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Naija NewsToday, Katsina-Ala Street, Abuja (2026)

02/10/2026

Nigeria @66: Benue Council Chairman Salutes Tinubu, Alia, Urges Renewed Patriotism

By Our Corresponent

The Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Benue State, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for renewed patriotism, unity and collective commitment to national development.

Ogiri, in a goodwill message to mark the anniversary, described Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as a journey marked by challenges, resilience and significant milestones, urging citizens to remain hopeful and committed to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

The council chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership at the federal level, particularly his administration’s efforts to reposition the nation’s economy, strengthen institutions and create an environment conducive to sustainable development.

He equally praised the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for what he described as his administration’s commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure development, improved workers’ welfare, economic expansion and people-oriented governance.

According to Ogiri, the development of Benue and Nigeria requires the collective contribution of political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and ordinary citizens.

He urged Nigerians to resist actions capable of undermining national unity, stressing that the nation’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.

The Otukpo council chairman further assured residents of the local government of his administration’s continued commitment to grassroots development, responsive governance and initiatives capable of improving the welfare and economic opportunities of the people.

He said the Independence Anniversary should serve not only as a moment of celebration but also as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on their responsibilities to the nation and recommit themselves to the ideals of peace, justice, unity and progress.

Ogiri wished President Tinubu, Governor Alia, the people of Benue State and Nigerians across the country a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary.

22/09/2026

ALIA OPENS NEW ENERGY FRONT, MOVES TO CUT TRANSPORT COSTS, BOOST BENUE ECONOMY

By Orseer Mnzughulga | September 22, 2026

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has opened a new energy front in the state with plans to harness Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce transportation costs, stimulate investment and create new employment opportunities for residents.

The governor disclosed this on Monday while declaring open a three-day awareness workshop on the Presidential CNG Initiative, themed "The Game Changer," at the Rev. Fr. Alia Ultra Modern Conference Hall, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) headquarters, Makurdi.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, Governor Alia said the adoption of CNG offered Benue an opportunity to access a cheaper, cleaner and more sustainable energy source, particularly against the backdrop of rising transportation and energy costs.

According to him, the initiative has the potential to support the state’s agricultural and commercial activities by reducing the cost of transportation, processing, storage and distribution of goods.

Alia said his administration was committed to policies and programmes that would stimulate economic activities, create employment, improve living standards and reduce the burden of rising costs on citizens.

He described the workshop as the commencement of a structured programme aimed at creating public awareness, developing technical capacity, attracting investments and facilitating the practical deployment of CNG across Benue.

The governor urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to acquire relevant skills, explore investment opportunities and position themselves for participation in the emerging clean-energy economy.

He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to building partnerships, attracting investments and developing the infrastructure and human capacity required to make CNG accessible across the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, Hon. Jir Joseph Ter, in his welcome address said the state government was determined to translate the Presidential CNG Initiative into practical economic benefits for the people of Benue.

Jir said the workshop was designed to educate residents, deepen collaboration between the federal and state governments and increase public understanding of the opportunities presented by CNG.

He noted that CNG could provide a cheaper alternative for transportation and power, with the potential to reduce transport costs, lower the cost of doing business and cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The commissioner said the impact of reduced transportation costs would extend beyond commuters, as farmers, traders, workers and businesses could benefit from lower operating and logistics costs.

He disclosed that the state had established the Benue State CNG Project to make CNG more accessible and understandable to residents, while opening opportunities for transport operators, youths and private investors.

According to him, the project will focus on public awareness, technical and vocational training, vehicle conversion to CNG, access to conversion kits, deployment of CNG-powered buses and tricycles, engagement with transport unions and promotion of private-sector investment.

Jir said the government's vision was to have CNG-powered vehicles operating on Benue roads, create jobs for youths across the CNG value chain, reduce operational costs for transporters and make transportation more affordable for families.

He urged transport operators to see the initiative as an opportunity rather than a threat, while encouraging youths to regard CNG as an emerging industry capable of providing skills, businesses and employment.

The commissioner also called on investors to explore opportunities within the CNG value chain, assuring them of the state government’s interest in private-sector participation.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on the collective efforts of government, private-sector operators, transport unions, traditional institutions and citizens.

