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UNICEF, ILO Embarks on Review of Social Registers for Vulnerable Individuals in Benue

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Enugu Chief of Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe has stated that the National Social Register & Social Protection Policy Reviews under the European Union (EU) Funded “Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project” in Benue State was aimed at building a more resilient and inclusive social protection systems in Nigeria and the project states.

Chiluwe further said that the process would also strengthen the social protection system of the state and enhance service delivery to poor and vulnerable people in the state including the 75% of the Benue State population which are multidimensional, and for the Internally Displaced populations in the state.
She disclosed this during the Stakeholders Engagement on the National Social Register & Social Protection Policy Reviews under the European Union (EU) Funded “Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project” held at the headquarters of the State Planning Commission, Makurdi.According to her, UNICEF with funding from the European Union (EU) and in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is implementing the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project in four states of Nigeria in which Benue state is a beneficiary in addition to Abia, Oyo and Sokoto.”Through this support UNICEF has commissioned the Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) to conduct two reviews: one of the National Social Registry (NSR) and another of federal and state-level Social Protection Policies.”This is aimed towards building a more resilient and inclusive social protection system in Nigeria and the project states.”We appreciate the generous funding support from the EU and the collaboration with ILO towards implementing this project in Benue state”, she said.The UNICEF Enugu Chief of Field Office also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for the continued collaboration and providing an enabling environment for strategic partnerships for the implementation of the EU funded project, and all stakeholders for their continued effort towards building a responsive and sustainable social protection system in BenueIn her presentation, a representative of EPRI, Catharina Bollig, said UNICEF has hired their institute Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) to review the state level protection policy as well as the national social register to make sure that both policies can be implemented adequately to address the challenges that may arise in the implementation process.She stated that in the coming day EPRI will do individual interviews with stakeholders in the different Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state to get their detailed view on the records.In his remark, the Director General of Budget and Planning Commission, Prof. Jerome Andohor said they are to review the nature of the State social protection and policy comprehensively to see if there are gaps and see the state of the social protection law of the state. “For you to have strong Social Protection we need to be backed by law. They want to do a comprehensive review of our social register. “The social register is not about the human component alone, it has a lot of variables including in terms of development also components that have to do with critical assets of government in terms of development for the people, schools, boreholes, housing among others. “Benue is a pilot state for them especially that the household indicators are not looking too decent. We have about 32.9 percent in terms of poverty. It’s not too good a statistic.”In the country as a whole we have about 133 million multidimensional poor individuals. Benue is again key in that because we are the food basket of the nation it means that if we live people that much in poverty what is going to affect the country as a whole.”That is why they are in Benue. They want to review the policies and social register to ensure that they are in tandem ND alignment with the national policies and register. In Benue, we have about 1.7 million individuals on the social register and that is about 496,000 Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHs), he said.

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Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged his full support to Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada following his endorsement by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The endorsement, which is seen as a strategic consolidation of party strength, is backed by the Governor, reinforcing confidence among party faithful ahead of forthcoming general election.

The honorable member led a large delegation of supporters and political associates, party faithful, including members of his campaign team, to Senator Wadada’s residence in Keffi.

During the visit, Hon. Nana reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising grassroots support across Keffi West and beyond in support of Hon.

Wadada. He emphasised that unity, loyalty, and strategic collaboration remain essential ingredients for electoral victory.

According to him, the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections will depend largely on the ability of party leaders and supporters to work together with a shared vision. He stressed that the endorsement of Senator Wadada is not only a personal decision but also a reflection of the collective will of his supporters and constituents.

The lawmaker further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused and disciplined, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying. He called on party members to prioritise the interest of the state above individual ambitions, adding that a united front will strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.

Speaking during the visit, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the show of support and solidarity. He described his endorsement as timely and encouraging, noting that it reinforces confidence in the party’s direction.

The senator stated that such demonstrations of unity are critical in building momentum ahead of the elections. He added that the gathering sends a strong message of cohesion and readiness among All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Nasarawa State.

Senator Wadada also assured supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance if elected as governor. He emphasised that his ambition is rooted in the desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and improve the lives of its citizens

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Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress

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By David Torough, Abuja

Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a key milestone in the project’s early infrastructure rollout.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, highlighted visible progress on the ground, noting that work had advanced steadily since commencement.

He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that would support the broader vision of the development.

Odenigwe credited much of the smooth execution to the cooperation of five host communities, describing their support as instrumental in avoiding disruptions and maintaining project momentum.

He said the company had built strong relationships with these communities through consistent engagement and mutual understanding.

As part of its social responsibility efforts, the firm has introduced scholarships and job opportunities targeted at local youths, ensuring that surrounding communities directly benefit from the development. According to Odenigwe, these initiatives are aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.

He further explained that Centenary City was conceived as a modern, sustainable urban hub designed to boost Abuja’s global competitiveness by attracting investment and delivering world-class infrastructure.

The project has also received backing from key authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory support from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, both of which have strengthened implementation efforts. Traditional leadership, under Idris Musa, has also played a supportive role in facilitating community cooperation.

The access road forms part of a larger master plan that includes approximately 95 kilometres of primary road networks. Odenigwe noted that the development would incorporate smart city technologies to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment aligned with international standards.

From the construction side, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Jonnie Kouchan, described the partnership as a blend of vision and technical expertise. He confirmed that the four-lane carriageway, along with supporting infrastructure, remains on track for completion by April 2027, with strict adherence to global engineering and safety standards.

Kouchan added that the project would enhance connectivity, strengthen investor confidence, and stimulate economic activity across Abuja and neighbouring communities.

Despite the progress, community leaders have called for sustained engagement. The Emir of Juwa, Idris Musa, urged the developers to work closely with authorities to ensure fair compensation and proper resettlement for affected residents.

Local representatives also raised concerns about access to potable water following resettlement and called for the expansion of employment opportunities and continued scholarship support for youths.

Overall, stakeholders described the Centenary City project as a major step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly city capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

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Armed Herders Kill Five, Displaced Many in Renewed Attack on Benue Community

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Suspected armed herdsmen has launched a renewed attack on Tse Ameen community in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, killing at least five persons.

A local sources disclosed that the incident occurred on early hours of Sunday when armed herders attacked the community at about 1:am.

One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on phone in Makurdi on Monday, disclosed that five bodies were recovered while many others remained missing.

“The corpses recovered after the attack included three males and two females,” the resident said.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, Monday.

Edet said, “Four dead bodies were recovered.”

The PPRO did not disclosed further information.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sympathise with the people of Gwer West where the attack occured on Saturday night.

He appealed to all security heads to ensure those perpetrators are also apprehended.

He however called on all communities to join forces with government and security agents to comb forests of evil elements.

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