The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, have pledged to prioritise peace and security if elected in the November 8 governorship election.
The duo said the state had experienced prolonged insecurity resulting from killings and kidnappings, which had affected residents and economic activities.
Speaking during the APC campaign rally at Richie Hall, Umudioka, in Awka South Local Government Area, Ukachukwu said their administration, if elected, would work to restore normalcy and foster development.
“Our state is destined for greatness. We have endured too many challenges. It’s time to choose prosperity, truth, and purposeful leadership. Together, we will build an Anambra that works for everyone,” he said.
Ukachukwu said insecurity had forced several businesses to close, including some of his manufacturing firms, following repeated abductions of expatriate workers.
“The last experience was devastating. A huge ransom was paid to secure their release, after which they left the state. Anambra deserves a better environment for business,” he said.
He also outlined plans to improve infrastructure and essential services, including a proposed 250-megawatt power plant and a statewide water supply system to ensure access to clean water.
“We will work towards stable electricity and functional water systems.
Students of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
The students, under the auspices of the National Union of Anambra State Students (NUASS), made their position known during a colloquium in honour of Governor Soludo held at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, NUASS President, Comrade Felix Nwachinaemelu, said Soludo’s focus on youth inclusion, skill acquisition, and innovation has inspired students across the state to believe more in governance and their own role in shaping Anambra’s future.
He praised the governor’s visionary leadership and enduring impact on innovation and youth empowerment, commending his people-oriented policies and pledging the union’s support for his re-election bid.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Fred Agbata, commended the students for rallying behind the governor’s second-term ambition, describing Soludo as a visionary leader who has redefined governance through innovation and technology.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme: “Rethinking Developmental Governance: The Philosophy of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo,” Agbata highlighted the governor’s transformative strides anchored on a philosoph Students of tertiary institutions in Anambra State have declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has charged corps members to remain politically neutral and uphold the highest standards of integrity as they prepare to serve as ad hoc personnel in the November 8 governorship election.
Its State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, gave the advice during a Zonal Sensitisation Programme, where she warned the over 3,000 corps members in attendance against any form of partisanship, inducement, or misconduct during the election.
“You are ambassadors of the NYSC. Your duty is to serve the nation impartially, with discipline, integrity, and courage. Remember—your neutrality is sacred, and your integrity is non-negotiable,” she stated.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed Divisional Police Officers, as well as Area and Tactical Commanders, to intensify intelligence-driven operations and conduct coordinated security raids across identified flashpoints within their areas of jurisdiction.
Orutugu issued the directive following credible intelligence reports suggesting that certain individuals and groups, allegedly acting on behalf of political interests, may be mobilising youths for violent activities before and during the upcoming election period.
According to him, the strategic move is aimed at nipping in the bud any emerging threats of political thuggery, cult-related violence, and the illegal possession of firearms — all with the ultimate goal of ensuring a secure and peaceful electoral environment.
The establishment of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh, in Benue State, is not merely an academic milestone; it is a visionary move with far-reaching impacts for educational advancement, agricultural innovation, technological transformation, and socioeconomic development in Benue State, and Nigeria as a whole.
This bold initiative by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, reflects foresight, inclusivity, equity, and a pragmatic commitment to rural development, and youth empowerment.
The vision of UAST is to become a leading institution in agricultural research, scientific innovation, and technological excellence that addresses local and global challenges in food production, sustainability, and development. It aspires to be a cradle of knowledge and innovation that fuels productivity, and self-reliance, especially in agricultural communities.
Its mission is built around the necessity to provide high-quality education, and research in agriculture, science, and technology; to train skilled manpower that can drive agribusiness, promote rural development, and contribute to national food security and general food sovereignty across the Nigerian nation and the African continent. The university will also prioritize community engagement and the application of research to real-world challenges facing farmers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
Recall that the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Governor Alia to accompany him to Brazil sometime this year (2025), is a testament that will also add energy to the University, owing to the relevance of the trip. At the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, the President of Brazil, the Nigerian leader, and the Governor, attended a bilateral meeting at the inter-governmental summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) and newly developed economies summit, which deeply exposed the Governor to keynote presentations that injected reform ideas of the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at repositioning the state’s economy with agriculture, playing a crucial role. And the University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ihugh, was also factored into the equation.
