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Daily Report Nigeria, Abuja (2026)

08/09/2026

AGATU TO WELCOME NEW ARMY BATTALION THIS SEPTEMBER AS EJEH HAILS TINUBU, ALIA
..111 Battalion to strengthen security, boost confidence and support return of displaced residents

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State is set for a major transformation in its security architecture following the official approval of a new Nigerian Army battalion for the area.

The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, on Tuesday announced that the new formation, designated 111 Battalion, Nigerian Army, will be established between Ekaida and Egba communities and is expected to commence operations this September.

Ejeh described the approval as a landmark development for Agatu, saying the coming of the battalion would provide an additional layer of security and strengthen existing efforts to maintain peace across the local government.

According to him, the decision is particularly significant because sustained security remains essential to the restoration of normal life in communities that have experienced disruptions arising from insecurity.

The chairman said the new battalion would provide a stronger operational presence within the locality, enabling security personnel to respond more effectively to emerging situations and provide reassurance to residents in vulnerable communities.

He expressed optimism that the development would further strengthen the confidence of farmers, traders, civil servants, business owners and other residents whose activities depend on a stable and peaceful environment.

Ejeh said the establishment of the military formation would also complement the efforts of existing security agencies operating in the area, creating a more robust security network capable of responding to the needs of the people.

The council chairman attributed the approval to the concerted efforts of the Federal Government and the Benue State Government, particularly the interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

He therefore expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for facilitating the establishment of the battalion, describing the President's intervention as a clear demonstration that the security concerns of communities in Benue State remain firmly on the national agenda.

Ejeh, however, reserved special commendation for Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia describing the Governor's role and commitment to Agatu as a powerful demonstration of his love, concern and magnanimity towards the people of the local government.

According to him, the decision to locate the battalion in Agatu is itself a strong testimony to Governor Alia's affection for the people and his determination to see them live in peace and security.

He said the battalion could have been located in any other part of the state, but Governor Alia's love for Agatu and his deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of its people made him support and approve its location in the area.

"Governor Alia's love and magnanimity for the people of Agatu cannot be overemphasised. If His Excellency did not love the people of Agatu and care deeply about their security and wellbeing, he could have chosen another location for this battalion.

"But he chose Agatu. That decision speaks volumes about his love for our people, his concern for our security and his determination to ensure that Agatu is given the attention it deserves," Ejeh said.

The chairman described Governor Alia as a leader who has consistently demonstrated that the security and welfare of the people remain at the heart of his administration.

He said the Governor's support for the establishment of the battalion went beyond a mere administrative decision, stressing that it reflected a deliberate commitment to creating a safer environment in which the people of Agatu could return home, rebuild their communities and pursue their livelihoods without fear.

Ejeh said Agatu people would remain eternally grateful to Governor Alia for identifying with their security challenges and taking concrete steps to address them.

He noted that the Governor's intervention had given the people a renewed sense of belonging, assuring them that Agatu had not been forgotten by the state government.

The chairman particularly commended Governor Alia for working closely with the President and the relevant military authorities to ensure that the security needs of Agatu received the necessary attention.

He said the establishment of the 111 Battalion should therefore be viewed as the product of a strong partnership between the Federal and Benue State Governments, with President Tinubu and Governor Alia playing critical roles in facilitating the intervention.

Ejeh added that the people of Agatu would continue to appreciate President Tinubu and Governor Alia for the historic intervention, saying their combined efforts had produced a development capable of changing the security landscape of the local government.

He also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for their contributions to the process that culminated in the approval.

He equally recognised the efforts of the General Officer Commanding, 5 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, alongside other military officers, security personnel and stakeholders involved in advancing the security interests of Agatu.

Ejeh said the timing of the new battalion was significant, particularly as the local government continues to look forward to the full restoration of social and economic activities in communities affected by insecurity.

He noted that security and development were closely connected, stressing that residents could only fully engage in farming, education, commerce and other productive activities when they felt sufficiently protected.

He further expressed confidence that the new military presence would contribute to creating conditions that would encourage more displaced residents to consider returning to their communities.

