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Tag: Alia

  • Alia seeks 30 per cent mineral resource derivation

    Alia seeks 30 per cent mineral resource derivation

    Benue state government said it would will make a case to be considered for 13 per cent derivative given to states with mineral deposits from the federation account.

    Governor Hyacinth Alia made this known at Government House, Makurdi when he received reports on illegal Mining, illegal Logging, and illegal Road Blocks from the Joint Taskforce on the three illicit activities.

    Governor Alia said in spite of the huge mineral deposits, Benue state was yet to gain federal attention and included in the revenue sharing formula, rather some economic saboteurs were taking undue advantage of that lack of recognition to defraud the people of their economic endowment.

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    He expressed certainty that the reports of the task force would not only provide opportunity for government to change the ugly narrative and check activities of the economic saboteurs but would also provide the state with a road map to access the untapped economic potential for the benefit of all citizens.

    The governor thanked the three committees for their due diligence to the terms of references given to them in record time, promising that their reports would be carefully studied with a  view to implementing the recommendations.

    Coordinator of the three committees, Retired Colonel, Fidelis Chileh, reemphasized the need for the federal government to consider Benue for the 13 per cent derivatives and called for urgent recruitment and equipment of forest guards  to protect biodiversity.

  • Gov Alia appoints ex-FRCN staff as DG Radio Benue, 28 others

    Gov Alia appoints ex-FRCN staff as DG Radio Benue, 28 others

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state on Tuesday, October 17, made key appointments in his state government.

    Terseer Mzuulga, a seasoned broadcaster with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), was appointed as the Director-General of Radio Benue.

    Also, Ioryue Yaji, the former ALGON boss and Gboko Local Government Council chairman, has been designated as the Principal Special Assistant (PSA) for local government coordination and monitoring.

    In another appointment, Erdoo Iyo was named the General Manager of the Community and Social Development Agency.

    The official announcement was issued through a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, and provided to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

    Mzuulga, a seasoned journalist, before his appointment had worked with Radio Benue for some years but later joined the FRCN Headquarters in Abuja and his retirement about one month ago.

    He retired with the rank of Manager News.

    According to a statement, Governor Alia also approved the appointment of Terhide Antiev as his Chief Physician.

    Read Also: APC will rule Benue for years, says Alia

    Other appointments as announced by the Governor included Mr Terver Aginde – Special Adviser on Politics and Community Engagement and Mr Attah Ochoga – PSA on Digital Economy and Job Creation

    Others are Yusuf Elaigwu – PSA on Commercial Transportation and Monitoring, loryue Yaji – PSA on LGA Coordination and Monitoring and Tavershima Ishom – PSA on House Keeping and Domestic Affairs.

    The governor also assigned portfolios to 11 Senior Special Assistants and appointed one Special Assistant and 7 Personal Assistants.

    He said he believed that the persons chosen would add value to his administration and charged them to put the state first.

  • Gov Alia appoints DG Radio Benue, 28 others

    Gov Alia appoints DG Radio Benue, 28 others

    Gov Hyacinth Alia has appointed Mr Terseer Mzuulga as Director General, Radio Benue and Mrs Erdoo lyo as General Manager, Community and Social Development Agency.

    This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Tersoo Kula and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

    NAN reports that Mr Mzuulga, a veteran journalist, before his appointment had worked with Radio Benue for some years but later joined the Radio Nigeria where he recently retired on the rank of Manger News.

    According to the statement, the governor also approved the appointments of Dr Terhide Antiev as his Chief Physician.

    Read Also: APC will rule Benue for years, says Alia

    He also appointed Mr Terver Aginde – Special Adviser on Politics and Community Engagement and Mr Attah Ochoga – PSA on Digital Economy and Job Creation

    Other are Yusuf Elaigwu – PSA on Commercial Transportation and Monitoring, Mr loryue Yaji – PSA on LGA Coordination and Monitonng and Mr Tavershima Ishom – PSA on House Keeping and Domestic Affairs.

    The governor in the statement also assigned portfolios to 11 Senior Special Assistants, appointed one Special Assistant and 7 Personal Assistants.

    The governor believed that the persons chosen would add value to his administration and charged them to put the state first.

    (NAN) 

  • APC will rule Benue for years, says Alia

    APC will rule Benue for years, says Alia

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has declared that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to stay as a ruling party in the state and shall rule the state for a long time.

