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Democracy: Alia Vows to Rewrite Benue’s Socio-economic Narrative, Stand with Masses

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday lamented that in the last one year of his administration, he has earned nothing close to love from those whose selfish interests he stepped upon to bring comfort, happiness, and succour to Benue State.


The Governor further said he placed the interest of the masses far above those selfish individuals; hence he has no regrets for what he has lost in the cause of the journey to transform the State.

Governor Alia stated this while delivering his speech during this year’s Democracy Day celebrations held at the Ibrahim Badamoshi Babagida(IBB) square, Makurdi.
He however vowed to forever remain committed to building formidable systems and institutions premised on fairness, accountability, democratic ethos, equity and justice; systems that are bigger and stronger than individuals including his humble self.

He therefore solicited for continued support of Benue people to his administration, so that together, they can reposition Benue on the global map and promised to always stand with the people.
Speaking on his achievements in the last one year, the Governor intimated that, upon assumption of office, his administration met Benue in an economic ditch and immediately hit the ground running by engendering economic growth through agriculture and accordingly, procured100 trucks of fertilizer which was distributed to farmers at subsidized rates.
He assured that his administration is more than committed to improving the livelihoods of all and sundry in the state, especially through agriculture.
On Economy and Wealth Creation, Fr. Alia  said his administration has created 1,450 ad-hoc jobs for the Nigeria Fire Extinguishers Control, with plans for permanent integration into the Federal Fire Service.
“We are currently setting up a multifunctional fashion hub in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, to benefit over 250 professionals in the industry.
“In a similar vein, with 34 out of Nigeria’s 46 solid mineral deposits in Benue, we are on the verge of becoming a mining powerhouse. In view, we have partnered with Sound Core to clean up and develop the mining sector, projecting 3.5 billion Naira in revenue through our annual surface rent scheme.
“While tackling illegal mining and educating communities on the legal benefits, our administration in collaboration with the Federal Government, has formed the Mineral Resource and Environmental Management Committee, to protect resources and manage community conflicts.
“We have revitalized government assets, including the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) Kaduna Plaza, as well as the Guest Houses in Kaduna and Makurdi towns respectively. While transitioning to digital operations for better service delivery, we have also commissioned a BIPC bakery and water factory, and launched the Emperor Fertilizer and Motorcycle Hire Scheme, all domiciled in the State”.
In the education sector, Governor Hyacinth Alia said his administration has made great strides towards repositioning it, right from the primary to tertiary level.
According to him, as part of palliatives for the removal of fuel subsidy, his government decided to pay for the 2023/2024 examination fees of all students in government approved public secondary schools in the state sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations, respectively.
“At the Benue State University, we have expanded academic programmes, established new faculties, restored scholarships for medical students, and paid outstanding salary arrears. We have upgraded the ICT facilities, preparing over 10,000 youths for the global market. The idea is to train over 60,000 youths.
“As a proof of our zeal towards re-writing the narrative of the education sector in Benue, we allocated 15% of the 2024 budget to education, surpassing the 7% at the Federal level. We have also trained over 150 headteachers, and distributed over 100,000instructional materials across public schools in the state to enhance teaching and learning.
“This is coupled with the establishment of the Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency (BEQA), saddled with the responsibility of daily monitoring and evaluation of all schools across the State, with the aim of improving the standard and quality of education, as well as reawakening teachers and staff to their responsibilities.
“This has so far yielded huge results, notably being the recent clinching of an international debate trophy in Indonesia, by four Benue secondary school students who represented Nigeria,” Alia alluded.
He stated that Benue under his watch, has also weeded out thousands of ghost workers, ghost schools, and ghost agencies out of  payroll and had gone further to cut off all leakages and conduits of inefficient money consuming channels obtainable in the past.

NEWS

NYSC Doctor Donates 155 Menstrual Cups to Policewomen in Jos

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Dr. Hope Adeyi serving at Police College Cottage Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has donated 155 menstrual cups to policewomen, wives of police officers alongside civilian staff.

The donation was made during the “Affordable and Hygienic Menstruation for Every Woman” outreach held at the Nigeria Police Staff College on Tuesday in Jos the Plateau State capital.

According to Adeyi, “The cost of sanitary pads has risen sharply nationwide, and for many families, it has become increasingly unaffordable.

“As a result, some women are now forced to use unsafe alternatives such as old rags, tissue paper, or improvised materials.

Unfortunately, these practices significantly increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, bad odour, discomfort, and reduced confidence,” she stated

The Doctor Copper highlighted the benefits of menstrual cups, saying, “Menstrual cups offer several benefits; they are safe, reusable, and environmentally friendly. A single cup can last up to 10 years when properly cared for. They only require regular washing with clean water, which is readily available in our community.

“They greatly reduce the financial burden of buying monthly disposable pads and help prevent infections by promoting cleaner and safer menstrual practices,” she explained.

She emphasized that providing the cups is more than a donation: “By providing menstrual cups to our women today, we are not just giving a product, we are offering long‑term relief, health protection, and empowerment. This project ensures that no woman in our community has to choose between her health and affordability,” she maintained.

The initiative she said was made possible by generous sponsors, whose contributions Dr. Adeyi thanked. “Your contributions go beyond financial support—they demonstrate a deep commitment to the dignity and health of women in this community. We thank you sincerely,” she said.

The NYSC doctor urged the women present to prioritize their health and dignity noting that, “Your health matters. Your comfort matters. Your dignity matters. Today’s outreach is a step toward ensuring that every woman in this community is supported, protected, and empowered,” she emphasised.

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Mutfwang Congratulates Gen. Danjuma on 88th Birthday, Lauds His Philanthropy

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his warm congratulations to Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 88th birthday.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Gyang Bere and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday described Gen.

Danjuma as “a symbol of excellence, an exemplary philanthropist, and a symbol of hope whose life has been wholly devoted to the defence, progress, and upliftment of humanity”.

Mutfwang praised Gen. Danjuma’s outstanding contributions to national life, citing his courageous military service, visionary business leadership, and transformative philanthropic work.

“You remain a priceless national asset and an extraordinary achiever who has enjoyed uncommon grace from God to lead, to serve, and to excel in diverse spheres of human endeavour,” he stated.

The Governor also highlighted Gen. Danjuma’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians through the TY Danjuma Foundation, which has become a lifeline to underserved communities nationwide.

Mutfwang on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State wished Gen. Danjuma long life, sound health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom as he continues to offer wise counsel and mentor younger generations.

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CRIME

Enugu Police Arrest 25-Year-old Man over Alleged Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the New Haven Division and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), on 6th December 2025 at about 6 a.m., swiftly responded to a distress call and arrested one Orlu Chukwuemeka (male, 25).

Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, disguised as commercial operators of an unregistered white mini bus and abducted their female passenger in a one-chance-styled operation at Fourth Dimension, along Chime Avenue, Enugu.

During the incident, the suspects stabbed the victim, pushed her out of the moving vehicle along the same Chime Avenue, and escaped, after robbing her of an Android phone and ATM card.

Police operatives immediately trailed and intercepted them within Independence Layout, Enugu, leading to the arrest of Orlu, while the other suspect fled.

Ina press statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe stated that the victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, where she regained stability and was able to positively identify the arrested suspect as part of the criminal gang.

The suspect has since been arraigned in court and remanded in custody, while intensive efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and ensure every person involved is brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, appreciates the timely support from public-spirited citizens that aided the swift arrest. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering resolve to combating violent crimes across Enugu State this festive season and beyond, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely security information.

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