Newly sworn-in Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Council, Hon. Mohammed J. Umar, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering a more impactful and people-centered administration as he begins his second term in office.

Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, Umar again attributed his re-election to divine favour and the collective support of stakeholders across Sardauna. “First and foremost, we return all glory to Almighty Allah,” he said. “I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for deeming it fit to support my re-election.

It is not because of my background or knowledge, but because he has seen the work we have done for the development of Sardauna and the way we manage our people. I appreciate him very much for this gesture. May Almighty God keep him safe for us.”

Umar described his first term as a learning phase that positioned his team for a more effective second tenure. “The first tenure was a litmus test,” he noted. “We now know all the nooks and crannies of the administration. By the grace of God, this time around we will perform even better, especially in the areas of security, empowerment, job opportunities, and overall development.”

He praised Governor Agbu Kefas for what he called the unmatched transformation of Sardauna in recent years. “The governor has done tremendously well for Sardauna Local Government,” he said. “What he has done for us, he has never done for any other local government.

We have the REB, the government lodge, the gigantic Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, and several roads already earmarked for construction. In appointments too, Sardauna has benefited more than ever before.” Umar highlighted key appointments, such as the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, the Head of Service, the former State PDP Chairman, the Chairman House Committee on Local Government, commissioners, and several SSA, SA, and board positions, adding that “a lot of

Daniel Mtindiga Jalingo.

The PEACECORE project in partnership with the Government of Taraba State through Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, hosted a landmark Sports Development event in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital to commemorate the International Youth Day celebration.

The event which aimed at promoting unity and strengthening peaceful coexistence among the diverse cultures in the Taraba State, brought together young people, students, community leaders, government functionaries, People With Disabilities (PWDs), and peace builders to promote unity, resilience, and social cohesion through sports.

Speaking during the event, the Technical Advisor with the project, Mr Fumu Bello, stated that, the event was designed to bring communities/individuals together through sports, giving the place of sports in promoting dialogue, peace, and teamwork.

“Sports naturally unite people beyond differences of ethnicity, religion, and background. With PEACECORE, we are using that same spirit to strengthen capacities for conflict transformation and build a culture of peace across Taraba State.

“Implemented by GIZ with funding support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), and in partnership with the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, the initiative leverages sports as a powerful tool for dialogue, teamwork, and conflict transformation.

“The PEACECORE project (Strengthening Capacities for Conflict Transformation and Livelihood) works to build resilient communities in conflict-affected areas of Nigeria. The project supports state institutions, civil society, and local actors to prevent violence, promote dialogue, and create livelihood opportunities for vulnerable groups. By combining peacebuilding with economic empowerment, PEACECORE addresses both the causes and consequences of conflict, fostering sustainable peace and inclusive development, “he noted.

He however, called on participants to be peace Ambassadors in their respective communities, building peace and strengthening unity at all times.

Earlier in his remarks Mr.Shadrach Gani who represented the Taraba State Chairman of Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management Bishop Innocent Solomon, commended GIZ and other collaborating Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for their tireless efforts in building peace and strengthening unity not just in Taraba communities but Nigeria at large.

He further called on participants to embrace the lessons of the event and live it in their various communities.

Barde Omega and Chidinma who spoke on behalf of the participants, lauded the organizers of the event and facilitators for availing them with the privilege to come together through sports and learn to initiate and promote peace, unity, teamwork and dialogue in their communities beyond even as they anticipate more of such programs.

The event which featured friendly matches, interactive peace messages, cultural displays and community engagement activities, reinforced PEACECORE’s commitment to sustainable peace and inclusive development across Nigeria’s North-Central and North-East regions.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons made history again by winning their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a dramatic final against host nation Morocco. The match took place in Rabat, with thousands of home fans cheering for the Moroccans. But Nigeria showed their class and experience, coming from 2–0 down to win 3–2.

Morocco scored two quick goals in the first half through captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. The crowd went wild, thinking the host would lift the trophy. But the Super Falcons had other plans. In the second half, Nigeria stepped up their game. Esther Okoronkwo scored from the penalty spot after a handball by a Moroccan defender. Then, just minutes later, she assisted Folashade Ijamilusi for the equalizer.
The winning goal came in the 88th minute. Jennifer Echegini connected with a deep free-kick and calmly put the ball past the Moroccan goalkeeper, completing one of the most exciting comebacks in WAFCON history.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performances throughout. Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, also shone bright, winning the Golden Gloves for the best goalkeeper. The top goal scorer award went to Morocco’s Chebbak, who scored five goals in the tournament.

