2026: Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Group Dismisses 'Tinubu Must Go' Campaign

By Peter Dansu 

The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 has dismissed claims that a so-called “Tinubu Must Go” campaign is gaining meaningful traction in Northern Nigeria, describing the narrative as exaggerated and disconnected from the realities on the ground. 

In a statement signed by Hon. Ali Oriri, the network declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to enjoy solid and expanding support across the North due to ongoing infrastructure delivery, security gains and economic reforms that are beginning to yield results for ordinary citizens.

According to the group, attempts to project isolated discontent as a widespread northern revolt ignore the substantial work being done by the administration and the loyalty of key stakeholders who recognise the difficult but necessary decisions taken since 2023. 

The network said its mobilisation efforts are already consolidating grassroots structures in preparation for the 2027 elections.

“The so-called Tinubu Must Go movement is making noise, but noise is not the same as organised political strength,” Oriri stated. 

“What we see in the North is growing appreciation for the roads being constructed, the power projects advancing, and the renewed focus on security that is gradually restoring confidence in many communities.”

He added: “President Tinubu inherited deep structural problems. The reforms he embarked upon were tough, but they are laying the foundation for a stronger economy. 

"Our network is on the ground educating our people on these realities and organising them for 2027.”

The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 emphasised that Northern Nigeria remains a critical political base and that genuine engagement with traditional institutions, youth groups, women organisations and local political actors is already yielding positive responses. 

Oriri noted that the network is working closely with like-minded stakeholders to counter misinformation and highlight measurable progress in infrastructure and security across the region.

He pointed to major highway projects, rail developments and increased investment in the security architecture as evidence that the administration is addressing the very concerns being exploited by critics. 

The group insisted that any assessment of public mood in the North must go beyond selective voices and examine the broader picture of development and stability efforts.

“We are not blind to the challenges of cost of living and insecurity. No serious person is,” Oriri said. 

“But we also see the deliberate investments in roads that link our markets, the push to improve electricity transmission, and the operational successes being recorded by our security agencies. These are not imaginary.”

“The people of the North understand that sustainable progress requires continuity of purposeful leadership. 

"That is why the Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network is mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he continued.

Oriri further accused promoters of the “Tinubu Must Go” campaign of seeking to capitalise on temporary hardships without offering a coherent alternative that addresses the root causes of Nigeria’s economic and security challenges. 

He maintained that the network’s approach is rooted in constructive engagement rather than opportunistic agitation.

According to the statement, the group will intensify town-hall meetings, community outreaches and stakeholder consultations across northern states in the coming months to deepen understanding of the administration’s policies and consolidate electoral structures.

“Our loyalty is to the Nigerian people and to the progress that is being made under this administration,” Oriri declared. 

“We will not allow a campaign built on frustration alone to define the political conversation in the North.

“President Tinubu has shown the courage to take hard decisions. The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 stands firmly with him because we believe continuity is essential for the gains already recorded in infrastructure and security to be fully realised,” he concluded.

FG Borrowing Justified By Huge Investment In Infrastructure, Improvements in Security Sector - Opposition Rep Agbese

By Peter Dansu 

Hon. Philip Agbese, Labour Party leader in Benue State and member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, has strongly defended the Federal Government’s proposed $21.7 billion supplementary external borrowing plan.

According to Agbese, the funds are fully justified by the Tinubu administration’s massive investments in critical infrastructure and the gains recorded in the security sector. 

The lawmaker described the borrowing as strategic financing for productive national assets rather than consumption spending.

Speaking against the backdrop of intense public debate over the 2026-2027 external borrowing proposal, the opposition figure argued that Nigerians must look beyond partisan lenses and assess the tangible returns already visible across roads, power, rail and defence. 

He noted that the plan prioritises productive assets rather than consumption, aligning with the administration’s broader Renewed Hope agenda of rebuilding national capacity after years of underinvestment.

“This is not borrowing for the sake of borrowing. It is investment in the future of Nigeria,” Agbese stated. 

“When you look at the allocation—over $10 billion for transport infrastructure alone, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and key rail corridors—you see a government deliberately creating assets that will generate long-term economic value far exceeding the cost of the loans.”

He continued: “The same applies to the significant portion dedicated to defence and security. Any serious nation prioritises the safety of its citizens. 

