By J.A. Osaro

Since the APC stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State, I have watched images and videos which have continued to dominate the media space. They reflect not just a show of party unity in the Northeast, but also spotlight the aura and political alignment of one man whose presence is steadily reshaping the conversation in Taraba Central, Hon. Gambo Mubarak, a leading contender for the senatorial seat in 2027.

From the moment my eyes landed on him, I realized that true leaders don’t just attend, they arrive with presence. Elegantly dressed in a vibrant green attire echoing the patriotic tones of the Nigerian flag, Hon. Gambo Mubarak exuded confidence, discipline, and readiness for public service. Seated alongside notable figures such as former Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, and the respected Ali Sani Kona, his image captured more than style, it reflected a message of solidarity and readiness.

But it wasn’t just about appearances, Hon. Gambo Mubarak was in Gombe to reaffirm his loyalty to his party and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose 2027 re-election campaign is gathering early momentum. Mubarak’s commitment, however, is not new. During the recently held Sallah lunch in his Bali residence, he made the same commitment in front of a large crowd of supporters from across Taraba Central.

A closer look at Mubarak reveals a rare breed of politician. He is a former legislator, a scholar of electoral politics, and a man with an uncanny ability to connect across strata. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Elections and Party Politics at Federal University, Lokoja, he exemplifies a generation of leaders prepared both academically and politically for Nigeria’s complex terrain.

So, one must ask: how did Central Taraba miss the chance to send such a talent to the red chambers in 2023?

Mubarak understands the strategic importance of aligning Taraba Central with the APC-led Federal Government. He envisions a region revitalized by agro-industrial investments, enhanced infrastructure, and tourism especially in areas like Sardauna, Gashaka, Bali, Kurmi, and Gassol. With a solid connection to the federal structure (APC), these communities could finally break free from decades of underdevelopment, unemployment and rural stagnation.

Gombe was no coincidence. It was a well-placed opportunity for engagement, one Mubarak seized with clarity and purpose. His interactions with high-ranking party officials sent a clear message: Central Taraba is ready to return to the APC, and Gambo Mubarak is the bridge to make it happen.

With experience, humility, and a wealth of political insight, Hon. Gambo Mubarak is not just another candidate, he is a vision-carrier, a grassroots favorite, and a loyal party man. He has once again offered himself to serve, and the people of Taraba Central must decide: Will they seize this moment, or let it slip again?

2027 is near. And with Gambo Mubarak, the road to redemption for Taraba Central may have just begun.

– Make a cash payment: Deposit funds into the company’s account within 60 days.
– Submit a Turnaround Plan: Communicate a comprehensive plan to address the financial concerns within 21 days.
This development underscores the premise of our agitation that NAIC is practically in the wrong hands at the moment.
Your Excellency, it’s crucial to address the management failure of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC). Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s involvement in this failure is concerning, given his expertise and expected consideration for the Corporation’s historical development and capacity requirements. The appointment of Folashade Joseph as MD/CEO eight years ago raises questions, especially since her reappointment for a second term in 2021 was based on her performance. However, the Corporation’s collapse suggests that her leadership is ineffective. To prevent similar failures, it’s essential to prioritize competence and expertise in future appointments. A well-grounded individual with experience in agriculture, insurance, and risk management would be ideal. Additionally, considering passionate farmers with proven track records could bring valuable insights to the Corporation. Ultimately, ensuring the Corporation’s success requires careful consideration and a commitment to excellence in leadership appointments.
Your Excellency, we strongly support your call to action, urging the intervention to prioritize professionalism and expertise in the appointment process of the Executive Management Board of Directors. This is crucial in restoring the lost glory of the Corporation under your leadership and the Renewed Hope-Agenda, as well as sustaining the Food Sufficiency Initiative of the government.
To achieve this, I recommend the following:
Competence-based appointments: Ensure that appointments are based on merit, expertise, and experience in agriculture, insurance, and risk management.
Transparent selection process: Establish a transparent and rigorous selection process to identify the most qualified candidates.
Ministerial oversight: Direct the Minister to provide oversight and ensure that the appointment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit.
By prioritizing professionalism and expertise, we can restore the Corporation’s effectiveness and achieve the goals of the Renewed Hope-Agenda and the Food Sufficiency Initiative.