Jir commended Governor Alia for supporting the initiative and also acknowledged the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the Presidential CNG Initiative.

He further commended the Coordinator of the Benue CNG Project and Technical Adviser to the Governor on Natural Gas and Renewable Energy, Engr. Ashir Jonathan Terkosu, for his technical leadership and commitment to the project.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Benue State Steering Committee on Coalbed Methane and Allied Resources, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella, said the CNG initiative offered opportunities for cheaper energy and economic development, adding that the workshop would help residents understand its benefits and safety requirements.

The State Coordinator of the project and Technical Adviser to the Governor on National Gas and Renewable Energy, Engr. Jonathan Ashir, said the initiative was designed to reduce the high cost associated with petrol and gas-dependent business activities.

Ashir disclosed that Governor Alia had announced plans to establish four CNG stations across the state, a move he said would help expand access to the alternative energy source.

The three-day workshop, organised by the Benue State Ministry of Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, commenced on Monday and is expected to conclude on Wednesday, with technical presentations, interactive sessions and question-and-answer sessions designed to deepen public understanding and participation in the Presidential CNG Initiative.

08/09/2026

AGATU TO WELCOME NEW ARMY BATTALION THIS SEPTEMBER AS EJEH HAILS TINUBU, ALIA
..111 Battalion to strengthen security, boost confidence and support return of displaced residents

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State is set for a major transformation in its security architecture following the official approval of a new Nigerian Army battalion for the area.

The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, on Tuesday announced that the new formation, designated 111 Battalion, Nigerian Army, will be established between Ekaida and Egba communities and is expected to commence operations this September.

Ejeh described the approval as a landmark development for Agatu, saying the coming of the battalion would provide an additional layer of security and strengthen existing efforts to maintain peace across the local government.

According to him, the decision is particularly significant because sustained security remains essential to the restoration of normal life in communities that have experienced disruptions arising from insecurity.

The chairman said the new battalion would provide a stronger operational presence within the locality, enabling security personnel to respond more effectively to emerging situations and provide reassurance to residents in vulnerable communities.

He expressed optimism that the development would further strengthen the confidence of farmers, traders, civil servants, business owners and other residents whose activities depend on a stable and peaceful environment.

Ejeh said the establishment of the military formation would also complement the efforts of existing security agencies operating in the area, creating a more robust security network capable of responding to the needs of the people.

The council chairman attributed the approval to the concerted efforts of the Federal Government and the Benue State Government, particularly the interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

He therefore expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for facilitating the establishment of the battalion, describing the President's intervention as a clear demonstration that the security concerns of communities in Benue State remain firmly on the national agenda.

Ejeh, however, reserved special commendation for Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia describing the Governor's role and commitment to Agatu as a powerful demonstration of his love, concern and magnanimity towards the people of the local government.

According to him, the decision to locate the battalion in Agatu is itself a strong testimony to Governor Alia's affection for the people and his determination to see them live in peace and security.

He said the battalion could have been located in any other part of the state, but Governor Alia's love for Agatu and his deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of its people made him support and approve its location in the area.

"Governor Alia's love and magnanimity for the people of Agatu cannot be overemphasised. If His Excellency did not love the people of Agatu and care deeply about their security and wellbeing, he could have chosen another location for this battalion.

"But he chose Agatu. That decision speaks volumes about his love for our people, his concern for our security and his determination to ensure that Agatu is given the attention it deserves," Ejeh said.

The chairman described Governor Alia as a leader who has consistently demonstrated that the security and welfare of the people remain at the heart of his administration.

He said the Governor's support for the establishment of the battalion went beyond a mere administrative decision, stressing that it reflected a deliberate commitment to creating a safer environment in which the people of Agatu could return home, rebuild their communities and pursue their livelihoods without fear.

Ejeh said Agatu people would remain eternally grateful to Governor Alia for identifying with their security challenges and taking concrete steps to address them.

He noted that the Governor's intervention had given the people a renewed sense of belonging, assuring them that Agatu had not been forgotten by the state government.

