The Pioneer News Flash 24hrs

31/08/2024

THE DEMISE OF BIAM SHOULD RECONCILE UKUM PEOPLE - GBANDE

Former Member, Representing Sankera Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Richard Gbande has urged the people of Ukum Local Government Area and entire Sankera to consider the demise of District Head of Uyam Council Ward, Late His Highness Stephen Uhamber Biam as a reason for reconciliation and Unity.

Dr Gbande stated this yesterday while speaking at the burial of the District Head in Zaki Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State.

His said the deceased while alive was a man of peace and he has tried so much for the reconciliation and Unity of the people and now that he is not longer alive, it became necessary for Ukum and entire Sankera people to demonstrate peace and come together to reconcile with one another in order to end the insecurity that is troubling the area.

Hon Gbande who said death is a necessity for all human being said, the deceased had lived a remarkable life that is worthy to be emulated by all the people, saying he died at the time his services are seriously needed.

He said the legacies the deceased left behind would continue to enhance the development of the society, economically and otherwise.

Gbande who said no society can develop without peace, appealed to Ukum sons who are in the bush to consider the demised of the chief as a time for them to give peace chance in Sankera by coming out of the bush to embrace peace and reconcile among themselves, saying Ukum is symbol of the food basket that Benue State is known for which according to him, it is only peace can sustain the symbol.

He expressed displeasure over a situation where most of farmers in the areas are no longer going to their farms as a result of the insecurity and said it is now time for the people to come together for reconciliation as a one family.

© The Pioneer News Flash

20/07/2024

20/07/2024

Purity International School Graduation Ceremony is Ongoing

05/07/2024

Top Aspirant for PDP Secretary, Makurdi Local Government, Hon. Boikyaa Moses has picked nomination form today.

He expressed satisfaction that PDP would bounce back in the forthcoming elections and called on the party leaders and members to unite in order to be more stronger.

05/07/2024

Ahead of Benue State PDP Congress, the consensus candidate for Chairman Mbayom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area, Uhentsav Iyuhwekyase picked Nomination Form yesterday. He was accompanied to the party State Secretariat by one of the party stakeholders from the council ward, Hon. Boko Godwin, photo speaks. Also in the picture is Chairmanship Aspirant for Ikyogbajir Council Ward of same Local Government of Benue State, Hon. Hwa Stephen Samson who also picked his nomination form yesterday at the Secretariat.

15/12/2023

BENUE LINKS NIGERIA LIMITED RECIEVES BENUE STATE FIRE SERVICE ON ADVOCACY AND SENSITISATION VISIT.

- Pledges continous collaboration with the Fire Fighters.

The Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited on thursday 14th December,2023, recieved a team from the Benue State Fire Service on an advocacy and sensitisation visit.

The Acting General Manager, Comrade Alexander Fanafa while recieving the Fire Fighters in his office, along with other Management Staff of the company, appreciated the initiative and stated that Benue Links have always put measures in place to ensure the prevention of fire disasters either within office premises or among the company's fleet of vehicles. He pointed out that inspections are always carried out on the company's vehicles to ensure the presence of working fire extinguishers and other safety gadgets before they leave their boarding points. He expressed the company's resolve to embrace any partnership that aids in the provision of safe travel experiences for the Benue people. He concluded by inviting them to inspect the Benue Links premises to ascertain her safety standard and advise properly.

Earlier, while addressing the Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, The leader of the team and Director, Benue State Fire Service, Engr. Donald Ikyaagba revealed that they were on a sensitisation drive on fire prevention and fighting techniques. He said the risk of fire disasters during the harmattan season which has fully set in, is very high and serious caution needs to be taken by all to avert any fire related disaster.

Engr. Ikyaagba preached the need for installation of working fire extinguishers on all company vehicles and also sort permission to inspect the Benue Links premises on fire safety standards so as to offer technical advise accordingly. He sought collaboration to include sensitisation of staff on fire safety measures and training of security staff on handling of fire fighting equipments.

In his address, the Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Fire Service, Mr. Shave Doo felicitated with the Acting General Manager on his appointment and what he has achieved within this short period. He appreciated the Management of Benue Links for the opportunity to interface and expressed hope for more fruitful collaborations in the future.

