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.
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).
The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Dr George Moghalu, has condemned what he described as the widespread extortion of traders and transporters by various government agencies in the state.
Moghalu made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Anambra State Town Union Association, Aba Branch.
He lamented that Anambra has been ranked among the most insecure states in Nigeria and vowed to end all forms of illegal revenue collection immediately after assuming office.
“It is only in Anambra that they use Aka Odo to collect all manner of illegal levies,” he said. “That will stop within one hour after my swearing-in. My government will prioritise safety, restore public confidence, and bring back competence and accountability in leadership.”
While commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts, Moghalu maintained that Anambra urgently needs a new direction.
“Governor Soludo has done his best, but his best is not working. Our state is not where it should be. You cannot give what you don’t have,” he said.
Unveiling his vision for a new and prosperous Anambra anchored on education, security, infrastructure, and transparent governance, Moghalu described education as the foundation for growth and social stability. He promised to make education free and compulsory if elected.
“Education is the most powerful weapon for change. We must build schools that truly work and ensure that every child, rich or poor, has access to quality learning,” he stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to equity and zoning, Moghalu said he remains a strong believer in fairness and justice in the rotation of power.
“I am a beneficiary of zoning, and I will uphold it. Four years is enough for any serious-minded leader to deliver,” he said.
“Look at what Governor Alex Otti has done in Abia within just two years — massive road construction, urban renewal, and civil service reforms. That’s what focused leadership can achieve, and that’s what I intend to bring to Anambra.”
Moghalu called on Ndi Anambra to join hands with him in changing the state’s political and economic narrative, emphasising that leadership transformation requires collective effort.
Ahead of the November 8 governorship election, the Anambra State Police Command has warned politicians and influential individuals who cover or remove their vehicle number plates to desist, as doing so risks arrest and prosecution.
In a statement issued yesterday, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu described the act as a serious security threat and directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders to immediately commence intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations, and full enforcement of the directive.
The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, emphasised that covering or concealing vehicle plates constitutes a grave security risk, especially as security agencies step up efforts to ensure peace and order before, during, and after the governorship election.
According to the statement, criminals often exploit unregistered or covered vehicles to perpetrate crimes, evade arrest, or destabilise public peace.
“Such vehicles will be impounded, and their owners prosecuted in accordance with existing laws,” the statement warned.
The commissioner further ordered all tactical units and field commanders across the state to ensure strict compliance, stressing that the Command will not tolerate any act capable of undermining public safety.
“Given the security situation and the forthcoming election, the Command will sustain aggressive enforcement to ensure that every vehicle on Anambra roads is properly registered and identifiable,” Orutugu added.
The police urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious movement or vehicles within their communities.
Stakeholders have called for establishment of shelters and harmonized data to assist in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Anambra state.
They said battle against GBV required shelters, data as well as trained counselors to be successfully won.
The stakeholders spoke in Awka at a two-day GBV stakeholders consultative meeting organized by Gender Perspective and Social Development Center (GPSDC) with support from WACOL to harmonize data and create referrals pathway
Addressing participants, State Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ibadin Judith-Chukwu said traumatized victims of violence could better be managed by trained counselors in a conducive shelter.
She however expressed concern over lack of such facilities in the state, calling for assistance from both government and individuals to make such facilities available in the state.
She said, “Fighting any form of violence in persons can’t be successful without shelters where victims can be kept for counselling and rehabilitation processes before being reunited to their families and reintegrated into the society.
“Most times these victims are rescued, they’re already traumatized. The first thing is not to jump into demanding statements from them.
“Rather, they needed to be taken to a shelter where they would be welcome and made to feel at home with the assistance of trained counselors who would walk them out of the trauma stage before the best can be gotten from them.”
Earlier, Executive Director, GPSDC, Anekwe Eucharia said the project was focused on empowering christian women and female leaders of culture for prevention and response to GBV in Nigeria through the strengthening of grassroots organisations
She listed objectives of the engagement to include reviewing how different stakeholders currently collect and report GBV data in the State, identifying existing gaps and overlaps, as well as finding ways to strengthen referral linkages and to create a referral directory.
