Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Alia: 60 Years of Purposeful Life, Leadership
Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia is marking his 60 years today in this wonderful world. It has been 60 years of determination, reverence, and a purposeful determination to offer succour to those in need, both spiritually and otherwise. As Governor of Benue State, the last three years have been all about service to humanity, delivering a benevolent leadership that has transformed lives, infrastructure, and the well-being of the people God has entrusted in him to serve without fear or favour.
Indeed, life without purpose often ends up being worth nothing. Nothing gained to oneself, nothing impacted on others and the society at large.
It is this kind of life that Governor Alia has been striving to change through various empowerment programmes, to give hope, focus and purpose to those who seemed drowned by the vicissitudes of life. So far, the impact has been remarkable.A man who started from a humble beginning, Governor Alia has grown into an outstanding leader and statesman. A man who through his service to God and humanity, was ordained a Catholic priest.
Born on 15th May 1966, in Mbangur, Mbadede Council Ward, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Rev. Fr Alia began his educational journey and trajectory to leadership and service at St. Francis Primary School, Agidi, Mbatyav, Gboko LGA, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1977. His calling as a servant of God began from that stage, as he proceeded to St. James Minor Seminary, Makurdi, completing his General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 1983.
Answering the divine call to priesthood, he gained admission into St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos, an affiliate of the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Diploma in Religious Studies. He later enrolled in Urbaniana University, Rome for his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Theology in 1990.
In recognition of his services to the Lord and the Church, Hyacinth Iormem Alia was eventually ordained a Priest of the Roman Catholic Church on 7th July, 1990, by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr Athanasius Atule Usuh, the then Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese.
Upon his ordination, Fr. Alia embarked on a priestly journey that touched lives across Nigeria, the United States, and Sierra Leone. His pastoral placements spanned across parishes, hospitals, universities, and international missions, where he served as chaplain, counselor, administrator, lecturer, and healer.
In his quest for continuous learning, His Excellency, Rev. Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia pursued advanced studies in the United States of America, obtaining a Masters Degree in Religious Education, Psychology and Counseling, from Fordham University, New York, in 1999. He later bagged another Masters Degree and Doctorate in Biomedical Ethics from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2005. He further enriched his expertise with specialized training in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and Catholic Health Administration at St. John’s University, New York. Fr. Alia has authored impactful publications and delivered scholarly papers on topics ranging from health ethics, to pastoral psychology, contemporary social challenges, and so forth.
For a man whose life revolves around people, people at the grassroots, those in the urban slums, the traumatised civil servants, who stayed for months without salary, those displaced by conflicts, and the totality of those, who everyday pray for a better tomorrow while those on the corridors of power seem to be looking elsewhere, it is little surprise that he tilt towards finding solutions rather than listening to their lamentations. He decided to join politics. Not just that, he chose to aspire to lead the state, a state of over six million people.
It was a landslide victory at the March 18, 2023 governorship elections in Benue State, and was sworn-into office as the 6th democratically elected Governor of the state on 29th May, 2023, ushering in a new era of governance characterized by vision, discipline, frugality, transparency, accountability, grassroots development, and infrastructure and industrial development.
So far, he has not disappointed. His three years in office have been remarkable, setting bold and lasting blocks for a greater Benue. A Benue that works for all, listen to all and build hopes and visions.
It is a period that is marked by the resuscitation of the civil service, massive infrastructural development in the areas of roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, human capital development, empowering farmers and advancing food security, as well as fiscal reforms geared towards accountability and sustainability. The Alia administration has also been remarkable in youth development and social interventions targeted at the poor, displaced persons, and vulnerable groups.
For a man with purpose, this is not a surprise. His life has been guided by the principles of justice, compassion, and inclusion. These, he has demonstrated at every step to the Glory of God.
It is therefore reassuring that the people of Benue and other Nigerians have appreciated this remarkable leader, who is lighting the path to growth and development of Benue State, and earning numerous awards along the way.
