Presidential Meritorious Service Award

Presidential Meritorious Service Award

KACHOLLOM PYAM GANG. Ph.D

An active member of Gindiri Old Student Association, serving as its first female president and has over the years committed over fifteen (15) years in holding leadership position at the branch and National level.

Dr. Kachollom Gang a 1974 set member of GOSA, a first class graduate of 1980, a Ph.D from the University of Lancaster 1989, is a Seasoned Educationist, Trainer, HR practitioner, consultant and public servant.

With a cumulative experience at the university and the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) where she is currently the director of NDIC’s Enterprise Risk Management Department. Interms of her public service/community engagements, she served as the pioneer commissioner of Women Affairs and social Development Youth and Sports with a lot of changes and development to her credit. She is also very much involved with youth empowerment activities in the Community, State and National level.

A member of various professional bodies among which are the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). The curriculum organisation of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of personal Management (CIPM).The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Risk Management Association of Nigeria (RIMAN). The National Body of GOSA today recognises your contributions to the Al-Ma-Mater, humanity and God and she is Awarded the GOSA Presidential recognition for Meritorious Service.

LIFE TIME AWARDS

AYOTUNKU OLABANJI ABIFARIN, Ph.D

A member of the first GOSA class of 55- the pioneer set and the visioners of the Al – ma – Mater. A 1935 entrant into the world of humanity from Iwo present day Kwara State- Nigeria. He proceeded from Gindiri to University college Ibadan graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Sciencein 1964 and a doctor of Philosophy in 1969 from the university of Nebraska, and Purdue, Lafayette-Indiana USA respectively. Dr. Abifarin also has to his credit other professional training in agricultural extension, Rice field experimentation, low-gamma radiation exposure on rice seeds alongside intensive French course from 1957-1977.

His work experience span forty three (43) years from entry point as a junior sorghum breeder/agricultural research officer serving at different times as a consultant, Analyst, Scientist in countries around African region and the world retiring in 2006 after meritorious service as a director, Food Security Program for Africa- a world vision international. He has also to credit service as a consultant, and membership of Boards and Technical committees within and outside the country- some of the notable ones are listed ; a member of the consultant group of Ghana 1971; member Team of Consultant to the Government of Liberia 1972; member of the Consultant to the Government of Sierra Leone, 1973 Chairman Team of Consultant Kwara State Government reorganise agricultural Development Cooperation Rice Production, milling and marketing 1978; member of Rice Advisory committee for International Board for Plant Genetic Resources. (IBPGR) 1984; member, International Rice testing programme Advisory Group, Philippines 1976-87; member Review Team of Experts Food and Agricultural Organisation, consultant International Atomic Agency.( IAEA) FAD programming mission Mali and Niger – 1989 and a member of the technical committee of the National research council of Liberia 1989- may -1990.

An affiliate of several professional Societies some of which are the American Society of Agronomy and crop science, life membership of Sigma xi of America, Nigerian Science Association, Association of Rice Research workers – India; member of American registry of certified professionals in Agronomy, crop and soils; member Genetics society of Nigeria and Rice Genetic s Co-operative. In his career he has to his credit over thirty (30) attendances at key seminars with over 70 publications and books to his credit between 1966 -2012. A Christian and charismatic profession by profession, a member of the full Gospel Business Men Fellowship- an active member of Eminent chapter in Abuja- He is married to Mrs. Ayodele A. Abifarin and the marriage is blessed with three (3) and in addition grand children. GOSA celebrates your contributions to the Alma- Mata and recognises it with Life Time Achievement Award.

