The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Benue Chapter, has appointed the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, as Grand Patron of the association.

NVMA Chairman, Benue chapter, Dr. Andrew Amine formally announced the appointment during an appreciation and courtesy visit on the traditional ruler by the NVMA leadership on Tuesday in Gboko.

Amine said that the appointment was in recognition of Ayatse’s enduring contributions to the growth of veterinary education and professional practice in the state.

The chairman added that the decision to appoint Ayatse as grand patron was largely informed by his pivotal role in the establishment of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, during his tenure as vice chancellor.

He noted that the Tor Tiv had consistently used his influence and voice to promote the profession and advance public interest in animal health and food safety.

He further congratulated Ayatse on the successful resurrection and hosting of Tiv Day and for being a strong voice for the Tiv nation.

Amine prayed to God to grant him wisdom throughout your reign.

The chairman expressed the association’s desire to build a strong working relationship with the Tor Tiv that would benefit Benue and Nigeria at large.

He described the visit as a potential turning point for the association.

Amine recalled the Tor Tiv’s support during the association’s bid to host a national veterinary event in Jalingo in the year 2025 and emphasised that his interview and moral weight gave them a huge edge.

The chairman explained that Benue narrowly lost the hosting right to Akwa Ibom due to stronger financial backing.

“We remain hopeful that with government support this year, Benue will secure the hosting right, which comes with significant economic benefits,” he said.

He also outlined key challenges confronting the veterinary profession in the state, including unemployment, lack of mobility, and the absence of a permanent secretariat.

Amine disclosed that fewer than 200 veterinarians were currently practising across the state.

The chairman stated that many of them were unemployed, and appealed to the Tor Tiv to advocate for the engagement of at least one veterinarian in each of the state’s 23 local government councils.

He further said that the association’s outreach activities had been constrained by transportation challenges and revealed that the NVMA currently operates from a rented apartment.

Amine expressed the need for a permanent secretariat to enhance administrative efficiency.

In his response, the Tor Tiv warmly accepted the role of grand patron and pledged unwavering support for the association.

Ayatse assured the veterinarians that they could count on him at all times, promising to do whatever was necessary to move the association forward.

President Bola Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with African nations, global partners and the private sector to deliver cleaner, affordable, inclusive, and more secure energy.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance on Tuesday at the Ninth Edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit, held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.

He said energy played a critical role as the invisible force holding the modern world together, as well as the quiet architecture of balance among nations, the unseen hand that steadies economies and sustains societies.

The president observed that energy remained central to peace, prosperity, and global stability.

He stated that Nigeria was focusing heavily on utilizing its vast gas reserves as a transition fuel and expanding renewable energy capacity.

“Energy must unite communities, stabilize economies, and secure futures. It must power factories, illuminate homes, fuel innovation, and build trust between government, investors, and citizens.

“Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with Africa, global partners, and the private sector to deliver energy that is secure, affordable, cleaner, and inclusive,” he declared.

Tinubu recalled that even though his administration inherited an energy sector that was rich in potential in 2023, the sector was “constrained by inefficiencies, uncertainty, and prolonged underinvestment.

” We set to work without fanfare, guided by the clear understanding that energy cannot be treated simply as an economic commodity if stability is our goal.

” Energy is a catalyst for national security, industrial growth, social inclusion, and regional cooperation,” he stated.

Tinubu assured that his government was fully committed to “building an energy system that delivers reliability, transparency, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”

He said that his administration sustained and deepened the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.

He added that his government was consolidating its role as the live wire of sector reform and strengthened regulatory institutions to ensure clarity of roles, transparency, and investor confidence.

Tinubu added,” Under our watch, Nigeria’s upstream activity recorded a historic rebound. Rig counts rose from eight rigs in 2021 to 69 rigs by late 2025, reflecting renewed exploration and drilling momentum.

“The sector secured Final Investment Decisions exceeding eight billion United States dollars, including major offshore gas developments involving global energy companies.

”Foreign direct investment into the oil and gas subsector rebounded strongly, driven by regulatory certainty, fiscal reforms, and improved operating conditions.”

Tinubu said crude oil theft, which had been a major constraint on production and revenue, declined significantly due to enhanced security coordination, surveillance, and regulatory enforcement.

He added that the efforts paid off, as they restored operational stability and improved Nigeria’s production reliability in international markets.

”Early reforms, most notably fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalization, repositioned the sector’s economics, improved market efficiency, and enhanced long-term investment attractiveness.

”While these measures required national sacrifice, they laid the foundation for sustainability, fiscal resilience, and investor confidence.

”Industry stakeholders and independent experts have described these reforms as transformational, aligning Nigeria’s energy sector with global best practices,” he added.

The Nigerian leader implored the participants “to engage constructively, invest confidently, and partner purposefully with Nigeria.”

Earlier, Gambian President, Adama Barrow, observed that Nigeria’s policies had implications far beyond its borders.

He said that working together through strategic partnerships was key to regional solutions and energy security.

Also, the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Mbasogo, maintained that Africa must cease to be merely an exporter of raw materials and focus on processing them for the betterment of future generations.

The NYSC Director of Internal Audit, Dr. Levi Agim, has urged corps members in Rivers to serve the state with commitment, passion and patriotism.

Agim gave the charge on Monday during a working visit to Batch A, Stream One corps members at the Nonwa-Gbam orientation camp in Tai Local Government Area.

He said the service year was “a time for reflection and introspection”, shaping character and preparing corps members for future responsibilities.

The director urged them to serve with “discipline and dedication”, noting that the nation places “great hopes” on the younger generation.

Agim also advised corps members to be role models, make a positive impact, and acquire skills through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.

Rivers NYSC Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, said corps members were disciplined and actively participating in camp activities.

Oleghe identified rising food costs and camp maintenance as challenges, but assured that the state leadership remained committed to national service.