As “The People’s Governor”, Rev. Fr Alia has demonstrated that as a leader, his decisions always reflect both pastoral care and public responsibility. A core disciplinarian yet deeply humane, Governor Alia embodies humility, integrity, and faith-driven service. His governance is anchored on fairness, inclusivity, and development without discrimination.
Beyond politics, he remains a bridge-builder and unifying voice, transcending ethnic, religious, and social divides.
The recognition that came his way was many. Awards that rolled in to celebrate iconic leadership. He was the 2025-2026 Best Governor of the year in Infrastructure and Economic Development, awarded by Accolades Dynamics Limited at the Accolade Yellow Ball in Abuja. This recognition is for promoting urban renewal and rural road networks.
The Governor also earned the UK based African Eagle Award as the 2025 Best Governor in Socio-Economic Development. It was a thumbs up for Governor Alia’s transformative leadership.
In 2025, Alia also bagged the Digital Excellence Award presented by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) for the administration’s digital revolution and infrastructure modernization. From his pastoral colleagues, the governor was recognised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) North-Central zone as “Pillar of Excellence and Good Governance”.
The Arewa Youth Award also bestowed on him the award of “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa/Vanguard of Good Leadership and Epitome of Peace”.
It is imperative to state without an iota of doubt, that these recognitions were not only well deserved but also products of visible transformation being anchored by the administration of Governor Alia.
At 60, the Reverend Father and Governor of Benue State has distinguished himself in many ways. The biggest being driving development not witnessed for a long time in Benue State.
His infrastructure revolution and impactful economic development are clear steps to turning the sordid history of Benue State, which was run aground by the immediate past administration. In fact, the governor, on assumption of duty in 2023, met Benue state in very dire condition.
Today, he has lived up to his commitment: not fail the Benue people by ensuring that his government is rebuilt and make the state better for all.
This he has been doing boldly, without doubt in the provision of solid infrastructure, developing human capital through entrepreneurship, industrial revival, agricultural and educational transformation,and providing a vibrant healthcare system, among others.
Benue State is indeed witnessing a remarkable wave of infrastructural renewal aimed at reconnecting communities and stimulating economic growth.
There are massive road construction and urban renewal projects across the state, with dozens of intra city roads in Makurdi and other major towns completed, while hundreds of kilometers of rural road networks, bridges, and drainage systems designed to mitigate flooding, improve transportation, trade, and access to essential services are dotted across the state.
The transformation is also being felt in public facilities and institutions. Schools are being renovated, new key state structures such as the Makurdi and Gboko underpasses, the modernization of the State Secretariat, and rehabilitation of critical public infrastructure are giving Benue a modern and functional outlook.
The benevolent leader has been quite busy. over 390km of roads under construction across the 23 Local Government Areas, 16 township roads completed, and 25 more underway in Makurdi, the multi-billion Naira Cancer Centre being built at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, the completed Otobi Water works in Benue South Senatorial District, the massive renovation and construction of schools, including a new university at Ihugh, Vandeikya LGA, and the recruitment and training of teachers, are testament of a committed, focused, purposeful leadership being provided by the governor.
It did not end there. Ali is also revitalizing the dormant industries in the state. The Benue Brewery Limited is back to life, producing Zeva Premier Beer, the Benue Fruit Company has rolled out the BENfruit, and the Taraku Mills is giving signals of resuming production. These are not just new sources of revenue but also of massive direct employment and indirectly along the value chain.
In digital transformation, three key digital platforms are breathing life into the economy. The Benue State Geographic Information System (BENGIS) Portal, Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), and Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal.
These projects and more aim to improve access to healthcare, education, and public utilities while boosting economic growth and mobility in the state.
Governor Alia’s administration has also been working on several other initiatives to boost Benue State’s economic development. In agriculture, the government has subsidized fertilizers, provided tractors at affordable rates, and launched initiatives to boost agricultural productivity, aiming to restore Benue’s national lead as an agro-industrial hub.