Signed
Abdulquadri Olayiwola
For NAIC Staff

In spite of the global economic recession which is dragging some citizens into abyss of poverty, Kano State’s Abba Yusuf has adopted some creative measures, using the agriculture sector window, to stabilize the socio-economic well-being of  rural dwellers. This is an example to emulate, writes WILLIAMS AYOOSO.

 The vicissitudes of global economy have continued to create a negative impact on the socio-economic situation of many nations.  This untoward development continues to push economies of some nations to the thresholds of abyss, dehumanizing people’s quality of livelihood, thereby diminishing the hope for a better future.

However, some spirited individuals, have activated the policy instruments in their leadership positions to ensure that such a grave socio-economic calamity, which in most cases snowball into humanitarian situations, do not befall the people that are within the territorial scope of their leadership. The Governor of Kano state, His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Yusuf is one of those leaders.

Despite the pressure of governance and competing services delivery demands of the people that resonate from different sectors of the economy, the governor has evolved a creative approach to ensure that, the nerve of ruler economy of the people do not collapse. It is therefore a deliberate policy that what some might describe as a state of emergency, is being role out in the state’s agriculture sector, to blossom the state’s rural economy.

At present, government is aggressively addressing key areas that have direct bearing on the lives of the people, including opening of access roads, deployment of technology on agricultural activities and boosting the commercial prospects of the people through the creation of markets that have the potentials to boost and encourage global trade.

The Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) under the leadership of Engineer, Engr. Zaharaddeen Hamisu, is one of those platforms that are driving the template of this agriculture development plan.  One of these iconic projects is the Dawanau International Grains Market in Tofa Local Government Area. The concept is to boost all areas of agriculture, particularly the value chain of crops and livestock. Engr. Zaharaddeen Hamisu, told newsmen that the intervention is a 90$ million project that would span a period of five years. He told newsmen that were in Dawanau to see things for themselves.

Under the project, Hamisu said, the Kano state government is contributing 5$ million while the Islamic Development Bank, Lives Livelihood Fund (LLF) and other partners are sponsoring the rest of the funding. Through the Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project, the state government has been able to provide 4kms of surface dress roads within the market, drainage channels and solar lights that have made business activities in the market to run 24hours, the project engineer said.

“The Dawanau International Market is the biggest grains market in the Sub-Saharan Africa but was hitherto confronted with many challenges, including lack of access roads for movement of grains and livestock especially during rainy seasons as well as security challenges. But all of these challenges have been tackled by closing the infrastructural gap,” Hamisu said.

The gains of this novel initiative are being harnessed as the benefiting communities have refused to hold back their feelings.

“For over 30 years this market has never been like this until the Abba Yusuf government came on board, and you can see the changes. Since this project was launched, it has never stopped. You can see the transformation. You can see the trucks and other vehicles loading and leaving, and this will continue throughout the night because of the streets’ solar lights and police presence.”

Alh. Baba Wawu, Deputy Chairman of the market traders told newsmen who were in the market to see things themselves.

Governor Abba Yusuf also began the expansion, repair and upgrade of the Watari Irrigation Project in Bagwai Local Government Area, the project, according to the Project Manager, Muhammad Tijjani Adam, has gulped N4.5 billion, as about 500 hectares of farmland will be activated. The project is to enhance more participation of farmers in dry season cultivation. N314 million is being expended for the repair of the damaged sections of sectors 1 and 2 reservoirs. Water is released from the Watari Dam to the reservoirs occupying a swath of about 917 active hectares of farmlands. The reservoir 1 alone, when upgraded will provide 10 million cubic litres of water for distribution through canals, Muhammad Tijjani Adam, revealed. Under the irrigation project review, new water canals have been constructed to supply the additional 500 hectares of farmlands that stretch 10 kilometers in various directions. The crops grown include onions, guinea corn, lettuce, rice and cucumber, which are doing well. Here too, the impact is impressive. Just like the Chairman of Watari Water Project Farmers Association, Ibrahim Sani, said during his interaction with newsmen, “This has reduced the migration of people from the area, especially the youth, to Kano city.

It is heart-warming to note that Kano state government is not limiting its foresight on the dietary needs of the people. It is exploring a global business opportunity where the local population will rub shoulders with their equals on the global market environment. It is in this direction that the state is creating a business template powered by technology, for Kano state animal traders to start exporting processed meat, instead of the usual live ruminants like cows, sheep and goats. Under the project focus, beef, mutton and chevon would be processed, preserved and taken in large commercial quantities to Abuja FCT, the southern region and foreign countries for sale.