"The Federal Government is putting resources behind the men and women in uniform so they can finish the job against bandits, terrorists and kidnappers.”

Agbese further highlighted the administration’s track record of project delivery under the Ministry of Works, citing the accelerated completion of major sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway using durable concrete pavement, the commissioning of initial segments of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and hundreds of other road projects completed or advanced nationwide. 

He pointed to parallel progress in the power sector, including approvals for East and West Super Grids aimed at raising transmission capacity dramatically, as evidence that borrowed funds are being channelled into real, visible development.

The lawmaker stressed that states and the Federal Capital Territory stand to benefit substantially from the package, with a sizeable share earmarked for subnational projects on largely concessional terms. 

According to him, this structure ensures that the borrowing strengthens the federation rather than concentrating benefits solely at the centre.

“Look at what has been achieved in just over three years: major highways moving from paper to asphalt and concrete, rail lines advancing, and power infrastructure receiving the attention it has long been denied,” Agbese said. 

“That is why the borrowing is justified. On security, the Armed Forces have recorded significant operational successes—neutralising thousands of terrorists and bandits, facilitating large-scale surrenders, and rescuing abducted citizens. 

"Continued investment is necessary to consolidate these gains and expand the capacity of our security agencies,” he added.

Turning to the terms of the proposed financing, Agbese noted that a substantial portion comes from multilateral and bilateral partners at concessional rates, while commercial components remain competitive relative to previous market conditions. 

He dismissed critics who focus solely on the headline figure without examining the quality of the underlying projects or the improved fiscal space created by earlier reforms such as subsidy removal.

The Benue lawmaker argued that opposition to the plan on purely political grounds ignores the infrastructure deficit inherited by the current administration and the urgent need to close it if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable growth and improved living standards.

He called on colleagues across party lines to prioritise national interest when the National Assembly considers the request.

“Every progressive country borrows to build. What matters is whether the money creates lasting assets and strengthens national security. On both counts, this plan passes the test,” Agbese declared. 

“We in the opposition must be honest enough to acknowledge progress where it exists. The people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo, like Nigerians everywhere, want better roads, reliable power and safer communities. 

"The Federal Government is taking concrete steps in that direction, and supporting the necessary financing is the responsible thing to do,” he concluded.

President General Of KUDA And His Wife Console The Family Of Akure

... Pray to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear their irreparable loss

By Terfa Naswem

President General of Kunav United Development Association (KUDA), Deacon Emmanuel Tor Yaji and his wife, Deaconess Dorathy Yaji expressed their deepest consolation to the family of Akure over the loss of Engr. Charles Terver Akure.

They eulogized late Akure as a man who made significant impact on countless lives at home and abroad in various ways of his financial, moral, physical and ideological abilities.

In the moment of grief, they prayed to God to grant the family, friends and associates of Akure the fortitude to bear his irreparable loss.

Engr. Charles Terver Akure passed peacefully in the early hours of August 10, 2026, Northwell Valley Stream Hospital, New York, United States of America, after a brief hospitalisation for pneumonia.

Born February 22, 1962 in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria, to Baba Patrick Tyomgbaag Akure and Mama Tabitha Afanyo Akure. He educated at St. Mark's Anglican Primary School, Gboko (1968-1974), Government College, Makurdi (1974-1979) and School of Basic Studies, Makurdi (1979-1980) all in Benue State.

Seeking knowledge abroad, he studied at State University of New York (1980-1981) and transferred to Academy of Aeronautics, Vaughn College, Queens, New York where he graduated in 1984.

Charles dedicated his career to aviation in New York, serving at New York Helicopter, then Continental Airlines, and later United Airlines until his retirement in 2021.

In 1990, he met Meroline. They got married on July 27, 1991 and shared 35 beautiful years together. Though he lived most of his life abroad, his heart remained at home in Mbaduku. He is remembered as "Boi", a name of warmth, humility and love.

He died at age 64 and was buried on October 5, 2026 in his hometown at Akure Shar compound, Tsar, Mbaduku-Mbatyough, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

Ajose Inspects Ongoing Canal Dredging at Esepe, Intensifies Olorunda Flood Control Efforts

By Peter Dansu 

The Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, yesterday, paid an inspection visit to the ongoing canal clearing and dredging operation at Esepe as the council intensifies efforts to tackle flooding across the LCDA.

