By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Marking his first 100 days in office, Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Hon. J.K. Chris, has commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT center to enhance staff capacity and generate revenue for the council.
The facility, located at the council secretariat, was unveiled during a ceremony attended by key dignitaries, including Datong Dominic Gwaman, Director General of the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA).
Hon. J.K. Chris emphasized the significance of the center, stating that it addresses long-standing issues of confidentiality and efficiency in the council’s operations.
“Over the years, we’ve had to print sensitive and confidential documents outside, which often led to leaks.
“This center ensures that all our documents, whether secret or official, are handled securely within the council,” he said.
He highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative: “We are in a digital world, and Jos North cannot afford to lag behind. This ICT center will serve both our staff and the community, enhancing human capital development and supporting local businesses at minimal cost.”
The chairman noted other projects accomplished within his first 100 days, including the remodeling of the legislative chamber, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and the renovation of boreholes to improve water supply in the area.
“Given Jos North’s cosmopolitan nature and high population, access to water is critical, especially with global warming affecting availability. These projects are aimed at improving the well-being of our people,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Datong Dominic Gwaman of PICTDA praised the initiative as a model for grassroots technological advancement.
“The governor’s declaration of 2025 as the year of technological advancement is a significant milestone. Jos North’s move to establish an ICT center sets a benchmark for other local governments,” he said.
Gwaman emphasized the role of such initiatives in early technology adoption, particularly among young people. “This development is not just about the infrastructure but about fostering partnerships and spreading the benefits of technology. We’ll work with the chairman to ensure this initiative inspires other local governments and attracts international and federal support,” he noted.
Dr. Yinka Oyengide, Chairman of the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Computer Society, described the ICT center as a landmark achievement. “Jos North has set the pace in advancing technology at the grassroots level. This initiative is not only an investment in equipment but also in human capacity, which will have a ripple effect on the local economy,” he said.
Dr. Oyengide reiterated the society’s commitment to supporting the project through training, capacity development, and advisory services. “This is a remarkable initiative—the first of its kind on the Plateau. We congratulate the chairman for achieving this within just 100 days in office,”
The ICT center, alongside other projects, reflects a commitment to modernizing governance and improving service delivery in Jos North Local Government Area.