In his vote of thanks, The Assistant General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Mr Peter Adikwu thanked the Director and his team for visiting. He made a strong appeal for a fire fighting truck to be stationed at Wurukum due to the population density of the area.

Johnson Ehi Daniel.
Information Officer,
Benue Links.

08/12/2023

GOVERNOR ALIA PRESENTS 2024 BUDGET TO THE STATE ASSEMBLY

…Focused on Development, Job Creation, and Poverty Alleviation

Benue State, Nigeria - December 8, 2023

The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, delivered a compelling budget presentation to the State Assembly on Friday, 8th December, 2023, outlining the key pillars of the 2024 fiscal plan.

Titled "Budget of Infrastructure Development, Job Creation, and Poverty Alleviation," the proposed budget reflects his administration's steadfast commitment to fostering economic growth and social progress across the state.

The Governor's resounding speech during the presentation highlighted the core priorities and financial allocation aimed at steering Benue State towards a trajectory of robust growth and enhanced societal well-being.

The budget's total outlay amounts to an impressive ₦225.73 billion, meticulously distributed across various crucial sectors to drive sustainable progress.

The governor emphasized the paramount importance of education, assigning ₦33.86 billion, representing 15% of the budget, towards fostering a more robust educational infrastructure.

Health, another cornerstone of development, received a matching allocation of ₦33.88 billion, accounting for 15.01% of the budget, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and quality.

A significant focus was directed towards the agricultural sector, with an allocation of ₦28.26 billion (12.52% of the budget), envisioning agricultural development as a key catalyst for economic growth and food security within the state.

Furthermore, Governor Alia's strategic approach to reinforcing the rule of law and justice was evident in the allocation of ₦12.93 billion (5.73% of the budget) to support the legal system.

Security, a pivotal concern in sustaining stability, was allocated ₦10.81 billion (4.79% of the budget) to fortify efforts in ensuring safety and peace across the state.

With an eye on enhancing infrastructural development, an impressive ₦80.73 billion (35.77% of the budget) was earmarked to bolster the state's foundational structures.

Additionally, social welfare initiatives received ₦7.77 billion (3.44% of the budget) to aid vulnerable populations, while commerce was allocated ₦4.15 billion (1.84% of the budget) to bolster economic activities.

The remaining ₦13.33 billion (5.90% of the budget) was apportioned to various other critical sectors, demonstrating Governor Alia's holistic approach to comprehensive development.

This proposed budget, with its multi-dimensional approach, reflects Governor Alia's unwavering commitment to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, and equitable society in Benue State.

The deliberate allocation across diverse sectors signals a conscious effort towards sustainable development, job creation, and poverty eradication for socio-economic advancement, aiming to position Benue State as a model for inclusive growth and prosperity.

The budget is set to undergo deliberations and scrutiny by the Honorable Members of the State Assembly, marking the initial step toward the realization of Governor Alia's visionary agenda and strategic development plan for a greater Benue.

© Comrade Angula Bishop Reuben

31/10/2023

ALIA SOLICITS ARMY COLLABORATION ON SECURITY IN BENUE

Tuesday, October 31st, 2023.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has called on the Nigerian Army to turn its focus on Benue State to help secure the Food Basket of the Nation.

The Governor made the call today, Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 during a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in his office, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

He said the once very peaceful state is at the moment besieged by criminals ranging from murderous armed herders, bandits and local gangsters.

He said, "A week hardly passes without reports of two, three or more persons being killed in the villages, mostly on their farms by armed herders.

"Most of these are not reported in the media".

He decried lack of manpower for other formations operating within the state, including Operation Whirlstroke and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, adding that if properly equipped, the men of the formations may begin to enter the hinterlands to be able to tackle the menace and will not only be standing on the roads as it is the practice presently.

He called for the establishment of Force Operation Bases in Anyiin, Naka, Ukum, Agatu, Udei and Gbajimba.

In his response, the COAS stated that as one who has served in the state for nine years, he has a good understanding of the security situation of the state.

"In my capacity as COAS, I do receive on a daily basis security reports both formal and informal from Benue State.

