NEWS
BIPC Concludes Plan to Takeover Ben Fruits, Revive Juice Production in Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has concluded an arrangement to take over the Ben Fruits Company Limited in the State.The step is geared towards a strategic move to expand its businesses, generate employment opportunities, and boost the economic development of Benue State.
The juice processing factory, owned by the Benue State Government, has been dormant since 2015 under the management of Telagro. However, BIPC, led by its Managing Director Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has now stepped in to revive the operations.Dr. Asemakaha and his team inspected the Ben Fruits equipment at the industrial layout in Makurdi and directed the engineering team to resume work today to test the equipment and ascertain their functionality.Asemakaha noted that the equipment at the facility is top-notch and directed an asset audit to determine how best to utilize the plants.”Once the necessary checks are completed, BIPC plans to run a juice production line that will enable the company to produce a variety of juices for consumption in the state”, he stated.Kennedy Igyor, Assistant Director, Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, and Tseeshom Mannaseh, Chief Security Officer, who conducted the BIPC team, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s plan to revive Ben Fruits. They lamented the vandalism and security incidents that have affected the factory in the past but are confident that BIPC can successfully revamp the facility to serve the people of Benue State.According to the management officials, the takeover aligns with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia to drive economic development in the state through strategic investments and job creation.Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)