For many families affected by insecurity, he said, the prospect of returning home was closely tied to the assurance that adequate security would be available to protect their lives and property.

The chairman called on residents to cooperate with personnel of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies once the battalion becomes operational, urging communities to provide credible information that could assist security forces in preventing criminal activities.

He emphasised the importance of community participation in the fight against insecurity, noting that residents remain vital partners in intelligence gathering and early warning efforts.

Ejeh also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to support the new security arrangement and promote peaceful coexistence within their respective communities.

He said the local government would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that the presence of the new battalion translates into tangible improvements in the security and welfare of the people.

The chairman described the development as a welcome sign for Agatu, saying the people could now look forward to a period in which security, stability and economic recovery would receive greater attention.

He expressed gratitude to all individuals and institutions whose efforts contributed to the approval, stressing that the establishment of the 111 Battalion represented an important step toward building a safer and more resilient Agatu.

With the battalion scheduled to take off this September, Ejeh urged the people to remain hopeful and supportive of ongoing security initiatives, assuring them that the local government would continue to pursue measures capable of promoting peace and protecting the interests of its residents.

He said Agatu's aspirations went beyond security alone, encompassing the return of displaced families, revival of agriculture, restoration of businesses, reconstruction of communities and creation of opportunities for the younger generation.

"The people of Agatu are grateful for this landmark intervention. We are particularly grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our dear Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whose combined efforts have made this possible.

"For us in Agatu, the Governor's decision to have this battalion located here is a profound statement of love and concern for our people. We will never take that gesture for granted.

"We are confident that the establishment of the 111 Battalion will further strengthen the peace we have been working to achieve and give our people greater confidence to return, rebuild and prosper," Ejeh said.

The development is expected to become one of the most significant additions to Agatu's security framework since its creation as the local government enters a new phase of peace-building, community recovery and economic revitalisation.

03/09/2026

GBENDA: THE BRIDGE BETWEEN GOV. ALIA AND BENUE YOUTHS, TAKING INCLUSION BEYOND RHETORIC
..As Youth Leader Takes Grassroots Outreach to 23 LGAs, Pledges 1,000 Bags of Rice for Benue Youths

By Orseer Mnzughulga

At a time when economic hardship continues to stretch the resilience of young Nigerians, the Benue State Youth Leader, Hon. Gbenda Terver, is demonstrating that youth leadership can go beyond political speeches, promises and mobilisation to deliver practical interventions that directly touch the lives of the people.

As Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia on Youth Organisations and Illegal Levies, Gbenda has announced plans to distribute 1,000 bags of rice to youths across the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue State, in a grassroots intervention designed to provide immediate relief to young people and complement the people-oriented initiatives of the Alia administration.

The intervention, which is expected to commence in batches, is another reflection of Gbenda's growing engagement with young people and communities across the state.
For the Benue Youth Leader, leadership is not simply about occupying a position or making political declarations. It is about being available, identifying with the people, understanding their challenges and taking action where possible to make a difference.

And perhaps nothing captures his approach to politics and leadership more succinctly than his often-repeated philosophy, "I don't believe in talking politics, but I believe in doing politics."

That statement has increasingly become a defining feature of Gbenda’s public engagement.

Rather than merely talking about youth inclusion, he is seeking to put inclusion into practice by taking his activities beyond political meetings and Government House to the grassroots, where ordinary young people are confronted daily with the realities of economic hardship.

In a political environment where youth leadership is often associated primarily with mobilisation during elections, Gbenda is determined to offer a different model one in which political engagement is measured by impact, accessibility and service to the people.
His philosophy of "doing politics" is built around the belief that political leadership should maintain a human connection with the people it represents.

Consequently, his engagements have increasingly focused on reaching out to youths, identifying with their concerns and creating opportunities to provide support where necessary.

The planned rice distribution across Benue’s 23 Local Government Areas is therefore more than the distribution of food items. It represents an attempt to translate political representation into visible grassroots engagement. It sends a message that young people should not only be remembered during election seasons but should remain part of the conversation and beneficiaries of practical interventions throughout the life of an administration.

Gbenda's position places him at a critical intersection between the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration and the youth population of Benue State.

