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Tag: Benue state

Iorpev Rates Governor Alia High on Education, Infrastructure, Healthcare and Economic Development
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Chief Solomon Iorpev, the Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, has rated Governor Hyacinth Alia highly for what he described as major achievements in education, infrastructure, healthcare and economic development since taking office as the sixth elected governor of Benue State.
In a press statement issued on Friday, Iorpev said Governor Alia has prioritised education, recognising it as the foundation for sustainable development. He noted that the administration has introduced policies aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education across the state.
According to him, the governor’s efforts include establishing the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology at Ihyugh in Vandeikya and opening a new Benue State University campus in Adikpo, which houses the Faculty of Technology. He added that the governor declared a state of emergency on primary education, directing that modern storey buildings be integrated into public school infrastructure.
Iorpev further disclosed that the governor approved the recruitment of 9,000 teachers to address staffing gaps and introduced computer-based learning to enhance basic education. These interventions, he said, contributed to Governor Alia’s recognition as 2024 Governor of the Year.
On healthcare, the technical adviser said the commissioning of the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital has helped reduce maternal and child mortality rates. He also highlighted the revamping of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and the upgrade of health facilities across the state.
He praised the administration for establishing a cancer centre** and a pharmaceutical hub to ensure steady access to essential medicines. He added that the employment of more than 500 new healthcare workers has strengthened service delivery across the sector.
Speaking on infrastructure, Iorpev stated that the administration has constructed over 390 kilometres of roads in different parts of the state. He said the two underpasses built in Makurdi and Gboko have reduced traffic congestion and improved safety, while another underpass project has been awarded for Otukpo.
Iorpev also noted that Governor Alia has intensified rural development efforts, implementing policies designed to support local communities. He said the administration has empowered women and youths to enhance economic productivity and self-reliance.
On workers’ welfare, he stated that the government has ensured prompt payment of salaries and pensions, while implementing a N75,000 minimum wage for public servants. He described these actions as evidence of the governor’s commitment to the wellbeing of the state’s workforce.
The adviser concluded that the governor’s performance reflects a deliberate and focused approach to governance aimed at accelerating the socio-economic development of Benue State.
November 22, 2025
Former Ambassador Tarzoor Alleges Plot to Destabilize Governor Alia’s Administration in Benue
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia and ex-Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Terhemen Tarzoor, has alleged that a coordinated plan by some Benue politicians is underway to destabilize the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tarzoor made the disclosure during a world press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) House in Makurdi, where he accused certain political figures of plotting to discredit the state government through propaganda, protests, and blackmail.
According to him, credible intelligence revealed that the group has allegedly mobilized about N2 billion to finance a campaign aimed at making the state “ungovernable.” He claimed the plan is expected to take effect from December 1, 2025, with two serving members of the National Assembly reportedly appointed as spokespersons for the group.
“The agents of darkness are at it again,” Tarzoor said. “However, the hand of Almighty God has continued to expose them and their evil machinations. We have just uncovered a well-orchestrated plot by some politicians of Benue extraction to destabilize the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.”
He alleged that the group’s strategy includes launching false allegations of financial impropriety, undermining state government projects, and mobilizing youths for violent protests in key cities such as Makurdi and Gboko to damage the governor’s popularity.
Tarzoor further warned that such actions threaten peace and development in Benue State, urging residents to remain vigilant and resist being used for political purposes.
He praised Governor Alia’s leadership, describing it as “focused and people-centered,” and called for unity among political stakeholders to support ongoing developmental efforts rather than sabotage them.
While the identities of those allegedly involved were not disclosed, Tarzoor expressed confidence that security agencies would act on the intelligence to prevent any attempt to destabilize the state.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Benue State Government or the alleged politicians regarding the ambassador’s claims.
November 12, 2025
Gov Alia Dissolves Lobi Stars FC Board, Management to Reposition Club for Better Performance
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has dissolved the board and management team of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, in a move aimed at repositioning the club for improved accountability and performance.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula. The statement explained that the decision forms part of the government’s strategy to strengthen the club’s structure and ensure greater efficiency in both the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and other competitions.
