The Pioneer News Flash 24hrs

22/08/2025

22/08/2025

MARKET UNIONS, FARMERS SEEK GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
.. as Helpers Denied Responsibility of Price Reduction

By Atoza Msugh

Various Market Associations and farmers in Benue State have appealed to State and Federal Government to save their business from collapsing.

They all mede their appeals while interacting with our reporters who were in Igbor market to investigate and report some issues affecting farmers (sellers) and buyers in Benue State.

Speaking with our reporters on behalf of her group, the Chairperson Akpu Sellers and Buyers Association, Igbor market, Gwer East Local Government Area, Mrs. Sandra Kyuior wondered while prices of fertilizer, pesticides and other chemicals used in farming keep increasing and that of the farm produce keep going down daily, saying that has brought a lot of damages on the side of buyers and sellers.

Accompanied by Secretary and other members of the association, the chairperson who decried significant loses in their business as a result of unstable prices, appealed to both the Federal and State Governments to introduce policies that would help in balancing prices of farms produce with other commodities in the mkt order to sustain their business as well as encourage farming in the state and the country at large.

Mrs. Kyuior who appealed to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to revisit his policy on the formation of cooperative societies in various associations for the benefits of soft loans, expressed readiness of his members to fully make the use of Government approved sacks when it would be made available to them, saying Government is yet to introduce sacks for Akpu Sellers and Buyers in the state as promised.

On his part, the Chairman, Helpers Association, Igbor market, Mr. Terkula Tyoembe debunked the allegation accusing the helpers to be responsible for sudden reduction in price of farm produce in the market, saying those who are accused them to be responsible for the price reduction should be recalled that, even when the prices were high, they were also the ones who were buying it.

He expressed shock over the sudden reduction in prices, saying he has been in the business for over 15 years but this is the first time he is witnessing such downfall of the price.

The helpers' chairman said the issues of price reduction is not peculiar to Benue State market alone but nationwide, saying they have currently recoded unavoidable loses in all the farms produce they previously bought and stored in warehouses as a result of the ongoing price reduction, saying the their members not only help buyers but also buy the commodity with their personal monies.

Mr. Tyoember who said the opening of National Bolder by the Federal Government is one of the major causes of the sudden price reduction said, the reduction started from the major market like Kano, Lagos and others where the farms produce is sold, saying the opening of bolder has recorded importation more than exportation of the farm produce.

Expressing their high desire in the increment of the prices of which according to him, brings greater benefits to them just like others, he urged the Federal and State Governments to establish industries in the state where the farms produce can be preserved and also processed as well as refined for multiple usages.

He said the establishment of the industries can bring high demand for the farm produce which according to him, would motivate suitable prices that can sustain and encourage farming in the state.

He said in order to avoid cheating on the side of both the sellers and buyers, the association introduced usage of skell for proper measurement help in measuring according to a required number of KG, saying any one who violet their direct faces sanction.

According to him, the market who the association has so far implemented the usage of skell include, Gboko Guma, Vandeikya, Konshisha, Gwer East and Gwer West among others, saying they are highly against any members violeting the directives.

Major sacks seller and distributor in the market, Mr. Christopher Iyambee who also spoke with our reporters, lamented shortage of the Benue Sacks in the market and appealed to the government to make it available in large quantity, saying the demand for the sacks is very high.

He expressed desire to promote, market and sell the government approved sacks and ensure that it gets to all the sellers and buyers in the market.

17/08/2025

MCCOGA HOLS SECOND NATIONAL CONVENTION
. as Hon. Achado, Prof. Orshi Set for Donations

By Atoza Msugh

Our Lady of Mount Carmel College Makurdi Old Girls Association held her second National Conversation with a theme, "the Role of Old Student's Association: Re-igniting the spirit of Old Girls" from 15-17 August this year.

Speaking at the award and dinner section of the convention, Member, Federal House of Representatives, Representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency and National Present, Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School Old Boys Association, Hon. Arc. Asema Achado, acknowledged the efforts of the old girls to the development of the school, saying their contributions felt by the school and beyond.

Hon. Achado who said the association is sister of Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School Old Boys Association said, he would meet with his members to decide on how best to complement the effort of the old girls association towards the development of the college.

