NEWS
By KENNETH DAKOP
A clinical psychologist with the University of Jos, Utek Ishaku, has revealed that resilience in children helps mitigate negative health outcomes linked to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
He explained that resilience enabled children to adapt successfully despite adversity.
Ishaku spoke during a one-day engagement organised by GIZ-PEACECORE in collaboration with the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA) in Jos.
The engagement was organised for professionals who provided psychosocial support for trauma victims across Plateau State communities.
In a presentation themed, ‘The Tarbiya’, Ishaku said the TARBIYA curriculum encouraged group discussions among Nigerians from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
He disclosed that it focused on three core character strengths of perseverance, hope and joy as this helped build resilience among children who had suffered violence.
He noted that the programme also supported the moral and emotional development of pupils at their formative stage.
This, he noted, helped them grow into responsible adults.
Also speaking, Bashir Abubakar of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the organisation worked closely with government and development partners supporting migrants, displaced persons and affected communities recovering from traumatic experiences.
Abubakar explained that IOM’s approach included psychological models, community-based programming and interdisciplinary collaboration.
He pointed out that since its establishment in 1951, IOM operated in over 170 countries with more than 400 offices worldwide.
“IOM now operates in over 170 countries with more than 400 offices worldwide. Its mission is to promote safe, orderly, and humane migration,” he stated.
Abubakar added that “in Nigeria, since 2001, IOM works closely with government and donor partners.”
He said its approach includes psychological models, community-based programming and interdisciplinary collaboration.
On his part, trauma processing expert, Mugu Zakka, maintained that psychosocial support for survivors of violence should focus on systemic transformation.
He maintained that it must promote peace, inclusivity, accountability and innovation to foster healing and peaceful societies.
Mugu emphasised that “peacebuilding without healing is incomplete,” adding that ensuring trauma victims undergo healing today prevented cycles of violence tomorrow.
Nandong Lannap of the TEKAN Peace Desk noted that humanitarian responses in conflict and displacement settings often prioritised physical needs.
She said emotional needs were frequently neglected, stressing that trauma processing must be integrated into all community interventions.
These include early warning systems, security initiatives and livelihood programmes.
Lannap identified displacement, loss of loved ones, drug and substance abuse and widowhood as key sources of trauma in communities.
Plateau marks World Cancer Day, promotes people-centred care
By PETER GUKAS
The Plateau State Government has joined the global community to commemorate World Cancer Day 2026.
It reaffirmed its commitment to people-centred, compassionate and equitable cancer care.
Speaking during activities at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Health on February 4, 2026, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, said cancer is not only a medical condition.
He described it as a major human and public health challenge affecting individuals, families and communities.
Dr Baamlong explained that this year’s theme, ‘United by Unique’, recognised that every cancer journey was different.
He said it underscored the need for care tailored to the individual needs of patients.
He stressed that cancer care must go beyond treatment, including dignity, emotional support, early detection and equitable access to health services.
While acknowledging that each cancer experience was unique, the commissioner emphasised the importance of a united response.
He said this must involve health professionals, development partners, civil society organisations, the media and communities.
Cancer was described as a significant public health concern globally and locally.
Health authorities noted that many cancer-related deaths were linked to late diagnosis and delayed treatment.
However, they said many cancers were preventable, detectable early and treatable when timely intervention is provided.
In Plateau State, the most commonly reported cancers include breast and cervical cancers among women.
Prostate cancer remained the most common among men.
Our correspondent reports that a 27-year cancer registry review conducted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and published in 2018 revealed that breast cancer accounted for 25 percent of recorded cases.
It was followed by cervical cancer (19 percent), prostate cancer (13 percent), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (9 percent) and liver cancer (8 percent).
The government used the occasion to call for increased public awareness and early screening.
It also called for strengthened health systems and sustained collaboration to reduce the cancer burden.
Baamlong stated that “late presentation of cancer cases remains a major challenge in Plateau State.”
He added that this has prompted renewed calls for collective action to promote early detection and timely treatment.
Health authorities disclosed that since the establishment of the Operation Stop Cervical Cancer Unit at JUTH in 2006, over 31,700 women have been screened.
They said this has saved countless lives through early detection and prompt intervention.
In the last three years alone, 7,886 persons were screened for various cancers across the state.
A total of 2,140 positive cases were identified and referred for further evaluation and treatment.
To expand access beyond hospital settings, the state has implemented community outreach programmes.
The commissioner disclosed that in 2024, 97 women were screened at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
He said 22 positive cases were referred for care.
Similarly, Baamlong added that during the 2025 Nzem Berom Cultural Festival, about 100 women were screened.
This led to the detection of 28 positive cases.
Officials described these figures as evidence of lives protected and families spared the pain of late diagnosis.
They said it reflects a government committed to accessible, life-saving healthcare.
In line with the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 strategy, Plateau State is participating in Nigeria’s National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) programme.
The commissioner disclosed that “since October 2023, a single-dose HPV vaccine for girls aged 9–14 years has been introduced.”
He revealed that by May 2024, all 36 states, including Plateau, had commenced routine HPV vaccination in health facilities and schools.
Nationwide, over 12 million girls had reportedly been vaccinated.
However, Dr Baamlong noted that a 2024 study in Plateau State revealed very low awareness of HPV vaccination among young people.
Only 26 percent of tertiary institution students had heard of the vaccine.
Only 5 percent demonstrated good overall knowledge of HPV.
Awareness was low among both males and females.
The study concluded that despite the vaccine being available and free, significant awareness gaps remain.
It highlighted the need for intensified education, advocacy and community engagement.
The government therefore called on parents, guardians, schools and community leaders to ensure eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine.
It described it as a critical step in preventing cervical cancer.
Speaking at the event, Agyewe Agbodo, Deputy Chairperson of the Nigeria Cancer Society (NCS), Plateau State chapter, said World Cancer Day activities were previously concentrated in Abuja.
She said they are now being decentralised to states to expand awareness.
She thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Kachollom Daju, mni, for advocating for Plateau State to host the North-Central World Cancer Day Rally.
The rally is scheduled for 17–20 February 2026.
It will feature a mega rally, symposium, training of healthcare professionals, and strengthened cancer care and management.
Mrs Agbodo explained that the “United by Unique” theme emphasises individualised, people-centred cancer care.
She noted that every cancer story is different.
She added that the Nigeria Cancer Society is working with civil society organisations and partners to drive advocacy, prevention, screening, and referral to care.
In her remarks, Rhoda Sanda Pewan of the Displaced and Vulnerable Children Educational and Humanitarian Foundation said the foundation creates awareness for people suffering from cancer.
She said many lack knowledge of early warning signs.
She noted that stigma, shame, and fear cause many patients to hide their condition.
She stressed that cancer cuts across all segments of society and is treatable when detected early.
A cancer survivor, Peret Bigwan, from Pink Ribbon Cancer Foundation, shared her personal experience.
She explained that early detection enabled her to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy successfully.
She said a recent PET scan showed no trace of cancer.
She encouraged patients to remain hopeful and committed to their treatment.
Residents were urged to take practical steps to reduce cancer risks.
These include regular screening, HPV vaccination for eligible girls, early medical consultation for unusual symptoms, avoiding tobacco and harmful alcohol use, and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
The Plateau State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the WHO global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.
It emphasised that early detection saves lives and collective action remains essential.