The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has commissioned a groundbreaking educational facility in Bassa Local Government Area, describing the initiative as a beacon of hope for less privileged and traumatized children.
The facility, the Great Oaks Trauma-Informed Education Centre, is the result of a collaborative effort between Back2Back Ministries (USA) and Hon. Daniel Asama, Member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, with support from Vineyard Cincinnati Church, USA. It stands as a sanctuary for vulnerable children, many of whom have suffered from years of insecurity and social upheaval.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Mutfwang hailed the project as a clear expression of the teachings of Jesus Christ, rooted in compassion, service, and the upliftment of the downtrodden.
“I thank God for the privilege to witness this remarkable initiative,” he said. “This is the ministry of Christ in action feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, and providing opportunity to the underprivileged. I commend Hon. Daniel Asama and your partners for this labour of love.”
The Governor particularly commended Vineyard Cincinnati Church for their unwavering commitment, emphasizing that their investment is not only in education but in the eternal worth of human lives.
“Heaven is recording your efforts,” he noted. “Even if the world never hears your names, be assured that God sees your sacrifice, and you will be rewarded.”
Governor Mutfwang also used the occasion to call on privileged individuals and organizations to emulate such acts of generosity.
“We must rediscover the virtue of giving. Wealth has no value if it does not uplift others. This project is a shining example of how resources should be used.”
He assured stakeholders of his administration’s full support to ensure the success and sustainability of the institution’s mission to transform the lives of orphans and vulnerable children.
Hon. Daniel Asama, in his remarks, highlighted the facility as a dream nurtured from humble beginnings a vision led by the Vineyard Cincinnati Church to restore hope to children through holistic, trauma-informed education.
“Our goal is to break the cycle of generational poverty by addressing the spiritual, emotional, physical, educational, and social needs of children affected by trauma,” Asama said.
He recounted the project’s early days with just four individuals himself, Jason, Emily, and their driver and celebrated its growth into a full-fledged institution with 135 full-time staff and 24 ad-hoc workers.
“This is one of only four trauma-informed schools of its kind in the world,” he noted. “We run a hybrid curriculum, blending Nigerian and American standards to cater to the unique psychological and emotional needs of our students.”
Asama also acknowledged the profound impact of the mostly American donor base, including children from Vineyard’s Sunday School who once raised funds through pocket money to build the preschool block.
The Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council, Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti, described the school as a timely and strategic response to the educational needs of children affected by conflict and trauma.
“This centre provides hope for the hopeless. A society without education is a doomed one,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the host community, Ati Ezekiel Angai of the Kiche community expressed deep appreciation to the Governor and project partners.
“Your Excellency, thank you for your inclusive leadership and the legacy you are building. Since 1999, three Governors have contributed to this project from land acquisition to compensation. Today, you bring it to life with this commissioning.”
He also praised the Governor for integrating sons and daughters of the community into his administration and for facilitating the establishment of the local MOPOL squadron, a move that has enhanced local security.
“Your support made it possible,” he added.