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Author: Emmanuel Antswen

  • Without massive women votes I wouldn’t be governor- Alia

    Without Massive women votes, I wouldn’t be governor – Alia

    Women

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, has acknowledged that without the massive votes of women in the state, he would not have won the 2023 Governorship Election.

    Alia stated this on Saturday in Makurdi, during the launch of the 774 Explode Project, an initiative of Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that 774 Explode Project, is being promoted by Dr Mary Alile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Woman Leader.

    The governor said without the massive votes of women, he and President Bola Tinubu, would not have won elections in 2023, and therefore, reassured them of their continued support.

    He said since he did not have a first lady, all great women of Benue State were his first ladies, while Mrs Tinubu was the mother of the state.

    He assured women in the state that he would continue to support them to attain their goals and realise their potential.

    On 774 Explode Project, Alia said his administration would ensure that Benue remained number one in its implementation nationwide.

    He said after training and skills acquisition by the women in their chosen skills, they would each receive N500,000 take-off support from the state government.

    He commended Mrs Tinubu for the initiative, and the APC national woman leader for promoting it across the country.

    He said the state was very grateful to Mrs the first lady for all the support, both in cash and in kind, to Benue women.

    He said so far, Benue women had benefitted from the provision of grains, fertiliser, scholarships, and several other things from the office of the First lady of Nigeria.

    Inaugurating the project, Alile said only five per cent of women were currently in governance in Nigeria.

    She said out of the 469 national assembly members, only 20 were women, adding that 15 out of the 36 current state houses of assemblies had no female representatives.

    She said women represented 49.3 per cent of the country’s population, and therefore, needed to wake up and make things happen for them.

    Alile commended Alia for funding the launch of the project in Benue.

    She also commended the governors over their support for the initiative, noting that it would benefit the states immensely.

    She said from the initiative, Nigerian women would acquire skills, political mentorship, capacity building, trainings, and many others.

    She disclosed that the beneficiaries of the initiative would be between the ages of 18 to 35 years old.

    Mrs Christie Ode, wife of the state’s deputy governor, said women played special roles in nation building.

    Ode expressed concerns over Nigeria being among countries of the world where women still had less participation in politics and governance.

    She said the launch of the 774 Explode Project was a significant step in the right direction in closing the gaps and including women in politics and governance.

    She commended the first lady for all she was doing for women in the country, and also Alia for giving the Benue women a fresh breath of life.

    In a keynote address tilted: “Enhancing Gender Space in Politics and Mentoring”, Mr Dennis Dzawua said without the support of women, no candidate would win election in Nigeria.

    Dzawua said women were the architects of their problems, and until they started supporting each other, they might not get their deserved political positions in the country.

    According to him, politics plays a significant influence over the decision-making process that impacts lives, so all women must strive hard to be in politics to influence such decisions.

    In his remarks, Benue APC Acting Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omakolo, said the project would further enhance women’s participation in politics beyond the state.

    Omakolo said women occupied a special place in APC and Alia’s administration.

    He commended the governor for his massive infrastructure strides within the last one year in office, saying under Alia, “everything has suddenly changed positively “.

    He said the governor had made history in Benue by becoming the first governor to be paying salaries, pensions, gratuities, executing projects, human capital development among other achievements without borrowing a dime.

    Earlier in an address of welcome, Scholastica Ben-Sor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, said Benue women who voted massively for the APC in the 2023 polls, were solidly behind the governor and and the president.

    Ben-Sor said the women had resolved to continue to support Alia and Tinubu to succeed.

