Members of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), Jos North Chapter, have benefited from an entrepreneurship grant provided by the Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation as part of its continued commitment to youth empowerment.
The grant disbursement followed a two-day intensive training facilitated by the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA). The training was designed to equip beneficiaries with the knowledge necessary to effectively manage and grow their businesses.
Representing the foundation, Programs Manager Mr. Alpha Dali urged the youths to view the grant as an opportunity to boost their small and medium-sized enterprises and work toward self-reliance and sustainability.
He emphasized that the initiative is part of the foundation’s broader vision to empower the next generation of leaders across Plateau communities through practical support and mentorship.
The PYC Chairman of Jos North expressed deep appreciation to the Bagos Foundation, urging the beneficiaries to be transparent, responsible, and accountable in utilizing the funds.
In response, the beneficiaries thanked the foundation for the timely intervention and pledged to use the funds to expand their businesses and become examples to others, thereby encouraging more support from similar initiatives.
The event, held at the PLASMIDA Hall, attracted a significant turnout of youths from Jos North LGA, signaling growing interest in youth-focused development efforts.
Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, former member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, is organizing the Northern Zone Youth Summit on August 20th. The event will take place at the Sarau Event Center and is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM.
The summit is themed “Equipping the Next Generation, Transforming Tomorrow,” and is designed to inspire and empower young people across the Northern Zone of Plateau State.
It will bring together youths to discuss leadership, development, unity, and the role of young people in building a better society.
The event is powered by the Next Generation League and Bagos Loyalty Network, both of which are committed to youth involvement in peace, progress, and positive transformation.
This is more than just a gathering; it is a movement. Let’s shape the future one step, one voice, one vision at a time. It’s a call to action for every passionate young mind.
Bagos believes the Northern Zone is a vital part of Plateau’s progress. “Northern Zone: Our Precious Heartbeat. Together we EQUIP, UNITE, BUILD, and DEFEND,” the summit’s message declares.
Through this summit, Bagos continues his legacy of service by investing in the next generation and strengthening the foundation for a peaceful and united society.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has welcomed a generous commitment of €1.5 million from the European Union to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Yelwata crisis in Benue State and to bolster efforts in addressing the worsening nutrition emergency in the North-West and North-East regions.
This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Gautier Mignot.
According to Prof. Yilwatda, the EU’s support includes €500,000 from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations for rapid response, and an additional €1 million under the SIDPIN project aimed at providing durable solutions. These interventions will be carried out in collaboration with leading humanitarian partners including UNHCR, IOM Nigeria, UN-Habitat, and UNICEF Nigeria.
“We are mobilizing collective action to confront the alarming levels of malnutrition affecting children under five and lactating mothers across vulnerable communities,” Yilwatda stated.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to “leave no one behind,” especially in the face of deepening food insecurity.
To ensure efficient implementation, the minister announced the formation of a joint task force with the EU and key partners to coordinate emergency interventions, streamline supply chains, and improve response time.
He further disclosed that he and Ambassador Mignot visited Sokoto State last weekend to assess the condition of nutrition stabilization centers operated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Action Against Hunger (ACF), and UNICEF.
Prof. Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to all humanitarian partners for their tireless and lifesaving efforts in some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions.
“This support is a significant boost to our national response and a clear demonstration of solidarity from the European Union in tackling humanitarian challenges,” he said.
The funding will help cushion the impact of displacement and food crises and ensure that affected populations, particularly women and children, receive critical care and support.
The Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation has taken a significant step towards empowering youths in Plateau State by providing economic grants of one million naira to the Plateau Youth Council (PYC) Jos North Chapter. It will be recalled that the foundation has been actively supporting vulnerable children and youths through various initiatives.
The economic grant to the PYC Jos North Chapter is part of the foundation’s broader efforts to foster youth development and empowerment in the state. By providing financial support, the foundation aims to equip youths with the resources necessary to drive positive change and achieve their goals.
The Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation’s initiatives have been well-received by the community, with many praising the organization’s efforts to improve the lives of Plateau State residents. The foundation’s focus on education, youth empowerment, and community development aligns with the needs of the state, making it a valuable partner in driving progress.
