From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr .Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Dr. Ihu Eunice Ogbenyi as new Acting Head of Service (HoS) of Benue State.

The appointment followed the unfortunate demise of Dr.

Agbogbo Ode who was Head of Service from 2023 – 2026.

The acting HoS, Dr. Ogbenyi hails from Oju Local Government Area of Benue and was born on the 12th June 1973.

Before her appointment, she was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Survey.

She obtained her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Maths/Physics in 1996 from College of Education, Oju and further obtained B.Sc. 2005, Masters 2010 and Ph.D 2021 all in Mathematics Education at the Fr. Adasu University, Makurdi.

She was employed into the Benue State Teaching Service Board as Principal Assistant Education Officer (PAEO II) in 1998.

Her service was deployed in February 2012 to the Benue State Ministry of Education.

She later served variously as Deputy Director Education (DDE) in the department of Planning, Research and Statistic (DPRS) heading Joint Consultative Committees on Education/National Council on Education (JCCE/NCE) unit and assistant Head of Education Management Information System (EMIS) unit.

While congratulating the Acting HoS, Governor Alia stated that “As you assume this critical role, I charge you with the responsibilities, principles, and priorities that will guide your stewardship and ensure continuity, professionalism, and service to the public.

“You must ensure your official actions conform with the vision and principles of this administration to continue with the reforms in the civil service and uphold at all times the sanctity and dignity of your office.

“You must ensure in all your official dealings that the interest of the state comes first”.

The governor in a statement by his chief press secretary Kula Tersoo, said the appointment takes immediate effect.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN,) has tasked Nigerian leaders, three tiers of government and security agencies in Nigeria to make protection of schools and children as an urgent national responsibility.

President CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this in a message to commemorate the 2026 Children’s day in Abuja.

Okoh lamented that CAN deeply concern over the growing dangers confronting children across the country.

Adding that this is not acceptable due to the spate of kidnapping and abductions of children in schools in Oyo state.

The CAN President, therefore called for the immediate release of the children and teachers, in captivity.

The message reads, “This year’s celebration comes at a painful time for many families following recent attacks on schools in Oyo State, where pupils and teachers were abducted by gunmen, leaving parents traumatised and communities shaken. For many Nigerians, the incident has once again raised painful questions about the safety of children and the future of education in an atmosphere of worsening insecurity.

“CAN is deeply troubled by the plight of children who remain in captivity and by the emotional agony their families continue to endure. No child should have to experience fear and violence in a place meant for learning, protection and hope.

“We are equally concerned for the teachers caught in these tragic situations alongside their pupils. Teachers do far more than teach lessons in classrooms. They guide, protect, encourage and nurture children entrusted to their care every day. In many ways, they become trusted guardians and second parents to the young lives they help shape.

“The thought of teachers facing fear and uncertainty together with the children they were trying to protect should weigh heavily on the conscience of the nation”.

Okoh decried the facts that parents are now scared to send their children to school in Nigeria and this is unacceptable.

“A country where parents are afraid to send their children to school and teachers are uncertain about their safety cannot claim to be securing its future”.

He lamented the level of hunger, insecurity, poverty, in the country,
“Beyond insecurity, millions of Nigerian children continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, abuse, trafficking, child labour and limited access to quality education and healthcare. These challenges are steadily denying many children the stability, dignity and opportunities they deserve”.

CAN therefore calls on governments at all levels and security agencies to treat the protection of schools and children as an urgent national responsibility. Children must never become victims of a failing security system or repeated targets for criminal violence.

“We also urge leaders to recognise that every attack on a school damages public confidence, weakens national development and leaves emotional scars that can shape the future of a generation.

“Parents, faith communities, traditional institutions, schools, media organisations and community leaders must also work together to protect children, strengthen moral values and create environments where young people can grow without fear.

“To every Nigerian child living under difficult conditions or in communities troubled by insecurity, CAN encourages you not to lose hope. Your future remains important, your lives have value and your dreams deserve protection and support”, he said..

The CAN President prayed, *As the nation marks Children’s Day 2026, may this occasion awaken a deeper sense of responsibility among leaders and citizens alike to build a Nigeria where every child can live, learn and grow in peace, safety and dignity”.

CAN therefore reiterated its commitment in advocating for justice, responsible leadership and policies that protect the welfare and future of every Nigerian child.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gboko Chapter, on Tuesday held a special prayer session in support of the aspiration of Hon. Emmanuel Agune, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), to represent the people of Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives in Abuja.

Speaking during the event, Rev.

Aule Aluamu said the association would mobilize and sensitize members of the constituency to ensure victory for Agune, whom he described as a committed member of the Christian community.

In his response, Agune expressed gratitude to the association for what he called a noble initiative aimed at committing his 2027 ambition into the hands of God.

He assured the gathering that if elected into the National Assembly, he would ensure that CAN is carried along in development and intervention programmes, acknowledging the role the Christian body has played in his life over the years.

Agune also reflected on his humble beginnings as a carpenter, noting that his life’s mission has always been to support the less privileged in society.

He cited his involvement in scholarship schemes, healthcare support, community projects and human capacity development programmes as evidence of his commitment to service.

The SDP House of Representatives hopeful pledged to expand such interventions if given the mandate to serve at the National Assembly.

As part of his engagements, Agune also paid a courtesy visit to the Gboko Women Integrative Group led by Mrs. Bridget Jir, where he reportedly received strong endorsements and prayers for his political ambition.