To achieve this novel economic feat, the state, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, Lives Livelihood Fund (LLF) and other partners has constructed slaughterhouses across 20 of the 44 local government areas of the state.

According to the Sarkin Power of the Kura Slaughterhouse in Kura Local Government Area, Alh. Ubale Tantabara, about 10 to 40 cows and other ruminants are being slaughtered on daily basis. Engineer, Engr. Zaharaddeen Hamisu, said each of the slaughterhouses has been built at the cost of N80 million, totalling N1.6 billion for the 20 abattoirs.

The slaughterhouses are equipped with solar powered boreholes for constant supply of water for proper hygiene of the place. There are also solar fans for full ventilation. Each of the slaughterhouses has three offices -a power room, Sarkin Power’s office and a cold room for storage of unsold meat. Outside the slaughterhouse there is the business of drying animal skins and dung for various purposes.

As if these are not enough, the state with the support of Agro Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has embarked on the project to construct veterinary clinics and milk collection centres at all the cattle markets across the state.  Already, five major milk collection centres have been built equipped in milk producing communities. One of them is Falgore Milk Collection Center, located at Falgore Cattle Market Rt in Doguwa local government area. Each of the milk collection centres is equipped with 550ltrs milk storage tank and its accessories.

Worldview Magazine checks reveals that the centre also has an office, a solar-powered borehole, toilet facilities and a veterinary clinic, all provided with solar lights. The centre, which will soon be officially launched, is already producing over 20,000 litres of milk daily. Nazifi Ado Yakubu -the veterinary doctor lauded the state government for ensuring regular vaccination of the cattle against diseases that could kill them. Munir Madaki, who is the Sarkin Kasuwa Kara Falgore, collaborated the veterinary Doctor’s assertion, when he told newsmen that the community now vaccinates thousands of cows on every market day, therefore, generating millions of Naira as revenue.

“This intervention has also empowered Fulani youths, who were previously engaged in nefarious activities. Today, hundreds of them are involved in milk collection business, selling dairy products directly to companies and exporting them,”  Munir Madaki emphasized.

In Africa, agriculture, especially the type that is powered by rural infrastructural built up, is undoubtedly the nexus of economic stability. In the face of glowing recession, where many states in Nigeria are being overwhelmed by the lingering fangs of economic decline, the Kano state government, under His Excellency Alhaji Abba Yusuf, is exploring the Agric sector window to stabilize the socio-economic condition of the rural population.

Nigerian leaders, especially state governments, should learn from Kano State’s Abba Yusuf.

IN THIS PIECE, ISRAEL ALIAH TAKES A LOOK AT SEVERAL STEPS THAT THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF GOMBE STATE, MUHAMMADU INUWA YAHAYA IS TAKING TO POSITION THE STATE ON THE FAST LANE OF DEVELOPMENT