The chairman particularly commended Governor Alia for working closely with the President and the relevant military authorities to ensure that the security needs of Agatu received the necessary attention.

He said the establishment of the 111 Battalion should therefore be viewed as the product of a strong partnership between the Federal and Benue State Governments, with President Tinubu and Governor Alia playing critical roles in facilitating the intervention.

Ejeh added that the people of Agatu would continue to appreciate President Tinubu and Governor Alia for the historic intervention, saying their combined efforts had produced a development capable of changing the security landscape of the local government.

He also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for their contributions to the process that culminated in the approval.

He equally recognised the efforts of the General Officer Commanding, 5 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, alongside other military officers, security personnel and stakeholders involved in advancing the security interests of Agatu.

Ejeh said the timing of the new battalion was significant, particularly as the local government continues to look forward to the full restoration of social and economic activities in communities affected by insecurity.

He noted that security and development were closely connected, stressing that residents could only fully engage in farming, education, commerce and other productive activities when they felt sufficiently protected.

He further expressed confidence that the new military presence would contribute to creating conditions that would encourage more displaced residents to consider returning to their communities.

For many families affected by insecurity, he said, the prospect of returning home was closely tied to the assurance that adequate security would be available to protect their lives and property.

The chairman called on residents to cooperate with personnel of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies once the battalion becomes operational, urging communities to provide credible information that could assist security forces in preventing criminal activities.

He emphasised the importance of community participation in the fight against insecurity, noting that residents remain vital partners in intelligence gathering and early warning efforts.

Ejeh also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to support the new security arrangement and promote peaceful coexistence within their respective communities.

He said the local government would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that the presence of the new battalion translates into tangible improvements in the security and welfare of the people.

The chairman described the development as a welcome sign for Agatu, saying the people could now look forward to a period in which security, stability and economic recovery would receive greater attention.

He expressed gratitude to all individuals and institutions whose efforts contributed to the approval, stressing that the establishment of the 111 Battalion represented an important step toward building a safer and more resilient Agatu.

With the battalion scheduled to take off this September, Ejeh urged the people to remain hopeful and supportive of ongoing security initiatives, assuring them that the local government would continue to pursue measures capable of promoting peace and protecting the interests of its residents.

He said Agatu's aspirations went beyond security alone, encompassing the return of displaced families, revival of agriculture, restoration of businesses, reconstruction of communities and creation of opportunities for the younger generation.

"The people of Agatu are grateful for this landmark intervention. We are particularly grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our dear Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whose combined efforts have made this possible.

"For us in Agatu, the Governor's decision to have this battalion located here is a profound statement of love and concern for our people. We will never take that gesture for granted.

"We are confident that the establishment of the 111 Battalion will further strengthen the peace we have been working to achieve and give our people greater confidence to return, rebuild and prosper," Ejeh said.

The development is expected to become one of the most significant additions to Agatu's security framework since its creation as the local government enters a new phase of peace-building, community recovery and economic revitalisation.

03/09/2026

GBENDA: THE BRIDGE BETWEEN GOV. ALIA AND BENUE YOUTHS, TAKING INCLUSION BEYOND RHETORIC
..As Youth Leader Takes Grassroots Outreach to 23 LGAs, Pledges 1,000 Bags of Rice for Benue Youths

By Orseer Mnzughulga

At a time when economic hardship continues to stretch the resilience of young Nigerians, the Benue State Youth Leader, Hon. Gbenda Terver, is demonstrating that youth leadership can go beyond political speeches, promises and mobilisation to deliver practical interventions that directly touch the lives of the people.

As Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia on Youth Organisations and Illegal Levies, Gbenda has announced plans to distribute 1,000 bags of rice to youths across the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue State, in a grassroots intervention designed to provide immediate relief to young people and complement the people-oriented initiatives of the Alia administration.

The intervention, which is expected to commence in batches, is another reflection of Gbenda's growing engagement with young people and communities across the state.
For the Benue Youth Leader, leadership is not simply about occupying a position or making political declarations. It is about being available, identifying with the people, understanding their challenges and taking action where possible to make a difference.

And perhaps nothing captures his approach to politics and leadership more succinctly than his often-repeated philosophy, "I don't believe in talking politics, but I believe in doing politics."