The grants shall be disbursed in two weeks to youths in Jos North whose business ideas have been scrutinized and approved under the guidance of PLASMIDA and Jos North PYC leadership.
Popular Jos-based skit maker, Hilarious Sunnie, has spoken out about the struggles faced by local entertainers, blaming much of it on the lack of unity in the creative industry. In a viral video shared on social media, Sunnie expressed his frustration with event organizers in Jos, accusing them of disrespecting homegrown talents.
He called out the practice of putting his face on event posters without first reaching an agreement with him. “If we haven’t agreed on anything, please don’t put my face on your poster. It’s not right,” he said.
Sunnie also criticized the way local entertainers are underpaid while comedians from Lagos are brought in and paid well.
“If you can’t afford my rate, that’s fine. I don’t have any OG — God is my OG. But don’t treat us like we don’t count,” he added.
He questioned how creatives are expected to grow with such treatment. “How am I supposed to buy a Benz or build a house with ₦10k?” he asked.
Sunnie responded to critics who question his charges, saying they ignore the hard work that content creators put in.
“Some people even say, ‘When did Sunnie start this skit thing that he’s charging that much?’ They don’t know the struggles,” he said.
He said the biggest problem in the Jos entertainment scene is the lack of unity and support among entertainers themselves.
Despite the challenges, Sunnie encouraged creatives in the city to stay strong, adding, “We won’t give up. We’ll keep pushing and build something strong together.”
R&B and Afrobeats rising artist Meemah Jackson (M.J) is back with “YOU!”, a soulful and emotional song about waiting for someone to be honest about their feelings. With a warm Afrobeats groove and R&B influence, this track shows a more personal side of the artist.
“YOU!” tells the story of that hard moment when you want someone, but they don’t tell you how they feel. You’re stuck between hope and silence. “Running and running, I thought I could go, choking and choking, I’m breathing you still.”
The lyrics reflect how difficult it can be to move on when feelings are still strong. The song started with a simple voice note from her writing partner Tabitha, and together with producer Zamar, Meemah created a sound full of emotion and rhythm. “I was coming out of a creative block, so I pushed myself to write in the moment. It became one of my most personal songs,” she shares.
Meemah discovered her love for music at 11 when she sang Brandy’s “Have You Ever”. Raised in a musical family, she quickly made a name for herself by reaching the final 8 of Stardom Nigeria and then winning the Dare2Dream competition. She even opened for Nigerian superstar Adekunle Gold.
Inspired by artists like H.E.R., Alessia Cara, and Brandy, Meemah blends soft melodies, deep lyrics, and live guitar. Her next single, “Reason,” will come out on November 8, and her first album is expected in 2025.
With “YOU!”, Meemah proves once again that she’s an honest voice in today’s music, ready to share real stories through her songs.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦1 billion to help people affected by violent attacks in Plateau State.
She made this announcement during a town hall meeting at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.
The intervention, carried out through her Renewed Hope Initiative, is funded entirely through private donations, with no recourse to public funds. Senator Tinubu said the gesture was motivated by the plight of conflict-affected rural communities, stressing that the nation must turn a new page from grief to healing and hope.
“This visit is deeply emotional for me,” the First Lady said, addressing a cross-section of stakeholders including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, and youth. “Each time I hear of killings or disasters, my heart bleeds. Let this be the last time I visit Plateau under such painful circumstances. The next time I come, I want to rejoice with you and celebrate peace, progress, and prosperity.”
She called for an end to years of violent conflict in the state and emphasized the importance of unity, legacy, and collective responsibility. “As women, we nurture, not destroy. But we are tired,” she declared. “We appeal to the men—protect us. Let our farmers return to their fields. Let our children move freely across this country without fear.”
Senator Tinubu also urged religious and traditional leaders to set aside political and ethnic differences and work collaboratively to restore the peace for which Plateau was once known. She commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his commitment to restoring harmony in the region, offering prayers for divine guidance in his leadership journey.
In response, Governor Mutfwang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for what he described as “a profound act of national compassion.”