As Youth Leader and Senior Special Assistant on Youth Organisations and Illegal Levies, he occupies a strategic position in communicating the aspirations of young people to government while equally taking the administration’s programmes, policies and interventions closer to the grassroots.

His continuing outreach across the state has increasingly positioned him as a bridge between Government House and the youths, particularly those outside the major urban centres.

Through such engagements, he is reinforcing the philosophy that governance should not be confined to offices and official ceremonies but must ultimately be felt in communities.
The latest rice intervention is expected to complement the Alia Care initiative and provide some measure of relief to young people navigating the difficult economic climate.

The decision to extend the intervention across all 23 Local Government Areas is significant.
It reflects an effort to ensure that the youth-support agenda does not become concentrated in a few locations but reaches young people across the geographical spread of the state.

From the urban centres to the rural communities, the message is that no local government and no segment of Benue’s youth population should be left behind.
The distribution is expected to take place in batches to ensure effective coordination and wider reach.

Gbenda has appealed to youths across the state to remain patient as arrangements are concluded, assuring them that steps are being taken to ensure that beneficiaries across the 23 LGAs are captured.

While a bag of rice may appear to be a simple intervention, its significance becomes greater against the backdrop of the economic difficulties confronting households and young people.

For many youths, especially those struggling with unemployment, underemployment and rising living costs, any meaningful intervention that reduces pressure on household expenditure can make a difference.

But beyond the material value of the rice is a broader message of recognition and inclusion.
It tells young people that their challenges are being noticed and that those entrusted with representing them are willing to come closer to them. This is where Gbenda’s approach to youth leadership becomes particularly significant.

His philosophy appears to be that politics should be experienced as service, not merely discussed as an ambition and by taking his outreach to different parts of Benue, he is gradually giving practical meaning to that philosophy.

Gbenda's growing grassroots presence also demonstrates that his engagement is not limited to political structures or a narrow circle of youth organisations. His outreach increasingly cuts across communities, groups and stakeholders, creating a broader platform for interaction between the administration and the people. This has helped strengthen the perception of his office as an avenue through which the concerns of young people can be communicated and addressed.

It is an approach that could prove particularly important in a state where youths constitute a significant component of the population and an essential force in determining Benue’s political, economic and social future.

For Governor Alia's administration, a vibrant connection with the youth is equally important. Young people are not only voters, they are entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, creatives, community organisers and future leaders. Giving them a sense of belonging in governance therefore goes beyond political calculations it is an investment in the future of the state.

Gbenda's emerging role can therefore be viewed through three important lenses! representation, engagement and action.

He represents the interests of young people within the administration; he engages directly with them at the grassroots, and, through interventions such as the planned rice distribution, he seeks to translate that engagement into tangible support.

This combination has strengthened his position as one of the channels through which Governor Alia's administration continues to connect with the younger generation.
The underlying message is becoming increasingly clear! Benue youths should not merely be mobilised when their votes are needed. They should be heard, engaged, supported, empowered and included in governance.

Ultimately, Gbenda's frequently repeated declaration that he does not believe in "talking politics" but believes in "doing politics" may become the defining theme of his youth leadership.

In a state where political conversations are often dominated by promises, his emphasis on action presents a different narrative one that seeks to measure leadership by the number of people reached, communities engaged and lives touched.

The planned distribution of 1,000 bags of rice across the 23 LGAs is one more step in that direction and with a pledge to sustain the gesture for as long as the Alia-led administration remains in office, the intervention is being positioned not as an isolated act but as part of a broader commitment to youth welfare and grassroots engagement.

As preparations for the first batch of distribution gather momentum, youths across Benue are looking forward to the commencement of the exercise.

For Gbenda Terver, however, the rice may only be one chapter in a larger leadership story a story about taking politics from the podium to the people, taking government closer to the grassroots, and building a lasting bridge between Governor Alia’s administration and the young people of Benue State. In the end, his message is simple! Don't just talk about politics, do politics that the people can feel.
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02/09/2026

ALIA'S ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO REVOLUTIONISE AGRICULTURE, TRANSPORTATION WITH TLM PARTNERSHIP

By Orseer Mnzughulga

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, said his administration is committed to adopting innovative and sustainable solutions in agriculture, transportation and renewable energy to accelerate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of the people.

