BENUE State, known as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has been scrutinised for various reasons, from political dynamics to food security, governance, and socioeconomic development. Despite its agricultural wealth and strategic importance, the state has faced significant leadership challenges since its creation over four decades ago. While a few governors, such as Aper Aku, Fr. Moses Adasu, and, to a lesser extent, Sen. George Akume, have been praised for their leadership, most of Benue’s governors have been considered mediocre. Samuel Ortom is often highlighted as emblematic of poor governance. Given Benue’s abundant resources and potential, the state should be able to catch…
Author: Abdullahi D Mohammed
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PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the late legendary singer, songwriter, actor, and politician, Onyeka Onwenu. Tinubu conveyed his condolence in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu Mourns Iconic Artiste, Onyeka Onwenu’, on Wednesday. According to Ngelale, “President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition of ‘One Love’ in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony. “The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting the public good, noting her classic…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, with effect from July 24, 2024. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated this in a statement titled “President Tinubu Appoints New Director-General of The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research” on Monday in Abuja. According to the statement, Professor Obafunwa succeeds Professor Babatunde Salako, whose tenure expires on July 23, 2024. The President also extended his appreciation to the outgoing DG for his service to the nation and wished him well in his future endeavours.…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, requested the Senate to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Finance Act by increasing the budget by ₦6.2tn. Tinubu’s request is contained in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Wednesday. The president in the letter, said the move was pursuant to section 58, sub-section two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. “I forward herewith the above bills for consideration and passage by the Senate. “The Appropriation Act Amendment Bill 2024 seeks to amend the principal act to…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. The President disclosed this on Tuesday when he inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms at the Council Chamber in the State House in Abuja. The Committee is to be chaired by the President, with the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, as the Deputy Chairman. The Committee is expected to propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians. Tinubu’s announcement comes 10 months after he approved…
FOLLOWING a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by 88 members, the House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement until all controversial clauses are addressed and spelt out. In moving the motion on Tuesday, a member of the House, Aliyu Madaki, drew attention to the clause which highlights “gender equality” and describes it as a Trojan horse which could violate the morals of the country. The House also mandated its relevant committees to investigate the controversial provisions of the agreement. Controversy has enveloped the Samoa Agreement signed by the Federal Government…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has been re-elected as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), about one year after he took over the leadership of the regional bloc. Tinubu was first elected to the position in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023. The Nigerian leader who rose to power in May 2023 was re-elected as the ECOWAS chairman during the 65th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. That event took place at the Presidential Villa in Nigeria’s Abuja capital on Sunday. In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu said he would focus on…
THE Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says some private aircraft operating in Nigeria are being used for money laundering, drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Keyamo made the revelation at the Ministry of Aviation in Abuja on Thursday, when he inaugurated a Ministerial Taskforce Committee to checkmate illegal chartered operations in the country. Though the minister did not mention the names of the airlines, he asserted that these illegal activities have made the sector lose billions of dollars and raised serious security concerns. The minister further stated that some of those involved in the illegal activities are…
PEACE and security are crucial in nation building. With peace, there is bound to be development, and tranquility. Consequently, these are achieved through robust intergroup relations. Such relationship includes right of existence, mutual respect, upholding the sanctity of life and dignity of fellow man. According to Johan Gaulten, a Norwegian academic and peace scholar, “concept of peace could be multidimensional, Negative peace, which is defined by the absence of war and violence, and positive peace, which is defined by a more lasting peace, built on sustainable investments in economic development and institutions as well as the societal attitudes that foster…