He further pledged to installed solar lights and dig motorable borehole at Our Lady of Mount Carmel College, Makurdi in order to complement the effort of the old girls, promising his continual support for the development and uplifting of the association.

Also speaking the Chairmen, Makurdi and Gwer West Local Government Areas, Hon. Joseph Keffi and Hon. Chief Ormin Torsar Victor who donated huge cash to support the old girls association, has pledged their pledged their continual interventions in support of the association and the school, financially and otherwise.

Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving her award from the old girls association, Prof. Julie Onyowoicho Enewa Orshi described the honour as a great thing to her, saying it has come from people who felt the impact of the little thing she did which according to her is one of the greatest award she has received so far.

Prof Orshi who said she was happy to be part of the convention, dedicated the award to her late father, Sir John Onoja KSM, expressing the impact of her farther towards her education.

According to Prof. Orshi, her farther did not distinguish between female and male child education, despite all the difficulties he was going through.

She urged all her fellow females to honour, appreciate and take good care of their parents, saying they should not wait until they die before showing love to their death bodies. " Let all the females accept the fact that, the country is experiencing recession and appreciate the little effort of their parents towards their education and general wellbeing" Prof. Orshi said.

The first female Professor of Social and Organizational psychology who has emphasized the difficulties some parents are going through in sponsoring their children in schools, further appreciated the association for finding her worthy for the award, saying it would make her to be more dedicated in whatever she does.

In her remarks, the National President of the association, Elizabeth Akor Ikpam Esq said that, the convention was aimed at celebrating their sisterhood with focus on igniting spirit of the old girls.

He appreciated all the guests who honoured their invitation to the convention, saying their presence and support were not taken for granted.

Highlights of the activity that took place during the conversation as stated by the President were courtesy call on the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, unveiling of the school new signpost which was donated by the old girls association, dinner and awards night as well as thanksgiving mass held on Sunday.

Those that were honoured include, Rev. Fr. Angus Frager, MFR, OON with award of Beloved of MCCOGA, Grace Wata Tachia with MCCOGA Pioneer Ambassador and Sir Chigozie M.I. Obasi DDL as Beloved of MCCOGA.

Others who were honoured include, Justice Ojoma Rachel Haruna as MCCOGA Elite and Prof. Julie Onyowoicho Enewa Orshi with award of MCCOGA Elite.

13/08/2025

BENUE MARKETS' ASSOCIATIONS DECRY LOW PRICE OF COMMODITIES, OTHERS
..Vow to stick to Benue Sacks, Seek Government Intervention

By Timothy Atoza - The Pioneer 24hrs

Various groups across Benue State Markets have decried a sudden reduction in price of their commodities.

The groups made their feelings known to our reporters who interacted with them in their various markets in the State.

At Ikpayongo market, our reporters interacted with, Beranda, Goat Buyers/Sellers, Potters and Sack sellers Associations

In his views, the Tor Beranda, Ikpayongo, Chief Igbawase, Chichi said as a leader of the Beranda Association who controls the buying and selling of various commodities in the market, he is strictly adherent to the directives of Benue State Government by ensuring that, only the government approved bags are used in measuring the commodities in the market, saying he has set a separate unit which is in charge of the measuring and detection of the sacks in the market in order to ensure that, it is only Government approved sacks that is circulate in the market.

Responding to the sudden reduction of price of commodities as expressed by farmers and others, the Tor Beranda explained that, it is caused by the ongoing harvesting season, saying this is the time that many farmers prefer bringing their farm produce in the market which according to him constitute congested traffic of the commodities in the market.

He said despite that, he has making a lot of efforts by ensuring the increment of prices, saying he has been interacting with buyers who come from various places in other to know their feelings toward the market.

Chief Chichi who said he is also a farmer and who feels the same pains that others are going through as a result of the low price, assured that, very soon the price of the commodities shall be improved, saying his members too are affected by the prices, even as he declined the allegation which accused them of been the major cause of the low prices.

He said, the branda who are the medle men in the market ensure that, they make both the seller and buyer happy, saying it is only when the two parties feel good, the market continues without hitches.