“We also aim to agree on a common framework to harmonizing all GBV data at the same time build stronger collaboration and accountability among MDAs, networks, and organizations working on GBV response,” she added.
Representatives of Ministries of Justice, Women and Social Welfare, State Bureau of Statistics, Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA), NPF, NSCDC, NHRC, Red Cross and CSO Networks commended GPSDC for organising the workshop, pledging their support to the project.
The Anglican Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, in Anambra State, Rt. Rev. Israel Okoye, has cautioned politicians against exploiting the vulnerability of voters for selfish electoral gains.
He warned that such acts attract grave repercussions and urged politicians to desist from them.
Speaking during his presidential charge at the third session of the fifth Synod of the Diocese, themed “Fear Not,” Bishop Okoye condemned what he described as the “use and dump” attitude of politicians towards desperate and impoverished voters.
He lamented that rising poverty, unemployment, parochialism, and frustration, especially during the electoral process, remain an ill wind that benefits no one.
The Bishop, therefore, urged candidates in the forthcoming November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election to focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid what he called “hypocritical heroic songs.”
“Preparations for the election of the governor of Anambra State on November 8, 2025, are on course,” he said.
“In democracies, election periods provide the electorate with an opportunity to interact with candidates and assess their manifestos. It is a time to determine who is best equipped to advance the cause of development in the interest of citizens.”
Bishop Okoye, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of populating campaign venues with rented crowds and the buying of votes.
“Desperate politicians and their allies exploit widespread unemployment and hunger to turn vulnerable members of the electorate into political objects — purchased, used for a purpose, and discarded after elections,” he lamented.
“That inhuman practice, disguised as electioneering politics, is a deliberate dehumanisation of citizens.
“People who sell their votes for as little as ₦2,000 or less have become political toys. Such individuals often do not care whether their votes count or not.”
He urged all candidates to remain focused on issues that affect the people rather than indulging in sycophancy or manipulation.
“Those who sing hypocritical heroic songs for politicians do so at the expense of the people’s wellbeing and ultimately subvert the future of the populace,” he warned.
“We call on candidates, their supporters, and anyone who trades their voter’s card or public office for monetary gain to be mindful of the repercussions of their actions. No sensible person can afford to supervise his own liquidation.”
Bishop Okoye concluded by reminding voters that the November 8 election represents a choice between progress and retrogression.
“We have the option to choose the best candidates through rational judgment or to embrace contraction and woes. God forbid that we allow the pittances of electoral campaigns to rob us of a brighter future,” he declared.
The people of Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State have donated N20 million to support the re-election campaign of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The cheque was presented during a solidarity rally in Onitsha, where community leaders and residents reaffirmed their confidence in the governor’s leadership and expressed their commitment to ensuring his victory in the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
Speaking at the event, President-General of Fegge, Onitsha, Okwudili Nwankwo, commended Governor Soludo’s transformative policies and developmental strides.
“Under Governor Soludo, we have seen remarkable changes, particularly with initiatives like the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ programme,” Nwankwo said.
“This has empowered many of our youths and equipped them with valuable skills for a brighter future.”
Another community leader, Chibuike Ugo, praised the administration’s social welfare programs, noting their impact on families in the area.
“Free education, free antenatal care, and delivery services have made a significant difference in our community,” he said.
“These programs are not just policies—they are lifelines for our families.”
Franklin Onyeke added that residents were united in their support for the governor’s re-election bid.
“As we pray for Governor Soludo’s victory on November 8, 2025, we remain steadfast in our belief that he will continue to lead Anambra toward greatness,” he said.
Other speakers, including Okwudili Chiamaka and Celestine Osuji, pledged to mobilize voters across the local government area.
“Our voices will be heard,” they declared. “Together, we will ensure that our governor is re-elected to continue this great work.”
In his response, Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed gratitude to the people of Onitsha South for their show of solidarity and financial support.
Describing his re-election campaign as “a divine project and a mass movement,” Soludo said: “This is a campaign like no other in our history. I am humbled and deeply appreciative of your unwavering support.”
The governor highlighted the achievements of his administration, especially within Onitsha South, including the establishment of a specialist general hospital in Fegge and significant improvements in public schools, among other initiatives.
He assured the people that more developmental projects would follow if given the opportunity to serve a second term.
