NEWS
Displaced Persons in Benue Celebrate National IDPs Day

Despite their continuous stay and sufferings at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Benue, the IDPs on Monday celebrated National IDPs Day.The IDPs, who celebrated the day at all 14 camps in the state, expressed optimism that in spite of their challenges, they were still alive.
The National IDP Day is celebrated to mark the adoption of the groundbreaking Kampala Convention for the Protection and Assistance of IDPs in Africa. Report says that Nigeria is one of the first countries to set aside a date to celebrate the internally displaced persons.The day is therefore marked to bring to the fore the unwavering resilience and determination of IDPs in Nigeria and the resolve of the Federal Government to ensure their total rehabilitation, reintegration, and resettlement.Eunice Mgbangun, a 57-year-old mother of 10, told our correspondent that they were celebrating their survival and appreciating God for the gift of life.Mgbangun said that she was staying at the Gbajimba IDP Camp Two with seven of her children, and she cannot ask for more in such a condition.She expressed optimism that they would soon return to their ancestral homes, as they have already started farming on their ancestral farms this year.Also at Mega Camp, Mbayongo in Makurdi, Mr Titus Terhemba told said that he was displaced on three occasions within eight years.Terhemba said that though life was tough with his family members who were all staying with him at the camp, they chose to be happy.He said they were specifically celebrating their survival from all the attacks.Addressing the IDPs at the camps visited, Ms Mediatrice Barengayabo, Head, Benue Sub-Office, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), commended the IDPs for their resilient spirit.Barengayabo said the strength and commitment of the IDPs have further made their work easier.She commended the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance for providing the funds to execute numerous projects and the Benue Government for her support and hospitality.“You have faced so much hardship, yet you keep going. Your story is one of hope and determination, a true example of the human will to survive and thrive, even in the toughest times.“Being displaced has brought many challenges, but it does not define who you are. You are important, you are valued, and you are part of our community.“Please remember, you are not alone. Your strength and resilience inspire us all. Let today remind you that change is possible, recovery is within reach, and peace can come.“Stay hopeful and keep strong as we work together to bring stability and hope back to your lives. We will keep moving forward, building a better future where everyone can find their place and feel at home again with respect and hope,” she said.The Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, said the state would commence the IDPs farm with a six-hectare pilot farm in Gbajimba, Guma LG.Iorpuu said plans were at an advanced stage to resettle all IDPs to their ancestral homes, adding that the new tents were temporary homes.He said the state has already identified durable solutions that would permanently end the unprovoked attacks on innocent people in the state.“Today is the day set aside to celebrate IDPs nationwide. We are celebrating you people today not because you are happy but because, despite all the challenges, you have survived.“Benue Government has made it very clear that it was her intention to resettle all IDPs to their ancestral homes.“These are temporary tents; we do not intend to accommodate you here for a long time. Your situation in the other camps was quite disturbing, so we felt that it is more appropriate that you stay in these tents for the time being.” he saidReport says that the high point of the celebration was the observation of a minute of silence for all those who lost their lives in the attacks.The IDPs, clad in Tiv traditional attire, entertained their guests with dance and drama.(NAN)
NEWS
Efab Begins Trees Planting

By Raphael Atuu Abuja
Efab Sunshine Estate has begun tree planting in its environment to add beauty and protect the environment at large.Speaking at the event, one of the consultants of Efab properties, Henry Okeke said the move came at the right time because of the deforestation going on in the country.
”Planting trees is beautiful, and it protects the environment, aside changing one’s psychology and thoughts, is a respect to nature”. Okeke maintained that the planting of the trees will attract more blessings from God, as it will make the place clean and cleanliness is said to be holy.While appreciating the owner of the efab properties , Chief Dr Fabian Nwaora for his wisdom of establishing the estate and making accommodation affordable to the public, Barrister Okeke added that , he and will continue to male efab sunshine estate a better place for residents..In a related news, the management of efab sunshine estate has appreciated the FCT minister , Nyemsom Wike for constructing the road leading to wassa which leads to the estate.Speaking when the minister came to inspect the road, Henry Okeke, who stood in for Efab properties said it was a great work and it has helped in beautifying the estate.”The construction of the toad has made us work on our road and confirmed us as a partner in progress”.As the ministry is supervising the road, we as a company are doing our part by commissioning projects leading to our estates, Barrister assed.The legal luminary called on the public to pray and support the present administration across the country to succeed.NEWS
Mid-term Scorecard: Afenifere Slams Tinubu over False Claims, Propaganda

