By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Professor Leonard Karshima Shilgba as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh.

The appointment takes immediate effect, according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula.Prof. Shilgba, a Professor of Mathematics, succeeds the institution’s pioneer Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Qrisstuberg Msughter Amua, who was recently relieved of his appointment for what the state government described as administrative reasons.

The statement noted that Shilgba previously served as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), having been appointed to the position in 2017 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. Congratulating the new Acting Vice-Chancellor, Governor Alia urged him to provide stable leadership, strengthen academic excellence and foster unity within the university community.

“This is a position of great responsibility, and we trust you will lead with wisdom, integrity and fairness. I urge you to provide steady leadership, strengthen academic excellence, and promote unity among the staff and students,” the governor said.

Alia also encouraged Prof. Shilgba to prioritise the welfare of staff and students while upholding the values and reputation of the university.

By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has announced plans to revive state-wide sports festivals and reconstruct the Jolly Nyame Stadium as part of efforts to strengthen sports development and youth empowerment in the state. Kefas made the announcement while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) at the Government House in Jalingo.

The governor said sports festivals would return across Taraba’s 16 local government areas to promote grassroots talent discovery, social cohesion and youth development. He added that the Jolly Nyame Stadium would be upgraded to international standards to enable the state host major sporting events. “Our vision is to restore Taraba as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting states by investing in modern infrastructure and youth development,” the governor said.

Speaking during the visit, NTF Vice President Yusuf Datti commended the governor for supporting sports development, saying the maiden Dr. Agbu Kefas North-East Tennis Championship had helped promote tennis and identify emerging talents in the region.

In a separate engagement, the National Association of Former Local Government Council Chairmen in Nigeria (NALGON Emeritus) conferred the title of Grand Patron on Governor Kefas.

The association’s National President, Shaba Ibrahim, said the honour recognised the governor’s leadership and contributions to national development. Responding, Kefas pledged continued support for initiatives that promote national unity, responsible leadership and people-centred governance.

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command says it has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Joto Jakata, from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, for allegedly transporting ammunition suspected to be destined for criminal elements.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the suspect was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation by officers attached to the Guma Police Division.

According to the police, a search of the suspect led to the recovery of 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition allegedly concealed in his possession.The command said the suspect is in police custody and that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Police added that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons connected to the case, as well as determine the source and intended destination of the recovered ammunition.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu praised their vigilance and professionalism. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition and disrupting criminal networks operating within the state.The police have not announced any formal charges, and investigations into the case are continuing.