    “Benue women voted massively for the governor, the president and the APC. Wherever the governor goes we will go with you. No turning back,” she declared. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Alia mourns Benue ex- military governor, Lawal

    Mourning
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 25, 2024(NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has mourned the death of a former military governor of the state, AVM Adebayo Lawal (rtd).
    This is contained in a  statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Tersoo Kula in Makurdi.
    According to the governor , the late military sole administrator of the state died on Sunday, June 23 at the age of 83.
    He was the military governor of Benue from July 1978 to October, 1979. He hailed  from Kwara.
    Alia in a message of condolence, described the late military governor as someone, who played a huge role of overseeing the peaceful transition from military rule to democratic rule in Benue.
    “During his reign, he ensured a smooth handover to the Late  Aper Aku, the first civilian governor of the state.” It stated.
    The governor said, Late Lawal, who was also a former Minister of Youths and Sports, would be fondly remembered as a dedicated military officer, a great business man and a philanthropist.
    He prayed  God to give his immediate family, the  people of Benue and Kwara the fortitude to bear the loss.
    The governor disclosed that the state government delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Mr Sam Odeh  has gone to Lagos, to physically condole with the family of the Late former governor, who, had already  been buried according to Islamic rites.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Gabriel Yough

  • I inherited N359bn salary arrears in Benue – Alia

    I inherited N359bn salary arrears in Benue – Alia

    Salary

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Okpoga (Benue), June 24, 2024(NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has said that his administration inherited over N359 billion salary arrears of several years from his predecessor.

    The governor stated this at Okpoga, headquarters  of  Okpokwu Local Government Area  on Monday, during a thank you tour of  Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

    He alleged that previous administrations in the state lied to the people that the Federal Government denied them funds to pay salaries.

    The governor promised that his administration would continue to prioritise the payment of workers’ salaries.

    “Henceforth, civil servants in the State will be paid from 22nd of every month,“he said.

    He thanked the people for the confidence reposed in him to lead the State, and promised to revive the Igumale Cement factory as well as construct access roads in the area.

    “I see that Okpoga is in darkness, I will light it up with 5,000 kw electricity. I have come to reduce your pains and suffering.,“he said.

    He urged them to continue to support his administration and be patient with President Bola Tinubu , as he has good policies for Nigerians.

    Earlier, Mr Daniel Onjeh, a former Senatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress ( APC), urged the governor to match words with  action by fulfilling his campaign  promises to the people.

    Onjeh said the opposition parties were mocking the people that he has abandoned them in terms of infrastructures and appointments.

    ‘The opposition is asking what you have done for Benue South. We want to see things manifest. Do not be distracted by the blackmail of the opposition”, he said.

    Mr Benjamin Omakolon,  the APC Acting Chairman, while receiving 500 persons who defected from the opposition parties to the APC at the event,  promised them  equal treatment.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    AEB/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Alia to construct community roads to enhance food transportation

    Alia to construct community roads to enhance food transportation

    Road

    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Apa (Benue) June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says the State Government will build the Obagaji-Okokolo-Agagbe Road for easy transportation of farm produce from the agrarian communities on that corridor to urban centers.

    Alia said this on Sunday, while addressing the APC supporters from APA/Agatu Federal Constituency during his “thank you” tour, organised at Central Primary School, Ugboko, APA Local Government Area (LGAs).

    He said that the road, when constructed, would connect Agatu and Gwer Gwer LGAs and further address the serious security challenges within the axis.

    He said the road would also help to boost the socioeconomic life in the two LGAs.

    He also promised to construct more roads within the federal constitutuency with time.

    The governor affirmed his administration’s resolve to execute projects, policies and programmes that would have direct impact on the masses.

    He also assured all decampees into the APC that under his watch they would enjoy equal benefits from the party.

    Earlier, the APC State Acting Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omakolo, also promised the no fewer than 2,000 persons, who defected from other political parties to APC, of equal treatment.

    Omakolo charged them to continue to propagate the good work that the governor was doing in the state.

    “Our champion governor, this crowd defecting from their former political parties to APC were attracted by the numerous achievements recorded by your administration within one year.

    “Come rain, come shine, we will deliver you in 2027,” Omakolo said.

    Sen. Barnabas Gemade said the elders were with the governor to give him fatherly support to achieve the development initiatives of his administration and “not for any appointments”.