The dredging operation, which commenced on Friday, is part of a broader flood control initiative by the Ajose administration to clear and open up waterways in communities identified as vulnerable to flooding.

During the inspection, Ajose assessed the progress of the work and reviewed the ongoing efforts to remove silt, debris and other obstructions that have restricted the free flow of water through the canal.

The intervention at Esepe is the starting point of a wider exercise planned by the council to cover flood prone communities across Olorunda LCDA. The administration said the objective is not merely to respond to flooding when it occurs but to take preventive measures that can reduce the risk of flooding in the future.

The canal clearing exercise is particularly significant following the drainage challenges experienced in parts of Olorunda during the recent rainy season. By opening up existing waterways and improving the movement of stormwater, the council expects to reduce waterlogging and improve drainage around affected communities.

Speaking during the inspection, Ajose reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to practical interventions that directly address the environmental challenges confronting residents.

He noted that regular maintenance of canals and drainage channels is essential to effective flood management, stressing that the council would continue to identify vulnerable areas and extend the exercise to other communities.

The ongoing operation is being coordinated by the Vice Chairman and Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Bolaji Adele, Supervisor for Works, Hon. Jimoh Amosu, and Special Adviser on Environment, Hon. Olonde Sunday.

The canal clearance and dredging exercise is part of the Ajose administration’s RE-SHAPE Agenda, with the council maintaining that proactive environmental management remains critical to protecting communities and improving the living conditions of residents.

From Esepe, the exercise is expected to move to other flood prone communities across Olorunda as the council continues its efforts to strengthen drainage infrastructure and prepare the LCDA for future rainfall.

From Dilapidated to Renewed: Ikoga Junior Grammar School Badagry Gets a Major Facelift by SCRPS

By Peter Dansu 

Badagry Today has captured the ongoing transformation at Ikoga Junior Grammar School, Ikoga-Zebbe, Badagry Local Government Area, where three school buildings are currently undergoing major rehabilitation by the Lagos State Government through the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS).

A visit by the Badagry Today team showed ongoing repairs, installation of new windows and doors, and repainting of the buildings to give the school a cleaner and more appealing appearance.

The facilities were previously in poor condition, but the ongoing intervention is gradually giving the school a much-needed facelift.

Badagry Today will continue to monitor and report developments across communities in the Badagry division, bringing grassroots projects and issues to public attention.

Alia's Economic Agenda Will Transform Benue, Shaku Tells Youths

…As He Pledges Grassroots Mobilisation For Governor's 2027 Re-election

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Dr. Shaku Justine Orangoholga, has charged youths across the state to take ownership of the economic opportunities emerging from the development agenda of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

Shaku made the call on Tuesday at the IBB Square, Makurdi, while addressing thousands of youths and support groups from the 23 local government areas who converged for a Town Hall Meeting with Governor Alia.

He said the Governor's development agenda was gradually repositioning Benue for sustainable economic growth, urging young people not to remain on the sidelines but to acquire skills, embrace entrepreneurship and take advantage of government-backed opportunities.

The ALGON chairman said the administration's interventions in infrastructure, industrialisation, education, employment, security and other critical sectors were laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Benue.

He particularly commended Governor Alia for creating an avenue for direct interaction with youths and support groups, describing the town hall meeting as evidence of a government that was willing to listen to the people and respond to their concerns.

According to him, the opportunity for young people from across the 23 local government areas to speak directly with the Governor and receive responses from him was significant and reflected a new approach to governance in the state.

Shaku said the engagement had further strengthened the bond between the Governor and the people, adding that the growing confidence in the administration was a reflection of its development efforts.

He also praised Governor Alia for supporting the 23 local government councils in rebuilding critical infrastructure and addressing areas that had been neglected for years.

“Your Excellency, the Benue people are with you. The support you have given to the 23 Local Government Chairmen to rebuild what has long been neglected by past administrations is highly commendable. We will work round the clock to return you to power come 2027,” Shaku told the Governor.

He assured the Governor that the local government chairmen would continue to mobilise support for the administration at the grassroots, stressing that the people were increasingly identifying with its development agenda.

The ALGON chairman said the reforms being implemented by the administration had rekindled hope among Benue people, particularly the youths, who he said were beginning to see new avenues for employment, enterprise and economic empowerment.

