NEWS
BIPC Solicits Support to Recover N228 Million Unremitted Deductions of Retired Civil Servants

From Attah Ede Makurdi
The management of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has solicited the cooperation of the State Head of Service, Dr. Moses Agbogbo Ode, to facilitate the recovery of over 228 million naira deducted from the gratuity of retired civil servants but not remitted to the company.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of BIPC, Dr.
Raymond Asemakaha, made this appeal during a courtesy call on the Head of Service at the state secretariat in Makurdi.The Managing Director explained that some occupants of the estates had complained of several deductions from their pensions and gratuities that had not been remitted to the company accounts.
He said his visit has become necessary since both of them are working for the progress of His Excellency, the Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia administration, and the state at large, and further appealed to him to fast-track the release of some Certificates of Occupancy the company is pursuing with the state ministry of land.
In his response, Dr. Agbogbo Ode thanked the Managing Director and his entire team for the visit and promised to attend to all the requests made with immediate effect.
He directs the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Welfare, Terna Ayu, to look into all the issues raised and treat them with urgency, ensuring that they are poised to work in synergy with other state agencies for the overall benefit of His Excellency’s desire for a better future.
Reacting, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Welfare, Office of the Head of Service, Terna Ayu, promised to look into the matter, assuring a positive response.
The Managing Director was accompanied by the Company Secretary, Ioryoosu, Josephet Terna, Esq., and other management staff of the company.
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)