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Author: Emmanuel Antswen

  • Why I’m Supporting Gov. Alia – Gemade

    Support
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Katsina-Ala (Benue), June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ex- National Chairman of the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Barnabas Gemade, said he has several reasons to support Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue to succeed.
    Gemade disclosed this on Wednesday in Katsina-Ala while addressing the  All Progressives  Congress (APC) supporters during Alia’s thank you tour accross the state.
    NAN recalled that Gemade, who joined the APC in 2014, contested the 2023 governorship ticket alongside the governor and many others.
    NAN further recalled that after the primaries, he contested the outcome of the exercise up to the Supreme Court, calling for the cancellation of the exercise over alleged non compliance with electoral guidelines.
    The former senator however, resolved his differences with the governor much later and has since thrown his weight behind him.
    Speaking in Katsina-Ala, Gemade said the coming of Gov. Alia was truly a divine intervention.
    “The priest is a representative of God on earth, for that reason, if a priest has been assigned a responsibility he does not need a godfather. A priest that represents God here on earth has no business with another human being calling himself a godfather.
    “Father Alia can only have a father not a godfather, and I will be very happy as a bonafide son of the state and an experienced man at politics with all that it takes to be a father to anybody, I am very proud to be the father of Rev. Fr.  Alia and that is all he needs,” he said.
    He also described Alia as a humble and God-fearing priest  who is working hard to turn around the fortune of the state.
     “I used to know how people call me “Nomiyange” (a shining sun), that was when I shine, but truly, Rev. Fr. Alia came out with his sun which shines more and stronger than mine.
    “So I decided to retreat to make sure I  support him to do things that God Almighty has asked him to do, that will bring development to Benue and he is already doing those things.
    “I have only one thing to tell you the people of Sankera. There is nothing more than unity, it is one of the greatest things you must do in this state. Each time I have an opportunity to talk, I say this and  you must embrace unity and support the Alia’s administration to succeed,” Gemade said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/OIF/YGA
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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Gabriel Yough

  • Gov. Alia vows to end corruption in eduction sector 

    Corruption
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 18, 2024(NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has vowed to end the deep-seated corruption in the state’s education sector.
    Alia said this at a public lecture and book launch organised by Dr Terna Francis, the Director General, Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the event had the theme ”Nigeria: 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy”, while the book is titled ”Moral Philosophy and Character Formation: Nigeria Under the Lens” and “Civic Education and National Values”.
    The governor noted his administration’s commitment to addressing all forms of  corruption in the education sector and upgrade the sector to global standards.
    He added that combating corruption required more than mere statements, lamenting that the menace had permeated from families into the wider the society.
    The governor, however, called for attitudinal change in order to achieve significant progress in the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.
    “Change must begin with all of us; let us be the mirror of what we anticipate.
    ”What we talk of moral corruption at the national level, we should remember that it starts right from the primary school to homes, associations, the streets
    ”But we will start somewhere, and the starting point will be the education sector,” he said.
    Earlier,  the book reviewer, Prof Aloysius Ihuah, the National President of the Association of Physiology Practitioners in Nigeria, commended the author for promoting national ethics.
    He said the book had provided a good account of moral issues in need of national debate in a depressed nation like Nigeria.
    He added that the author took a critical examination of the many wrongs of the Nigerian state, particularly character deficit with its accompanying socio-economic baggage.
    “The book argues that something morally significant is missing in the Nigerian character.
    ”That there is every need to advance a pragmatic solution in an effort to foist a national ethic that establishes a culture of wholeness, humanness and hospitality of humanity.
    “The Twelve chapters book queries the paradox of human behaviour in a Nigerian that is seemingly saturated with many unanswered moral questions.
    “In attempting to answers to these and many questions of moral concerns in the Nigerian social space, the book blamed the situation on the gradual weakening of national institutions,” he said.
    Speaking, the author said that the book calls for character formation which is central to the morality of any society.
    ”This is made manifest through a contemporary Nigerian society which lacks this index of good character formation due to moral bankruptcy.
    “Unemployment and poverty, compromised security apparatus, poor leadership recruitment model, poor parental control and endemic corruption among other challenges are currently staring us in the face,” he decried. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/OJI/AZA
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Polycarp Auta
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  • Police confirm arrest of 3 suspected kidnappers in Otukpo

     

    Arrest

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Benue on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

     

    SP Sewuese Anene, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) over the phone from Makurdi.

     

    Anene disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on Monday at a motor park in Otukpo.

     

    She added that further details would be provided later.

     

    Investigations by NAN revealed that the suspected kidnappers were detained by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards (BSCVG) in Otukpo.

     

    It was further gathered that the suspects were intercepted early Monday at a motor park while attempting to board a vehicle to Makurdi.

    According to reports, the suspects allegedly received ransom from their victims and were on their way to Makurdi, the state capital, when the BSCVG received information leading to their arrest.