Security and job creation are at the heart of any development. These are being pursued relentlessly. The dire security situation in the state when the administration came in 2023 has now been confined to three out of seventeen local government areas facing existential threats from armed groups and terrorists. The government not only set up a 5,000- strong Benue Civil Protection Guards but also created jobs through youth empowerment programs.
No doubt, these projects have improved the quality of life for Benue citizens and are driving growth and positioning the state as a hub for innovation and investment.
The infrastructure projects are transforming Benue State, bringing numerous benefits to local communities, enhancing mobility and access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, providing clean water to residents, enhancing access to education, and ensuring overall economic growth.
These are testaments for the governor’s inclusive governance and purposeful leadership. A conscious effort from a leader whose 60 years of life have been dedicated to the service of God and humanity, a benevolent leadership committed to matching Benue state to unprecedented greatness.
What every responsible person in Benue needs to do is not just to wish the governor more years in good health and dedicated to making Benue great, but also contributing positively to make that possible.
Happy birthday, Sir.
Hon Bridget Tikyaa is Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communications Strategy
Legendary Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has paid glowing tribute to late colleague, Olu Jacobs, describing him as a peaceful and humorous personality.
Edochie, in an emotional video tribute to the late legend, also commiserated with his wife, Joke Silva, over the challenges she endured during his prolonged illness.
“Olu, my brother, you fought like a man.
You fought like the soldier I have always known you to be. Rest in peace, my brother.“Joke, I commiserate with you for what you had to endure over a period of six years,” he said.
Edochie described Jacobs as a very humorous and peaceful colleague, recalling his distinctive personality and the impact he had on those around him.
He said although Jacobs’ death was painful, his life should also be celebrated.
“While we must mourn that Olu has gone, we should also be glad and celebrate Olu’s life.
“Of all our seniour colleagues who have gone, Olu was the only person who got up to 80 and beyond.
“The Good Book allows us three scores and 10, that is 70. Olu earned 14 years on top of that,” he said.
Edochie, however, acknowledged that the final six years of Jacobs’ life had not been what they had expected.
“Unfortunately, the past six years were not what we had projected or expected in any way.
“Like I said a thousand times, if God says it is time, then it is time,” he said.
The veteran actor expressed hope that one of Jacobs’ children would take up acting, saying this would help preserve the memory and legacy of the late actor.
“My one prayer is that one of Olu’s children takes to acting, so that whenever we look at him, we remember what Olu meant to all of us,” Edochie said.
He described Jacobs as the most seniour among their colleagues, and adding that the late actor treated everyone he interacted with accordingly.
Edochie also recalled words Jacobs had shared with his wife, urging Silva to hold on to them as she navigated life after his death.
“Joke, I want you to remember Olu’s words. Your problems are firmly behind you,” he said.
He ended the tribute with a reflection on the possibility of meeting Jacobs again after death.
“Joke, take care. Olu, well, if it is true that people recognise one another after they have gone, then there is a possibility that we will meet again,” Edochie said.
Jacobs died on Sept.16 at the age of 84, with his passing prompting tributes from colleagues, political leaders and other Nigerians who acknowledged his contributions to theatre, television and the Nigerian film industry.
Among other feats, he was a recipient of several awards, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).(NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Wizkid Originally Owned ‘Alive’ Before Jorja Smith Took it over, Singer Reveals
British singer Jorja Smith has revealed that her collaboration with Nigerian star Wizkid on the track “Alive” originally belonged to the Afrobeats artiste before she took it on.
In a recent interview shared by AlbumTalksHQ on X on Wednesday, Smith explained the origins of the song, which appears on her new album.
“That’s actually the oldest song on the album because we did, that’s one of the first songs we started and Wiz had his verse and then going off the back of what he was saying it just, it was just reminding me of like driving down to meet someone.
”“Like yeah and I don’t know there’s like a driving force in the song, a pull and yeah it was making me think of like the initial meeting, first chatting to someone’s stages, that vibe,” she said.