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s government for presenting a false mid-term scorecard to Nigerians.In a statement on Sunday by its Leader and National Publicity Secretary, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Justice Faloye, Afenifere said Tinubu’s renewed hope has turned into a nightmare for Nigerians.
According to the group, the midterm report of the Tinubu administration has shown that every human development and sociopolitical index has regressed. The statement reads: “The Midterm Report shows that every human development and sociopolitical index has regressed since the coming to office of the President Bola Tinubu administration, turning the promise of renewed hope to a nightmare of regressing hopelessness and despair.“Rather than take full responsibility for the unmitigated sufferings inflicted on Nigerians in the past two years on account of its wrong policy choices and wasteful spending, the Tinubu administration has engaged in massive propaganda claiming false successes and shifting blames to global and historical factors, and showing scant empathy for ordinary Nigerians.“Basically, due to unforced errors, especially the oversight of the production element of subsidies and floating the Naira, without any preparation to cushion the predictable impact, the Tinubu Economic Reforms have turned out to be Tinubu Economic Deforms.“A Prebendal and Government for the privileged and connected* : Despite the Tinubu administration’s economic policies causing huge inflation that cut real wages in over half, only 4.1% of the Nigeria population in the civil service had their wages increased by 38%. Reliance on unproven channels for the distribution of pitiable halfhearted food and other palliatives were corruptly split among those connected, while uncontested mega projects were brazenly given to those with well-known connections to the President. It is obvious that the Tinubu administration has no intention of delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of Nigerians.“Two years into its tenure, and contrary to its well-advertised electoral promise, the Tinubu administration is yet to implement Oronsaye Report to cut cost of governance, instead the costs have ballooned with new cost centers for cronies to milk. The tone of government at all levels is one of profligate ‘jaiye jaiye’ lifestyle, while the masses are being berated about Nigeria’s wasteful past and the imperative of sacrifice to restore fiscal integrity. The government’s first supplementary budget and subsequent budgets were spent on not only preserving but increasing the luxurious lifestyle of those in government – new Presidential jet, Cadillac limousines, N160 million cars for each federal legislator and scandalous increase in unaccounted constituency projects worth billions to each legislator.“In the quest for absolute power, the Tinubu administration is trading off the lives of Nigerians by refusing to devolve power for state police.“The Tinubu administration is destructuring instead of restructuring the military imposed constitution, towards true federalism. It has shown increasingly centralizing tendencies to further weaken the federalist elements in the constitution by attacking federating units with the takeover of their administrative units, known as local governments. Tinubu is destructuring the pillars of our democracy by neutralizing the legislature and judiciary put in place for balance of power and robust representative governance. It is obvious that the agenda is one party state totalitarianism.“In the last two years, we have witnessed a marked increase in intolerance of protests by dissenting civic groups. Peaceful protesters, students and labour groups are hounded, destabilized and bullied. In recent times, we have seen a gale of opposition politicians decamp to the ruling party to prevent institutional victimization. Even government sponsorship of internal conflicts in opposition parties and sociopolitical groups are in the open. Some recent appointments to the Independent National Electoral Commission are speculated to be card-carrying members of the ruling party. The emasculation of liberal democratic values are flagrantly displayed, without any shame or restraint.“It has been a harrowing experience living through the pain and anguish of the last two years, inflicted on the nation by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. This Midterm Report is a duty that Afenifere must fulfil to prevent government propagandists from drowning the voices of millions of hungry and deprived Nigerians.“Rather than focusing on service delivery, the Tinubu administration is focusing on winning the 2027 election regardless of the voters. No amount of propaganda will erase hunger and poverty in the land. Only selfless and empathetic leadership can serve the people, not the Prebendalist and hedonistic lifestyle. If this Midterm Report was an academic exercise, the student will receive advice to withdraw from the examiner, but we believe there is still room for redemption. We urge the President and his choir of mandate seekers to reflect and for a change just love Nigeria and Nigerians.”NEWS
Adamawa Gov Flags off N18.97bn International Conference Centre Project

From Yagana Ali, YolaAdamawa
State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has officially flagged off the construction of a modern International Conference and Event Centre worth N18.97 billion. The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Yola, marks a significant milestone in the state’s development.
The Centre will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including galleries, mini halls, administrative offices, restaurants, and outdoor sitting arrangements. Fintiri said the project aims to: Attract international patronage and investment, Create jobs and boost internally generated revenue, Transform Adamawa into a commercial hub and Promote economic growth and development.The Governor emphasized the need for infrastructure development, stating that “we cannot continue to talk about attracting investors without putting in place the right infrastructure.”The contract was awarded to Messrs Lubell Nigeria Limited with a completion period of 12 months. The project will be managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with the appointed consultant, Messrs Globarch Associates.The Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Prambe, praised Governor Fintiri’s administration for upholding democratic principles and values. The Project Consultant, Saleh Yunusa, assured that the construction would be delivered as scheduled.This project is expected to have a significant impact on Adamawa State’s economy and development, positioning it for growth and prosperity.