In his response over the same issue of low prices, the secretary, Tiv Beranda Association, Ikpayongo Mr. Justin Anagba said lack of industries in the State where must of the farm produce would be processed or preserved is also one of the major cause of the instability of price, saying most of these farm produce are perishable and when it harvest particularly, in the raining season the farmers would be rushing to sell regardless of price to reduce stress.

Mr. Anagba who said the buyers are exploiting farmers in the market as a result of their frustration, have call on the Government to establish company where most of the farm produce would be processed and preserved in order to make the market more competitive for buyers.

The secretary also declined the allegation that buyers handover money to them to decide how much to be paid for the commodities, some even accused them of shorting the money to reduce the prices, saying the Association of Helpers otherwise called Shakers is the one who normally collects money from the buyer to buy the goods.

Responding on behalf of the Helpers, their welfare Chairman and Provost in one of their Branch, Mr. Akav Francis also debunked the allegation accusing them of been the one to decide on how much to be pay on commodities, saying the buyers from various locations have their colleagues in various markets in the state who inform them with the details of prices including the quantity of good in those markets and the buyers give them money according to what their colleagues tell them.

According to Mr. Akav, the buyers normally frustrate the sellers by waiting for them to bring their good in the market in large quantity or numbers and get tired of waiting before deciding on how much to pay for it, saying the way forward is for the Government to establish companies where the farms produce particularly the perishable one can be preserved or processed.

When asked wether the helpers don't over shake the sacks during measurements, Mr. Akav said, the put in place a particular limit which is expected to be maintained by all members, saying any member who measure more than the required limit faces sanction.

The Vice Chairman Potters, Mr. Aondongu Chia who spoke for his association appreciated the Governor for the introduction of Benue sacks, saying it has mede their operation very easy and smooth even as he called on the Government to assist them with more farm inputs and grants to enable them to embark on massive farming.

When asked the leader Sack Sellers, in the market, Mr. Ogi Samuel wether he was aware of the fake Benue sacks discovered is some places he said, he was not the one selling and urged the taskforce in charge of monitoring the Benue sacks to stop the fake bags from circulating in the markets.

Also in the Ikpayongo market, the Chairman, Goat Sellers and Buyers Association Gwer East Local Government Area, Mr. Mbazoughga Ngueyongo described Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia as a man of peace who according to him has brought peace and development in the state that is felt by everyone, saying the governor has been ensuring the prompt payment of pension and salaries as well as the distribution of fertilizer to farmers among many good things.

The Goat Sellers and Buyers' Chairman who said the bad roads in rular areas is hindering the smooth operation of their business has appealed to the Governor to hasting up with the construction of Ikpayongo market to Aōndona road to ease the movement of people, saying the roads is very crucial to Masev people.

Mr. Ngueyongo who also appreciated the Governor for the introduction of the Benue sacks said, the bags has serious reduced the pains the farmers were previously going through and appealed to the Governor to revisit his policy on the registration of cooperative societies which he has in the past directed that, all the associations should formed to enable it benefits from the loans he intended to give, saying that would chance their business.

He further appreciated the Governor for his efforts taward tackling insecurity in their communities and appealed that, more effort should be put to enable their villages to be completely free from armed herdsmen attacks.

In their separate interviews with our reporters, the Chairman Goat Sellers and Buyers Association, Yonov, Mr. Victor Nor and Patron of the Association in Yonov and Injiriv, Mr. Vitalist Nyamvaatar who decried high reduction of price from the buyers said, members of the association are in serious need of space that is bigger than where they are currently occupying to enable them to reposition and upgrade their market to be more compitative and attract good prices, appealing to the Government to assist them financially to enable them tackle their challenges.

12/08/2025

MBACODA MAKURDI CELEBRATES DAY IN A COLOURFUL WAY

By Atoza Timothy - The Pioneer 24hrs

Mbakor Community Development Association, Makurdi Branch celebrated her day in a colourful way.

Speaking at the ceremony in a spirit of celebration, the Chairman of the occasion and Special Assistant to Secretary of the Federation as well as Founder, The Real Shimas Foundation, Hon. Andrew Uchi urged people of Mbakor and the entire Benue with more emphasis on youths to unite and be strong in supporting the current APC administration at all levels, saying a society can only develop when it is in unity and love to one another.