Prof Ochapa C. Onazi

Professor Ochapa C .Onazi, an erudite scholar, an administrator and educationist was at different times a vice Chancellor of University of Jos (1985- 1989),Pro – Chancellor and chairman of council at different times to Benue state University, Markurdi (1998-2004) ; Bayero University, Kano (2000-2004) and Plateau State University, Bokkos.(2005-2007). Professor Onazi is an alumnus of the Imperial College London where he graduated with a B.sc in Zoology and an MSc in Applied Entomology. He also holds the Doctor of Philosophy of the Kansas State. His active work career spans over forty (40) years with several scholarly publications and engagements of national and international assignments, notable among them is the FAO/UNDP Desert locust Project, Tehran – 1966; British council visitorship in various agricultural Institutions (1975 & 1984); Chairman of Planning and Implementation committee of several universities in Nigeria; Federal University of Technology Minna1982;Benue State University, Markurdi 1991, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2000 and Plateau State University Bokkos, 2005 proposed Karl Kumm University, Vom – Plateaus and Apa University, Otupko – Benue State. In private and public life, he has served several Boards and in different capacities. A few of these are as listed; Member Board of National Electric Power Authority (1976-80); Chairman of defunct Lobi Bank Ltd; defunct North Brewery ltd, 1978-1983; Chairman, Task force on the Establishment of Vocational Training centres in Benue State (1978-198); General Editor: Macmillan Agricultural Series, mtd-UK; Education Project- Federal Ministry of Education, Lagos (1986—1988); Leader of presidential Monitoring team on Final comprehensive Inspection of Landing Jetties in Rivers State ( July- August 1990); FAO Consultant in Agricultural Extension Training, Republic of Uganda (November, 1990-March 1991); Leader, Presidential Monitoring Team on Final comprehensive Inspection (FCI) of Rural Federal Roads Phase II constructed by DFRRI in Rivers state (February – March 9991); Chief Technical Advisor FGN I UNP Project on farm storage – crop Storage Unit (CSU) Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Ibadan (1993-1997) and Team Leader responsible for the Control of Desert locust and African Migratory Locust in Northern Nigeria (1966-1978).

Professor Onazi has received several commendations for his sterling Leadership qualities and Administrative prowess which manifested itself clearly during his tenure as Vice Chancellor and Pro- Chancellor of Universities. The white paper on visitation panel report of university of Jos, 2011 accredited his period of reign as one of peace, stability and academic excellence. So also was Bayero University Kano awarded the third best Governing council of all feral universities in 2004. He has also received many awards for his contribution to the academia and educational sector the crown of all was the National honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2005. Professor Onazi has contributed more in retirement, to the growth and development of the Agricultural and Educational sector. He is married happily to Ruth Mikiya Onazi, blessed with five (5) children and many grand Children.

His Immense contributions and support to GOSA, and as a member of the class 55’, he recognized and granted the lifetime Award of GOSA.

GOSA AMBASSADORIAL RECOGNITIONS

ENGR. SUNDAY CHONG HYAT, FNSE FNICE.

Sunday Chong Hyat was born on 3rd Febuary 1963 in Ganawuri Riyom Local Government Area, to the family of Rev and Mrs Hyat Gaga Mantu. After his primary education, he gained admission to Boys Secondary School Gindiri and graduated in the class of 1983. He attended federal University of Technology Minna and graduated as a civil Engineer in 1990, serving the mandatory youth service at federal polytechnic Bida between 1990/1991. His working career began with the Plateau state Civil service in 1992 as a Pupil Engineer and rose through the rank to be Ag. Director Civil engineering in 2001, a position held to 2010. He is currently the Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport. In between his work career, Hyat attended several Conferences/programmes of professionalrelevance in Nigeria, Africa and at the International levels. Notable among them are; One month International programme Road Sector management in Stockholm Sweden, 2005 and the phase II programme held in Wind hoek – Namibia. He was also at the Director of Civil Engineering conference in Katsina and the National council of works conference in Zamfara 2006. In 2011 he participated in the world Federation of Engineering conference in Geneva, Switzerland and on study programme on Land use and transportation at Sacraments USA in 2013. He served as chairman Nigeria Society of Engineers Jos Branch: he is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Society of Civil Engineers, and a registered member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He currently represents North Central including FCT on the council for the Regulation of engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Hyat is currently the Chairman of GOSA Jos Branch and the chairman ICT Completion project of GOSA. Shares in the hobbies of reading and playing Chess. He is married with a daughter.

In line with his position as permanent secretary the Almamater calls him to the role of an Ambassador to shine the light of GOSA.

Dr. Markus Amang Avong

Born in Attakar village, Markus Amang Avong is a graduate of the 1980 set Boys Secondary School. A graduate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the university of Ibadan in 1987 and a Master’s of Science Veterinary Public Health and preventive Medicine which he obtained from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 2001. His work engagement at the Plateau State Ministry of Agricultural and Natural Resources spanned twenty years before transferring his service to the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) in 2009 as Deputy Registrar and from July, 2012 he became the Registrar/CEO of the council. Dr. Avong is married and blessed with Children.

In recognition of his attainment and appointment GOSA is recognizing him as an Ambassador for Light and Truth.

