Jaksham Community Marks June 12 Democracy Day 2025 with Humanitarian Outreach, Advocate for Education, Water, and Security interventions

Jaksham, Kanke LGA, Plateau State – June 12, 2025

As Nigeria commemorated Democracy Day on June 12, 2025, the Jaksham Community in Kanke Local Government Area marked the occasion with a purposeful outreach program aimed at supporting the less privileged. Spearheaded by the traditional leadership under Ngolong Justin Job, the event was both a humanitarian gesture and a platform to call for strategic government interventions in critical areas affecting the community.

In a show of compassion and community solidarity, the Jaksham traditional institution organized the distribution of assorted food items to hundreds of indigent individuals and families drawn from within the community and surrounding villages. The food distribution was designed to cushion the effects of the persistent economic challenges being faced by many Nigerians.

Addressing the gathering, Ngolong Justin Job, the Paramount Ruler of Jaksham, explained the inspiration behind the initiative:

“Today is Democracy Day—a day dedicated to celebrating democratic governance, which includes our traditional institution. We believe we are part of the government, so we chose to commemorate the day by touching lives. The economic situation in the country is harsh, and many people are struggling to survive. This gesture is a small way of celebrating democracy with our people.”

Ngolong Job used the occasion to acknowledge and align with key government officials, stating that the event was organized not just for humanitarian reasons but also to identify with and celebrate democracy alongside political leaders who represent the people. He mentioned:

* His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State
* Rt. Hon. Gabriel Kudangbena Dewan, Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly
* Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
* Hon. Lapchin Golime, Executive Chairman, Kanke Local Government Council
* Hon. Joseph Gokum, Member Representing Kanke State Constituency

“There are other leaders we haven’t listed yet, but in due time, we will capture them. This initiative is in solidarity with their efforts and to remind them that we, the traditional rulers, are their grassroots partners,” he added.

A key issue raised during the event was the lack of formal recognition for several village heads across Plateau State, including Ngolong Job himself. Though appointed years ago, many traditional leaders have not received their official certificates or letters of appointment.

“I have served as village head for several years without formal recognition. This is a concern not just in Jaksham but in many communities across Plateau State. We appeal to Governor Mutfwang to consider issuing formal appointments, which will empower us to serve better, especially in sensitive areas like local security.”

Ngolong Job described Governor Mutfwang as “an angel with the keys to the future of Plateau,” expressing hope that his administration would take this appeal seriously.

Another major issue addressed was the state of education in Jaksham. The community’s only school building is reportedly overstretched and in urgent need of renovation.

“The current school structure is inadequate for our growing population. Our honorable member in the State Assembly has pledged a block of classrooms, and we are grateful. But that alone won’t solve the problem. We need more support—from government, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals—to ensure our children have a conducive environment for learning.”

In addition to education, the Ngolong called attention to the dire water situation in the community. According to him, Jaksham and its surrounding settlements depend solely on a single borehole.

“This is a big community with a large population relying on one borehole. The pressure on that facility is too much. We are pleading with the Governor and other leaders to support us by constructing at least one more borehole to meet our basic water needs.”

The event was attended by various community leaders, political aides, and local government officials. Hon. Emmanuel Gompil, Secretary of Kanke LGC, praised Ngolong Job’s leadership and vision:

“This is a commendable initiative that aligns with the human development vision of our Executive Chairman, Hon. Lapchin Golime. I will personally discuss with him to see how the Council can support future interventions like this. We all have a duty to care for the less privileged—it shouldn’t be left to politicians alone.”

Ngolong Defor Rong, another respected traditional ruler in the region, expressed admiration for the initiative and admitted it served as a challenge and example to others.

“What Ngolong Jaksham has done today is a model for all of us. Beyond feeding the people, he has highlighted critical issues affecting us all—education, water, security. We must all rise and support the government while also advocating for more attention to our communities.”

The event also featured goodwill messages from the Jaksham Community Development Association (JCDA) and other invited guests. Each of them echoed the central message: community-based leadership must work hand-in-hand with the government to achieve meaningful development.

The atmosphere at the event was one of solidarity, hope, and renewed calls for collaboration between traditional institutions and government authorities. Attendees left with food packages in hand and a renewed sense of community spirit.

Jaksham’s Democracy Day celebration in 2025 was more than a festivity—it was a statement of purpose. Through the compassionate leadership of Ngolong Justin Job, the community not only extended help to the needy but also raised its voice on pressing local issues. The message was clear: democracy is best celebrated when it improves lives—and the Jaksham community is ready to be a partner in that journey.