Governor Alia expressed appreciation to the outgoing board and management for their service to the club and the state. He assured fans and stakeholders that a new management structure would soon be announced to drive Lobi Stars to the next level of development.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, emphasizing that it serves as a vital platform for youth engagement, talent discovery, and social cohesion in Benue State.
In his directive, Governor Alia ordered all members of the dissolved board and management to immediately hand over all official documents, assets, and responsibilities to the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Creativity.
October 24, 2025
Gov. Alia Hails Gowon’s Contributions to Public Health, Nation-Building at 91
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has commended former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), for his tireless contributions to public health and national unity as the elder statesman marks his 91st birthday.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor praised General Gowon’s efforts in combating Guinea Worm, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS through his humanitarian initiative, the Yakubu Gowon Centre for National Unity and International Cooperation.
Governor Alia also lauded Gowon’s enduring commitment to good governance and nation-building, describing him as a man of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service.
He recalled the former leader’s post-war policy of “Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation”, noting that it played a pivotal role in healing the wounds of the Nigerian Civil War and rebuilding the country’s economy and infrastructure—particularly in the Eastern Region.
“General Gowon’s steadfast belief in one, united Nigeria has continued to inspire hope and unity among our people,” Alia stated, adding that his leadership legacy remains a guiding light for current and future generations.
Governor Alia prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the former Head of State, wishing him good health, long life, and renewed strength to continue contributing to the nation’s progress.
He further urged Nigerian leaders to emulate Gowon’s humility, statesmanship, and unwavering dedication to national service.
Gov. Hyacinth Alia celebrates Gen. Yakubu Gowon at 91, praising his role in eradicating Guinea Worm and promoting unity through nation-building efforts.
October 21, 2025
My Govt Would Implement Policies Aimed at Making Benue Envy of Other States – Gov Alia
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, has assured that his administration would continue to implement policies aimed at making the state envy of other state of the country in terms of development.
The Governor who gave this assurance at the Government House Makurdi, in his speech on the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day celebration, restated his commitment towards sparing no effort in changing the negative narratives that he met when he took oath of office as Governor.
” I wish to emphasize that the era of padding contract figures is over. Accountability and transparency in the award and execution of these projects are sacrosanct. It is equally pertinent for us to examine where we are, and to the brighter future that lies ahead of us”.
Fr Alia, noted that efforts are being intensified towards boosting food security to enhance job creation, adding that it is in view of this that his administration procured 100 trucks of fertilizers for distribution to farmers at subsidized rates, coupled with several ongoing agricultural reforms under his watch.
He continued: ” My fellow Benue citizens, the dawn of renewed hope in our state which I champion is not just mere rhetorics, we are already translating it into reality. This is partly evident in my administration’s award of contract and mobilization of contractors to site, for construction of 16 strategic roads within Makurdi Metropolis”.
Governor Alia assured that the present administration intends to extend same to all major roads linking the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, stressing that this is aimed at easing movement of people, goods and services.
He pointed out that, the present government has begun a tour of on-the-spot assessment of all the state owned industries that are moribund, asserting that the revival of these industries including the Taraku Oil Mills, among others, through Public Private Partnership would be accorded top priority.
The Governor acknowledged the sacrifices, valour and cohesive nationalistic onslaught our forefathers made to actualize Nigeri’s political freedom. ” It is most importantly, an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for preserving us amidst several storms, some of which at some point within the last 63 years, threatened our very own existence as a country.
October 3, 2023
Police Arrest Suspect Over Assassination of Retired Judge in Benue State
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command has arrested Aondohemba Joseph, suspected to be one of the killers of the Retired President, Customary Court of Appeal, Benue State, Justice Margaret Igbetar.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Sewuese Anene who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday in Makurdi noted that the late Judge was found in a pool of her blood in her kitchen with deep cuts on her back.
” On August 24, 2023 information was received at the Police E Division Makurdi, that Justice Margaret Igbetar, rtd, could not respond to calls and was no where to be found. Detectives were immediately deployed for investigation.
A search conducted within her house at Wantor Kwange street, Gboko road, Makurdi led to the discovery of her body in a pool of blood inside her kitchen. It was also observed that she had deep cuts on her back. Further investigation led to the arrest of one Aondohemba Joseph and recovery of exibits for detailed investigation”.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP, Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka as condemning the heinous act in strong terms.