ANNA MBASUGHUN ISHAKU

Born on 24th of August 1957 to Baba Paul and Mama Clara Wayo, Started her schooling at St. Bartholomew’s Primary school Wusasa – Zaria then to Girls High School Gindiri proceeding thereafter to the Ahmdu Bello University to study law. She was to call, to Bar in 1980. She began her working career as legal Aid council officer at the Kano office of the Legal Aid Council from 1980 by 1986 she had transferred her service to Ministry of Justice, Kaduna state where she worked for twenty (20) years. In between her years of service she had a brief Stint at the ECOWAS Community court of Justice in 2002. While in the Ministry of Justice she held positions of Director of Publication Prosecution Solicitor – General and permanent Secretary at different times in her career.

Her love for education led her to pick up a post Graduate diploma in education which enabled her to open a school in Honour of her late mother- CLARA VICTORIA WAYO Memorial school.

Anna Ishaku is married to Arch. Darius Dickson Ishaku, the Executive Governor of Taraba State and the Union is blessed with five (5) children.

GOSA recognizes her as an Ambassador and she is mandated to make the Light Shine as stands by her husband to Govern the good people of Taraba State.

Al – Hassan Saleh Yakmut

An accomplished sports administrator, Academic, Manager and Spots Man is a member of the 1979 set of Boys Secondary school Gindiri, his instable search and pursuit for knowledge led him to Ahmadu Bello University where he graduated with a diploma and a degree in Physical and Health Education, he has a multiplicity of Masters Degree in Administration, Management, Law and Diplomacy, Sports and Event Management from different Institutions. He is currently enrolled for a P.hd in Law and Diplomacy. His working career in the sports Field/ Arena started in 1990 as a senior sports officer, he has worked with no fewer than six (6) ministers as personal and special assistance, he was sports zonal coordinator in the North East and South East, Secretary Professional football League, twice Ag. Director, Sports planning, Research and Documentation Departments; Director of Grass root Sports Development. As knowledgeable sports administrator he was appointed and has served at different times on committee and Adhoc assignments in country; some of the notable ones are reflected here; Chairman, Secretary General, International sports camp in Havana, Cuba 2003, Assistant contingent Secretary of all African Games in South Africa, Presidential Inauguration Sub – Committee on Sports, 2011; Chairman Olympic and Paralympics Ministerial Advisory and Co-ordinating committee, (2012); Chef De Mission of the 10th All African Games (2011), (2012); Chairman, Organising Committee, National Youth Games 2013; Chairman, President Cup Organising Committee, (2014), and a member, Common wealth advisory Body on Sports, (2015).

Alhassan Saleh Yakmut is a recipient of several awards and honours; Exemplary Leadership Award GOSA – (2014); Best Spots Organiser SWAN (1999); Football Administrator of the Year (2009); Pepsi Football Administration Award,(2001) and Executive Award in sports Administration, (2011). As a sports man he held many National records prominent amongst them are; Intermediate Boys Short-Put National records (16.32m)- 1981; three (3) Gold Medal in Short- Put; Discus and Volley ball, National Sports Festival Edo, (1981); Gold and Silver medals – West Africa University Games in Burkina Faso, (1989); three Bronze Medals at the African Volley ball clubs Championship in Cairo (1987; 1989 and 1990) Alhassan Saleh Yakmut is currently the Director General of the National Sports Commission, upon this appointment GOSA calls you to an Ambassadorial Mandate to “Shine the Light”

Sam Ibrahim Ngumar

Born on 20th April 1960 to the family of Mallam Ibrahim Gunsur of Kapil in Lankan District of Pankshin LGA. After his primary Education he proceeded in 1975 to Gindiri Boys Secondary School and Graduated in 1980 with a WASC Division 1 certificate in International Relations and Diplomacy and a masters of International Affairs and Diplomacy from the Kaduna Polytechnic and Ahmadu Bellow University. His working career began after his National youth service Scheme in 1985, he secured employment as a class teacher (Chemistry) with the Plateau State Ministry of Education attached them to Government science Secondary School Amper.( 1986-1988); then to Government college Pankshin (1988-89); he was an Industrial officer, Ministry of commerce and industry, ((1989- April 1992); a Protocol Officer Government House, Jos- (April 1992- January, 2001); He became the liaison officer posted to Kaduna, (2001-2005), and became permanent secretary in from 2005-2008, he was then elevated to serve as the General manager – Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), 2008 -2013 and from 2013 to 2015 – Director of Administration of Plateau Hospital Management Board. He was Again Elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary in 2015. As a community person, he has been an active member of several student union bodies in his school days and serving also as part of the executive; he was also a pioneer of the Plateau Youth Council and member of Its Parliament. A community Leader and grassroots Mobilizer in all standards. A volunteer that pioneered the establishment of LGED Primary school, Jak-mupun building classrooms as his contributions. He has also sponsored several indigent students from secondary schools to tertiary institutions. Sam Ngumar a veteran hunter is married with five sons.