South Africa won the Fair Play award, and Ghana claimed third place after beating South Africa on penalties. Ghana’s win came after a 1–1 draw in regular time.

The prize money was also increased this year. Nigeria got $1 million for winning the tournament. Morocco received $500,000 as runners-up, while Ghana earned $350,000 for finishing third.

Although the full team of the tournament and youngest player award weren’t officially listed, many Nigerian players are expected to be included due to their excellent performance.

Nigeria’s win proves again that they are still the best women’s football team in Africa. With strong fighting spirit and teamwork, they showed that experience and belief can turn any game around.

The sleepy community of Damsa, in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, was in a beehive of activities, as Chief Dr John Agbidye, one of the Nigeria’s most famous medical personalities rolled out his drums to celebrate the installation of his traditional title, The Atakpa U Tiv Taraba, even as his wife Awashima John Tor-Agbidye, was also celebrated as the Tyegh ki Atakpa U Tiv Taraba.
The traditional title was bestowed on him by the Taraba State Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council, under the Gumbegha U Tiv Taraba, Zaki David Akever Gbaa Tella, Taraba State Tiv Central Leader.
Earlier, Chief David Gbaa, Chairman, Tiv Traditional Leaders Council while presenting the award during the Traditional Chieftaincy Award Ceremony held in Tor-Damisa, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba over the weekend said that Dr Tor-Agbidye’s services to the mankind had earned him the traditional title of ‘Atakpa U Tiv’ and his wife as ‘Ityegh Ki Atakpa’.
Gbaa translated the titles as the ‘Medicinal Cure of Tiv in Taraba’ and the ‘Medicinal pot of Tiv in Taraba’ respectively.

By Abaya Samuel 

Miss Faith J. is an amazing singer and a rare genius in the music industry with a clear distinction from her female counterpart in Taraba state in particular and in the North East Region of Nigeria. Hails from Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, the Afro-pop singer has been a pace setter for her female counterparts and her marks have been very clear.

She has received different awards as the best female artist in Taraba State since she joined Entertainment Industry in 2015, over six year now. The recent award has been the Taraba Entertainment Award (TEA Award).

Recently, but precisely on the 14^thday of February, 2021 been Valentine day, Faith J. in partnership with the EAST AND BULL ENTERTAINMENT hosted two well-known Nigerian artist: Sugar Boy and BOC for an entertainment event which she titled “love gigs.” The event was held at Star Excusive Hotel Jalingo Taraba State. Many Artists were featured at the event including some upcoming ones in the state.

In an exclusive chart with NewMission Magazine recently, Faith J, revealed how her music had really toured her around the country including Jos, Abuja, Makurdi, Adamawa and around her base Taraba State. She lauded the EAST AND BULL ENTERTAINMENT, an upcoming record label own by Mr. E. John which promotes entertainment in Taraba state through signing of artistes, production of sounds among other things, for the support and all the efforts  its put together to ensure that she pulled Sugar Boy and BOC to the state on the valentine day.

While assuring her fans of her determination to do more in Taraba State Entertainment Industry, Faith J. said her fans should expect more from her.

“They should be expecting a Single and a collabo with Sugar Boy and BOC before the end of this month. They should expect a trailer video of my packages as I am still head up in the game.” She said.

Most of her fans and lovers of entertainment who interacted with our reporters noted that the trooping in of national celebrities into the state and their “collabo” with the upcoming artistes in the state is actually giving a good omen about the future of entertainment in Taraba state, as this would awaken passion, zeal, drive and give impetus in the Entertainment Industry in the state.

No wonder, the female artiste called on the government and well to do members of the society to consider the entertainment industry as a fertile ground to sow seeds and put up measures that would support the entertainment industry in the state, even as she maintained that it would be a huge asset if the government invest in the entertainment sector.

“Many people have made it through music in many states and are still making it, as such; entertainment should not be trivialized in Taraba State as well.” She stated.

Mumuye people celebrate their culture, inaugurate committee, even as they synergies to regain lost positions and reclaims their heritage. Jethro Yerga, Gaius Jeff were there

The premises of the Mumuye House, Mile six Jailngo was filled to capacity. The joyous moment at the arena knew no bound. Even passersbys had no choice but to stop and admired the display of cultural heritage as Taraba Mumuye youth wing celebrated their annual cultural day recently.

The annual event which is always organized by the Taraba state chapter of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDA) youth wing worldwide, brought together sons and daughters of the Mumuye decent from all nooks and crannies of Taraba State and the neighboring Adamawa state.