CP Onyeka further assured that efforts would be intensified to unravel the mystery behind the death of the 73-year-old Igbetar and ensure that the perpetrators of the dasterdly act are made to face the full wrath of the law.
Day Break learned that the late Justice Margaret Igbetar who was born on October 17, 1950 in Tsar, Mbadede in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, was a founding member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Benue State Chapter.
August 27, 2023
NGO Empowers Women, Youths Through Sustainable Projects in Benue State
Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Disturbed by the level of poverty bedeviling the women and youths in Benue State, a non governmental organization, Nick Agule Foundation, NAF, has embarked on sustainable empowerment projects aimed at ameliorating the sufferings being experienced by the less privileged individuals in the state.
Founder of the organization, Mr Nick Agule who disclosed this to Day Break in an exclusive interview in Makurdi at the weekend, explained that the focus of the foundation is the build sustainable empowerment projects that will impact positively the lives of the less privileged persons.
” For us in Nick Agule Foundation, we are looking for sustainability. We know that there are other NGOs that are doing great works in providing short term relief to the less privileged, but we are looking for sustainability. So instead of running a medical outfit, we look forward to building a clinic or a cottage hospital for the community.
Instead of giving scholarship to few children, we will rather go build a school so that all children will benefit from. Instead of giving them a tanker of water or sachet of water, we will rather dig a bole hole so that the community people will have access to quality water”, he said.
Mr Agule hinted that the foundation’s main aim is to empower the women and the youths economically, explaining that when people are empowered economically, they have what it takes to live better lives.
To this end, the NGO has put in place modalities to fund the setting up of small businesses for people especially those in the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps.
” Nick Agule Foundation intends to embark on projects where we fund the setting up of small businesses for people especially in the IDPs camps, and by the time we come out with our education programs, our water programs, our agricultural programs, these will all be for the empowerment of the indigent people”.
August 14, 2023
Newly Elected Gov Of Benue Freezes All State Bank Accounts
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has ordered all government bank accounts frozen.
Alia made the declaration in his inaugural speech shortly after taking the oath of office as Governor of Benue State at the IBB Square on Monday.
The governor said a ‘Post No Debit’ instruction shall remain in force until all signatories are changed.
He warned all banks to adhere to the directive without delay.
He said: “May I announce that effective immediately and until further notice, all government bank accounts in all banks are hereby frozen. A ‘Post No Debit’ instruction shall remain in force until all signatories are changed. Any bank that violates this instruction does so at its own risk.”
During his speech, Governor Alia expressed his commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the state’s finances.
May 30, 2023
Unknown Gunmen Kill 2, Kidnap One Person in Benue State
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
No fewer than two persons have been reportedly killed and another kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Tse Akpene along Sankera, Chito, Vaase road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Informed sources told Day Break that the slain persons were returning from Zaki Biam market at about 8pm where they went to buy roofing materials.
It was gathered that on getting to Tse Akpene settlement area, they run into hoodlums who were also on a motorcycle and were operating in the area.
Investigation further revealed that after killing the two persons they kidnapped the shop owner in the area and they also went away with the deceased motorcycle.
This heinous act occurred shortly after Benue State Government had lifted ban on motorcycle operations in the Sankera axis comprising UKum, Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas.
It would be recalled that the state government had placed a ban on motorcycle operations as well as Toyota Corolla car otherwise referred to as (dock nyash) to due insecurity in the area.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations officer Benue State Command, DSP Sewuese Anene said she was yet to be briefed about the incident.
April 2, 2023
Lasser Fever Claims Three Lives in Benue State
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
No fever than three lives have been reportedly lost in Benue State following the outbreak of the deadly Lasser Fever disease, says Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Benue State.
Chairman of NMA, Dr Usha Anenga who made this disclosure in an interview in Makurdi at the weekend confirmed three deaths and 36 cases of Lasser Fever in the state.
Dr Anenga pointed out that as efforts are being stepped up to prevent fatality, more infections were recorded following refusal by residents to avoid practices that could lead to more infections.
The Chairman lauded Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom for providing isolation center among other equipment for use by Lasser Fever patients, which he said has reduced deaths of the infected persons.
He counseled residents to keep their surroundings clean as well as cover their cooked foods properly, warning that the disease is deadly. Ends
April 2, 2023