“Your Excellency, to me, you are more than the First Lady; you are a mother with a deep sense of purpose, committed to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians,” the Governor said. He praised the Renewed Hope Initiative for its impact nationwide and recalled Senator Tinubu’s earlier visit, where she supported internally displaced persons in the state.
“We are determined to put an end to this crisis. Working with our religious and traditional leaders, and by God’s grace, we will restore peace to Plateau,” he affirmed.
The wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, was also present at the event. She donated 1,800 bags of 50kg rice to be distributed to vulnerable persons, especially people living with disabilities, through the Plateau State office of the Renewed Hope Initiative, led by Her Excellency, Barr. Helen Mutfwang.
The visit by the First Lady marks a renewed call for peace, unity, and compassion—principles she hopes will guide the state and nation toward a brighter, violence-free future.
Search for Common Ground (SFCG), in partnership with the Young Leaders Network (YNL), has concluded a three-day Social Media Listening Design Workshop for micro-influencers from Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe States. The initiative falls under the Nigeria Youth Collective Action for Religious Engagement project, aimed at promoting digital peacebuilding and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
Munira Askira, Project Manager for the initiative with Search for Common Ground, said the training was designed to build the capacity of youth influencers in tracking and responding to harmful online narratives. “This workshop was organized for micro-influencers to build their capacity in terms of how they can do social media listening and also make an analysis from that,” she stated. She added that participants were introduced to digital tools such as the Phoenix listening tool, Canva, and AI platforms to help them gather data, analyze trends, and create content that promotes peace and counters hate speech.
Facilitator Allan Cheboi, Data and Digital Technology Lead at Build Up, noted the urgent need for peace-oriented digital engagement. He explained that digital platforms are now being used to fuel conflict and violence, and influencers, due to their online reach play a key role in shaping conversations. Cheboi stressed that the workshop focused on teaching influencers how to fact-check, research, and identify online narratives. These skills, he said, are critical for creating informed content that challenges misinformation and promotes peaceful coexistence.
Fatima Danlami, Digital Peacebuilding Project Officer with Search for Common Ground, said the project aims to change the negative narrative surrounding youth and conflict. Instead of being seen as perpetrators, she said young people are being equipped as advocates for peace and defenders of FoRB. She highlighted that the initiative supports youth both online and offline by giving them the skills, confidence, and platforms to challenge hate speech and promote inclusion. The ultimate goal, she said, is to build communities that value respect and religious freedom.
Sefa Chia, Media Officer for Search for Common Ground, emphasized the importance of respecting individual beliefs. “We are not forcing any religion on anybody. You have the right to believe in whichever god you choose to believe in, and I have the right to respect,” he said, noting that the training helps influencers understand and promote this principle.
Kaura Joshua, a Project Officer on the Youth CARE Project, encouraged influencers to take advantage of the tools and knowledge shared during the workshop. He said they now have the capacity to create positive content that drives conversations around peace and tolerance in their communities. Participants expressed appreciation to the organizers, pledging to apply the skills they gained. They committed to using their platforms to counter hate speech and promote peaceful narratives, especially around religious freedom.
Sani Mubarak, an influencer from Plateau State, said the workshop reshaped his thinking and gave him practical skills in using the Phoenix tool, AI, and content creation. He described the experience as empowering and promised to use the knowledge daily to advocate for peace online.
From Bauchi, Shehu Abdullahi described the training as an eye-opener. He said he now feels confident using the Phoenix tool and plans to monitor online conversations in his community, offering balanced and peace-driven responses.
Peace Peter, a micro-influencer from Gombe, said the training made her more conscious of the power of words. She stressed that information shared online can either build or break peace and called for fairness in addressing wrongdoing, regardless of religion or belief.
I have had a distant connection to the Ajegunle community because of my grandfather. He was born there, and having spent a large amount of time during his formative years, he had a lot of stories about that place which made it familiar even before I stepped foot into Lagos, and passed the same community in 2024.
I had known about AJEMA a year before, paying attention to it and in an interview with Richard Anichebe, popularly known as VJ Richyblaze, I understood the mission and vision behind AJEMA.