    He said as the leader of the party in the state, he is poised to do everything possible to ensure the party and the entire Benue people enjoy the benefits of the hard work they had put in, which led to his emergence as the governor of the state, adding that his good work will surely endear the people the more.

    The Governor made the declaration on Monday, while addressing the expanded Exco meeting of the party, held at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat in Makurdi.

    He also called for more synergy between the government and the party leadership in the state, to enable his administration to deliver the yearnings and aspirations of the masses.

    Read Also: APC will rule Benue for years, says Gov Alia

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam, the Governor assured that his administration will not fail the party, promising to make the party proud by addressing the yearnings and aspirations of the masses.

    He added amongst other things that the goodwill the people of the state gave to him and the party was massive; hence he must not disappoint.

    He reiterated his desire to lead APC to victory all the way; all the time.

    In his response, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Comrade Austin Agada, pledged the readiness of the party to support the efforts of the Governor, aimed at repositioning the state to greatness.

    He urged all local government party chairmen to always make it a sense of duty to grace, in their numbers, any function either organised by the government or for the governor to show support and solidarity.

  • APC will rule Benue for years, says Gov Alia

    APC will rule Benue for years, says Gov Alia

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State affirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is firmly established as the ruling party in the state and foresees a long tenure for the party in governing the state.

    He emphasized that as the party’s leader in the state, he is committed to maximizing efforts to ensure that both the party and the broader Benue community reap the rewards of their collective efforts that secured his position as the state’s governor.

    He also expressed confidence that his positive actions would further endear him to the people.

    The governor made the declaration on Monday, October 10, while addressing the expanded Exco meeting of the party, held at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat in Makurdi.

    He also called for more synergy between the government and the party leadership in the state, to enable his administration to deliver the yearnings and aspirations of the masses.

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    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam, the Governor assured that his administration will not fail the party, promising to make the party proud by addressing the yearnings and aspirations of the masses. He added amongst other things that the goodwill the people of the state gave to him and the party was massive; hence he must not disappoint.

    He reiterated his desire to lead APC to victory all the way; all the time.

    In his response, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Comrade Austin Agada, pledged the readiness of the party to support the efforts of the Governor, aimed at repositioning the state to greatness.

    He charged all Local Government party chairmen to always make it a sense of duty to grace, in their numbers, any function either organized by the government or for the governor to show support and solidarity.

  • Gov Alia has no problem with SGF, says CPS

    Gov Alia has no problem with SGF, says CPS

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Sir Kulas Tersoo said his principal Governor Hyacinth has no problem with the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

    Tersoo stated that the speculation was from the opposition camp.

    He said there is nothing of such as Governor Alia and Senator Akume enjoy the best of relationship.

    “There exists no bad blood between Governor Alia and the SGF. The governor has at different fora, and most recently during a victory parade organised for him by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, declared that the SGF remains the leader of the party in the state and that there is no issue between them as being speculated by people who don’t mean well for the state.

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    He quoted the governor as saying: “jealous elements, especially, the opposition who are waiting to see a fight between us should be ashamed of themselves. I am working hand in hand with my leader, Sen. George Akume”.

    “The governor regards the SGF as a respected leader of the party not just in the state, but the North Central and therefore, will no longer continue to keep quiet as some opportunistic elements desperately seek to pitch them against each other for their inordinate pecuniary gain.

    “The opposition elements trying to foist a crack among the party’s leaders in the state by sponsoring malicious and vexatious press conferences should desist forthwith, as the Governor and the SGF’s relationship goes way back and will continue to wax stronger,” Tersoo said.

  • Alia sends team to resolve Benue’s communities’ crisis

    Alia sends team to resolve Benue’s communities’ crisis

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has sent a peace delegation to Bonta and Okpute communities of Konshisha and Oju local government areas (LGA) of the state to deescalate a renewed crisis in the areas.

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that last Saturday, youths from both communities took to the streets to protest the recent incidents in the area.

    According to the youth leader in Bonta, Mr Titus Akaakegh, a Bonta woman was in her farm working when youths from Okpute allegedly chased her away claiming she trespassed into their land.

    It was also alleged that after Okpute youths rebuilt market stalls at a market destroyed during a recent crisis in the areas, Bonta youths went to the market and destroyed the stalls. The act was said to have made the Okpute youth angry, resulting to the demonstrations which almost degenerated into a fight.

    It was said the governor, on hearing of the incident quickly sent a peace delegation to theaffected  communities to ensure that the crisis did not escalate.