This, essentially, has attracted investors to Nigeria, and Benue State in particular – will sure capitalise on the abundant opportunities embedded in the generous journey with Mr. President.
As he (the President), hopes to attract investors to capitalise on Nigeria’s opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy, the University is strategically positioned to key into the framework.
The siting of UAST in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of the State, opens a new chapter for the host community. Historically rural and agrarian, the community stands to benefit from a range of transformative impacts such as:
Economic Empowerment: The influx of students, faculty, construction workers, and businesses will stimulate local commerce, housing, transportation, and small enterprises.
Job Creation: Immediate employment opportunities in construction, logistics, food supply, security, and administration will lift many families out of poverty.
Access to Education: Proximity to a tertiary institution will inspire local youth to pursue higher education, increasing literacy and professional capacity in the area.
Infrastructure Development: The University’s presence will accelerate the provision of road networks, electricity, water supply, healthcare, and other essential amenities.
Cultural Integration: The influx of diverse people will enhance intercultural exchange and position the host community as a melting pot of ideas and innovation.
The surrounding local government areas — Konshisha, Ushongo, Kwande, Gboko and the northern local government areas of Cross River State – stand to benefit immensely from spillover effects. The emergence of academic and research clusters will open opportunities for:
Satellite campuses and research farms.
Outreach programs focusing on agricultural extension services, training of local farmers, and introduction of modern farming methods.
Market linkages for local produce through university-driven agribusiness hubs.
For Benue State, the Middle-Belt or North Central geo-political zone and Nigeria as a whole, UAST is a strategic weapon in the fight against rural poverty, youth unemployment, food insecurity and national food sovereignty. Known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Benue’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture – the same fate which characterizes the entirety of Northern Nigeria. However, the sector has remained underproductive due to outdated practices and limited access to research-based innovation.
With UAST, the state now has a specialized institution that will:
Conduct climate-smart agricultural research, promote the use of improved seedlings, irrigation, pest control, and mechanized farming;Partner with private sector players and donor agencies in value-chain development and agro-processing. This will diversify the economy, increase internally generated revenue (IGR), and position Benue as an agricultural hub not just by volume, but by value.
On a national scale, the university’s establishment reflects alignment with the Federal Government’s priorities in education, food security, and technological innovation. UAST will:
Provide research-based policy recommendations on food sufficiency and rural development; serve as a training ground for future scientists, engineers, agronomists, and technologists needed to drive national productivity; Mitigate the challenge of over-centralized universities by decentralizing higher education to rural areas; help curb rural-urban migration through job creation and development initiatives tied to the university ecosystem.
Furthermore, the University is strategically poised to collaborate with global research institutes and development agencies like the FAO, IFAD, and the African Development Bank in projects that require localized implementation of global ideas.
Governor Alia’s strategic calculus is timely. Many may ask: Why Ihugh? Why not Makurdi or Gboko or any other major town? The answer lies in the multi-dimensional strategic reasoning behind Governor Alia’s decision: Rural Balance and Inclusion: The Governor’s administration is premised on equity, inclusion and even distribution of development. Siting the university in Ihugh sends a powerful message that no community is too small to be transformed.
Agricultural Significance: Ihugh and its environs in Vandeikya, Konshisha, Kwande, Ushongo and the northern local governments of Cross River State, are deeply rooted in farming traditions. Their soil fertility, topography, and climate are ideal for experimental farms, agricultural training, and field-based research.
Geopolitical Strategy: The university’s location in Zone A, ensures geographic equity in educational infrastructure. Makurdi houses the Federal University of Agriculture (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University), while Ihugh will now host the state-owned counterpart in the eastern flank of the state.
Security and Accessibility: Ihugh’s relative peace and central location within Vandeikya LGA makes it suitable for academic investments without the risks associated with high-conflict zones.
