The Executive Chairman of Jos East Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Markus Usaini Nyam, has marked his 50th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the creation of Jos East Local Government Area with empowerment of security groups, bursary assistance to students, awards to deserving individuals and the foundation laying of a four-classroom block.
Nyam, who clocked 50 on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, hosted the combined celebration on Thursday, October 1, at the Council Secretariat and other locations within the local government area.
The event commenced with the symbolic foundation laying of a four-classroom block at LEA Primary School, Shere Zakim, where the chairman said the project was particularly significant to him because he attended primary school at the institution.
Nyam said the classroom project was the fifth education-related project undertaken by his administration, adding that it was conceived to address overcrowding and inadequate classroom facilities in the school.
He appealed to the state government to establish a Junior Secondary School in the community, noting that the existing primary and secondary facilities serve more than 300 students and could attract pupils from neighbouring communities if a junior secondary school is established.
The chairman also assured the contractor handling the classroom project that he would personally supervise the construction to ensure compliance with the required standards, giving a two-month timeline for its completion.
Representing the Plateau State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Gloria Samuel Kururi, the Director of Administration in the Ministry, Audu Abanjong, commended the chairman for prioritising education and bringing development closer to the grassroots.
He said the state Ministry of Education was pleased with the initiative and noted that the project aligned with the education priorities of the state government.
At the main ceremony, held at the Jos East Local Government Secretariat in Angware, Nyam said he chose to combine his birthday with the various activities as a way of honouring those who contributed to the creation of Jos East, appreciating security personnel and giving back to the people.
He condemned a recent security breach in the area which resulted in deaths and injuries, while expressing appreciation to security operatives for their sacrifices in maintaining peace.
The chairman also commended the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for what he described as interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, skills acquisition and security across Jos East.
Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the local government, Nyam said the occasion provided an opportunity to honour elders who contributed to the creation of Jos East from the former Jos Local Government Area.
A total of posthumous and merit awards were presented to individuals recognised for their contributions to the development and creation of Jos East.
Among those honoured posthumously were late HRM Alh. Yakubu A. Ajang Fogoh, former Agwom Izere; late Ada Azi Nyako Izang, described as “The Emancipator”; late Ada Yusuf Atsen Galadima; late Alh. Musa Muhammad, former Chief Imam of Abuja; late Ada Musa Garba Izam; late Justice Sambo Atsi; late Ada Joseph Nyako; late Prof. Yohana D.M. Izam; late Ada Ajiji Yasin; late Ada Sule Izan; late Ada Joseph Dembo; and late Samuel Azi (Samblue).
Merit awards were also presented to Ada Danjuma Izam, Chief Barr. Amos Azi, Ada Abok Nyam, Ada Pastor Mathew Arin Adams, Ada Joseph Itse Atsen, Chief Andrew Ashoms, Ada Azi Bulus Dus, Engr. M.I. Musa Azi, Amb. Ibrahim P. Kasai, Brig. Gen. Samuel A. Abok and Ada Simon Itse Madaki.
The council also presented empowerment support to security operatives, including local vigilantes, hunters and community watch groups, while bursary assistance was provided to selected students.
One of the beneficiaries, Jinyam Amos, expressed appreciation to the council chairman, promising to make judicious use of the support and use it to advance his education.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the awards, Amb. Ibrahim Pada Kasai, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ukraine, reflected on the history and development of Jos East, paying tribute to the elders who worked for the creation of the local government.
He said the establishment of Jos East had provided opportunities for residents, particularly young people, to participate in different sectors of national development.
The Agbang Agwom Izere, HRH Rev. Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, called on youths and residents of Jos East to preserve the peaceful coexistence in the area and support initiatives aimed at community development.
The traditional ruler also urged religious and traditional leaders to pray for leaders and offer constructive corrections where necessary, rather than resorting to criticism.
The Chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Women Wing, Mrs. Sarah Dalute, congratulated the chairman on attaining 50 and commended his administration for honouring past leaders.
Former members of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Jos East also congratulated the council chairman and urged successive administrations to build on the developmental efforts recorded in the local government.
The event was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Isa Madaki Ajiji; Senator Pam Mwadkon, representing Plateau North; Hon. Alfred Iliya Ajang, Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency; Hon. Musa Ashoms, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Rt. Hon. Abok Ayuba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters; Hon. Monday Ajiya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building; Hon. Sanusi Yusuf Nyam, among other dignitaries.
The celebration also featured traditional dances by various Afizere groups, a march-past by YOWICAN women, as well as presentations of gifts to the chairman and his wife.
In his closing remarks, Nyam, who described attaining 50 as a milestone, renewed his commitment to serving the people of Jos East with humility, transparency and the fear of God.