    The delegation led by the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management,  Aondowase Kunde, also have other government officials from the two communities, including member of the state House of Assembly representing Konshisha State constituency, Cephas Dyako,member representing Oju 2 State Constituency and Deputy Majority leader, Hon Cyril Ikong, member representing Oju 1 State Constituency and Deputy Minority leader, Hon. Blessed Onah, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji, Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security, Hon. Joseph Har, among others.

    While members of the delegation took time to address the people of the two communities on the need to support government efforts towards maintaining peaceful coexistence in their area, Kunde said the governor had sent them to appeal to the people to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.

    “We are here for peace.This is a time we should be rejoicing. We have suffered so much in Benue in the past and God has sent his son, Alia, to put smiles on our faces. So we should not be engaging in another violence.

    “As the commissioner of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, it is my intention to bring relief to the people and not to come and settle crisis.

    “Very soon, I will be returning with palliatives for the people, so I urge you all to stay in peace. No matter the level of provocation, you should choose peace. As work resume on Tuesday, His Excellency has promised he will find time to come for lasting peace,” he added.

    Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Moses Ogbaji discouraged the youth of both communities from carrying arms against one another, urging them to embrace dialogue and peace.

    Ogbaji, who called on the youth to engage themselves meaningfully, said the government has subsidised fertiliser for Benue farmers and provided input, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity and do meaningful things.

    “Governor Alia sent us to greet you, that he has not forgotten you and promises to return to say thank you.

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    “He is not interested in who started the trouble but interested in maintaining peace. So I appeal to you to allow peace reign. Guns and machetes are no longer solving problems but dialogue.So, if you need more fertilizers for your agricultural activities, come to me, government will supply to you,” Ogbaji said.

    While reminding the Bonta people of Konshisha that they are the elder brothers, he appealed to them to carry their younger brothers, the Igede people, along.

    Member representing Oju 1 State Constituency, Hon. Blessed Onah, told the people: “War has no customer just as there is no alternative to peace. We want peace and peace we will get.”

    He urged the people to eschew violence and choose peace at all times saying, “What the mouth cannot give us by way of dialogue, we shouldn’t get it with another instrument.”

    On his part, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Joseph Har,  addressed the communities on the good intentions of the Alia-led government, He said the road connecting the area would soon be constructed to ease movement of humans, goods and services.

    Har, who noted that the government of Rev Fr Alia is a government of peace, said: “Iormem (Alia’s middle name) means ‘Let the people rest. So, let people rest.’ My happiness would be full when one day I will escort the governor to flag off the construction of this road for your own good.”

    While insisting that asking for peace is not a sign of weakness but that of strength, Har said the government has the capacity to deal with any trouble maker but has decided that making a deliberate effort to ensure that peace reigns in the land is the best.

    He appealed to the people to support the government and give peace a chance for the progress and development of their areas and state in general.

    Responding on behalf of the Bonta people, Elder Ahula Akpile, thanked the delegation for their prompt response to the issue and pledged support and loyalty to the state government.

    He warned the youth to eschew violence and allow the state government wade into the matter and bring lasting solutions.

    Also, the community leader of Okpute, Elder Joseph Agbaga, appreciated the administration for promoting peace in the area.

    Agbaga said they would ensure that youths conduct themselves well peace, saying: “We know that this government will be different and we pray God to give him the grace to bring an end to this crisis.”

  • Alia: Benue not dumping ground for criminals

    Alia: Benue not dumping ground for criminals

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia yesterday said the state is not a dumping ground for criminals.

    He urged the abductors of his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism to release him.

    Alia said this while addressing his supporters at the IBB Square in Makurdi to celebrate his victory at the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Saturday.

    He said those who kidnapped the commissioner had few hours to release him unhurt.

    The governor said lines must be drawn between the good and bad in the society, saying that home-grown terrorists and bandits have no place in the state.

    He commended the family of the abducted commissioner for their patience, and assured that security agencies would leave no stone unturned to ensure that he was released unhurt.

    On his achievements in the first 100 days in office, Alia said he had already started construction of 16 township roads within the state capital.

    Read Also: Tribunals affirm Otu, Yahaya, Alia as Cross River, Gombe, Benue governors

    He said other major towns would soon receive similar attention.

    Reacting to his victory at the tribunal, he said that the decision of the tribunal was a reminder that one cannot toy with the mandate of the majority.