     

    Witnesses stated that the suspects were found in possession of a substantial sum of money believed to be the ransom collected from their captives.

     

    The BSCVG promptly handed over the suspects to the Police in Otukpo for further investigation. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    AEB/AWA
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    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

     

  • Eid-el Kabir: Gov. Alia tasks Muslims on country’s unity

    Unity
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has urged Muslim faithful to spread the love, sacrifice, tolerance and unity as exhibited by Holy Prophet Mohammed.
    Alia made the call on Sunday in a statement while felicitating the Muslim faithful, as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el Kabir, a significant spiritual event in the Muslim calendar.
    The statement was signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.
    He urged Muslims to continue to pray and support his administration and that of the Tinubu-led Federal Government, as they strive hard to fulfill their electoral mandate to the people.
    The Governor expressed optimism that the state and country would surely overcome their current economic and security challenges.
    He wished the Muslim faithful a happy  celebration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AEB/EMAF
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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 750 personnel, 16 patrol vehicles in Benue

     

     

    Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 750 personnel, 16 patrol vehicles in Benue

    Deployment

    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Benue Sector Command, says it has deployed 750 officers, 16 patrol vehicles, a towing van, ambulances and motorcycles ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebration.
    The State Sector Commander, Mr Steve Ayodele, disclosed this on Friday in Makurdi, adding that the command had also  deployed a standby rescue team.
    Ayodele said that the 750 officers were deployed to all the 23 Local Government Areas of the State and specific areas of concern.
    He said the command also deployed 16 vehicles, two ambulances, one towing van and two motorcycles for the exercise.
    He further explained that the Eid-el Kabir operation, which would last for one week, would have  officers regularly visiting  parks and other public places for enlightenment of citizens.
    He said they also have two functional clinics in Aliade and Katsina-Ala to attend to road crash victims where necessary.
    According to him, the Command also has a functional situation room and free lines to monitor happenings across the State..
    The Sector Commander warned that trailers or trucks caught conveying goods, animals and human beings would be arrested and the drivers sanctioned accordingly.
    He urged the public to support the Corps to have a crash-free celebration by reporting erring drivers.
    “When drivers drive recklessly, it is your right as commuters to report to the FRSC or any other security outposts on the highways,” he said (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/BEN/YGA
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    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/ Gabriel Yough

  • FG donates 1,005 metric tons of grains to Benue

    Donation
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated 1,005 metric tons of grains to Benue State.
    Performing the ceremony on Thursday in Makurdi, the Director General (DG), NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar said the grains were part of the 42,000 metric tons of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve released by President Bola Tinubu.
     Umar said the assorted food commodities released included maize, millet, sorghum, and garri.
    Represented by North Central Director, Mr Bashir Garaga, the DG said after sharing the commodities Benue got  897MT of maize (17,940 bags of 50kg) and 108 MT of garri (4,324 bags of 25kg).
    She said the federal government had a sharing template that must be followed adding that all the Local Government Areas must receive equal share of the grains.
    “Please note that membership of the Committee in each LGA is made up of the Chairman of the LGA, State Emergency Management Agency, a Traditional Ruler, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
    “ Others are the Faith-Based Organizations (JNI & CAN), Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Women Associations, Persons With Disability Groups, Youth Associations, Principals of Boarding Schools, Civil Society Organizations and the Media.
    “It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Benue State has been allocated: 897MT of maize (17,940 bags of 50kg) and 1O8MT of garri (4,324 bags of 25kg)
    “Also, based on the directives of Mr President, 20 per cent of the food items due for each LGA should be given to religious organizations (JNI & CAN) and 3 per cent to be given to boarding schools in the LGAs.” she said.
    Receiving the grains, Gov Hyacinth Alia commended President Tinubu for his continuous support for the needy in the country.
    Represented by his Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Dr Emmanuel Chenge, the governor said that the state government was working assiduously to ensure that in no distant time, Benue would feed not only her citizens but the world.
    Alia said his administration was working tirelessly to encourage all Benue people to go back to their famers for improved agricultural produce by supporting them with improved seedlings and farm inputs.
    Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr James Iorpuu, said the event was the official handover of Federal Government grains through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the state.
    Iorpuu said the event was a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to supporting and uplifting Nigeria citizens in times of need.
    He said NEMA’s dedication and proactive measures were vital to the well-being and resilience of Benue communities.
    “Benue State, known for its rich agricultural heritage, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including herder’s farmer’s crisis and devastating floods that have disrupted lives, displaced families, and severely impacted our agricultural sector.
    “Despite these challenges, the resilience and strength of the people of Benue have shone through.
    “Today’s presentation of grains is more than just an act of giving; it is a beacon of hope and a step towards recovery and rebuilding.
    “The grains we receive today will provide essential sustenance to thousands of families, alleviating hunger and offering relief to those most affected by recent adversities.
    “This generous support will help stabilize our communities and provide a foundation upon which we can rebuild our lives and livelihoods.”he said
    He said SEMA would ensure fair and efficient distribution of the grains to the most vulnerable members of the communities and urged the people to remain hopeful and united for better days were ahead.
    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Tersoo Ahule, commended President Tinubu and Gov Alia for remembering them at their times of need. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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  • Gov. Alia swears-in 23 caretaker committee chairmen