He urged young people to make themselves relevant to the changing economic landscape by acquiring marketable skills, developing businesses and participating actively in programmes designed to improve livelihoods.

Shaku further commended the massive turnout at the town hall meeting, describing the gathering as a demonstration of the growing interest of Benue youths in the Governor's development agenda.

He assured the youths that Governor Alia would remain focused on fulfilling his mandate and delivering programmes capable of improving the welfare of citizens and strengthening the state's economic foundation.

The ALGON chairman expressed appreciation to the youths and support groups for their solidarity and participation, while praying for God's guidance and safe journeys for all participants returning to their respective local government areas.

Peverga Nathan,

Chief Press Secretary to ALGON chairman, Benue State chapter.

immigration Arrests Two Suspected Kidnapping Syndicate Members With ₦34m in Adamawa

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Adamawa State Command, has arrested two men suspected to be members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ₦34 million in cash.

The suspects, identified as 55-year-old Alhaji Jaye and 34-year-old Buba Bello, were intercepted on September 6, 2026.

According to the NIS, the suspects claimed the money was meant to pay ransom for the release of a relative.

The suspects and recovered items have been directed to be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Adamawa State Command, for further investigation.

In a separate operation, Immigration officers also intercepted 17 irregular migrants at Rumde Baru in Yola South LGA.

The group comprised 13 Cameroonian nationals—8 males and 5 females—and four male Chadian nationals.

The NIS said undocumented migrants are increasingly moving from hotels to private, unregistered apartments within the state capital.

What do you make of the ₦34 million cash found with the two suspects?

#ATGNews #Adamawa #NigeriaImmigrationService #Security #Yola

LAGRIDE GEARS UP FOR EMBER RUSH WITH 400 NEW VEHICLES AND 1,000+ MORE CAPTAINS

BY IFE ILESANMI 

LagRide has stepped up preparations for the 2026 Ember Rush, deploying 400 new vehicles across its Lagos network and targeting the mobilisation of over 1,000 additional Captains between now and December, as the mobility platform expands capacity for the busiest months of the year.

At the LagRide 2026 Driver Mobilisation and Fleet Flag-Off, held at the LagRide Centre in Alausa, Lagos, more than 100 Captains drove out in newly deployed vehicles, marking the first major deployment under the expansion programme.

The 400-vehicle rollout will continue in phases, with more Captains joining the platform as LagRide increases availability across Lagos ahead of the Ember Months and Detty December.

LagRide expects to facilitate more than 200,000 rides during its Ember Months push, as business activity, tourism, entertainment, airport traffic, events and the city's end-of-year social calendar drive increased movement across Lagos.

The Executive Director of LagRide Nigeria, Mildred Ekanem, said the mass deployment builds on an already significant operational footprint, with over 2,000 LagRide vehicles currently on the road across Lagos.

“We already have over 2,000 LagRide vehicles on the road across Lagos, and we are expanding from that position of strength. The 400 vehicles being deployed are part of our immediate expansion, and between now and December, we are targeting the mobilisation of over 1,000 additional Captains.

“The Ember Months bring increased movement across Lagos, and we are preparing ahead of that demand. Our focus is expanded availability, wider coverage and ensuring that when customers need a LagRide, there are more Captains ready to serve them".

A central focus of LagRide's Ember Rush strategy is to make the service more available, more rewarding and more attractive to customers from September through December.

The company is expanding further into communities including FESTAC, Ikorodu and Ajah, while increasing the number of Captains operating across existing locations to improve ride availability and reduce waiting times.

From September to December, LagRide will roll out a series of customer promotions, discounted rides, rewards, special offers and other benefits across the platform, with additional campaigns planned around major events and the Detty December season.

The programme will be supported by continued on-ground activations across Lagos, following a series of community and customer engagements undertaken by the LagRide team in recent weeks.

The objective is to give Lagos residents and visitors more reasons to choose LagRide throughout the Ember Months, combining greater vehicle availability, wider coverage, competitive offers, customer rewards and 24-hour support.

LagRide expects these initiatives, alongside the deployment of additional Captains and vehicles, to support its target of more than 200,000 rides during the Ember Months push.

By December, the campaign will transition fully into LagRide Detty December, with increased Captain availability and customer promotions designed around the significant rise in movement, entertainment and tourism across Lagos.

Transportation, Tourism and Lagos.

Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of LagRide, said the expansion forms part of a wider ambition to strengthen LagRide's role in the transportation and tourism experience of Lagos.

According to Chief Diana, the increasing number of vehicles being introduced into the ecosystem is intended to create greater availability for customers while opening opportunities for serious, professional Captains to earn and build sustainable livelihoods.

“LagRide is the face of transportation and tourism in Lagos. As the city welcomes residents, visitors, tourists and returning Nigerians, transportation must be ready to match the scale and energy of Lagos.

“We are building that capacity and making thousands of vehicles available for serious, professional Captains who are ready to work. At the same time, we want more people to use LagRide and experience a service that represents Lagos with professionalism and pride,” Chen said.

The company expects the increased capacity to become particularly important during the December tourism and entertainment season, when Lagos attracts significant domestic and international traffic.

Ekanem said the company's 24-hour customer service centre would continue to provide round-the-clock assistance, handling complaints, enquiries and issues including property left behind in vehicles.

LagRide also draws on the service infrastructure of CIG Group and GAC Motor, with several maintenance centres available across Lagos. Its Alausa facility operates as an express service centre dedicated to LagRide vehicles, helping to reduce maintenance downtime and return vehicles to the road quickly.

The mass deployment will also increase participation in LagRide's Drive-to-Own programme, providing more Captains with access to vehicles and a structured pathway towards eventual vehicle ownership.

Under the programme, Captains undergo an initial 90-day rental period before qualifying to transition towards vehicle ownership, subject to meeting the required performance conditions.

LagRide's Director of Public Relations, Ifeanyi Abraham, urged the newly deployed Captains to approach their roles with professionalism, honesty, hard work and a strong sense of pride in representing LagRide.

“We want our Captains to wear the LagRide identity with pride. Every time you pick up a customer, you are representing LagRide and you are representing Lagos. The standard of service our customers experience starts with you,” Abraham said.

He also called on the media to highlight the wider impact of LagRide's expansion across transportation, technology, tourism, job creation and economic empowerment.

Abraham said Lagos' position as one of Africa's leading business, entertainment and tourism destinations makes reliable and readily available transportation particularly important as the city enters its busiest months.

He said LagRide wants its Captains to develop the same strong sense of professional identity associated with organised mobility systems in leading global cities, while giving customers greater confidence in the quality and reliability of the service.

Taking about safety and Customer Experience,

LagRide said the expansion would be supported by its existing technology and safety infrastructure, including vehicle insurance, dashboard cameras and panic buttons integrated into its digital platform.

The company said further that  customer experience, Captain professionalism, vehicle maintenance and technology would remain central as the fleet and Captain network expands.

The newly inducted Captains also welcomed the opportunities presented by the programme.

Deborah Adeyemi, who has approximately three years of driving experience, said LagRide offered her an opportunity to earn income while maintaining flexibility over her working hours.

Another beneficiary, Mustapha Kayode Abdullahi, said his immediate goal was to earn sustainable income and ultimately become a vehicle owner through the Drive-to-Own programme.

With 400 new vehicles being deployed, over 2,000 LagRide vehicles already operating across Lagos, more than 100 Captains driving out at the Alausa event and over 1,000 additional Captains targeted between now and December, LagRide is significantly expanding its capacity ahead of the Ember Rush.

Further Captain and vehicle deployments will continue in phases as the platform prepares for increased mobility demand across Lagos during the final months of 2026.

Hon. Shimawua Attends Burial Of Late Mrs. Joy Iember Aondohemba Alia

The Honourable Member representing Kyan State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Terna Shimawua, was present at the burial ceremony of Late Mrs. Joy Iember Aondohemba Alia. The solemn event drew dignitaries, political associates, and well-wishers from across the state.

 

Hon. Shimawua, while commiserating with the bereaved family, described the death as a great loss not only to the Alia family but to Benue State at large. He prayed to God Almighty to grant the family the fortitude to bear the painful loss and to grant the departed eternal rest.

The Lawmaker reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty and support to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, ASORTAR U BENUE. He further prayed for God’s guidance, strength, and wisdom for the Governor as he continues to pilot the affairs of the state during this trying period.

 

Hon. Shimawua also used the opportunity to appreciate the Kyan and Kunav communities for their steadfast support and mobilization towards the Governor’s second-term ambition. He called on the people to remain united and continue to support the “Working Governor”. to deliver more dividends of democracy. 