The Governor stated this against the backdrop of a proposed partnership between the Benue State Government and TLM Ltd aimed at deploying agricultural mechanisation solutions, energy-efficient transportation systems and renewable energy technologies across the state.

The proposed collaboration involves the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (BSADC), the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Benue Links, the Ministry of Transportation, Renewable Energy and Power, and TLM Ltd.

The proposal was presented on Tuesday at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi, during a meeting with the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode, mni, who also serves as Chairman of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency.

Representing the Governor, Ode expressed the administration's enthusiasm about the proposed partnership, describing it as timely and consistent with the government’s development agenda.

He said the initiative had the potential to significantly strengthen agricultural production, reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and promote the adoption of clean energy solutions in the state.

Ode called for a coordinated approach involving BSADC, Benue Links, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and TLM Ltd to ensure that the initiative was effectively implemented across the state.

He designated the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BSADC, Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule, as the desk officer for the project, citing his expertise and broad experience.

The Deputy Governor directed Akule to engage relevant ministries, agencies and companies by inviting them to a take-off meeting where the implementation framework and areas of collaboration would be further discussed.

He also said the project would require the establishment of service centres, training facilities, relief stations and pilot schemes at strategic locations across the state.

Ode assured TLM Ltd of the state government’s support, stressing that the administration was prepared to facilitate the necessary engagements with relevant stakeholders towards the successful take-off of the initiative.

Earlier, the Managing Director of BSADC, Donald Aorkwagh Akule, provided an overview of the proposed project, explaining that it aligned with the recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Governors’ Forum for states to intensify agricultural production while pursuing measures to reduce transportation costs.

Akule highlighted TLM Ltd's experience and capacity, particularly its projects in Katsina State and other locations, noting that the company had demonstrated practical solutions in agricultural mechanisation and sustainable transportation.

The Managing Director of TLM Ltd, Mr. Leo Wei, expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government for the warm reception and presented the company’s capabilities and proposed solutions.

Wei said the company's electric vehicles were designed to provide efficient and environmentally friendly transportation, with some models capable of travelling up to 500 miles on a full charge.

He explained that the vehicles were available in different capacities, ranging from nine-passenger models to buses capable of carrying up to 56 passengers, while specialised models could be deployed for agricultural purposes.

According to him, TLM Ltd would provide the vehicles, technical training and service equipment required for the commencement of the project.

He disclosed that the company had supplied 400 tractors to Katsina State, alongside training and capacity-building support, adding that TLM Ltd was eager to bring its expertise to Benue.

Also speaking, Mr. Tor-Solomon Abam emphasised the importance of agriculture and renewable energy in building a sustainable economy, stressing the need for Benue to leverage its agricultural potential while embracing emerging technologies.

The proposed partnership is expected to support Benue's transition towards mechanised agriculture, cleaner transportation and renewable energy while creating opportunities for skills development, employment and increased economic activity across the state.

01/09/2026

AGATU HAS LEFT EGYPT, CHAIRMAN EJEH LAUDS ALIA'S SECURITY GAINS, HAILS SECURITY GAINS, 73-YEAR CRISIS RESOLUTION
....Governor Alia: No part of Benue will be ceded to herders

The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Hon. Amb. James Melvin Ejeh, has declared that Agatu has left Egypt, following significant security gains recorded under the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Ejeh spoke at Ugbokpo during Governor Alia’s Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders of the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, where he commended the state government for its interventions in security, road infrastructure and other sectors affecting the people of the area.

The council chairman said although Governor Alia came to the constituency to appreciate the people for their support, the people of Agatu had also come to express their gratitude for what he described as the administration’s tangible impact on their lives.

According to Ejeh, one of the administration’s most significant achievements in Agatu was the resolution of the longstanding Egba and Ologba crisis, which he said had persisted for about 73 years.

He also attributed improved security response in the area to the ongoing construction of the 43.5-kilometre Obagaji–Okokolo–Agagbe Road.

