Yaji Appreciates God For Saving His Life

... Encourages people to draw closer to God

By Terfa Naswem 

The President-General, Kunav United Development Association (KUDA), Deacon Emmanuel Tor Yaji and his beloved wife Deaconess Yaji were in the euphoria of praises to the indelible God for His protection over their lives, especially Deacon Yaji.

In a Thanksgiving Mass and reception in his honour organised by Mbaduku Development Association (MDA), Gboko Branch at St. John the Baptist Cathedral and St John Secondary School premises Gboko, Benue State respectively held on Sunday, 6th April, 2025, he extolled the Almighty God for saving him from the hands of dreaded Kidnappers. He said it was a very terrible experience that would have ended his life if not the protection of God Almighty.

He encouraged all those at the occasion to draw closer to God because only Him can save us in our darkest moments like He saved him from the hands of kidnappers.

He commanded the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Chairman of Vandeikya LGA and all those that God used to contribute in one way or the other for his injury-free rescue.

The Chairman of the occasion HE Aci Robert Terlumum Akpenpuun (from Nigerian Embassy Abidjam Cote D'Ivoire) commended Yaji for contributing significantly to his speedily progress in his career as his current position is a true manifestation of his prayers upon his life.

The guest speaker, Pharm. Peter Chieshe, Director-General Agro-Industrial Processing and Economic Transformation Bureau (BNAGRO),  Benue State poured spurious encomium on Yaji for his prudent and progressive leadership when he was the President-General of MDA and also as the current President-General of KUDA. He appealed to him to rekindle the hope of others by expanding his threshold of impact.

The President-General of Jemgbagh Development Association, Prince Yandev Amaabai gave an insight of his longstanding relationship with Yaji, hence his presence at the occasion despite his extremely tight schedule. He assured KUDA in Gboko that he will always be there for them anytime his attention is needed.

Ter-Kunav II His Royal Highness Chief Joseph Nyiyongo Achiaku through his representative appreciated Yaji for being a worthy Kunav son who has placed the interest and wellbeing of others above his'. He said God Almighty will continue to direct him on the path of purposeful leadership which will navigate KUDA to unprecedented development.

The Chairman, Mbaduku Development Association, Gboko Branch Terhemba Ihom commended Yaji for his remarkable footprint he left as former President-General of MDA. He appreciated all those who honoured their invitation by attending the occasion or reaching out in one way or the other.

The occasion was attended by some dignitaries and traditional rulers.

Exco members of Mbaduku Development Association, Gboko Branch include:

Chairman, Ihom Terhemba; Vice Chairman, Tyongun Joseph Doki; Secretary, Moti Samuel; Assistant Secretary, Ningir Emmanuel T; Treasurer, Apaa Emmanuel; Financial Secretary, Ndual Emmanuel Terseer; Welfare Officer, Awa Monica; Patron, Sir James Kuraun (Maj.) Rtd, KSM; Patron, Chief Christopher Ayashagba.

North-Central Development Commission: Group Hails Appointment Of Ojulari As NNPCL CEO

By Dansu Peter 

The North-Central Development Agenda has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. SGF, Chief  George Akume on the appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The group described the appointment as a source of pride and a sense of belonging to the people of the North-Central region.

They hailed the SGFfor lobbying to ensure that the appointment comes to the North Central

In a press conference by Comrade Adadu Adadu, the group commended President Tinubu for his leadership and vision, particularly in this recent appointment 

The North-Central Development Agenda acknowledged that this move demonstrates the President's commitment to addressing regional needs and promoting development across the country.

The group also passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume.

They recognised their contributions to democracy and development in Nigeria, highlighting their roles as defenders of democracy during the Third Term agenda.

The North-Central Development Agenda praised the working partnership between President Tinubu and SGF Akume, noting that their collaboration has brought significant benefits to the region.

The group expressed its faith in the President's economic reforms, acknowledging that although the measures may be painful in the short term, they will ultimately yield positive results for the nation.

On the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission, the group described it as a significant milestone for the region. The commission will oversee the region's developmental needs, addressing imbalances in wealth creation opportunities and improving the quality of life for the region's inhabitants," the statement said. 

"The commission's establishment attests to the President's commitment to regional development. We use his opportunity to again extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu, for graciously appointing our Leader, Senator Akume to the exalted position of the Number 3 official in the Executive Arm of the Federal Government of the country.

"Our faith in the working partnership between President Tinubu and our Leader Senator Akume is strengthened by the known fact that they were not just brother governors from 1999 to 2007, President Tinubu in Lagos and SGF Akume in Benue, but they were closely allied even then as defenders of democracy and upholders of the tenets which nourish and sustain it worldwide.

"In conclusion, the North-Central Development Agenda reiterated its appreciation to President Tinubu for establishing the North-Central Development Commission. We are optimistic that this move will bring about significant positive change to the region and wishes all Nigerians a happy and peaceful Sallah celebration."

Mato Condoles The Family Of Bendega Over Loss Of Tardzua

By Terfa Naswem 

Former member of the House of Representatives for Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency in Benue State and Co-Founder Fidei Polytechnic Gboko Benue State, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Mato has extended her deepest condolences to the family of Bendega over the loss of Lt. Col. Dr. Joseph Tardzua Bendega Rtd.

Mato eulogized late Tardzua as a man who was extremely caring to all those that went close to him and were under his command.