    Chairmen
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue  on Friday swore in caretaker committee chairmen for each of the state’s 23 local governments.
    Performing the ceremony at  the Government House in Makurdi, Alia charged the chairmen to deliver quality services to the people at the local level.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had requested the House of Assembly to extend the tenure of the caretaker committees, to allow the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) enough time to conduct council elections.
    NAN also reports that the State House of Assembly had screened and confirmed the nominees sent to them by the governor with Mr Timothy Hembaor, the earlier nominee from Ushongo, replaced with Mvendaga Atetan.
    Alia charged the chairmen to avoid excuses and serve their local government areas diligently, while ensuring that their work reflected the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    He urged them to give their best, especially as his administration had granted autonomy to the local governments.
    The governor charged them to remain at their various duty posts and attend to the needs of the people so that the residents would enjoy the dividends of democracy.
    Responding on behalf of the chairmen, the Caretaker Chairman of Konshisha Local Government Area,  Mr Philip Achuah, said that they would do their best to replicate the governor’s efforts at the local level.
    Achuah appreciated the governor for granting quasi-autonomy to the local government system in the state, and  promised that the new officials would not fail in their duties. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AEB/FON/YGA
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Gabriel Yough

  • SGF inaugurates 1.2km flood control drainage in Benue

     

    Inauguration

     

    By Emmanuel Antswen

     

    Makurdi, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume, has inaugurated the 1.2 kilometers Idye Flood Control/Dyke Project in Makurdi, Benue.

     

    Akume, while performing the ceremony on Thursday in Makurdi, said President Bola Tinubu was committed to a healthy and green environment for the country.

     

    He said the country was faced with numerous challenges, and the environmental destruction consistently caused by floods and gully erosion was a significant one.

     

    Represented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Akume admitted that even before the establishment of N-HYPPADEC in 2021, environmental problems had been prevalent in most communities.

     

    He said N-HYPPADEC was tasked with environmental conservation in the country and had put in place the necessary infrastructure to reverse environmental degradation caused by floods and erosion.

     

    “The task of reversing environmental damages caused by floods and erosion over the years is definitely not an easy one. It requires meticulous and long-term planning that should be executed in stages.

     

    “This flood control project, which we are here to inaugurate today, is only one of the early steps taken by the commission to reverse ecological degradation and promote sustainable developments in riverine communities.

     

    “Thus, the completion of this project is a significant milestone in the efforts by N-HYPPADEC to mitigate the devastating effects of floods and erosion in Benue,” he said

     

    Akume said the 1.2 kilometer flood control drainage would not only protect the environment and infrastructure, but would also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals within the state capital.

     

    “This Flood Control/Dyke Project, spanning a distance of 1.2 kilometers, is a shining example of what can be achieved when government agencies, private sector partners and local communities come together with a shared purpose.

     

    “The project will not only protect the environment and infrastructure, but will also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals who call this region home,” he assured.

     

    In his goodwill message, Gov. Hyacinth Alia commended the Federal Government for constructing the drainage system, saying that it would go a long way to mitigate the impact of flood on Makurdi residents.

     

    Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, Alia said the project was a vital solution to the persistent problems of flooding and erosion within Makurdi metropolis.

     

    Earlier, the Managing Director (MD), National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Mr Abubakar Yelwa, had said that the project cost N1.2 billion.

     

    Yelwa disclosed that the Federal Government had, before now, spent about N700 million on the Idye Basin flood control project in Makurdi.

     

    He said that for years, Makurdi residents and other parts of Benue had endured annual flooding that consumed thousands of homes and farmlands, displacing numerous families.

     

    “The 2022 Benue floods were even more tragic. In 2022, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency reported that the floods consumed about 18,349 houses and farmlands, displacing a total of 134,797 people.

     

    “This staggering impact shows the urgent need to take decisive action to safeguard the communities and the livelihoods of people in the state.

     

    “Today, we stand to celebrate the completion of one of the contributions of the Federal Government through the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), by inaugurating the Idye Flood Control/Dyke Project, which spans an impressive 1.2 kilometers.

     

    “This project, supplemented by an additional excavation of 2.5 kilometers to salvage the lower basin of the community, is a significant investment of approximately N1.2 billion,’’ he said.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that flood has become an annual ritual in Benue, displacing hundreds of thousands and causing untold hardship and damage to lives and property. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    AEB/OIF/YGA/ETS

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    Edited Ifeanyi Okoronko/Gabriel Yough