He promised that the Nigerian Army will turn it's attention to Benue, especially now that the dry season is about setting in, adding that it is the time that the state usually witness a lot of crisis.

Sir Tersoo Kula,
Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Benue State

27/10/2023

GUMA CONSTITUENCY 2023:
KWANUM DECLARES INTENTION TO CONTEST

A Senior Lecturer in Department of Accounting, Benue State University, Dr. Isaac Kwanum has declared intention to run for the forthcoming bye-election of Guma State Constituency.

He made the declaration while speaking with journalists in his office on Thursday 25th of October 2023.

He said his intention informed by a call from his people to contest for the seat, saying he has received calls from individuals and groups to that effect.

Expressing satisfaction towards the good steps taken by the immediate past member representing the state constituency, Hon. Dr. Yamar Ortese, he has pledged to ensure that, people of the constituency has enjoy a good representation, if given the mandate.

He said, he would give them an open door representation and ensure that their interest is fully represented at the assembly, saying legislation is about the people

Kwanum who acknowledged the good performance of Governor Alia within just five months and some days in office, highlighted the achievements which according to him include, the ongoing construction of many streets in Makurdi and some selected towns in the state, the ongoing renovation and adaptation of Benue State House of Assembly complex, prompt payment of workers' salaries, acquisition of 100 buses for Benue Links to ease the movement of people as well as his approach towards security, particularly in his constituency among many things, has urged the people to support the governor to enable him to execute his good intentions for the state.

He said the performance of the
Governor is an indication that, good things would happen to the state under his administration.

27/10/2023

GUMA CONSTITUENCY 2023:
KWANUM DECLARES INTENTION TO CONTEST

A Senior Lecturer in Department of Accounting, Benue State University, Dr. Isaac Kwanum has declared intention to run for the forthcoming bye-election of Guma State Constituency.

He made made the declaration while speaking with journalists in his office on Thursday 25th of October 2023.

He said his intention informed by a call from his people to contest for the seat, saying he has received calls from individuals and groups to that effect.

Expressing satisfaction towards the good steps taken by the immediate past member representing the state constituency, Hon. Dr. Yamar Ortese, he has pledged to ensure that, people of the constituency has enjoy a good representation, if given the mandate.

He said, he would give them an open door representation and ensure that their interest is fully represented at the assembly, saying legislation is about the people

Kwanum who acknowledged the good performance of Governor Alia within just five months and some days in office, highlighted the achievements which according to him include, the ongoing construction of many streets in Makurdi and some selected towns in the state, the ongoing renovation and adaptation of Benue State House of Assembly complex, prompt payment of workers' salaries, acquisition of 100 buses for Benue Links to ease the movement of people as well as his approach towards security, particularly in his constituency among many things, has urged the people to support the governor to enable him to execute his good intentions for the state.

He said the performance of the
Governor is an indication that, good things would happen to the state under his administration.

10/10/2023

SUPPORT SECURITY PERSONNEL WITH USEFUL INFORMATION, ALIA TELLS BENUE PEOPLE

By Isaac Uzaan

The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has called on Benue people to continue to support security personnel with useful information to completely root out insecurity and restore peace in all areas of the state.

The Governor made the call Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Tyodugh, Guma Local Government Area during the flag off ceremony of Exercise Enduring Peace III.

Exercise Enduring Peace III is a joint security exercise aimed at addressing the various security challenges facing Benue State and by extension the entire nation.

While flagging off the exercise, Governor Alia appreciated the Military and other security agencies for the sacrifices and services they render to the nation and above all, here in Benue State.

He expressed confidence that with the flag off of Exercise Enduring Peace III, and with the joint efforts of other security agencies, the little arm of insecurity that are operating in the state will be flushed out.

The Brigadier Commander, 401 Special Forces, Brigadier General Al-Amin Rabiu, while making a speech, appreciated Governor Alia for gracing the occasion, and called on participating members of the troops to exercise high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Also speaking, the Commander, Special Forces Command, Major General He Nzan said Exercise Enduring Peace will be jointly conducted in Benue State by the troops of 401 Special Forces Brigade and personnel from paramilitary agencies drawn from various commands within Benue State.