Our reporters who witnessed the memorable event reported that, apart from the fashion parade which brought out naturally beautiful young personalities of the Mumuye decent on board in different attires, the unique cultural dances presented by the different cultural troop at the event left the participant with no option but to join in the merriment. Those who by virtue of one reason or the other could not leave their seats, joined the dancers unknowingly in their seats as they continuously swing their waist to the beating of the native musical instruments that were coming up at intervals in the event.

In an opening speech at the occasion, the National President of the Mumuye Youth, ESP Anthony Vowapi applauded the overwhelming turn out of people at the event. He said it had been their desire to come together and find a way forward to lots of the challenges the Mumuye people in the state are passing through, as such the gathering was a right step in the right direction.

The president said he was worried about the deteriorating state of things among the Mumuye people of the state. “If you can flash back, you will discover that the Mumuye people made the first governor during the Gongola State, they made governor in Taraba for two occasions. Today, you cannot find Mumuye in any important elected position either in the state or federal all because of disunity. So by coming together, we aim at synergizing in order to regain our lost glory and rightful position in the state as soon as possible”. He said.

Also speaking, the Executive Governor of Adamawa state, His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintri said the disunity among the people had brought about untold disappointments to the Mumuye people as they no longer hold any reasonable elected position both at the federal and state level. Represented by Hon. Alisus Tushi, the state commissioner on Special Duties, the governor appreciated the turn out of the people to the memorable occasion and expressed hope that the avenue would synergize the Mumuye people for better days ahead. Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Distinguished Senator Emmanuel Bwacha who was ably represented by Mr. Samuel advised youth to be law abiding and good ambassadors of their parents in order to stay long as prescribed in the Holy book.

In his remark, the member representing Nasarawo constituency in Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Nasho Gobi who earlier described the Mumuye people as a peace loving tribe, reaffirmed that the occasion was a very good move towards reuniting the Mumuye people towards regaining their lost position in the years ahead.

Hon. Mrs. Mary Goerge Manzo, an adviser to the Governor of Taraba State, also applauded the youth for propagating the Mumuye culture. Mary, who described the Mumuye people as loving, accommodating and hospitable tribe, maintained that the move by the Mumuye youth would unite the Mumuye people.

The Taraba State chairman, MCDA, youth wing, Mr Tari Danladi Hassan, also encouraged the youth to always be good ambassadors of their culture any where they find themselves.He charged Mumuye youths to embrace unity and love for one another so that they would be able to propagate their culture in a most appreciable manner and equally eat the fruit of the land. The President called on the government and well to do individuals in the state especially those of the Mumuye decent to invest more in developing who they are than what they are,  especially that they are to become leaders of tomorrow.

Also featured was the unveiling of the Ruban Mumuye Magazine and presentation of awards to some distinguished personalities

With respect to the forth coming Mr and Miss Yandang beauty pageant, the RNB entertainment team on Sunday carried out auditions for the contestants of the crown at suite 11, Jalingo.

Present at the auditions were members of the audition team, the special guest, Hon Barau Banti Nyaku, the President of the Yandang Youth Development Congress(YYDC) and a few invited guests as it was observed in the spirit of social distancing.

During the auditions, the 18 contestants were given three minutes each to answer the questions asked accordingly,explain why each of them should be crowned and what they can bring to the table to promote the Yandang community world wide.

Speaking during the auditions, the MD of the RNB entertainment team welcomed the invited guests and gave outlines and criteria whlith which the constestansts will be judged.
Introduction, appearance, boldness and
were some of the criteria mentioned.

Our correspondent who was there reports that the audition was a success and the contestants are set for the main event coming up in December.

The special Guest, Hon Barau Banti Nyaku on his part encouraged the contestants to adorn themselves with good virtues and bring out the best in them so as to promote the Yandang culture.

Drawing from his wealth of wisdom, the Honorable charged the constestants to have the spirit of Malala Yousafze, the Pakistani female education activist and youngest Noble Laureate.
“You all need to develop the spirit of resilience, courage and determination so that you can stand for what is right, come what may, just like Malala Yousafze. That’s the kind of person you need to have as a mentor” he advised.

One of the judges who doubles as the chairman of the audition committee, Daddy Hassan Yori acknowledged the efforts of the contestants and encouraged them to do more during the main event.

In his words, “we thank God for success of this program, the contestants adhered strictly to instructions and time although there are some lapses but they really did their best. Working as a principal judge and chairman of the committee I will score them nine despite the fact that they are still packing in some aspects. We are hoping to see their best in the grand finale”

The President of the Yandang Youth Development Congress(YYDC) Dr David Joel Charima on his part admonished the contestants to imbibe royal behaviors even before emerging as winners.
“When speaking avoid saying ‘if I win’ as it passes a message of uncertainty, rather, use “when I win” to show you are confident and positive. Stop second guessing, come with a mindset that you know what you are doing. But by and large, I have seen progress, courage and resilience in action” he said.