    The party’s candidate for Benue South Senatorial District in 2023, Dan Onjeh, described the governor as the champion of the masses.

    Onjeh said that the governor had demonstrated uncommon quality by changing the leadership narrative of the state and bringing development to all parts in his one year in office. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AEB/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Alia to construct Achoho-Awajir-Oju road

    Alia to construct Achoho-Awajir-Oju road
    Construction

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Oju (Benue), June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to contract the construction of Achoho- Awajir- Oju road.

    Alia made the announcement on Sunday, while addressing the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters from Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in Oju Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue.

    He said his administration had resolved to bring development to all nooks and crannies of the state.

    He said his administration would construct Achoho- Awajir- Oju road to connect Oju, Konshisha and Gwer East LGAs.

    He said when constructed, the road would boost economic activities, improve the people’s social life and ease movement of agricultural produce to the urban areas.

    He said with good access roads, the security situation in the state would also improve.

    The hovernor therefore, enjoined the people of the constituency to form cooperatives with not less 15 members constituting each society, to benefit from the government:s incentives and support in the agricultural sector.

    Sen Barnabas Gemade, Chairman, Benue APC Elders Forum, on his part, urged the people to support Alia’s administration for more dividends of democracy to come to their area.

    “Gov Alia is a true leader. He is a priest and has come to change the Benue narrative by breaking the shackles of underdevelopment and restoring growth in the state.

    “You should all support and protect him jealously, on our part as fathers, we will give him the maximum fatherly protection devoid of harm,’” he said.

    Member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Mr David Ogewu, assured the governor of his support and the entire people of his constituency for him to succeed.

    “Our dear governor, I believe in you, my people are confident in you because you are a product of the Church who has answered the cries of Benue masses to come and salvage the state and restore its lost glory.

    “What you are doing for the state is the true reflection of your answer to the masses’ cries,” Ogewu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Suspected thief electrocuted in Benue -Police

    1. Electrocution
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 22, 2024(NAN) The Police Command in Benue said a suspected vandal, Inalegwu Elias, was electrocuted when he attempted to vandalise a Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) transformer in Otukpo.
    The spokesperson of the command,  SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Makurdi.
    Anene said the victim was found hanging on the double transformer poles dead on Saturday morning.
    Eye witnesses told NAN that the lifeless body of Inalegwu was seen dangling at the transformer located at the JAMB office Otukpo.
    They said the incident took place around 4:00 am on Saturday when public power was restored.
    The victim, who was said to be a known cable vandal had succeeded half way after cutting away several cables with the knife and plier in his possession before JED suddenly restored power.
    Also, Mr Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications, JED, said the incident was reported to the Police.
    “Yes, it happened yesterday night and he got electrocuted. It was a transformer belonging to the computer based transformer for jamb.
    “So, I can confirm that the electrocution is true. It was an obvious attempt to vandalize the transformer. We have a high spate of transformer vandalism in Otukpo town here.
    “The truth is that the transformer is properly safeguarded, it’s a pole mounted transformer.
    ”So, for someone to climb, it beats my imagination. That tells you it was deliberate, a clear case of vandalism.
    ”I’m sure he went with a very terrible motive and unfortunately, he has paid with his life,.”he said (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Alia to revive Taraku mills, renovates dilapitated schools in Benue

    Mill

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Aliade(Benue), June 22, 2024(NAN) Gov. Hyacient Alia of Benue, has promised to revive the abandoned Taraku Mills Ltd and renovate all dilapidated schools in Gwer/Gwer Federal Constituency of the state.

    The governor made the promise when he visited the constituency on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s visit was to thank the people of the constituency for voting him during the 2023 general elections.

    Alia, who commended the people for ensuring that the Taraku mills was not vandalised, said that his administration had initiated the process toward reviving the company.