Community Enthusiasm: The people of Ihugh are known for their educational zeal and hospitality. Their embrace of the university project ensures a supportive environment for sustained development.
To fully harness the potential of UAST, stakeholders must ensure: Partnerships with industries, NGOs, and international bodies to boost innovation and resource mobilization; Curriculum flexibility and vocational training, tailored to modern challenges; Transparency and merit-based appointments in university leadership to be ensured in order to uphold the vision and mission of the institution.
Governor Alia’s decision to establish the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh for the Benue State Government, is a landmark legacy that will echo in the anals of contemporary history for generations to come. It is a clarion call to innovation, empowerment, and rural transformation.
As the foundation has commenced in honest for what could become the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) of West Africa’s agricultural and technological development, all hands must be on deck to support this noble endeavor.
Today, Benue State under the watch of the Executive Governor of the State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, as its dynamic servant-leader, stands at the cusp of a new dawn, and Ihugh is its shining beacon.
Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Makurdi, the Capital.
As part of his development agenda and to fulfill his campaign promises, His Execllency Governor Hyacinth Alia bring together some expert who produced a document known as “ Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.
This document is structured around seven priority pillars, with acronym SACHIIP .
On Page 38 of the this document ,the Governor outline 8 programs for Benue youths , to make them more self reliance and responsible to the society .
Unlike when they were used and dumped after elections,Governor Alia accomadate Benue youths into well into his development plan ,build on trust and confidence .
Among the programs are:
1. Promote youth participation in Governance, both at state and Local Government levels .
2. Promote the establishment of youths recreational centers in the three Senatorial districts in the state.
3. Establish the Benue Youths Volunteer Corps ( BYVC) to provide service, skill development, and leadership development to our teaming, youthfully population.
4. Promote Youth participation and employment in Agro,- procession industries strategically located across the three senatorial districts in the state.
5. Facilate employment, training, scholarship awards and entrepreneurship programmes for militia converts in the state.
6. Train young doctors , engineers, ICT, Lawyers and other needed professionals to enhance the human capacity of Benue state.
7. Re- orientation of the youths for effective patriotism, discipline, honestly, integrity, and selfless in youthful society.
8. Generally, improve youth employment through efficient commerce, industries and agriculture.
Armed with this ducument ,and within two years of his administration,Governor Alia has given the youths of Benue a pride of place in his entire administration.
Barrister Seember Wayo, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters , Dr. Terna Francis Director- General Benue State Bureau for Education Quality Assurance , Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya, Commissioner for Youths and Creativity , before now he was in charge of ministry of work and Housing are all youths .
Other Youthful appointees holding position of responsibility and discharging their mandate isare Sir Kulas Tersoo Chief Press Secretary to the Governor , Hon Solomon Iorpev Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategy communication as well as Director General ,Benue signage and Advertising Agency .
From these appointments Governor Hyacinth Alia has has demonstrated capacity to empower Benue youths who are the leaders of tomorrow in fulfilment of his campaign promises as capsulated in the Strategic Development plan for a Greater Benue.
It is heart warming and a thing of joy to note that this is the first time a Governor has given opportunities to Youths in his both cabinet and head of critical agencies of Government.
But there is icening on the cake as the Benue Youths Policy gets under soon.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has involved services of expert ,international developers and international organisation who are fine tunning the youth policy which will soon be unveil to Benue people . This is first of it’s kind in Benue too.
Then ,the Big one “ a peep into the Benue Youths Policy revealed that they are more 40 sports items for the youths only .
These included: Establishment of sports acedamies in the state , Develop modalities for full comercialisation of sports for revenue generation in the state, sponsoring of an Executive Bill to legalized and encourage sponsorship of sporting activities by private and public individuals .
Others are: Support the development of mini- stadiums in all the Local Government headquarters, for example the Vanideikya, Katsina Ala, Aliade, Otukpo stadiums builds years again will be upgraded for the benefits of the youths in Benue so that sports talents would be discovered and nature into international stars.