Founded in 2022, the award event was created to build community, celebrate local artists and project them to the global stage.
“As an entertainer, I’ve always longed for a platform that celebrates the entertainment industry of our beloved community,” he told me. “It didn’t exist. So we built it.”
In a country where the spotlight often skips over grassroots communities and heads straight for established stars, AJEGUNLE — ironically — has been a goldmine of Nigerian entertainment legends. From music to dance, acting to comedy, this community has produced some of the finest, but with little to no recognition at home. Until AJEMA stepped in.
The Spark That Lit the Flame
AJEMA wasn’t born out of luxury. It was born out of necessity — a gap, a silence, a longing that was too loud to ignore.
“Nobody believed it was possible… not until the day it happened,” Richyblaze said. “But we believed in it. We knew something like this had never happened in the history of AJEGUNLE.”
The first edition wasn’t just a show — it was a revolution. For the first time, the streets of AJEGUNLE buzzed with something other than struggle. It buzzed with pride. AJEMA, once just an acronym, became a symbol. Mention it anywhere in AJEGUNLE today, and you’ll see faces light up. That’s not branding — that’s belonging.
Building from the Bottom Up
What makes AJEMA truly groundbreaking isn’t the glitz or the glam — it’s the deliberate focus on the grassroots.
“Everyone focuses on the already made,” Richyblaze said, “but we’re interested in the upcoming. We’re building from the bottom — giving the young talents a platform to rise.”
One powerful example is Speraw De Great, once a street dancer in AJEGUNLE. After winning Male Dancer of the Year at AJEMA, he was handpicked to join Asake on a global tour. From corner battles to international stages, that’s the kind of ripple effect AJEMA is now known for.
And yet, the awards remain community-funded. No corporate sponsors. No brand partnerships — yet. Just sweat, sacrifice, and soul.
The Power of Recognition
One of the most moving parts of our conversation was Richard recalling the second edition of AJEMA — the most difficult one to plan.
“As I walked on stage to give my Convener’s speech, I saw every major Ajegunle entertainment figurehead in one room — all at once. That had never happened before. I broke down in tears. That moment meant everything.”
Since then, AJEMA has become more than an award ceremony. It’s a cultural compass. A gatekeeper. A reminder that people are watching, appreciating, and rewarding the effort entertainers put in.
“It’s like a police force now,” he chuckled. “People work harder because they know AJEMA sees them. We reward consistency.”
Even legendary actress Ruth Kadiri, who grew up in AJEGUNLE, weighed in:
“Never did I imagine that there would ever be something so unique to the Ajegunle community. I love it and I am proud of the great change AJEMA has brought.”
Crafting a Legacy, One Upgrade at a Time
Each edition of AJEMA brings something new — tighter production, a better stage, smoother nomination processes. There’s a screening system after nominations, ensuring fairness, credibility, and celebration based on merit.
“Every year we upgrade something. It’s our way of telling the world that AJEGUNLE can be known for excellence too.”
The impact isn’t just felt in production or prestige — it’s in how connected fans have become to their favorite creatives, how much unity now exists in a once fragmented community, and how AJEGUNLE is slowly rebranding itself from the inside out.
What the Future Holds
When I asked Richyblaze what AJEMA would look like in 5 to 10 years, his answer came without hesitation: “The biggest entertainment hub in Africa.”
He said it without blinking. Not out of arrogance, but from conviction. The fifth edition, he revealed, will serve as a landmark anniversary — and for the first time, they plan to seek official partnerships and sponsorships, also investing into advocacy and corporate social responsibilities.
They also advocate for a community auditorium in AJEGUNLE — a space to call their own. A home for creativity, collaboration, and cultural celebration.
More Than An Award Show
More than anything, AJEMA is about belonging. It gives AJEGUNLE a reason to gather, celebrate, and remember that they are more than the headlines, more than the stereotypes.
“Our people love hard. They just needed a platform to express it,” Richyblaze said.
And that’s exactly what AJEMA is: a platform that gives voice to a people who have always had something to say — and now, finally, a stage to say it on.
Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi PhD, OON, has continued to enjoy overwhelming support from...