The exercise which is based on real-time intelligence on the prevailing security threat in the state will last till January 05, 2024.

The two Army Generals warned all who indulge in activities that are against the law to think twice and be careful, just as they stressed the need for all personnel participating in the exercise to carry out their duties professionally in line with the stipulated rules of engagement and code of conduct.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

10/10/2023

Silent words and actions are louder than broadcasts...The Unity Peace, Development and Growth of the State is Paramount to our leaders!

The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormen Alia today, October 09, 2023, had a closed door meeting with Tor TIV, the 5th,His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh, Professor Ortese Iorzua James Ayatse and the Och’Idoma,His Royal Majesty, John Odogbo Elaigwu.

Bridget Tikyaa-Ikyado
Principal Special Assistant to the Executive Governor on Media &Publicity /Strategic Communications

09/10/2023

Just in:

Speaker of the Benue state House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh today 9th October 2023, led a high-powered delegation from the Benue state House of Assembly to meet with his Nasarawa State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi in Lafia, Nasarawa state.

The purpose of the meeting, Hon Aondona Dajoh said is to see how Nasarawa state Assembly and Benue will fashion out ways to make the Nasarawa/Benue borders secured against the influx of herdsmen militia who are constantly using to cross and attack harmless Benue farmers.

The speaker delegation has the Majority leader of the Benue state House of Assembly, Hon. Saater Tiseer, and the deputy majority Whip, Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga

Photo credit: TheSixth Kusugh

07/10/2023

MDA REVIVES MCSS WITH CLASSROOM BLOCK

By Amos Aar

The Masev Development Association (MDA) under the leadership of Prof. Vitalis Tarhule, on Friday commissioned a multimillionaire block of four classrooms completed by the Association at the Masev Community Secondary School (MCSS), Taraku, Gwer East local government area of Benue State, in order to resuscitate the once moribund school.

House of representatives member for Gwer/Gwer West at the National Assembly, Hon. Asema Achado, who performed the commissioning ceremony through ACG Peter Pevigyo (rtd), commended MDA for reviving the school and urged Masev sons and daughters to ensure that the school does not go moribund again.

Hon. Achado also tasked teachers and learners on high quality teaching and digital learning as well as parents on prompt payment of school fees for the development of the school as he promised to look into series of problems affecting the school.

Earlier, the President General of MDA, Prof. Vitalis Tarhule, recalled that MCSS was dead with zero student population, until MDA renovated a block of three classroom in August 2022 and as a result, a number of five hundred and ten (510) students were enrolled for the 2022/2023 session, but the school urgently required additional classrooms owing to inadequate of learning and teaching facilities.

Prof Tarhule, who is also incumbent Dean of Postgraduate School at the Benue State University (BSU),Makurdi said that MDA thought it wise, to embark on the multimillionaire classrooms block through the commonwealth of Masev people.

On the dedication of the block to Hon. Justice Aondover Kakaan, the immediate past Chief Judge of Benue State, and "the first Masev man to have risen to the position of Judge of a High Court", Tarhule said it was for Kaka'an to "serve as a role model for students to emulate his accomplishments to the greater glory of the Masev Nation".

In his remarks, the Honourable Justice Kaka'an commended Prof. Tarhule led MDA NEC for not putting the Masev nation to shame, assuring of bigger opportunities Masev nation and Prof Tarhule in the nearest future having proven his leadership prowess. Justice Kaka'an stressed the need for MDA to upgrade and install computers at the school to ensure that students who graduate from the school are computer literate.

Justice Kaka'an used the occasion to warn against encroachment on the school land and called for watertight security to guard against theft and destruction of the school's facilities.

Also speaking, member representing Gwer Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Elias Audu, said he would liaise with the state government to increase teachers and he would also facilitate the building of an ICT block at the school as part of his constituency project.

Principal of the school, Mr David Natu, while welcoming guests expressed gratitude to MDA for its intervention, and called for more assistance in the areas of employment of teachers, upgrading of the ICT centre of the school with modern computers for online transmission of examination results, establishment of science laboratory, power supply, library, sporting facilities, water supply and other important needs.