Increase funding and provide more funding facilities for sports development.
Re-introduce the all – primary and Secondary school games to harness local talents
And lastly Complete all outstanding revocation work and further expand the capacity of the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi to International standard , including Macarthy Stadium.
Already, with the quality execution of infrastructure projects like roads,( both urban and rural) health , education, massive upgrading of Government offices , especially State Secretariat ,shows that the implementation of the Strategy Development Plan For a greater Benue of His Excellency,Governor Hyacinth Alia is on course and now a working ducument which has enderaed him ( Governor) to the people of Benue state who have increased the volume of Yes father chants.
In the essence,the youths ,who constitute 30 percent of Benue population must position themselves to take up leadership position of not just Governor Hyacinth Alia administration but of the state in future.
Luckily the “Not too Young Bill” has given them the Constitutional power.
Hon .Gbenda Terver, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Illegal Levies ,told The Nation that “ Governor Alia has given Benue youths a better life to live, and they have key into the his policy to make their lives better .
For Governor Hyacinth Alia , the youths remain “ Leaders of Tomorrow” and we must work toward giving them a better life..
This the Governnor said” I’m running for governor to effect a significant transformation in the social , economic,and political landscape of our dear state .I’m committed to ensuring that a better and greater Benue emerges in my dispensation as governor .I need your collective Support to make this dream a reality.
That better tomorrow is now and it’s has started manifesting.
Uja Emmanuel is the Benue State correspondent of The Nation ,covering Benue state
Foremost researcher, consultant, and political analyst, Dr. Uche Igwe, has commended the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for the remarkable improvement in security across the state.
In a statement released in Owerri on Monday, October 27, Dr. Igwe noted a significant reduction in security incidents, particularly in rural communities.
“I have been visiting several communities across Mbaise in the last few days, and I am impressed at the level of calmness that is prevailing. Security is gradually returning. It is clear that the efforts of the Hope Uzodimma administration are yielding fruits. Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora can now come home and enjoy Christmas without fear. It is not perfect yet, but you can now sleep with your two eyes closed,” he said.
Dr. Igwe emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between traditional rulers and the state government to sustain the progress made in securing communities.
He also praised the traditional ruler of Ihitteaforukwu community, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. O. D. Nwandu, for inaugurating the Royal Guards outfit to maintain peace in his domain.
According to him, Eze Nwandu’s initiative demonstrates how visionary and responsive traditional leaders can establish community-driven structures that complement government efforts.
Describing Eze Nwandu as an intelligent and compassionate leader, Dr. Igwe lauded his foresight and commitment to the welfare of his people, noting that his leadership has brought stability and development to Ihitteaforukwu.
He called on other traditional rulers across Imo State to emulate Eze Nwandu’s example and urged residents of Mbaise to support local initiatives that promote peace and security.
The Coalition for Equitable Development and Fiscal Justice (CEDFJ) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the 2025 capital budget as a national emergency, noting that effective implementation is crucial to sustaining economic recovery and public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Dr. Gbenga Akinbowale, and National Secretary, Gloria Maduegbuna, the group said the success of the President’s reform agenda depends on timely and efficient execution of capital projects.
“The President must now see the 2025 capital budget as a national emergency. Each year, the same bureaucratic cycle repeats itself — funds are released late, projects stall midway, and inflation wipes out the value of appropriations. This must not continue under an administration that came to power promising a break from the past,” the statement said.
CEDFJ emphasised that consistent and timely release of funds is vital to ensuring that infrastructure projects across the country are completed as planned.
The group noted that accelerated budget performance would strengthen public trust in the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Every stalled road project, every uncompleted hospital or power installation is a reminder that citizens are still waiting for the Renewed Hope they were promised. Meeting these expectations through visible delivery will reinforce national confidence in the government’s direction,” it added.
Akinbowale said the coalition’s review of past budgets showed that less than 70 percent of capital allocations were utilised in most MDAs between 2021 and 2024 — a situation that, if not improved upon, could affect critical infrastructure projects in 2025.