Sadiq Suleiman Mohammed, a Physics student of the Gombe State University, has had one of his ambitions in life fulfilled. At least, he has had the opportunity of demonstrating his intellectual capacity with a locally made drone, which he has constructed or manufactured. This opportunity to showcase his talents as a Gombe State born aircraft engineer in the making was availed by the Gombe State Government on the platform of EXPO2021, technology show.
The event, which was organised by the State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, had its theme: “Science Technology and Innovation for Economic Recovery and Sustainability amidst covid-19 Challenges”.
Sadiq Mohammed was not the only beneficiary of the platform. Dorcas Darius and Triple Hitech Company were among several other talented youths and corporate bodies that had the opportunity to showcase their ingenious capabilities in the technology. While Dorcas Darius of the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation also presented a finished product of tomatoes value chain addition and the conversion of waste materials to organic manure, Triple Hitech Company displayed a solar sprayer to use on farm lands. Organizations, such as Gombe State Dyers Association were equally on ground to showcase the art of tie and dye.
It was heartwarming signal, to inform Nigeria and the rest of the world that the intellectual content of the Gombe State youths is already repositioned on the fast lane of development. While youths in other states and communities are in the trenches perfecting the arts of terrorism, Gombe youths are into laboratories and workshops to bring out innovations that will positively change their states. With these mindsets, the development of Gombe State, would better be imagined, in few years to come.
These reforms, which are becoming remarkable on the state’s socio-political landscape is a creation of the innovative leadership of the Governor Muhammed Yahaya.
Making a speech at the event, the Governor expressed the economic direction of his administration when he noted that Science and Technology play a critical role in the industrialisation and sustainable economic development of most nations as well as influence a country’s level of development and determine its international competitiveness and ranking in the world’s economy.
The Governor urged the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation to remain committed to promoting technological development in order to reduce over dependence on imported products, saying this will create employment opportunities for the teeming youths with attendant reduction in criminal activities.
The Governor, who was visibly impressed by display of knowledge of the Gombe people in the various areas of technology, called on the youths of the state to avail themselves of the opportunity and work hard to ensure speedy development of indigenous technology as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of the State and the country at large.
In encouraging the youths and people of Gombe to embrace technology, the Governor is living by example. His administration has commenced the process of converting the source of powering street lights from generators to solar in the state. The first phase of the project, according to sources from the Government House, is expected to cover 71 kilometers of roads within the state capital. Already, the installation of poles for the solar-powered street lights is in progress. According to the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Abubakar Bappah, the decision was a resolution of the State Executive Council to use available technology in reducing cost of governance by the present administration in the state.
“When the street lights were first installed in the state generator was the best choice for powering the lights and that now that technology has evolve around the world solar is better and a cheaper source for powering the lights” He told Journalists.
The project, according to Bappah, will cost the state a whopping sum of N3.40 billion.
Another noticeable innovation in the Governor Yahaya led government, is youths development, building capacity for the youths and instilling them the virtues of discipline and self reliance.
Not long ago, he allocated a temporary office accommodation and 4 hectares of land for the construction of a permanent site of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). The gesture, according to the governor, was to create a level playing ground for the establishment of the institution’s regional office in Gombe. The gesture came soon after the Governor visited the Director-General of the NDE, Dr. Nasiru Ladan Mohammed Argungu at the Headquarters of the agency in Abuja.
Also, during a meeting with officials of the ITF led by the Director General, Mr. Joseph Ari, the Governor, who was represented by the Director of Procurement and Logistics, Mohammed Abdullahi Ningi, said that one of the cardinal objectives of his administration is to advance the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of the state through human capital development that will usher them into the realm of economic prosperity.
The Governor noted that at a time when white colar jobs are scarce, coupled with dwindling economy, governments at all levels must encourage skills development if the country must grow and become a power house in the manufacturing sector.
Speaking earlier at the meeting, the leader of the delegation from the Industrial Training Fund, Mohammed Abdullahi Ningi said that the agency’s team was in Gombe State at the instance of the Director- General to finalize arrangements with the Government of the State on the establishment of a regional office that will also house 7 skills acquisition centres in Gombe, which is going to be first of its kind in the sub-region.
The office, when fully operational, will coordinate the training of youths in skills development in the North- Eastern states. Abdullahi Ningi commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his enthusiasm towards the establishment of the office, describing the Governor’s body language as a reflection of a political leader who means well for his people.
Ningi is not the only person with kind words for Governor Yahaya on the love for his people generally and the development of youths in particular.
The Director-General of the NDE, Dr. Nasiru Ladan Mohammed Argungu was full of commendation when the Governor visited his office to solicit a common synergy that can build the capacity of the Gombe youths.
“Am happy to tell you that from the little discussions I had with the Governor of Gombe State, I realized that this is one man who has the interest of his people at heart. I congratulate the people of Gombe state for having such a humble, exemplary and passionate leader who put the interest and welfare of his people first “He said.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has expressed his determination to key into various initiatives and programmes of the NDE so as to provide job opportunities, promote direct financial inclusion, self-actualization, as well as to curb poverty and unemployment among the youths and women of the state.
Governor Yahaya’s agenda of development interweaves all sectors in the state, even as it has direct bearing on the humanitarian angles and the vulnerable class.
It is no longer news that a whopping sum of N775 million was released for the payment of the retirees’ benefits. This is revealed by a statement by the Director-General, media and public affairs, to the state government, Ismaila Misili.
Ismaila Misili’s statement added that in line with the Governor’s directives, the committee set up to verify and ascertain the accuracy of outstanding gratuity owed state retirees has concluded arrangements to commence the payment. It therefore requests retired state civil servants from January to December 2015, to come forward for verification and collection of their entitlements.
Worldview gathered that the administration of Governor Yahaya had inherited liabilities of gratuity arrears of over N14 billion from the past administration.
One might conclude that the innovative reforms of the Governor is centered in the areas enumerated above, but ironically, he had an award in the health sector. The International Society of Media in Public Health Gombe had conferred on him a title of ‘Child Nutrition Champion’ Award. The award, the body said is in recognition of the Governor’s disposition towards tackling menace of malnutrition among children in the State.
The saying that beautiful flowers attract beautiful insects had its graphic expression in Gombe State. The innovative reform agenda, which the Governor Yahaya led administration is spreading on the socio-political landscape of Gombe, is attracting investors and charity organizations to the state.
Recently, Qatar Charity Foundation was in Gombe on an Assessment Tour of Proposed Projects Sites in Gombe Communities. During the visit, the Country Director, Sheikh Hamdi Mohamed Elsayed told Governor Inuwa Yahaya that his team had visited over 50 villages across the eleven LGAs of Gombe state and identified sites and locations in different Communities that deserve intervention. Sheikh Hamdi said that the foundation’s projects across Gombe state will be completed before the year 2021 runs out.
Some of the communities, which the Foundation said it has visited, include: Lambam, Shinga in Yamaltu Deba, Kupto in Funakaye LGA, Bambam in Balanga LGA. Mosques, healthcare facilities and solar powered boreholes, construction of classrooms and hostels for the Special School in Gombe metropolis, are some of the intervention projects that the foundation has brought to add value to the reform agenda of Governor Yagaya.
“We are also planning to construct a solar powered borehole for the Special School in Gombe as well as provide them with modern teaching and learning facilities that can enhance their learning process and compete with their counterparts in other climes”. Sheikh Hamdi Mohamed Elsayed, told the Governor & people of Gombe State.
During the visit, the QC’s Country Director, Sheikh Hamdi presented Governor Inuwa Yahaya with a Special Qatari Emblem in recognition of the Governor’s prioritization of humanitarian services in his state.
Our reporter, who was in Gombe for a fact finding mission, reports that, the impact of Governor Mohammed Yahaya reform process is being felt in all sectors of economy.
If the innovative reform spirit is sustained, especially in the technology development and utilization, youths development and humanitarian services, Gombe will soon take its rightful place in the comity of the most developed states in the country.

