Tag: Benue State

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Marital unions are pillars of national development —Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday described marital unions as fundamental pillars of Nigeria’s social strength and long-term national development, saying strong families nurture the values essential for national cohesion, stability and progress.

Shettima, according to a statement titled “Marital Unions Are Pillars of Long-term National Development,” issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, spoke in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the wedding ceremony between Miss Deborah Ershima and Mr Samuel Aondoakura, son of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Earlier, the Vice President arrived in Benue State to grace the wedding reception, where he was received by the SGF and the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, alongside other top government officials.

Upon arrival, Shettima observed a Guard of Honour mounted in his honour before proceeding to the venue of the ceremony.

Speaking at the solemnization, the Vice President said marriage was not merely a personal milestone but a vital social institution that strengthens society and supports long-term national development.

“There are moments in life an event quietly writes itself into memory. Today is one of those moments. We have come together not merely to witness a wedding, but to stand at the intersection of two stories choosing to become one,” he said.

Shettima noted that strong family unions contribute directly to national cohesion, adding that the institution of marriage reflects values that are “deeply Nigerian and deeply human.”

He commended the families of the couple for raising children grounded in discipline, faith and character, stressing that strong homes are built intentionally and not by chance.

“A home is not built by vows alone. It is built by everyday choices. By the decision to return kindness for impatience. By the courage to apologise even when you feel justified,” the Vice President said.

According to him, successful marriages thrive on patience, humility and alignment, noting that everyday acts such as listening, forgiveness and mutual support sustain families long after wedding ceremonies.

Drawing a link between family life and nation-building, Shettima said unity and commitment at the household level mirror Nigeria’s resilience and capacity to overcome challenges. He urged parents, relatives and society to support married couples with counsel and goodwill rather than undue pressure.

While praying for the couple, the Vice President said, “May your home be anchored in trust and sustained by faith. May your laughter outlast your disagreements. May your unity be stronger than any season of challenge.”

Earlier, the SGF, Senator Akume, paid tribute to President Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership since assuming office in May 2023.

“I have to pay a very big tribute to our President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring this invitation. The quality of representation here is massive and fundamental,” Akume said. (Punch)

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Alia, Benue Assembly hail Ogbeh at valedictory session

Tributes poured in on Thursday as the Benue State House of Assembly held a valedictory session in honour of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died on August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, described Ogbeh as a statesman whose legacy embodied dedication, vision, and integrity.

He said, “Our father left a heritage. He demonstrated leadership quality, in fairness and served the people justly. From 2001 to 2005, Ogbeh was national chairman of PDP.

He was a workaholic and playwright, who carried the name of Benue with pride. He was an embodiment of integrity and an ambassador of the state, shining through his actions.”

Benue Assembly Speaker, Alfred Emberga, hailed Ogbeh as a selfless leader and brilliant legislator whose motions as a lawmaker consistently focused on the welfare and development of his constituents and the state at large.

Emberga said, “Chief Ogbeh demonstrated brilliance in service to his people and Nigeria. From his records as a member of the House, all his motions centred on the welfare and development of his people and the entire state. Our senior member was a very vocal and effective legislator who endeared himself to his constituents with activism. He served his people selflessly, and it behoves us to emulate him, having left an enduring legacy.”

Ogbeh’s political journey began in the Second Republic, when he represented Otukpa State Constituency of Ogbadibo Local Government Area between 1979 and 1982 and served as deputy speaker of the Benue State Assembly under the National Party of Nigeria.

He later rose to national prominence, becoming the chairman of the People’s Democratic Party from 2001 to 2005.

In later years, he became a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress and served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The valedictory session was attended by dignitaries, including a former deputy governor of the state, Steven Lawani, and several ex-lawmakers.

Representatives of the three senatorial districts — Cephas Dyakor, Jabi Sooke, and Samuel Agada — also paid glowing tributes, acknowledging Ogbeh’s immense contributions to legislative activities in the state and his enduring influence on upcoming legislators. (Punch)

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Alia dissolves cabinet, sacks commissioners, others

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday dissolved the State Executive Council.

Alia announced the dissolution in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

Kula said that the governor informed the council members of the dissolution at the end of the 12th (2025) SEC meeting.

The chief press secretary said that the governor directed the commissioners to hand over to the permanent secretaries of their ministries as soon as possible.

He appreciated all the former commissioners who worked with him for two years and urged those who might not be reappointed, to remain in the party.

He said those who would not be reappointed are only paving the way for other citizens to also contribute their quota to the development of the state.

Meanwhile, the governor has approved the immediate appointment of Mr Moses Atagher, a legal practitioner, as the new Chief of Staff to replace Mr Paul Biam.

Kula said that Atagher is a former two-term attorney general and commissioner for justice in the state.

Atagher, who is a seasoned administrator, is also the former acting managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank.

Speaking for the dissolved commissioners, immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr Bemsen Mnyim, appreciated the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve the state.

“At every stage in life, everywhere you are called to serve is a school. We have learnt a lot while working with you,” Mnyim said. (Punch)

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Benue uncovers 4,000 substandard schools

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has said that about 4,000 mushroom schools have been discovered in the state.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, while briefing journalists about his achievements in the educational sector in the past two years on Thursday, the governor said that the mushroom schools were not conducive for learning and they do not have qualified teachers.

While he declined to comment on the next step the government would take, Tersoo stated that 9,700 qualified teachers have been recruited into primary schools across the state.

The governor further said that in 2023/2024, the government paid the external examination fees for about 19,000 students who sat for the West Africa Examination Council, the National Examination Council, and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board.

He further stated that the present administration had cleared the backlog of 38 months of earned allowance for staff of the Moses Adasu University, formerly Benue State University.

He said, “The present administration has stabilised the educational sector in the state with its various interventions, which is the reason our tertiary institutions have been having uninterrupted sessions since this administration came into office.

“For instance, the backlog of 38 months of earned allowance owed to staff of the State University has been cleared.

“It will also interest you to know that the present administration has recruited 9700 qualified primary school teachers to reposition our schools.

“Also, the government has identified 4,000 schools that are substandard and not good for learning and do not have qualified teaching personnel.

“In the 2023/2024 academic session, this administration paid the WAEC fees for 8,119 students, NECO fees for 8,979 students, and also NABTEB fees for 1,547 students.

The governor said that his administration had successfully secured a license to establish a State University of Technology at Ihugh in the Vandeikiya local government area of the state. (Punch)

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Killings: Tinubu postpones scheduled Kaduna trip, to visit Benue Wednesday

President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State. Instead, he will travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Monday.

“The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” Onanuga stated.

According to him, Tinubu was scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission various state government projects.

However, the official visit will now occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

During his stay, Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.

“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” the statement read.

Tinubu has previously condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis. (Punch)