Smith described the track as being about finding new fresh love, noting that the music video was shot in Paris.
“I really like this song, it’s amazing. It’s about kind of finding new fresh love. Also the music video was in Paris, so it’s like love in the air,” she added.
Asked why Wizkid was the right feature for the song, the singer pointed to producer P2J’s earlier work.
“So P2J had that song with Wiz already and then I’d heard it and then I was, yeah,” she stated.
The British artiste further reflected on how the existing verse from Wizkid guided the direction of the record, turning what began as an early studio idea into a finished piece that captures the excitement and pull of a new connection.
She noted that the song’s driving energy and sense of movement stemmed directly from the Nigerian star’s contribution, making it a natural fit for the themes of fresh love running through the project.
The track “Alive” stands as a seamless blend of Smith’s soulful delivery and Wizkid’s signature Afrobeats flair, with the pair capturing the rush of new romance in a collaboration that began as the Nigerian star’s own idea before evolving into one of the standout moments on her latest album.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
NCC, Publishers, REPRONIG Join Forces to Combat Piracy in South-East, South-South
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) and Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) have joined forces to combat piracy and other copyright infringement in the South-East and South-South zones.
The organisations stated this during an Awareness Workshop on Reproduction Rights Management and Copyright Advocacy organised for members of the NPA on Wednesday in Enugu.
The programme which began with a road walk at Independence Layout was aimed at sensitising members of the public to the dangers of piracy and the need to respect the rights of authors, publishers and other creative professionals.
Commandant, NCC Enugu Command, Macfoy Akachukwu, said the initiative was designed to create awareness about the rights of writers and publishers and discourage copyright infringement.
Akachukwu warned individuals and organisations involved in piracy to desist, stressing that the commission would arrest and prosecute offenders.
“The law is very clear. We have been creating awareness on these issues, and stakeholders in the copyright industry already know that it is wrong to infringe on anybody’s copyright.
“Over the years, arrests have been made. In the last 15 years, we have taken infringing items worth over N10 billion out of the system,” he said.
He urged members of the public to desist from activities that involved piracy or infringement of other people’s intellectual works.
Also speaking, Dr Uchenna Anioke, a member of the Board of REPRONIG, described the collaboration among the three organisations as an important step toward strengthening copyright protection in Nigeria.
Anioke explained that REPRONIG manages the rights of writers and publishers and welcomed the partnership aimed at improving copyright awareness and rights management.
Congratulating the organisations for the initiative, Anioke described the workshop as a demonstration of synergy and partnership within the Nigerian copyright ecosystem.
“So on behalf of the Chairman, REPRONIG, Mr Gbadega Adedapo and board members, I welcome you all to this collaborative initiative,” he said.
He said the awareness campaign was important because many people were unaware that unauthorised reproduction and downloading of copyrighted materials constituted infringement.
Anioke, who is also a member of Executive Committee International Publishers Association, said the workshop would also produce a roadmap and action plan for addressing copyright infringement across the South-East and South-South.
According to him, piracy is widespread, including in some small-scale printing establishments where publishers’ works are allegedly reproduced without authorisation.
On his part, the National Deputy President, NPA East, Dr Jesse Odu, said the workshop was organised to draw national attention to the dangers piracy posed to the publishing industry.
Odu alleged that pirates had taken over about 70 per cent of the publishing business, describing publishing as an “endangered species” in Nigeria.
He called on the Federal Government to provide more support, particularly logistics, to the NCC to enable its operatives to effectively tackle copyright infringement.
Odu also appealed to parents and schools, including public and private institutions, to stop patronising pirated books and other intellectual works.
The national deputy vice president said piracy was not only destroying intellectual property, but also affecting the economy and contributing to job losses in the publishing industry.
He urged Nigerians to support the fight against piracy, stressing that protecting intellectual property would encourage writers and publishers to continue producing quality works.
Odu said copyright operatives in the South-East were willing to work but needed the support of government and other stakeholders to effectively discharge their responsibilities.(NAN)
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