By Isreal Aliah

Activities are beginning to inundate the political space of Benue State, with some Governorship aspirants flaunting their professional and material credentials, pumping their fists and beating their chest on the political conquests and medals that they have earned in their political sojourn. But Dr. Mathias Byuan is approaching the stage with a creative style that is different, a style that is already shaping the culture of politics in the state. Mathias Byuan has indicated his intention to vie for the state’s most sought after seat, under the platform of the APC.

Part of his innovation on the state’s political space is the structure of confidence that he is building across the state’s socio-political strata. He is already in the state, making consultations, interfacing with groups and individuals, who in his calculation, has a role to play on his path to Benue Peoples’ House. Byuan is doing this at a time that most of the aspirants are still inside the comfort of their fences which they erected so as to keep people away from them.

Recently, he was in Makurdi where he interfaced with some media practitioners and APC Social Media Team. His aim, as he explained, was to officially inform of his decision to contest come 2023 and solicit their support.

The Governorship hopeful said he is still working on his agenda document, after which he will formerly unveil to the press. Nevertheless, he provided an insight on what his leadership will provide, even as he expressed optimism that APC will lead Benue in 2023.

He analyzed the socio-economic situation in the state and concluded that Benue needs total rehabilitation, promising that if given the mandate, he will do the needful

“If given the opportunity to rule the state, I will not just blow the siren as a Governor. I will bring unprecedented development for the good people of the state. Let me assure you that Benue has all it takes to grow economically. I have a serious agenda for Benue State which will be unveiled in my blueprint on the official flag-off of my campaign that will come up in no distant time”  Byuan Revealed.

On the hardship being faced by Benue citizens, Dr. Byuan who contested for Benue North-East senatorial seat in 2011 election said he will not only do physical infrastructure but consider stomach infrastructure as well. He cleared the air that he has never enjoyed politics money as alleged by some people but he has rather been pumping money into politics and will do same when he becomes Governor.