That statement has increasingly become a defining feature of Gbenda’s public engagement.

Rather than merely talking about youth inclusion, he is seeking to put inclusion into practice by taking his activities beyond political meetings and Government House to the grassroots, where ordinary young people are confronted daily with the realities of economic hardship.

In a political environment where youth leadership is often associated primarily with mobilisation during elections, Gbenda is determined to offer a different model one in which political engagement is measured by impact, accessibility and service to the people.
His philosophy of "doing politics" is built around the belief that political leadership should maintain a human connection with the people it represents.

Consequently, his engagements have increasingly focused on reaching out to youths, identifying with their concerns and creating opportunities to provide support where necessary.

The planned rice distribution across Benue’s 23 Local Government Areas is therefore more than the distribution of food items. It represents an attempt to translate political representation into visible grassroots engagement. It sends a message that young people should not only be remembered during election seasons but should remain part of the conversation and beneficiaries of practical interventions throughout the life of an administration.

Gbenda's position places him at a critical intersection between the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration and the youth population of Benue State.

As Youth Leader and Senior Special Assistant on Youth Organisations and Illegal Levies, he occupies a strategic position in communicating the aspirations of young people to government while equally taking the administration’s programmes, policies and interventions closer to the grassroots.

His continuing outreach across the state has increasingly positioned him as a bridge between Government House and the youths, particularly those outside the major urban centres.

Through such engagements, he is reinforcing the philosophy that governance should not be confined to offices and official ceremonies but must ultimately be felt in communities.
The latest rice intervention is expected to complement the Alia Care initiative and provide some measure of relief to young people navigating the difficult economic climate.

The decision to extend the intervention across all 23 Local Government Areas is significant.
It reflects an effort to ensure that the youth-support agenda does not become concentrated in a few locations but reaches young people across the geographical spread of the state.

From the urban centres to the rural communities, the message is that no local government and no segment of Benue’s youth population should be left behind.
The distribution is expected to take place in batches to ensure effective coordination and wider reach.

Gbenda has appealed to youths across the state to remain patient as arrangements are concluded, assuring them that steps are being taken to ensure that beneficiaries across the 23 LGAs are captured.

While a bag of rice may appear to be a simple intervention, its significance becomes greater against the backdrop of the economic difficulties confronting households and young people.

For many youths, especially those struggling with unemployment, underemployment and rising living costs, any meaningful intervention that reduces pressure on household expenditure can make a difference.

But beyond the material value of the rice is a broader message of recognition and inclusion.
It tells young people that their challenges are being noticed and that those entrusted with representing them are willing to come closer to them. This is where Gbenda’s approach to youth leadership becomes particularly significant.

His philosophy appears to be that politics should be experienced as service, not merely discussed as an ambition and by taking his outreach to different parts of Benue, he is gradually giving practical meaning to that philosophy.

Gbenda's growing grassroots presence also demonstrates that his engagement is not limited to political structures or a narrow circle of youth organisations. His outreach increasingly cuts across communities, groups and stakeholders, creating a broader platform for interaction between the administration and the people. This has helped strengthen the perception of his office as an avenue through which the concerns of young people can be communicated and addressed.

It is an approach that could prove particularly important in a state where youths constitute a significant component of the population and an essential force in determining Benue’s political, economic and social future.

For Governor Alia's administration, a vibrant connection with the youth is equally important. Young people are not only voters, they are entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, creatives, community organisers and future leaders. Giving them a sense of belonging in governance therefore goes beyond political calculations it is an investment in the future of the state.

Gbenda's emerging role can therefore be viewed through three important lenses! representation, engagement and action.

He represents the interests of young people within the administration; he engages directly with them at the grassroots, and, through interventions such as the planned rice distribution, he seeks to translate that engagement into tangible support.

This combination has strengthened his position as one of the channels through which Governor Alia's administration continues to connect with the younger generation.
The underlying message is becoming increasingly clear! Benue youths should not merely be mobilised when their votes are needed. They should be heard, engaged, supported, empowered and included in governance.

Ultimately, Gbenda's frequently repeated declaration that he does not believe in "talking politics" but believes in "doing politics" may become the defining theme of his youth leadership.