GOSA in recognition of his appointment is charged with the mandate of serving as an light and truth.

RUFUS DANIEL BATURE, (JP)

Rufus Daniel Bature was born on 2nd October, 1962 at Kufen Gassa of barkin Ladi Local Government area of Plateau State. A member of the class 1980 in Boys Secondary School Gindiri, he attended the School of Basic Studies Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained his A levels GCE and University of Jos from 1986-1989 for his B.A (Hons) degree in English. His work engagement from 1982 to 1995 saw him first serving as a primary school teacher with the Plateau State Ministry of education, he was then seconded to serve as a research assistance on a UNDP/UNESCO/NISER project in Barkin Ladi and during his service year in 1989/1990 he served in the college of Education Agbor-Delta as a Personal Assistant and upon his return he was engaged as an education officer II with the ministry of Education.

In 1995 he streamed into the private sector as a manager of Damagaka (Nig) Lid; Manager Lobwan Investments 1996-1997; Managing Director Logyor Farms, 1997-1998. Between 1998 to 2015 he has been involved in active politics, he was first elected member of the plateau state House of Assembly representing Barkin Ladi constituency in 1998, where he served two terms till 2007, while in the House he served as minority leader and chairman of various Adhoc and standing committees. In 2007 after his legislative sojourn he attempted to occupy the elated the position of the Governorship and also in 2001 gave a short at the Senatorial seat of plateau North. From 2007 to year 2015 he served as Director G3 enterprises, Director VO-pye Resort and chairman/ chief Executive Logyog (Nig) Ltd in terms community and political engagements, he has been chairman community Relations Committee of Nigeria Agricultural co-operative and Rural Development Bank (NACRDB) Barkin Ladi Branch, Member Secretary, All Progressive Party Screening of National/State Assembly Candidates Abia (2015); Director – General, All Progressive Party Governorship selections Plateau State, 2015 and member Plateau State Inaugural/Transition Committee, 2015.

He has in the past attended courses, workshops and conferences cutting across Public relations, Legislative matters, management and Agriculture.

Rufus Bature is the recipient of various Awards from youth and community groups and most importantly An achiever’s award from Gindri Old Students Association, (GOSA). He is married with children. He is currently the secretary to the state Government and to this GOSA calls him to the Ambassadorial Award to Shine the Light.

Barr. Mrs. Huldah Nanbam Fwangchi.

Huldah Nanbam Fwangchi was born in Panyam, Mangu Local government Area of Plateau State on 5th November, 1955. Between 1972 and 1976, she was at girls High School Gindiri for her Secondary school, then she proceeded to the School of preliminary studies Keffi, Nasarawa State 1977-1978 and then to Ahmadu Bellow University Zaria where she obtained a Bachelor degree in Law (LL.B Hons), in 1982, and was called to Bar in June 1983 and was posted for her National youth service in Plateau state where she served in the Judiciary as Associate Magistrate and PIPC Ltd in 1983/1984 service year.

Mrs. Fwangchi Started her career as a private Legal practitioner in G.S Pwul & CO. After which she joined Plateau State Civil Service in 1985 as acting director of Civil Litigations in 1989, and was posted to head the public persecutions department. She was appointed solicitor – General and permanent Secretary on the 24th June 2003, and posted to the Ministry of Justice, where she served between 2003 and 2008. She was thereafter posted to the ministry of Water Resources and rural development, from where she was nominated for Senior Executive course 34 in the National Institute for Policy and Strategic studies, Kuru in 2012. While in NIPSS, she was both Deputy Monitor-General and the coordinator of the Christian participant fellowship, the First Female to hold that position in the 3 years of NIPSS existence. She is still a member of the NIPSS Chapel, to date. Upon her completion she was appointed as Interim Administrator of Pankshin L.G.C, where she served between September of that year to February 2014, after which she resumed work in the office of the Deputy Governor as permanent before her appointment as head of service in July 2015. (Becoming the first female Head of Civil Service, in Plateau state).