In his remarks, the Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) of MCSS Taraku Prof. James Apam, assured of BOT's sustained support to develop MCSS, Taraku so that the students schooling there would become well educated like some of them who have attained professorial status.

In their separate goodwill messages, some former headboys of the school; Apostle Dr Mtswenem Tor David, and Hon Justice Fidelis Iortyer, expressed joy that their alma mater has come back to life and promised unalloyed support for the development of the school.

Speaking on behalf of the Gwer Traditional Council, the Ter Gwer, HRH Chief Dr Dominic Akpe, represented by the Mue Ter Masev, HRH Clement Kulugh, called on Masev sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to support the school to enable their younger ones acquire education, while Mue Ter Ngyohov, HRH John Wende, said he would lead Masev Chiefs to support MCSS to grow excellently in every department and institutional establishments.

The newly commissioned block was blessed by Rev. Fr Humphrey Boyo, the Priest in charge of St Patrick's parish, Taraku.

05/10/2023

BENUE GOVERNMENT SETS TO DEMOLISH ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.. Begins Investigation on Collapsed Donamis Church

By Timothy Atoza

Benue State Government has vowed to demolish any structure lacking structural integrity and those built on waterways within the state.

The State's Commissioner for Works and Housing, Hon. Imojime Isaac Orya Tiza has made this known while briefing journalists about the outcomes of the state exco council meeting held on Wednesday 4th October, 2020 at Government House, Makurdi.

The Commissioner has said, the governor of the State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Alia on a visit to one of Donamis Churches that recently collapsed at North Bank Makurdi, has tasked Commissioners, Ministries of Work and Housing, Lands, Disaster and Humanitarian Management as well as Urban and development to investigate the root causes of the collopse and report back to the state government for proper action, expressing the readiness of the government to take down every building in the state that is found lacking structural integrity test in order to forestall incidents of buildings collapse in the State.

It will be recalled that, a Dunamis Church located at Mission Ward North Bank in Makurdi, the state capital was on Tuesday collopsed leaving the resident Pastor dead among other pastors who narrowly escaped dead.

According to Hon. Imojime, the Executive Council also charged the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Creativity to establish a comprehensive database of youths within the state in order to facilitate effective planning for youth empowerment and address their immediate concerns. Accordingly, the youth were encouraged to register either online or manually at the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Creativity.

As stated by the Commissioner, the council also discussed measures to improve the welfare of the population, focusing on critical infrastructures such as roads and Schools with immediate concern.

Also speaking, he said the council has urged people of the state to embrace agro-business as a means of wealth generation through agriculture.

The Works and Housing's Commissioner who further declared the poor state of roads in the state due to construction defects, has emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of these roads along with plans for rehabilitation and construction of new ones, expressing Governor Alia's commitment in providing quality Infrastructural services to the state.

19/12/2022

During a Child dedication at Christ Authority and freedom Church for Nations. The General Overseer of the Ministry, Prophet David Gberifan ministering at the church service.

06/07/2022

A Retired Military Col. Sent This To Me This Morning And Said I Should Feel Free To Share It With My Friends And Family.

I Earnestly Pray For All Of Us Who Are Either In Support Or Opposed To The Complicity Of This Government To The Descent Into The Abyss. The Truth Is, Whether You Are In Support Or Against, We Are All One Metre Away From The Terrorists Who Are Planted In Every Neighborhood And Community Around Us And Perhaps One Bullet Or Blast Away From Death. 👇🏾

Good Morning Nigerians,
Kindly take note of the following:

300 Terrorists Attacked Kuje Prison With RPGs, GPMGs Releasing 1365 Prisoners Leaving only 111 after roll call by 2am...
150 Boko Haram terrorists were all released...
Attack lasted for 3 hours.
They attacked through the back of the prison, planted bombs around the prison.

If you are in Abuja today, be careful who you pick on the road.

Don't stop at lonely places.
Open your door and shut it immediately.

Watch while driving.

Tell where you are headed.

This is real, these guys are definitely not going far less than 12 hours after escape.

They are still within Abuja to blend before leaving...

Please go and read National Security Strategy Acts in the Laws Of The Federation 1990 as amended.

Our National Security has been compromised.

Feel free to share with loved ones in Abuja please 🙏