    ”By the time this company is revived, it will not only boost the economy of the state, but provide jobs and social security for our people,”he said.

    The governor also promised to renovate and upgrade all secondary schools  in the area, particularly the ones that offers exchange programme for students across the country.

    Alia, who thanked the people for the overwhelming support for his government, promised not to disappoint them.

    On the ongoing land disputes in the area, the governor said that the boundary commission would soon demarcate all disputed lands in the state and urged all communities to respect the decision of the commission.

    Earlier, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, the Chairman, Elders Forum of the All Progressive Congress in the state, commended Alia for his forthrightness.

    Gemade, who described the governor as a man of peace, called on residents of the state to support him to succeed.

    He said that majority of elders in the state are pleased with the governor’s developmental strides, adding that they all promised to support his drive toward meeting his campaign promises.

    In her welcome address, Mrs Comfort Agbo, the Caretaker Chairman of Gwer-East Local Government Area of the state, said that the people of the constituency are pleased  with the achievements of the governor so far.

    “We the people of this constituency are very proud to identify with you and your administration; we are extremely proud of your achievements so far”, she said

    On his part, Mr Elias Audu, the lawmaker representing Gwer-East constituency of the state, urged the governor to look into the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons scattered everywhere in the state.

    He assured the people that the State Assembly would enact laws and initiate bills that would bring development and progress in the state.

    Mr Benjamin Omakolo, the Acting APC Chairman in the state, received some decampees from other political parties into his party at the event.

    He promised to accord the decampees equal opportunities to contribute their quarter to the growth of APC and the development of the state.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

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    Edited by Polycarp Auta

     

     

     

  • Alia attributes success in Benue to Tinubu

    Tinubu
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, has attributed all his achievements in office in the last one year to President Bola Tinubu.
    Alia disclosed this on Friday during his thank you tour to Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency held in Makurdi the state capital.
    He said every achievement he recorded was the handiwork of President Tinubu.
    He said both the construction of roads, underpass, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, remodeling of Assembly Complex, State Secretariat, were possible because of the support of the President.
    He said the President had given him unimaginable support and urged the people of the state to be patient with him as the President had “very good intentions for the citizenry”.
    He also promised to renovate and upgrade the Ibrahim Badamosi  Babangida (IBB) Square in Makurdi to international standard.
    He said the facilities at the over 30- year old square constructed during the military era were outdated and needed urgent attention.
    He said his administration, which had constructed 16 township roads within the state was also constructing an underpass in Makurdi and Gboko.
    According to him, more roads in the constituency would soon be awarded.
    Gov. Alia further disclosed  that going forward payment of salaries and pensions would start from the 22nd of every month.
    Earlier, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Chairman Benue APC Elder’s Forum, said Gov. Alia’s coming as governor was  divine.
    Gemade said that Alia’s administration had employed thousands into the state civil service and was paying regularly, adding that previous governors failed to pay with even smaller workforce.
    Mr Benjamin Omakolo, Benue APC Acting Chairman, who received not less than 4000 persons who defected from other political parties into the APC within the constituency assured them of equal treatment.
    The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, commended the governor for the numerous infrastructure constructed within the federal constituency.
    Ortese assured that all appointees from the constituency would continue to give their best for the administration to succeed.
    Earlier, Terver Gbenda, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies, said the youths would remain committed to the governor because of his achievements.
    Gbenda said come 2027, the youths would still support his second term re-election.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