In his address, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Augustine Torough who also represented the Chairman of Tarka Local Government Area, Hon. Raphael Yenge at the occasion reaffirmed the commitment of the association in the united, growth and development of Mbakor.

He said, the event was aimed at celebrating the progress of Mbakor Community and honour outstanding individual who have contributed in many ways towards the development of the community.

Mr. Torough who emphasized the importance of love, care and concern for community said that, the above value are bedrock of the community's strength and resilience.

He urged members of the community to continue supporting one another by lifting other in terms of needs to enable them to continue excelling.

He congratulated and appreciated the awardees which according to him have demonstrated exceptional dedication and services to the progress of the community, saying their contributions have not gone unnoticed.

The Association's Chairman who has expressed gratitude over the massive attendance of the invited guests has appealed to them and others who were unavoidably absence to consider donating generously towards the building of Mbakor Community Secretariat in Makurdi, the State Capital, saying their donation will seriously help to build the Secretariat which is very crucial for development of the community.

Also speaking, the Director General Service and Administration, (DGSA), Tarka Local Government Area, Mrs. Mercy Terunbur Mgbegha called on the people of Mbakor to come together in order to enable them to continue harvesting greater benefits saying, unity is strongest pillar of development.

She said, if all the members of the community come together to share their love to one another and do everything with one voice as well as be prayerful to God, nothing would overpower them.

The DGSA who described Mbakor women as peace loving women of development, has urged officials of the association to carry women along in anything they do.

Some of the honourees, Rt. Hon. Bem Mngutyo and Mrs Theresa Zamber who received on behalf of her father have appreciated the association for the honours given to them and pledged to continue supporting the development of the community, saying the aword is a greater motivation to them.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the event, Prof. Daniel Momngu Tiough has appreciated the guests for honouring their notice of invitation and appealed to them to donate massively in order to enable them execute all the proposed projects which aim at taking the community to the greater heights.

He said the awardees were carefully chosen with regard to their various contribution to development of the association and the entire Mbakor Community, home and abroad.

Those who were honoured at the event include, Late Col. John Ahembe Nenger as Noror u Mbakor, Mr. Terna Ahua as Orfan Tom u Mbakor, Samuel Ukura PhD as Nom Ishan i Mbakor and Dr. Mark Nyitse as Ityough Gyumun u Mbakor.

Other Awardees were, Hon. Simon Uve Shango as Tsar u Mbakor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Benjamin Bem Mngutyo as Abanyam u Mbakor, Prof. Terfa Ahon Adaka as Shinshima u Mbakor as well as Mr. Aondowase Zamber DCM (Rtd) as Wan u Wongu Ityô u Mbakor.

There were different kinds of traditional dance at the colourful day celebration with delicious meal for the attendees.

11/08/2025

FORUM OF NKST SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN COMPOSERS SEEKS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR STANDARD RECORDING STUDIO

By Timothy Atoza

Forum of NKST Sunday School Hymn Composers has solicited for financial support to establishe a World Class Recording Studio to ease recording and circulation of worshipping songs.

The National Chairman of the forum, Barr. Joshua Kwagh-hange Ude made this known to the journalists on Sunday 11th August, 2025, in an interview shortly after thanksgiving service and award presentation to some of deserving members and others who contributed so much for growth and development of the forum.

He said it is became necessary for the forum to establish the standard recording and production studio in other to ease and enhance the process involved in composing the hymns and also enable the wide coverage as well as circulation.

He said the forum has set a Central Planning Committee (CPC) with a task on it to properly organize the forthcoming National Anniversary Celebration to mark her 40 years of existence, holding on the 24th of this month at NKST Yua, Gboko Classes and the committee has since then commenced the process.

He said the people who were honoured by the forum were personalities who have been found worthy, considering their various contributions to the growth and development of the NKST Sunday School hymns composers.

He further admonished old, new and intending members to be committed and determined in composure of their songs to enable them excell.