"Because of the road you are constructing from Obagaji to Okokolo Agagbe, the response time for security agencies to intervene in that axis has now been reduced to 10 minutes, compared with the two hours it used to take," he said.

Ejeh recalled that when his administration assumed office, about 15 communities in Agatu West were allegedly under siege, making it difficult for residents to access their farms safely.

He listed the affected communities as Ogwumogbo, Ejima 1 and 2, Ajomachi, Akele, Egwuma, Olegagbani, Ogbai, Olegadapa, London, Okwutanobel, Warri, Ikpelle 1 and 2, and Kpokpolo.

The chairman said the area had become a major kidnapping hotspot, alleging that herders had occupied parts of the communities and at one point hoisted their flag in Ogwumogbo.

He, however, said the situation had changed considerably through the support of the state government, particularly the provision of logistics, financial resources and technological assistance for security operations.

“Even though we have not yet reached where we want to be, we have since left Egypt,” Ejeh declared.

He said the improved security situation had allowed residents to return to their farms, adding that farmers could now leave their homes in the morning, work on their farms and return safely in the evening.

While acknowledging that some destroyed infrastructure, including schools and healthcare facilities, was yet to be fully restored, Ejeh said the restoration of security had given the people what he described as their most valuable asset, the freedom to live and farm without constant fear.

"Your Excellency, that is the greatest achievement for us. Even if you had done nothing else for the people of Agatu, we would still be grateful for this," he said.

The council chairman stressed that his remarks were not intended as political praise but were based on what he described as visible developments in the area.

"We have not come here to blow your trumpet. We are speaking about facts and reality," he said.

Ejeh also appealed to Governor Alia to return to Agatu at the end of October to commission the proposed Central Command Security Centre, which he said was already about 70 per cent completed.

He explained that the facility would deploy modern technology to monitor activities across the local government and improve coordination among security agencies.

The chairman expressed optimism that the centre would further consolidate the security gains recorded in Agatu.

"Agatu has asked me to tell you that we are grateful. We are grateful, and we will continue to support you," he said.

Responding, Governor Alia said the Town Hall Meeting was organised to provide an opportunity for traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to interact with the government on issues affecting the constituency.

The Governor highlighted the ongoing 43.5-kilometre Obagaji–Okokolo–Agagbe Road as a major intervention aimed at improving rural connectivity and facilitating the movement of people and agricultural produce between Agatu and Gwer West.

He also listed interventions in education, healthcare and water supply across Apa and Agatu.

In the education sector, Alia cited the reconstruction and renovation of classrooms at Methodist Primary School, Ogbalu, RCM Primary School, Oweto, Islamiya Primary School, Alifeti, and RCM Primary School, Ekla-Oba, with furniture also provided.

He said his administration was equally revitalising primary healthcare centres at Enungba, Ogbaulu and Usha in Agatu, as well as Iga Opaya, Otakpa and Igoro in Apa.

The Governor further disclosed the provision of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems at 11 locations across Apa Local Government Area.

On employment, Alia said the government had approved the re-engagement of local government workers disengaged in 2011, subject to a screening exercise to establish the status of the affected workers.

He also disclosed that four persons each from Apa and Agatu had been nominated for immediate engagement into the state government workforce.

Governor Alia urged farmers in Apa, Agatu and other parts of the state to increase agricultural production, assuring them that ongoing industrial investments would provide markets for their produce.

He cited ongoing efforts to revive the Igumale Cement Factory and Taraku Mills, alongside the development of the Food Basket Brewery, fruit juice and concentrate factories and other agro-processing investments.

According to the Governor, the investments would create employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses and strengthen Benue’s agricultural value chain.

On security and land ownership, Governor Alia reiterated that no part of Benue would be ceded for ranching, stressing that the state’s land belonged to its people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate activities.

"No single part of Benue State will be ceded to herders," the Governor said, reaffirming his administration’s position on the protection of the state’s land and the livelihoods of its people.

Alia also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with its headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations in the state.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a New Benue anchored on security, agriculture, industrialisation, functional schools, accessible healthcare, improved rural connectivity and sustainable economic development.

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