  • Gov Alia will get second tenure without stress – Gemade

    Alia
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Vandeikya (Benue), June 20, 2024(NAN) Sen Barnabas Gemade, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), has said that Gov Hyacinth Alia would secure a second tenure in 2027 without much stress.
    Gemade, while addressing APC supporters in Vandeikya, hinged his confidence on Alia’s achievements.
    The governor is currently on a thank you tour to Vandiekya and Konshisha Local Governments.
    Gemade said that the Jechira people in particular, and Benue people in general, were solidly behind the government of Alia.
    He said the administration had performed very well in the last one year.
    “Alia’s scorecard is better than any governor in Benue; he is competing with Aper Aku who, before now, was number one,” he said
    In his speech, Gov Alia lamented the level of underdevelopment in Benue, saying that past administrations failed to take to develop Benue.
    He said the massive transformation being witnessed in the state was divine and intended to restore the state’s lost glory.
    “Many years ago, Benue was taken 40 years backward. In between, we had great heroes who came in to do their bit and set the people free.
     “This is one of the reasons God wants you to join forces with great few governors who have demonstrated love for their state and for humanity.
    “We should bring development and bring our children back to the pedestal that should be in the classroom so that our tomorrow becomes very prosperous and futuristic.
    “What we have done in the area of renovation of schools, hospitals, roads construction, provision of electricity among many others in the last one year is just a tip of the iceberg,” he said
    Alia further commended President Bola Tinubu for his laudable initiatives aimed at putting the country back on the fast lane of development.
    He said that such lofty programmes are also targeted at improving the lives of teeming unemployed youths to make them economically viable and employers of labour.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
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  • UN agencies donate households materials, dignity kits to Benue IDPs 

    Donation

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The International Organisation for Migration (IOM),  has donated essential household materials to  over 2,000,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue.

    The IOM  Chief of Mission in Nigeria,  Mr Laurent De Boeck  performed the ceremony on Wednesday at Ichuwa IDPs camp in North Bank Makurdi,
    The items donated by IOM included: mattresses, gallons, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, buckets, among others.
    De Boeck said the non food items were to support the IDPs as they were  still in the camps while the state government and other development partners would execute the durable solutions.
    He said the delegation also included members of the North -East Ambassadors Group, UN delegation, all headed by the IOM chief of mission.
    He called for  collaboration and cooperation between the  government and the development partners for effective and efficient handling of the humanitarian crises in the state.
    While  commending  the state government for the work done so far, he  urged the government to redouble its efforts at actualising  the  identified durable solutions.
    Also, the United Nations  donated 2,000 prepared sets of dignity kits to preserve the dignity of women and girls while in the camps.
    Dr Matthew Onoja, Humanitarian/SRH Analyst , UNFPA,  while making the UN presentation said all women,  irrespective of wherever they might be, needed their dignity intact.
    Earlier, Gov.  Hyacient Alia while receiving the team led by the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria,  commended them for their overwhelming support to the humanitarian crises.
    He said the state government would on Thursday,  launch the Rapid Response Fund, an initiative made possible through  collaboration with  the IOM and the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA).
    Represented by his deputy, Mr  Sam Ode, Alia said their presence in the state representing ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of international financing institutions, the UN, and other international bodies, underscored their  unwavering commitment to security, stabilisation, and development of Benue.
    He further commended them for their dedication to providing life saving humanitarian assistance to the distressed Benue people.
    “The Rapid Response Fund is not just a project; it is a lifeline for many in our community. It is designed to provide immediate relief and to uphold the dignity of our displaced populations. .
    “It will  address urgent protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues, improving hygiene conditions within the camps, and facilitating closure of IDP camps on economic sites to allow business activities to resume.
    “This initiative aligns with our Durable Solutions Plan, ensuring that while we provide temporary relief, our long-term commitment to sustainable solutions for IDPs remains steadfast.
    “Your support in this endeavour is invaluable, and I am confident that together, we can create meaningful and lasting change.”he said
    Also, the Executive Secretary (ES) State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr James Iorpuu said the delegation was also in the state to launch 5,700 temporary shelters for IDPs.
    He also said the team while in the state would participate in the launching of the State Repaid Response Fund.
    Speaking to Journalists, Mrs Mimidoo Kadev, Special Adviser to the governor on Humanitarian and Disaster Affairs said the governor remained committed to the resettlement of IDPs in the State.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Gabriel Yough