When it comes to the area of interfacing with grassroots and the Benue State constituents, Byuan is a signpost of excellence. He has a spirit of human capital development, where he has grown with the penchant for utilizing his resources for the common good of the people. It is this disposition that the youths in Benue State nicknamed him the Dollar Senator.

He was the first to share vehicles and motorcycles to leaders of his campaign organization when he contested for the Zone A Senatorial Seat in 2011. During the period, he has raised the bar and glory of consultation tradition to an enviable level, such that other aspirants were challenged to emulate him. At this dispensation, he is the first to brief Benue Journalists on his aspiration, where he said he was proceeding to an aggressive consultation assignment.

Byuan derives his inspiration from the power and support of the people, especially the Benue youths. He believes that, with a common synergy and team spirit, he deliver effectively, if given the mandate.

“Some people say I’m too young for the seat of Governor, others are saying that I do not have the capacity. But my capacity is in the hands of the people. Now, if we work as a team, share our ideas and compare notes, I cannot imagine how we can fail in the project of delivering democracy dividends to the people of Benue State”

He told Benue Journalists during the media interaction.

With this disposition, Mr Mathias Byuan is not only setting the pace for global best campaign tradition, he is also winning the hearts of many Benue electorates.

By Jethro Yerga, Jalingo

The history of Benue State Government House as regard media handlers may take another dimension in 2023 if all things work together for the good of Mr. Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom.

This is because, unlike other media handlers who quickly return to the newsroom shortly after the end of their assignment as Chief Press Secretary at the Government, Mr. Terver Akase is gradually making head way to succeed His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom come 2023.

Should Terver Akase eventually wins the heart of the Benue People come 2023, the gentleman will definitely stand prominently as the first media handler in the state to move from the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the office of the Executive Governor of Benue State.

Already, the energetic gentleman man has boldly made his intention clear to the good people of Benue State.

“I have joined the governorship race to seek the opportunity to further contribute to the development of our dear state. So I will appeal to you who are supporting me to always be civil and polite to all others who are seeking the same office”. He told his supporters in Markurdi recently.

At least, no one can doubt the media icon’s capacity to run the affairs of the state as governor. He had variously displayed high level intelligence and professional expertise that ex-rayed his competency in the course of his services in Benue state in particular and Nigeria at large.

For instance, when Benue people came under attacks by herdsmen in 2018, Mr. Terver Akase being the Governor’s spokesman launched a wide campaign in all conventional and social media to tell the story of the mindless killings across the world to bring the crisis to an end.

Through his handling of information in collaboration with other media colleagues, he was able to project Governor Samuel Ortom’s firm stand against the invasion by herdsmen and the attention of the world was indeed, drawn to Benue State and genuine efforts were made to stop the bloodletting.

His hard work, commitment and diligence had taken him to different tasteful and modest offices in and around the state. He served as FRCN Correspondent in Rivers State between 2008 and 2013, during which period he rose to become the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Rivers State. He later became the Federal Radio Corporation’s Senior Editor in Enugu before his transfer to Abuja in January, 2014. Before his appointment as the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase was the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media between September 2015 and January 2016.

The numerous awards received by the media icon in different places and by different organizations also point to his administrative sagacity and gifted leadership potentials.

For instance, the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) in September 2020 presented an award of excellence to Mr Akase for his support to all students and youths irrespective of their religious and ethnic backgrounds.

He also received several professional merit awards including Rotary Club of Enugu’s award as Reporter of the Year in South East/South South 2008 and Best Broadcast Journalist in South South 2010 as well as winner of the maiden edition of Benue Celebrity Awards 2016 as Media Icon.

Though Mr. Akase desired the Governorship position to have an opportunity to further contribute to the development of his dear state, he had said it repeatedly to his supporters that it is not a do or die affair.

“For me, 2023 is not a do or die affair. Some of you were in Gboko yesterday and witnessed when the Governor presented me and other eminently qualified Benue sons as PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial aspirants. That event marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life and I’ve committed the journey into the hands of Almighty God.

“The interest of our party and our dear state is more important than a small me. My prayer is for God to have mercy on Benue State and anoint someone who can stand firmly for Benue people as Governor Ortom has done”. He made it clear to his supporters in makurdi recently.

