By David Torough, Abuja

It was a moment of deep gratitude and reflection as Professor Barns Achakpa Ikyo and his wife, Dr. Patience Achakpa Ikyo, returned to their home church, NKST Ugbema in Katsina-Ala LGA, on Sunday, July 27, for a special thanksgiving service tagged “Testament of Service.

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The occasion marked two significant milestones: Prof.

Ikyo’s 10 years of exemplary leadership at the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) and Dr. Ikyo’s 5-year tenure as the Director General of Benue Television.

In his remarks, Prof. Barns Ikyo expressed profound appreciation to God, recounting the growth of CEFTER under his stewardship.

“I’m happy because I built CEFTER from scratch. We started in a single room, then moved to a temporary site, and now have a massive complex with 22 offices, 10 classrooms, and an auditorium,” he said.

“We’ve also established six functional factories, trained over 1,000 graduates, attracted international students, and earned global recognition. Even after ten years, we’ve secured an additional $5 million in grants for further investment. That’s a legacy I’m proud of.”

Dr. Patience Achakpa Ikyo, co-celebrant and DG of Benue TV, also reflected on the remarkable progress of the station.

“The greatest achievement for Benue TV is simply being on air. It took nearly 20 years of effort before we succeeded five years ago. The challenges were many—poor funding, incomplete staffing, and inadequate equipment—but by God’s grace and creativity, we persevered,” she noted.

“I also thank Governor Hyacinth Alia for the opportunity to serve. Without his support, we wouldn’t have achieved this milestone.”

The thanksgiving event, which also coincided with the 20th anniversary of NKST Ugbema, drew dignitaries from various sectors who donated generously toward the development of the church.

Among those in attendance were the Tor Jemgbagh and Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Denen Aondoakaa; Chairman of Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Hon. Joseph Kwahgba; MD/CEO of Benue Geo-Mining Company, Dr. Erdoo Mongol-Aga; and top officials from BIRS and BIPC.

Also present were scholars from CEFTER, the Mass Communication and Physics Departments of MOAU, staff of Benue TV, alumni of Mkar Secondary School, and members of the clergy.

In his sermon, Rev. Prof. Usue urged Christians to emulate the Ikyo family by remembering their roots, their community, and God.

“Those who truly remember God will not forget their people,” he said, “and they will continue to attract His blessings.”

The celebration also featured the official launch of “Testament of Service,” a maiden magazine showcasing the impactful leadership of distinguished Nigerians in public service. The inaugural edition spotlighted the achievements of Prof. Barns Ikyo and Dr. Patience Achakpa Ikyo as transformative leaders in their respective institutions.

By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu expresses sadness over the passing of Dr. Leon Usigbe, a journalist with The Tribune Newspapers and a cherished member of the State House Press Corps.

Tinubu describes Dr. Usigbe as a veteran Statehouse Correspondent and professional whose dedication to truth, balance, and ethical journalism earned him the respect of colleagues, public officials and readers nationwide.

The President noted that Usigbe’s insightful reporting and calm demeanour contributed immensely to strengthening democratic governance and keeping the public well-informed about the workings of the presidency and government at large.

The President remarks: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at The Tribune, and the entire Statehouse Press Corps. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn this great loss.”

Similarly,Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune Newspaper, as a monumental loss to the Newspaper, journalism profession and to the entire nation.

The Minister said with the death of Usigbe, Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike.

In a condolence message on Saturday, Idris said he received news of the death of Tribune Newspaper Bureau Chief with profound shock and deep sadness.

“Dr. Usigbe was an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape. His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good. As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building.

“I recall with particular sorrow his eloquent and thought-provoking contributions during the regular Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions convened by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja, as well as at the Press Briefings in the Presidential Villa. His interventions consistently elevated the quality of discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media — all in service of a more informed and engaged society,” Idris said.

On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and himself, the Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Tribune Newspaper, the government and people of Edo State, where he hailed from, as well as to his family, friends, and professional associates.

He prayed to the God Almighty to comfort those the late Bureau Chief left behind and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, saying “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Torough David, Abuja

The South-West Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said its members may embark on strike if the unfavorable allowances introduced for doctors by the Federal Government is not withdrawn.

The caucus, which comprised Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo states, said this at a news conference in Osogbo on Tuesday.

Dr Adeniyi Fasanu, the Caucus Chairman, stated that the recent circular issued by the National Salary, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) concerning doctors (increased) allowances, is not in tandem with economic reality.

Fasanu, who is also the Osun State NMA Chairman, said the national leadership of NMA had given the Federal Government 21-day ultimatum to withdraw the circular.

He said the southwest caucus aligns with national leadership of the NMA in demanding for: immediate correction of inconsequential adjustment in alignment with the 2001, 2009 and 2014 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

“Full payment of 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and comprehensive review of the fund to reflect current economic realities,” he said

Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, Ondo NMA Chairman, said the FG did not consult them before announcing the allowances.

Alonge said this was the time medical doctors needed to be motivated as there was a serious shortage of doctors in the country, with a ratio of one doctor to 10,000 patients.

Speaking, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, Ekiti State NMA Chairman, said 2,000 doctors leave the country yearly, adding that if doctors’ welfare was not given adequate attention, doctors would continue to leave the country for greener pasture.

Ogun State NMA Chairman, Dr Luqman Ogunjimi said the NWIC circular on doctor’s allowances would discourage doctors that were already overworked and underpaid, to want to remain and practice in the Nigerian health sector.

Oyo State NMA Chairman, Dr. Happy Adedapo said the government needed to be responsive to the plight of doctors, saying the allowance being introduced was insignificant against the rising inflation in the country.

The caucus, among their 18 demands, also ask for the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance agreement, and implementation of the revised retirement age for medical and dental practitioners.

They said if the Federal Government failed to attend to their demands, the caucus would convene an emergency meeting to advise their members appropriately in concert with the national leadership of NMA.

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