In a state where political conversations are often dominated by promises, his emphasis on action presents a different narrative one that seeks to measure leadership by the number of people reached, communities engaged and lives touched.

The planned distribution of 1,000 bags of rice across the 23 LGAs is one more step in that direction and with a pledge to sustain the gesture for as long as the Alia-led administration remains in office, the intervention is being positioned not as an isolated act but as part of a broader commitment to youth welfare and grassroots engagement.

As preparations for the first batch of distribution gather momentum, youths across Benue are looking forward to the commencement of the exercise.

For Gbenda Terver, however, the rice may only be one chapter in a larger leadership story a story about taking politics from the podium to the people, taking government closer to the grassroots, and building a lasting bridge between Governor Alia’s administration and the young people of Benue State. In the end, his message is simple! Don't just talk about politics, do politics that the people can feel.
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02/09/2026

ALIA'S ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO REVOLUTIONISE AGRICULTURE, TRANSPORTATION WITH TLM PARTNERSHIP

By Orseer Mnzughulga

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, said his administration is committed to adopting innovative and sustainable solutions in agriculture, transportation and renewable energy to accelerate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of the people.

The Governor stated this against the backdrop of a proposed partnership between the Benue State Government and TLM Ltd aimed at deploying agricultural mechanisation solutions, energy-efficient transportation systems and renewable energy technologies across the state.

The proposed collaboration involves the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (BSADC), the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Benue Links, the Ministry of Transportation, Renewable Energy and Power, and TLM Ltd.

The proposal was presented on Tuesday at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi, during a meeting with the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode, mni, who also serves as Chairman of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency.

Representing the Governor, Ode expressed the administration's enthusiasm about the proposed partnership, describing it as timely and consistent with the government’s development agenda.

He said the initiative had the potential to significantly strengthen agricultural production, reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and promote the adoption of clean energy solutions in the state.

Ode called for a coordinated approach involving BSADC, Benue Links, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and TLM Ltd to ensure that the initiative was effectively implemented across the state.

He designated the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BSADC, Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule, as the desk officer for the project, citing his expertise and broad experience.

The Deputy Governor directed Akule to engage relevant ministries, agencies and companies by inviting them to a take-off meeting where the implementation framework and areas of collaboration would be further discussed.

He also said the project would require the establishment of service centres, training facilities, relief stations and pilot schemes at strategic locations across the state.

Ode assured TLM Ltd of the state government’s support, stressing that the administration was prepared to facilitate the necessary engagements with relevant stakeholders towards the successful take-off of the initiative.

Earlier, the Managing Director of BSADC, Donald Aorkwagh Akule, provided an overview of the proposed project, explaining that it aligned with the recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Governors’ Forum for states to intensify agricultural production while pursuing measures to reduce transportation costs.

Akule highlighted TLM Ltd's experience and capacity, particularly its projects in Katsina State and other locations, noting that the company had demonstrated practical solutions in agricultural mechanisation and sustainable transportation.

The Managing Director of TLM Ltd, Mr. Leo Wei, expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government for the warm reception and presented the company’s capabilities and proposed solutions.

Wei said the company's electric vehicles were designed to provide efficient and environmentally friendly transportation, with some models capable of travelling up to 500 miles on a full charge.

He explained that the vehicles were available in different capacities, ranging from nine-passenger models to buses capable of carrying up to 56 passengers, while specialised models could be deployed for agricultural purposes.

According to him, TLM Ltd would provide the vehicles, technical training and service equipment required for the commencement of the project.

He disclosed that the company had supplied 400 tractors to Katsina State, alongside training and capacity-building support, adding that TLM Ltd was eager to bring its expertise to Benue.

Also speaking, Mr. Tor-Solomon Abam emphasised the importance of agriculture and renewable energy in building a sustainable economy, stressing the need for Benue to leverage its agricultural potential while embracing emerging technologies.

The proposed partnership is expected to support Benue's transition towards mechanised agriculture, cleaner transportation and renewable energy while creating opportunities for skills development, employment and increased economic activity across the state.

Naija NewsToday

02/10/2026

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