration will not be distracted. The focus remains laser-sharp on delivering the mandate given by the people.

    The proof is in the projects. The Council has unveiled an incredibly comprehensive and ambitious plan for the 2025 fiscal year, touching every critical aspect of development from infrastructure and the economy to education, security, and sports.

    Here is a look at the ongoing projects that are shaping the future of Pankshin LGA:

    Infrastructure & Economic Development

    1. Road Remodeling: Remodeling of 11km road shoulder from MNS to Good Shephard School.
    2. Market Modernization: Clearance, grading, and construction of 100 open shops in the Tomatoe/Vegetable Market.
    3. Flood Control: Construction of drainage from Hily Cross to Monday Market Junction.
    4. Water Revolution: Rehabilitation of 50 boreholes across the 20 wards of the local government.
    5. Advanced Drainage: Construction of drainage in Kajon GRA Phase 2.
    6. A Market for the Future: Acquisition of 140 plots of land for the construction of a modern market in Jannaret.
    7. Critical Access: Construction of a box culvert in Vel.
    8. Improved Infrastructure: Construction of culvert adjacent to the Police Station, Pankshin.

    Governance, Heritage & Public Services

    1. Honouring Tradition: Renovation of the Palace of the Lankang District Head.
    2. Boosting Education: Refurbishing of a Hilux vehicle for the Education Department to ease school supervision.
    3. Official Operations: Acquisition of 3 cars for the Deputy Chairman, Council Secretary, and Leader of the Legislative Arm.
    4. Efficient Government: Repair of 3 vehicles to ease the operations of the Local Government.
    5. Power Restoration: Repair of transformer in Chalim (Angwan Karya).

    Security & Education

    1. Investing in Future Leaders: Renovation of LEA Primary School Wuselli.
    2. Bolstering Security: Acquisition of 3 motorcycles for vigilante groups to enhance security surveillance.

    Sports Excellence: Making Pankshin Proud

    1. Champions on the World Stage: The Council successfully sponsored the Under 13 team, winners of the Caleb Mutfwang Under 13 Cup. They represented the state at the North Central zone and won the cup! In a historic achievement, these young ambassadors *will soon be flying to Europe to showcase their talents* to the glory of God and Pankshin LGA.

    This list is more than just projects; it’s a blueprint for a more prosperous, secure, and proud Pankshin. It demonstrates a government that is working tirelessly from every angle to improve the lives of its citizens.

    The Chairman’s message is clear: actions will always speak louder than words. While others engage in empty talk, this administration is building, repairing, acquiring, and winning. The momentum is unstoppable, and the future of Pankshin has never looked brighter.

    Plateau State Targets Zero Malaria with 2025 Chemoprevention Campaign

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    Plateau State has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating malaria as the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SME-P), in partnership with the Malaria Consortium, launched the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign with a media parley, celebrating its recognition as the top-performing programme in the country while promoting awareness and community participation.

    Addressing attendees, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong highlighted a steady and encouraging decline in malaria prevalence across the state. He reported that rates have dropped from approximately 21% several years ago to around 15% in the most recent, yet-to-be-published assessment.

    Dr. Ba’amlong described this progress as highly significant. He expressed optimism that with consistent interventions, the state could soon achieve an annual prevalence of less than 10%, bringing its elimination goal within reach.

    Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan Andarawus, SMEP Programme Manager, detailed the SMC process. The preventive treatment is administered to children aged 3-59 months during the rainy season from June to October.

    The 2025 campaign aims to reach over 963,000 children across all 17 local governments. To achieve this, SMEP has recruited more than 12,000 personnel, including community drug distributors and town announcers.

    Andarawus assured parents of the medication’s safety, noting it is WHO-tested. He emphasized that trained health workers are always on hand to manage any potential side effects.

    Dr. Mbwas Mashor, representing Dr. Maxwell Kolawole, Western Central Africa Program Director for Malaria Consortium, revealed that SMC has reached nearly one million children in the state annually since 2021. The intervention showed immediate results, with prevalence dropping after the first year.

    He noted that hospitals across the state are already reporting a drastic decline in severe malaria admissions among children. This confirms that SMC, combined with other health efforts, is saving lives and strengthening community prevention.

    Dr. Mafwanlal Bunan Masok, Director of Public Health, underscored the vital role of the Malaria Consortium. Their support has been critical in reducing the burden of malaria for the most vulnerable group: children under five

    A Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) consultant emphasized the media’s vital role in raising awareness and combating misinformation. Media platforms are essential for encouraging caregivers to accept the free, life-saving drugs for their children.

    Kachallom Gyang emphasized that safeguarding is vital in malaria interventions, ensuring children and vulnerable adults are protected through strict policies, community awareness, data protection, and equal treatment, with offenders facing dismissal when cases are reported.

    In a resident’s testimony, Deborah Ababatunde praised the SMC drugs as the best prevention method. She confirmed that many children have remained malaria-free since its introduction and advised all mothers to ensure their children participate.

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    Women and Youth at the Forefront of Peacebuilding in Plateau

    0
    Women and youth have been hailed as the driving force of peace and unity in Plateau State as stakeholders gathered in Jos to mark...