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NUJ Plateau State Council Confers Former PDP Governorship Candidate, Hon. Umbugadu Award Of Excellence

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State Council has conferred a distinguished award of excellence on Hon. David Ombugadu, Former Member, House of Representatives and PDP Governorship candidate in the last general elections.
The award was presented to the former lawmaker during a colloquium on the theme “Amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges: The Quest for Good Governance delivered by Ezekiel Gomos, the Lead Consultant Jos Business School as part of activities marking the NUJ 2024 Press Week held at Crispan Hotel Jos
Receiving the award, wife of the Nasarawa state PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general election, Miranda Asheazi Ombugadu reiterated her husband’s commitment to prioritising the people’s interests stressing that her husband’s focus on people-oriented policies and programs would remain unwavering.
She expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Union of Journalists for the award, as that it would serve as an encouragement for her husband to continue his good work and dedicated the award to God and all those who fought for justice.
Mrs. Ombugadu also appreciated Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his consistent support to her husband, assuring that they would continue to partner with the government and people of Plateau state.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by the commissioner Information and Communication, Hon Musa Ashom assured journalists that his administration values press freedom and is committed to creating an enabling environment for journalists to thrive.
The NUJ chairman, Ayuku Pwaspo in her welcome remarks said as a union, the NUJ is also part of the Nigerian polity and must admit that citizens are going through a most challenging, if not agonizing period which informed the colloquium to seek answers to the many throbbing questions.
The Guest Speaker, Ezekiel Gomos said the remedy for sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria is Good Governance, transparency and accountability while calling on the leadership to make sacrifices in Changing the narratives.
Other awardees include the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, Senator Simon Lalong, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, Christopher Audu Manship, Nigeria Medical Association, Plateau State Chapter, Jos Metropolitan Development Board and Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency.
The event which was graced by the NUJ Patron, HRH. Muhammadu Sambo Haruna the Emir of Wase and other distinguished personalities saw the for the first time in the award of service and recognition bestowed on all the 16 former chairmen who served Plateau State Council since 1972.
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Easter Celebration: Hon. Laria Distributes Rice To Residents

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, Honourable Larai Sylvia Ishaku, Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, spearheaded the distribution of rice to residents across all 10 electoral wards for Easter Celebration.
The well-organised event took place at the H.R.H Danladi Gyet Maude Secretariat at Kwoi, where crowds of grateful beneficiaries gathered to receive vital support from Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.
Also in attendance were Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Jaba LGA, and Comrade Abashiya Sahjury, Chief of Staff to Hon. Laria and other key political Leaders, which demonstrate strong leadership presence and a united front in delivering relief to the people.
The rice distribution reached a broad section of society, including former unit executives, recent political decampers, market women and traders, healthcare personnel, Okada riders (commercial motorcyclists), people living with disabilities, security personnel, and representatives from religious and community-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and others.
During her speech, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku reaffirmed that the initiative was part of the broader support structure provided by Governor Uba Sani and All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of Jaba LGA in Kaduna State.
She emphasised that her administration’s intention is to continue delivering practical benefits and genuine support to the masses (grassroots). “We are committed to ensuring every resident of Jaba LGA experiences the dividends of good governance. By the end of 2026 and beyond, no one will be left out,” she assured.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice and the joy of giving, such effort is a way of saying thank to you people while fostering peace and unity within our communities in Jaba LGA.”
Addressing the political atmosphere, Hon. Ishaku urged residents to stay vigilant and not fall prey to deceptive political tactics. “Be cautious of those who seek to mislead you for selfish political gain. Where were they when they held power? They forgot you,” she declared boldly.
In appreciation for the gesture, One of the beneficiary, Mr. Dennis Iliya, expressed deep thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries. “We thank the APC government for standing by the people of Jaba. May the Lord Almighty reward the kindness shown by Governor Sani and Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku. Their kindness has brought relief during these difficult times. May God continue to bless them and the APC leadership,” he stated joyfully.
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NCSP DG: Nigeria, China Will Soon Sign Digital Currency Deal 59 Reduce Dollar Reliance

Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
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Taraba NUJ Honour Chief DSK as the philanthropist Man of the year

By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.