 

Hon. Shimawua Media Team .

A Defining Moment For Democracy And The Future Of Benue

With great pride and a deep sense of optimism, we congratulate His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on the successful validation of his party’s nomination by INEC.

This landmark development is more than a procedural victory—it is a powerful affirmation of truth, resilience, and the enduring will of the people. It reflects a leadership journey anchored in purpose, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Benue State.

Your Excellency, this moment renews hope and strengthens the collective belief that Benue is on a path of transformation, unity, and sustainable development. Your vision continues to inspire confidence, and your leadership remains a beacon for a brighter future.

As we move forward, we stand united in support of a cause greater than politics—the advancement, peace, and prosperity of our dear State.

Congratulations once again, Your Excellency.

The future is promising. The journey continues.

Dr. Solomon Akperekpe

MD/CEO, 

Aspam Group Ltd.

#BenueRising #AliaLeadership #leadership #DemocracyWins #aspamgroup #LeadershipMatters #StrongerTogether

Kayode Ojo Decries Low Turnout In Ekiti Guber Poll, Rallies Support For Tinubu Ahead Of 2027

BY FEMI AWOJOBI 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, Engr. Kayode Ojo, has decried what he called " low turnout of Voters during the June 20, governorship election in the State and called on party members across the South West to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu total and unwavering support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ojo, who was a governorship aspirant in the state, spoke at a meeting with members of both "Elders and Consultative forums of his campaign Organisation in Ado Ekiti".

Campaign Organisation's spokesman,  Femi Awojobi in a statement issued and made available to newsmen said, Ojo, charged APC members, particularly his supporters, to return to their respective wards to mobilize vigorously for the success of the President and the party.

The APC leader expressed concern over what he described as the "poor turnout of voters" during the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State. 

He noted that despite the party’s victory, the low participation of eligible voters was a cause for concern and a signal that more grassroots work was needed.

“We have the numbers and the structure in Ekiti. But we must go back to the wards and work. 2027 is around the corner, and President Tinubu deserves our total support, Ojo said.

He commended the president for what he described as “numerous achievements” since assuming office and urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ojo also used the opportunity to appreciate his supporters for their sacrifices during the struggle for the party’s governorship ticket. He assured them that their loyalty would not go unrewarded.

“We have lost nothing, I can assure you of that. What is coming is more than what you thought we had lost. With or without the governorship position, I am poised to always support our people and alleviate their sufferings,” he said.

“I have always prayed to God to give me the power to support you all, no matter how many you are. I will always support you because I know everyone needs one form of support or the other — financially, morally, and physically.”

The APC chieftain concluded by urging unity and cohesion within the party, stressing that a united APC in Ekiti and the South West is critical to delivering victory for President Tinubu in 2027.

BIPC, NIS Collaborate To Ensure Safety Of Expatriates Working In Benue

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at ensuring the safety and proper monitoring of expatriates working in Benue State.

The partnership was reached during a joint meeting between the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, and the Benue State Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Grace Nkangwung, PCC, held at the BIPC Board Room in Makurdi.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Asemakaha disclosed that BIPC accounts for about 75 percent of expatriates currently working in the state through its various industrial and investment projects. He said the company would henceforth notify the Nigerian Immigration Service of all expatriates engaged by the state, including details of their Temporary Work Permits (TWP), to ensure proper documentation and monitoring.

"We are here to build the state, and we will not have criminals in the state," Dr. Asemakaha stated.

The BIPC boss also expressed concern over the unpleasant experiences encountered by some expatriates in their dealings with immigration officers but commended the State Comptroller for her prompt intervention in resolving the issues.

Responding, the Benue State Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Grace Nkangwung, said the Service had already put measures in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. She urged BIPC to consistently notify the agency whenever new expatriates arrive in the state to enable effective monitoring in line with the statutory mandate of the Service.

Nkangwung further lauded Dr. Asemakaha and Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for what she described as the transformation of Benue into a major construction hub through ongoing development projects.

Earlier, the Head of Business Development and Strategy at BIPC, Theresa Abeda, said the meeting was convened to strengthen collaboration and address issues of mutual benefit between the two organisations, particularly in promoting investment, security and compliance with immigration regulations in the state.