Late Tardzua was born into the family of Pa Julius Bendega Ukpada of Morov, Mbaketsa Council Ward, Shangev-Ya, Kwande Local Government, Benue State. 

He was born on 23rd June, 1940. He died  leaving behind his wife Mrs. Helen Nguyan Bendega and four children: Joseph Shimamem Bendega, Barr. Martha Nguper Tertsua, Dr. Zadoo Irene Bendega and Mrs. Angela Mgurshima Dondo Anunobi.

The final internment took place on Saturday, 6th April, 2025 at his hometown in Ajio, Kwande Local Government Council of Benue State.

Hon. Mato prayed God to grant the family of Bendega the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable loss.

Three Kidnappers Apprehended In Benue

Three kidnappers were apprehended at  Ogoli, Ukpoju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State at the Early hours of today in a combined efforts of locals and security agents.

Abducted Benue Links Passengers Rescued By Nigerian Police

The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited is pleased to confirm that the fourteen (14) passengers abducted on the evening of Thursday, April 3, 2025, from a Benue Links bus traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo, have been successfully rescued by security operatives led by men of the Nigerian Police Force.

Regrettably, one of the passengers lost his life during the rescue operation, while another is currently receiving medical attention and recuperating after the traumatic experience. The remaining passengers are in stable condition and are relieved to be free from the hands of their abductors.

The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited condoles with the families of those who lost their lives and also expresses its deepest appreciation to the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command; Area Commander, Otukpo; the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Otukpo; their dedicated teams; the Department of State Services (DSS), Members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard and all other security agencies whose swift and coordinated efforts made the rescue possible.

Benue Links Nigeria Limited remains committed to the safety and well-being of all travelers on our network and will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure secure transportation for the public.

Johnson Ehi Daniel.

Information Officer,

Benue Links Nigeria Limited.

BREAKING NEWS: Joint Task Force Foils Kidnapping, Arrests Fulani Rape Suspects In Odugbo, Benue State

In a daring operation, the Joint Task Force (JTF) in APA Local Government of Benue State has successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and arrested Fulani rape suspects in Odugbo. This remarkable feat was achieved through a collaborative effort between the men of the MOPOL 80 SQUADRON and the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Chief Security Officer of the Local Government, Comrade Adam Ogwola Ochega, Executive Chairman of APA Local Government.

The operation, which was facilitated by Ochega's commitment to social issues and his daily assurance of safety for all citizens of APA Local Government, resulted in the rescue of a rape victim and the apprehension of the perpetrators. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the joint patrol efforts and the dedication of the security operatives in maintaining law and order in the area.

Ochega's leadership has been instrumental in intensifying the focus on social issues in the local government. His daily assurance of safety has sent a strong message to the citizens of APA Local Government, reassuring them of his administration's commitment to protecting lives and properties.

The Council Boss has commended the collective effort of every community in APA and the security agents who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this operation. He acknowledged the crucial role played by the Nigerian Police Force in the arrest and prosecution of the suspects, highlighting the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

The suspects have been transferred from the APA division to the state CID for further investigation and prosecution. This swift action demonstrates the commitment of the authorities to ensuring justice is served and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

As the Chairman of APA Local Government, Ochega has assured the citizens of his continuous response to security issues, emphasizing his administration's dedication to addressing the concerns of the people. This operation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the joint efforts between security agencies, local governments, and communities in maintaining peace and security in the region.

Signed;

Comr. Ogili Ogili,CPS to Apa LGA chairman.

Just In: Tragedy As Kidnappers Kill Driver

A driver of Benue links Bus was shot dead last night at Ikobi in Otukpo LGA of Benue State. All the Passengers were kidnapped except a small boy.

Details soon!

Independent National Electoral Commission

Press Release 

Outcome Of The Review Of Signatures/Thumbprints Of The Petitioners For The  Recall Of The Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District

 

The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday 3rd April 2025. Among other issues, the meeting considered and approved the report of its physical count of the signatures/thumbprints forwarded with the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, in line with Clause 2(b) of the Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.

 

The Commission had assured Nigerians that it would handle the matter with fairness to the parties involved and in line with the provisions of the law and our Regulations and Guidelines. First, we ensured that the petitioners complied with the requirements for the submission of the petition. Secondly, we notified the member sought to be recalled in writing, copied the presiding officer of the Senate and simultaneously published the notice on our website. Thirdly, we informed Nigerians that the next step would be to carefully ascertain the number of signatures/thumbprints to ensure that the petition complies with the requirement of the law. This exercise has now been completed.

 

For emphasis, a petition for the recall of a Senator must comply with the provision of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which requires the signatures of more than one-half of the registered voters in the constituency. The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e. 50%+1) is 237,277+1 which is at least 237,278 voters.

 

Across the 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas and five Local Government Areas that make up the Senatorial District, the Commission ascertained 208,132 signatures/thumbprints from the submission made by the petitioners. This translates to 43.86% of the registered voters which falls short of the constitutional requirement by 29,146 signatories.

 

Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the Senator.

 

In line with the provision of Clause 2(d) of the Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, the Commission has issued a Public Notice to that effect which is also copied to the presiding officer of the Senate.

 

The Public Notice, along with a  summary of the review of the signatures/thumbprints of the petitioners, which are disaggregated by Local Government Areas, are available on our website and social media platforms for public information.

 

Sam Olumekun mni

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee

Thursday 3rd April 2025