Opinion
Dr. Gideon Jock: An Embodiment Of Generational Change
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its economic challenges, a promising man, raised from a very humble background has remained committed and working assiduously in empowering the younger generation.
Dr. Jock’s journey resonates with the very essence of transformation. Born and raised in Forgyei Kwoi village in Jaba Local Government area of Kaduna State in Nigeria, he understands the stark realities of life in a region where dreams often collide with adversity. However, it was precisely these challenges that ignited his unwavering passion for generational change.
As an embodiment of change, Dr. Gideon Jock has brought shared prosperity to his community through numerous interventions and empowerment programs.
His name resonates with Ray’s hope, by offering the necessary guidance and expertise to illuminate the path to positive change.
Through his tireless efforts in improving the lives of the people of Jaba Local Government and beyond, he has turned many people’s tragedies into an opportunity for shared grief, empathy, and a thirst for sustainable development.
No wonder, recently, Dr. Jock was inducted into the esteemed Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall of Fame, honored with the “Arewa Patriotic Merit Award”, and bestowed with a new traditional title as the “Dujjiman Matasan Arewa” for his outstanding contributions to the Northern Region.
However, Jock’s journey is not just about philanthropy and social change; it is also about preserving legacies that’ll inspire others to follow his track record.
His trajectory as a child which was marked by a lot of challenges has helped shape his life, hence his passion for transforming humanity.
In his own words, Jock expresses the significance of investing in the education of the younger’s generation,” until the youth are engaged, meaningfully, they will continue to stall progress. So, it is more cost-effective to invest resources in such a manner that will make them realize their talents and skills at a very young age.
” The youth are the fulcrum of development and no nation will make any meaningful progress without a vibrant, skillful, and intellectual youth that will serve as the building blocks of development.
As we look ahead, the philanthropist envisions even greater strides with a special focus on youth education, rural programs for Women/Youths and children, and strategic empowerment projects. His legacy transcends beyond the boundaries of his region.
The Arewa Youth Forum reiterated that the impact of Dr. Gideon Jock has extended far beyond the confines of his immediate community, resonating deeply with the aspirations of the youth across the nation. Through his unwavering commitment to empowering the younger generation, he has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young minds.
” Your investment in education and entrepreneurship has not only transformed individual lives but has also laid the groundwork for a brighter future for our nation. Sir, your dedication to uplifting the youth serves as a testament to your belief in the potential of every young person to effect positive change and contribute meaningfully to society,” Arewa Youth Forum added.
The story of this enigma-chattered Accountant is a powerful reminder that a single individual’s unwavering determination can indeed be a catalyst for transformation. It is a testament to the potential for positive change when philanthropy and innovation join hands in pursuit of a better society.
Dr. Jock has contributed immensely to the development of youth by providing scholarships, entrepreneurship support, and sponsoring youth and student leadership summits across educational institutions in Nigeria.
Because of his enthusiastic nature in pursuit of education, Also, the Centre for Public Service Productivity and Development in conjunction with the Crown University, Delaware, U.S.A, and the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners of Nigeria, conferred him with an Honorary Doctorate Degree at its 2024 Leadership Summit, held recently at the University of Lagos.
He however pledges to continue to do what’s right within his means to assist the less privileged and also called on others to always lend a helping hand.
Understanding that small-scale businesses are a lubricant of any community’s economy, Dr. Jock has massively empowered both women and youths immensely as a private individual by offering business grants, farming tools to farmers, and awards of scholarship amongst many others.
He is a perfect example of a community developer with many awards in that regard.
If there is a frantic search for credible men of good hearts, people of good character and kind hearts, and those who are ready to give their all for the good of their community, the likes of Dr. Gideon Jock easily come to mind.
He is a pure definition of humility and down-to-earth. This has indeed given him a divine elevation, positioning him as the bearer of hope for many and a source of a smile.
His brand of humanitarian kindness is such that its impact is visible and touches the lives of the beneficiaries and he knows no boundary and recognizes not any religious or ethnic barrier in extending his arms of good gesture which has brought succor to many desolate.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.