He urged the President to introduce a direct monitoring mechanism for capital releases and demand quarterly performance reports from relevant government agencies.
“The credibility of the Renewed Hope Agenda depends not on how well the budget is written, but on how faithfully it is implemented. The 2025 fiscal year presents an opportunity to demonstrate visible progress and deliver the tangible outcomes citizens expect,” the group stated.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election, has expressed confidence in receiving overwhelming support from the people of Oyi Local Government Area.
Oyi is the home of former Senate President, Dr Chuba Okadigbo.
Addressing a large crowd at the Nteje Local Government headquarters, Soludo said his optimism stemmed from the strong backing he enjoyed from the same community during the 2010 and 2021 elections.
He described his visit as a homecoming and pledged not to take the people’s support for granted.
“Oyi has always been my stronghold. In 2010, Oyi voted for me; the same happened in 2021. This truly feels like coming home. I deeply appreciate your support and will never take it for granted,” he said.
The council chairman, Mr Emma Nweke, assured the governor of a massive turnout from Oyi during the upcoming polls.
“Oyi will make a resounding statement in the forthcoming governorship election. We are fully committed to returning the governor for a second four-year term,” Nweke said.
At the Otuocha Township Stadium in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Soludo described his campaign as both “a divine project and a mass movement”.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Anambra East for their active participation in organising and funding the rally, emphasising the grassroots enthusiasm driving his political journey.
“It has never happened in this state before — where communities and the people themselves have taken over the campaign and contributed funds to support it,” he noted.
Soludo urged the electorate to come out en masse and vote on November 8, stressing the need for transparency in the electoral process.
“We expect you to make your voices heard at your polling units. On November 8, votes will be cast, counted, and announced,” he added.
Expressing confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the governor said: “I am hopeful that Anambra will serve as a model for INEC in conducting credible elections.”
Chairman of Anambra East Local Government, Mr Ifeanyi Nweze, praised Soludo’s commitment to community development, saying:
“Governor Soludo’s dedication to our people is evident in every initiative he undertakes. His proactive approach has made a real difference in our lives.”
During the event, Oyi Local Government presented a cheque of ₦80 million to support Soludo’s campaign, while Anambra East contributed ₦50 million.
LEAP Africa has called on eligible voters in Anambra State to turn out in large numbers on November 8 to elect the state’s next governor.
Speaking at a press briefing in Onitsha, the organisation’s Programmes and Policy Coordinator, Haruna Godiya, decried the rising incidence of voter apathy, particularly among youths in the state. He attributed the trend to a trust deficit, insecurity, and other prevailing challenges.
The press briefing and stakeholders’ forum were held under the organisation’s Campaign Against Voter Apathy (CAVA) project, themed “Strengthening Citizens’ Participation in the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election.” The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI).
Godiya warned that voter apathy poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundation and undermines the efforts of the nation’s founding fathers.
“People like the late Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik), the late Alex Ekwueme, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and the late Dora Akunyili made immense contributions to politics and national development,” he said.
“If we want Anambra to progress, one way to sustain the legacies of these great leaders is by ensuring good governance through active participation in the electoral process. When you don’t vote, you give someone else an advantage. This election presents another opportunity for Anambra voters to engage meaningfully.”
Earlier, Nonso Orakwe, Executive Director of CATYCOI, said the campaign aims to rekindle citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and empower eligible voters to exercise their rights.
“As we approach the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, we must remember that democracy thrives not merely through elections, but through the active participation, trust, and confidence of the people,” Orakwe stated.
Also speaking, Edwin Okadigbo, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), assured residents of the Corps’ readiness to protect citizens before, during, and after the election.
He urged voters to turn out en masse to vote for their preferred candidates and cautioned youths against being exploited by desperate politicians to disrupt the electoral process.
In his remarks, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), disclosed that no fewer than 1,000 of the association’s members would participate in the election.
“We’ll use our numbers to make a political statement during the election so that we can press our demands afterwards,” he said.
Other stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