In an interview with our correspondent, the Managing Director, Mr Amos Likita , applauded the performance of the contestants and explained that the main aim of the audition is to ascertain the intellectual capacity,abilities and weakness of the contestants so that it will help them to know what resource persons to bring during the camping experience.
“They did more than we expected and we have taken notes of the lapses which we will work. You see that it’s an indoor audition to just prepare them for the grand finale” he said.

The MD also revealed that there will be camping activities before the main event.
“we want to do this in a standard way and something out of the ordinary. So we are prepared and still preparing for the main thing. There will be Ancestral sites tour, visits to IDP camps, community service and more” he said

New Mission gathered that the first priority of the event is promoting the Yandang culture and the main occasion proposed for December promises to be great and graced with the presence of great dignarities and heart warming performances.

Our reporters, who visited him in his office at the Federal Medical Centre, asked him to speak about his career path and his love with the entertainment industry, especially as it relates to Kaymoni Entertainment and Love Links international. And Dr. Bwesiwae agreed to do so.

“The whole idea of Love Links International” as Bwesiwae explains, “was born from my honey moon. I and wife got talking and we decided to come up with a business name and that was how Love Link International was born. Growing up it has become a reference point to virtually everything we do, charity work, entertainment wise, ministry wise, everything, Love links international itself is not a label per se, it is a business name.
“Recently when I got in touch with certain young men, I decided to come up with a branch of the business into entertainment and that’s how the Lovelinks Record Label came on board.

Along the line, when I was called into
ministry, I decided to separate the people I work with, those doing secular music and those doing gospel. We separated them is such a way that the love links worship crew which is the arm of the Love Link International is strictly gospel based, while the Kaymoni Entertainment was for the secular artists that still intend to pursue music in the arena. But it’s my hope that Kaymoni Entertainment will be crushed into love links worship crew. We harness talents from the grass roots not just already made people.” He told our reporters.

But how does he manages self as a father, medical doctor, a husband and CEO of love links international? “Being a doctor is mostly about giving out and when one wants something, he makes out time for it. I also thank God for the supportive partner I have, she’s helping me manage the worship arm of the Lovelinks International. For the Kaymoni Entertainment, I have people helping me. Buhari Aliyu, the CEO of Rilshots actually coordinates that and of course my adopted son, MC Klaus who is coordinating the comedy and drama aspect of Lovelinks International. What I do is, I supervise and input knowledge when necessary.” He said.

But what are the criteria of signing someone under this record label? “Love Links, Kaymoni Entertainment is open to every talented person. But for acceptance, we must see that you definitely have a gift, you are dedicated to it, and you have the drive and desire for excellence. When that is absent, you will not be signed under Love Links. Lovelinks International, record label, franchise is not about money making, it is about capacity building. When one has capacity, along the line the finances will come.”

There is no doubt that Dr. Bwesiwae is driving the vision of Love Links International to the coast of his aspirations, but not without challenges.
“The challenges is that most young men are motivated towards been popular than been famous. I try to make people see that when you are good at something you become famous but it’s difficult because most of them don’t live beyond their next meal. They are in a rush. The obsession for “ah don blow” does not allow them to desire the growing processes. They all want to wake up tomorrow to be whiz kids and Davido. We have gifted people trying to look for a source of their meal and not trying to be the source.
“I don’t think I have achieved yet, I haven’t reached where we intend to reach yet. But when I look at the talents I work with, I see that we have made significant progress. We have a team of instrumentalists, producers, worshippers, everything now is a process.” He said.

On the talents that are abound in the state, Dr Bwesiwae advised that entertainers should position themselves to attract government sponsorship.
“If young men will come together as entertainers, and do something incredible, the government will look for us. But when the government hears about the entertainment industry what they hear is fighting, cultism, thuggery. As much as I want to blame government I have to hold the entertainers responsible.” He stated.

Already, she has shot a film with the title SARAI. Though the film is still undergoing some editing processes, the official trailer has been released on Youtube since last year.

She has also directed a lot of stage plays like Death and the Kings Grey Hair, which most of the viewers described as very complicated play. She is no doubt a shining star in the Taraba State movie industry. It is her belief that the State is hub of talents that are largely untapped and with an enabling environment, lots of talents will be harnessed.

She also unveiled some of the challenges associated with the industry. In spite of these odds, she remain focused to her dream to become the best director in the world anytime soon. “I don’t want to stop at anything less. That is how big my dream is.” She said.