President Tinubu Announces 26 New Appointments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced 26 new appointments into 10 Federal Government agencies and commissions, with former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, emerging as chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Major General Junaid Bindawa as chairman of the National Salary and Wages Commission.

Fayose heads the board of REA, with Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta appointed as members and non-executive directors. The incumbent DG of the agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and three executive directors previously appointed make up the remaining board members.

President Tinubu made eight other appointments to the Wages Commission, along with Maj General Bindawa. Former member of the House of Representatives from Lagos, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, is the new secretary of the commission.  Dr Ogbole Ene Lilian, Oladele Olatubosun, and Yakubu Umar Barde, representing Benue, Oyo and Kaduna, were appointed as commissioners.

Dr Mai Adamu Yau, from Borno,  Ginika Florence Tor (Enugu), Engineer Lawrence Okoh(Edo) and Bello Morenike Iyabode (Kogi) were appointed as members of the Commission.

Tosin Johnson Adeyanju, who was previously appointed as the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), has now been moved to the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission as Secretary.

President Tinubu also appointed Dr Abuh Mohammed as Director-General of the National Population Commission, Dr Akinola Odeyemi as Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), and Dr Anthony Inalegwu Godwin as chairman/CEO of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. Engineer Julius Oloro, a former council chairman, is the new CEO of the Kwara-based National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation(NCAM), replacing Dr A.R. Kamal, who died last January.

President Tinubu constituted the board of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, with Dr Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as chairman. The board members include Mohammed Asmau, Mohammed Aliyu Makama, Dr Suleiman Gidado, Louis O. Ndukwe, Amaechi Ugwele and Olaniyi Idowu Onikola.

Shuni Muhammad Dahiru is the new executive secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, replacing Professor Shu'aibu Shehu Aliyu, who was reassigned to the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) in April.

To replace Mathias Byuan, the former executive director, finance of the Federal Housing Authority, who resigned to contest the governorship election in Benue, President Tinubu named Gisaor Vincent Iorja. Iorja is an economist, legal scholar, and academic currently serving as the secretary of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).

All the appointments take immediate effect.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information and Strategy)

July 20, 2026

Monday Motivation

Education is more than certificates and grades — it’s the power to rise beyond limits, discover your purpose, and become everything you were created to be.

This week, don’t just chase success…build yourself into it.

Stay disciplined. Stay focused. Stay hungry for growth.

Greatness is not given — it is earned through learning, consistency, and courage.

Let’s make this week count. 

#mondaymotivation #keepgrowing #successmindset #EducationMatters #RiseAboveLimits #aspamgroup

BIPC GMD Inspects 6.2km River Benue Reservoir HDPE Pipeline To Food Basket Brewery

The Group Managing Director, Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha CFA inspected construction of a 6.2 kilometers river water filtration system and sedimentation reservoir from river Benue to the food basket brewery to strengthen water supply.

The construction of the reservoir is in line with  Gov. Hyacinth Iormem Alia  to provide a reliable and sustainable source of treated water for Food Basket Brewery, Zeva Beer, Malt, carbonated drinks and a line for Bip Water to meet up demand.

The sedimentation reservoir and water filtration system will address the water supply challenges currently affecting the company and reduce dependence on external water sources.

Upon completion, the water filtration system is expected to boost production capacity, improve operational resilience, and reinforce BIPC's commitment to building sustainable infrastructure that drives economic growth and industrial development in Benue State.

The Sedimentation reservoir water filtration system using floaters HDPE pipeline 160X9.5X12000mm will  reduces the turbidity of raw water, making subsequent chemical coagulation and mechanical filtration significantly easier for our Food basket 🧺 Brewery 

GMD 

BIPC

Fanafa Reaffirms Support For President Tinubu, Governor Alia At Benue Solidarity Rally

The General Manager, Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comr. Alexander  Fanafa, KSM, MNIM,  earlier today joined government officials, APC leaders, and supporters at a solidarity rally organized by the Benue State Ministry of Transport and Renewable Energy in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

Addressing participants, Comr. Fanafa described the rally as a strong endorsement of the Tinubu and Alia administrations, reaffirming his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

The Benue Links boss further urged Benue residents to remain united behind Governor Alia's leadership and support his 2027 re-election bid, expressing confidence in the administration's continued delivery of peace, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

The rally concluded with participants renewing their commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the continued progress of Benue State.

©Peverga Nathan