Also in a chat with the media, one of the awardees, Dr. Emmanuel Terna Undo who said he has served in many positions in the Sunday School and currently serving as Teacher of Sunday School, NKST Low Level Makurdi has encouraged the hymn composers to be well focused and committed, saying, their hymns have a lot of God's messages and are capable of strengthening People's faith in God.

He appreciated the hymns composers for finding him worthy for the honour and pledged more support for their sustainability and success.

Some of the awardees, Mr Peters Terkaa, Engr. Isaac Vanyam, Mr. Emmanuel Terngu Akura, Mr. Amos Aondover Iornongo and Mr. John Terese Igbe in their separate interviews with the media expressed pleasure over their awards and pledged more commitment and dedication.

05/08/2025

IZON COMMUNITY BENUE STATE INAUGURATES NEW OFFICIALS

By Timothy Atoza

The Ijaw Community, Benue State yesterday 4th August 2025 inaugurated new officials to pilot its affairs

While delivering his handover and inaugural speech, the out gone President, Chief Sunday Karu Freetown appreciated the numerous supports and love given to him by all members of the Ijaw Community in the state during his tenure.

He highlighted his achievements which according to him include restructuring of the Ijaw Community in the state and enhancement of unity as well as the construction of Ijaw Community Central hall which according to him was just to mention few ones.

Chief Freetown who applauded the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for tremendous achievements in the state for the past two years, appealed to the Governor to carry the Ijaw Community along in his administration in terms of appointments and otherwise, assuring the Governor of the massive votes of Ijaw Community in his reelection in 2027.

The out gone president also sympathized with the Governor and entire people of the state over the various attacks by armed Herdsmen.

He acknowledged the effort of the Governor which according to him has been trying so much to make sure that, there is peace in the state.

In his address, the newly sworn in President, Aaron Eka appreciated members of the Izon community for finding him worthy to be their president.

Mr Eka who said peace, progress and unity of the association would be his major priority said much can achieve through prayers which a according to him is key to prosperity.

He said their community would not relent in praying for the peace of the state.

In separate interviews with some members of the community who honoured at the occasion, Chief Alex, Chief Mike Yonbai, expressed their pleasure over their honours and pledged to be more supportive towards the success of the IZon community in the state.

Members of the newly sworn in officials include, Aaron Eka, President, May Azigbeotu, Vice President, Grace Ebikeseye, Women Leader, Owei Oweiziotubo, Speaker and Jimmy O. Kirinaowei as a provost.

Some of the officials sworn in include, Ezougha Jumbo, Assistant General Secretary, Amakazi Aseh, General Secretary, Tare Adonkie, Treasurer and Soubai G. Jacob as Financial Secretary.

The community also honoured some members who have contributed much for its development

25/07/2025

AVAA MEMORIAL ACADEMY HOLDS COMBINED GRADUATION CEREMONY

By Timothy Atoza

Avaa Memorial Academy, Gbaa-Mkar Gboko held her combined Graduation Ceremony yesterday

Speaking at the occasion, the Director of the school, Mr. Akpen Innocent Terna, expressed his gratitude to God for the opportunity given to them to have a place where they can impact knowledge to the Nigerian child academically and otherwise.

He said the schools according to the information gathered, is one of the best schools in Gboko Local Government and entire Benue State which focused on giving the students the knowledge of understanding and discipline which is not common to find in some schools in Gboko and beyond, saying he is so much grateful to God for the gift given to them to make their students good leaders of tomorrow.

The Director who spoke through his Assistant, Mr. Bartholomew Aondona, has encouraged the graduands to make judicious use of the knowledge they have acquired during their studies in the school to enable them become good ambassadors of the school.

He encouraged them to use the quality academy knowledge given to them by the school to excell anywhere the find themselves.

He further appreciated parents for their financial support to their children and encourage them not to relent in sponsoring the education of their Wards in other to boost their academic growth and greater future.

In a separate interview with the Resident Pastor, NKST Gboko East, Rev. P. T Atir JP who is also one among the parents, he commended the school for quality education and academy performances of the children under their care, saying it is one of the best schools in the State.

Also in the separate interactions with many parents who were at the graduation ceremony, they all expressed satisfaction with the performances of their children studying in the school.