    He said God had used him to bring back smiles on the faces of residents of the state.

    According to him, a lot of things had gone wrong in the state but his government would do everything possible to rebuild and make it better for all.

    He said palliatives would soon be distributed to the 23 local government areas in the state, as the trucks of grains had arrived.

    On his plans for youths, the governor said the ICT training programme, which was slated to commence soon, would afford them the opportunity to acquire professional skills.

    He said his administration would ensure the return of IDPs back to their ancestral homes.

    Alia said  that banditry and terrorism would not be allowed to have a place in the state under his watch.

  • Gov Alia swears in 17 commissioners, 23 advisers

    Gov Alia swears in 17 commissioners, 23 advisers

    Gov Hyacinth Alia has sworn in 17 Commissioners and 23 Special Advisers and charged them to sustain the positive leadership qualities that qualified them for their positions.

    Performing the ceremony on Tuesday in Makurdi, Alia admitted that the commissioners and special advisers were assuming duties at a time challenges and expectations were high.

    He said the time of politicking was over and urged people to support those in leadership positions to succeed.

    The governor appealed to Benue people to give them the cooperation they deserve to perform  maximally and urged the appointees to contribute their qouta to the growth and development of the state.

    “You will be periodically monitored and assessed to determine your suitability to continue to serve the Benue people, in which we are all labourers.

    Read Also: Alia condemns murder of Justice Igbetar

    “The challenges that lie ahead are significant, and the road to progress may not always be smooth. But I implore each one of you to face these obstacles with courage, determination, and resilience.

    “Let your resolve ignite a passion within you that will fuel your efforts to make lasting and meaningful impacts on the lives of the people of Benue,” he said.

    The governor listed the commissioners and their portfolios to include: Mr Tiza Imojime, Works and Housing; Mr Omale Omale, Power, Energy and Transport; Mrs Joy Luga, Cooperative, Urban and Rural Development.

    Others are: Dr Yanmar Ortese, Health and Human Services; Dr Frederick Ikyaan, Education and Knowledge Management; Mr Ugwu Odoh, Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change; and Mr Kwaghba Amande, ICT and Digital Economy.

    Also named are, Mr Mathew Aboh, Information, Culture and Tourism; Mr Aondowase Kunde, Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management; Prof Moses Ogbaji, Agriculture; Mr Martin Shaager, Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals; Mr Michael Ogelegba, Finance, Budget Planning.

    Mrs Ann Itodo, Women Affairs and Social Development; Mr Fidelis Mnyim, Justice and Public Order; Mr Terkimbi Ikyange, Youths, Sport and Creativity; Mr Alumo Orpin, Commence and Industry; and Mr Nick Eworo Science, Technology and Innovation, were also announced.

    He said the portfolios for the special advisers would be announced during their retreat, while the first Executive Council meeting would be held on Sept. 6.

    Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr Frederick Ikyaan said they would not disappoint in their various areas of assignment and urged the people to support them to succeed.

    (NAN)

  • Alia condemns murder of Justice Igbetar

    Alia condemns murder of Justice Igbetar

    Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the murder of the former President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Margaret Igbetar.

    Igbetar was found dead in her Makurdi residence a few days after she was killed.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Sir Kulas Tersoo, and made available to The Nation, Alia expressed concerns over the killing of a citizen who contributed her quota to the development of the society.

    He noted that the deceased was not only a minister in the temple of justice but also fought hard in various capacities to ensure that the rights and liberties of all, especially vulnerable members of the society were respected and upheld. 

    Read Alsao:APC: Gov Alia tasks Ganduje on national, party unity

    The Governor, who said the murder remains a shock to him, directed security agencies to swing into action and ensure the perpetrators of the heinous act were apprehended.

    Praying for the repose of her soul, Alia stated that Justice Igbetar’s murder was indeed a great loss to her family, the judicial system, the state, and humanity at large.

    Similarly, former Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, condemned the judge’s murder, describing it as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable.

    In a statement by media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom said the murderers killed a mother of the state who made huge sacrifices and contributions to its development.

    “It is disheartening that a woman who spent her prime serving the state and retired to private life would be murdered in cold blood,” he said.

    Chief Ortom expressed the hope that security agencies will apprehend the assassins, to face the law.

    He prayed for the repose of the soul of Justice Igbetar and consoled her entire family, urging them to take solace in the fact that she led a life of excellence in service to God and humanity.