Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has commissioned a life-changing educational facility in Bassa Local Government Area to support traumatized and less privileged children.
The newly inaugurated school is a result of a collaboration between Back2Back Ministries, USA, Hon. Daniel Asama, and Vineyard Church, Cincinnati. It aims to bring healing, education, and hope to children affected by insecurity and social vices in the region.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Mutfwang applauded the project as a demonstration of Christ-like compassion. “I thank God for the privilege to witness this remarkable initiative, an act of service by people led by God,” he said.
The Governor praised Hon. Daniel Asama and the partnering organizations for their dedication to humanity. “You are living out the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ—feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, and offering opportunity to the underprivileged. This is the true ministry of Christ,” he added.
He expressed deep appreciation to Vineyard Church, Cincinnati, for their sacrificial giving. “Heaven is recording your efforts,” he said. “Even if the world never hears your names, be assured that your sacrifices are known to God, and you will be rewarded.”
Governor Mutfwang used the opportunity to call on other privileged individuals to give back to society. “We must rediscover the virtue of giving. Resources only gain value when used to impact lives. This project sets a worthy example,” he said.
He assured the community of his administration’s commitment to supporting the institution’s vision and ensuring it transforms the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Plateau.
Hon. Daniel Asama, the Federal Lawmaker representing Bassa/Jos North, shared the origin of the project, describing it as a vision birthed by Vineyard Church. “Our goal is to break the cycle of generational poverty by meeting the spiritual, physical, emotional, educational, and social needs of vulnerable children,” he said.
Asama revealed the humble beginnings of the initiative. “We started with just four people—myself, Jason, Emily, and our driver—but today we have 135 full-time staff and 24 ad-hoc workers,” he stated.
He noted that the school, named The Great Oaks Trauma-Informed Education Centre, is one of only four of its kind in the world. “We run a hybrid curriculum combining Nigerian and American standards, tailored to the unique emotional and psychological needs of crisis-affected children,” Asama said.
Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council, Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti, hailed the school as a timely response to the needs of the people. “This school offers hope to countless traumatized children, orphans, and the hopeless whose lives have been upended by conflict,” he said.
A community representative, Ati Ezekiel Angai, thanked the Governor and partners for their commitment. “Your Excellency, we 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,” he concluded.
