By Timwakwat Goyang
Political instability has been identified as the major reason for underdevelopment on the Plateau and in the country at large.
This was the submission of Dr. Gideon Barde, guest lecturer at the public lecture and magazine launch organized by National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), Unijos Chapter in honour of Former Governor of Benue-Plateau state, Late Joseph Gomwalk.
Gideon Barde, who was Press Secretary to the late Gomwalk, explained that the untimely death of his boss at that time truncated the vision and blueprint of critical development in what today has metamorphosed into three states of Plateau, Benue and Nassarawa.
The Elder statesman and Veteran journalist, while speaking on the topic “Political Instability and Governance Failure” also advised political leaders of the need to have a clear vision of the society they want to see after their tenure as a way of ensuring meaningful development in the country.
“Political instability disrupts development as it has not helped purposive development in our state. Gomwalk had a plan for every sector of the economy…some were sustained by subsequent administrations while some were not to this very moment.” He said.
For those legacies which have not been sustained, Barde described as “lamentable” indicating that the state would have been better than where it is.
While describing the person of Late Joseph Gomwalk, chairman of the occasion Chief Enoch Lot, who was Chief Agricultural Officer at that time said Gomwalk was visionary and the first to introduce mechanised farming on rice and maize plantations – an initiative borrowed from India.
He added that Gomwalk is the first to earn a degree in the whole of middle belt after graduation from the Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri as the first head boy in 1955 with distinction in all eight subjects.
Lot advised Nigerians to go back to the drawing board and develop agriculture which Gomwalk and other founding fathers put in place.
The Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Hayward Mafuyai who was represented by Mr.Friday Nshem said he is not worthy to talk about Gomwalk or his vision, as he was only 10 years when the unfortunate incident of Gomwalk’s death occurred.
Keynote address was delivered by the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Unijos Chapter, Dr. Chris Piwuna who lauded the detribalized charisma of Gomwalk while lamenting the selfish attitude of today’s leaders which, according to him, is alien to the likes of Gomwalk.
He added that for J. D. Gomwalk to be honoured, people must be ready to put aside personal sentiments which is retrogressive, shun the intake of psycho-active substances as students and imbibe virtues of excellence for which the late governor was known for.
Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, Comrade Dakwom Longgul provided a background to the birth of the magazine disclosing that it was on the basis of building ideas. That the man J.D was a man of ideas and the magazine is a constant reminder of the need for students to keep building superior ideas.
Awards were given to outstanding men and women who have distinguished themselves in various capacities. They include, Hon. Emmanuel Nanle, Director Press to Plateau State Governor as the student friendly political appointee. Others were Dr. Jurbe Mwolwus, a former SUG President Unijos and lecturer with Dept. of Building, Dr. Santos Ayuba, one time SUG President and lecturer Dept. of History and International Relations, the Chairman, Campus Cab Association UNIJOS, Mr. Josiah Olatunde and the Traffic Warden at Bauchi junction, Mr. Alfred Dakup, who were awarded for their various roles in the lives of students.
Highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the Idyllic Magazine by Chairman of the occasion, ASUU Chairman and the Editor-in-Chief of the publication. This was followed by donations in support of the publication and various presentations by students.