Jummai spoke with Christiana Babayo exclusively during her familiarization visit to the Jalingo office of the Worldview Magazine.

Excerpts:
I was opportune to watch the trailer of the movie you just mentioned SARAI, what inspired it?

The inspiration behind Sarai is the society; if you have gone through the trailer you will see that it is actually a contemporary story. There are situations, challenges that people are faced with, the widows and the girl child. Sarai is basically the story of a widow who doesn’t have food to feed her children. She has a teenage daughter and of course these things happen around us but we look away. Sarai was born out of experiences around my environment. I have seen children who don’t go to school and they don’t do anything. Most times, when I pass these widows I ask myself how these people feed and take care of themselves. Then I heard of a story where a lady who was forced to marry a man because her father collected debt and couldn’t pay. So I grew up with the pain and the joy of wanting to advocate for the junior folks.

Why did you choose the movie industry amongst other professions?
It has always been in me. I grew up and found myself with the ability to act. When I was in primary school, I was the only pupil who acted drama with my seniors. I still have the video clips in my phone. I would have grown up in the movie industry but my parents didn’t believe in entertainment, my parents will not let me go into entertainment because they are scared that there are so many social vices there. That was the mentality. So many parents had this impression that once your girl child goes into entertainment, she becomes a prostitute. But acting is an inborn thing and that is one of the fastest means one can use to change society. From the feedback I got from Sarai trailer, I am convinced that lives have been touched through the trailer and lives will be touched by the movie.

What are some of the challenges in the industry, as it affects you?
There are many challenges. Honestly I have taken part in drama as a Teenager. There was a certain time I had to trek miles for auditioning and then I was in Abuja. I hadn’t money, I was just in secondary school staying with my elder brother and partially my uncle. They don’t really like entertainment, so I hide to go for auditions. In that case, how can one ask for transportation? Then we go there and see hundreds of people and at the end of the day, you won’t be picked. It got to a point that I told myself, movie industry is not my place and I am never going to make it there. But after while I came back home and went back to school, gradually the course I was studying was able to imbibe that believe into me.
The challenges we had on this movie Sarai is finance. Before I shot Sarai, I wouldn’t say I stopped eating completely, but I needed to save, I had to stop buying clothes and other things just to save and shoot the film. I was into this fashion business. But to shoot the movie, I had to fold my business because I used the whole money. Another challenge we had was managing child actors. If u look at the movies Sarai it has a lot of child actors, we had to become nannies on some occasions. We couldn’t shoot sometimes, the whole crew became nannies.

Amidst these challenges, is there any financial benefit? How does the job pay?
This is a carrier and irrespective of how effective the work will be on society, there should be a reward too. For me to change society, movie alone will not do it, we need to educate and empower people. Of course there must be financial expectations, but as it stand now, we have not market the movie but we hope that after this pandemic, we will go out there and showcase our work. For now there is no engagement.

How would you assess the prospects of the movie industry especially in Taraba State?
There’s something I always say, if you ask me I will say Taraba state is the heart of entertainment. Lagos has the market but we got talents. I am not even surprised that we have one of the best rappers from this very state. I have spoken to some talented fellows in this town and what usually weakens them is the fact that there are no sponsors so they feel discouraged. I think people should look more into this industry and encourage these young talents.

What relationship do you have with the State Government in terms of patronage?
In my own case we haven’t had anything with the government but we are hoping that the good government of Taraba state will look into the entertainment Industry, they should look into the talents of the creative industry.

How far do you intend to go in this business?
As far as above the sky. My dream is to become the best director in the world. I don’t want to stop at anything less. That is how big my dream is.

Presently, do you have any movie you are working on?
Yes, I have written about ten scripts in this lockdown and currently I have one very much ready on ground and it is going to be 70 % Hausa and 30% English and it is going to be wonderful. Most of my movies are advocacy films.

How do you balance, education, business and film making?
Honestly, I’m still paying the price. Most times I have to take from the business and put into the film making. Been a student, you know movie making takes a whole lot of time. Balancing all three is very difficult; sometimes one has to suffer to save others.

How do you relax?
I rest behind my laptop, I rest while writing. I don’t have the luxury of time to hang out and all that.

What is the motivating factor amidst these challenges? What is it that keeps you going?
Passion and the burning desire to touch lives.

You have been in this business for some time now, what areas do you think you should look at so as to strengthen your capacity for smooth production?
I am looking up to having the support of bodies , NGO’s, UNICEF, since most of our stories are advocacy stories and I am also pleading with the Taraba State Government to look our way and support us so that we can grow.