Born on April 02, 1977 into the family of Mr and Mrs Pius Akase Ikpor of Agbeede, Gaav in Konshisha local government area of Benue State, Mr. Akase was trained in various institutions and crowned it up with a 2nd Class Upper Degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi (2004). Akase also holds an MSc in Mass Communication and he is currently working on his dissertation for a 2nd Master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies. He had attended the College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Makurdi before gaining admission into Benue State University.

He is an alumnus of the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Programme, IVLP of the United States of America. Akase a member of many professional bodies among which are the global network of journalists called Investigative Reporters and Editors, IRE, and Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, based in the United States.

Jethro Yerga & Gaius Jeff spoke with her.

To many young men and women in Nigeria, lack of white colar job is not enough reason for them to remain idle or jobless. It is not enough reason for them to loss hope and continue moving aimlessly in the streets of our dear country in search of government jobs which many alleged are reserved strictly for relatives of ”movers and shakers” of this country. One of such women is Mrs. Akaayar Christiana Msugh, the Chief Executive Officer, Dedoo AC Fashion and Design Training Institute.

Located opposite Taraba State University second Gate, Jalingo, Dedoo AC Fashion and Design Training Institute deals in sewing of clothes, sales of rubber sleep past, assorted wrappers, yards of different types and categories, assorted fabrics and many more. The institute also has a tailoring training centre where young men and women sojourn to learn tailoring and its business.
When Newmission reporters interacted with her in her office recently, the Chief Executive Officer of the company told them that, she would prefer to be empowered rather than been offered a job by the government.

“If government want to help me now, I prefer I should be empowered instead of an offer for a job. I am convinced that if government empowers me, I assured you, this organisation will set more than fifty Tarabans free from poverty”. She said.

While lamenting on the pathetic issue of unemployment in Nigeria in general and Taraba State in particular, Mrs. Dedoo advised young graduates not to rely on the government but developed the mindset of creating jobs rather than looking for jobs.

She said, they should check out and find what they can do better and start developing themselves on it. She added.
The young entrepreneur who took her time to re-count the story of how she started from the cradle up to the present level said

”Naturally I love fashion. So, when I was growing up as a young lady, I would hang around my step mother who was a tailor to see how she go about the whole business of sewing. From her I was able to learn many things about the business so when I eventually got married my husband decided to buy one butterfly (a sewing machine) for me which I used at home to sew clothes for people. When I finished my NCE programme, I was looking for what to do to earn a leaving. I never wanted to be moving about in search of white colar job. I was determined that I would rather be an employer of labour rather than an employee of the government. With the help and encouragement of my dear husband, we were able to open a small shop for ourselves which grow up to this level.”

Though at its underpinning stage, the company has more than five staff members and many students who are currently receiving tailoring training. The Chief Executive Officer assured our reporters that, despite the various challenges occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the company is determined to sail through the tides. She pledged to issue certificates to the students and to also retain as permanent staff any of the students or student who excel with flying colours.

All things been equal, if government could in anyway assist this young entrepreneur, it is obvious, judging by the plans and the setting of the organisation, it will go a long way to set no fewer than sixty persons above poverty line among many other benefits, especially that such establishments are very scarce in the state.

Some of the APC members are protesting against the composition of the committee chairmanship, that PDP are given juicier committees than APC, what is your take?

It is normal in the democratic setting that there must be mix feelings for everything that is done. However, no committee is superior than the other. They are equal. There are all running the affairs of Nigerian projects. We are Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are not the Senators of APC, or Senators of PDP.  So for someone to think that one committee is more important than another committee is a misinformation.

What the Senate President has done is good and it is well balanced. Some committees went to APC and some went to PDP. I think he has balanced it by carrying everybody along. He promised to work with everybody in the Senate, and I think he has fulfilled his promised. I also think we should leave this for the development of Nigeria.

Critics of President Mohammed Buhari are expressing lack of confidence in the people he has appointed as Ministers, they are saying that they lack what it takes to deliver, what is your view?

I don’t think so, but you see whatever you do, when it comes to the political angle, you will see some observations from here and there. Maitama Sule of blessed memory, said new breed without old breed, it is not complete. So we need the mix up of the new and old breed for the smooth running of the affairs. Mr. President is the one that wearied the shoe and he knows where the shoe pinches him.  He said, he will appoint only the people he knows, it is his own choice and his cabinet. These people are people he tested and some are going to be tested. For me, we should wait to see the performances that each minister will come up with, before we can draw any conclusion.

What is the way out for the crisis in Taraba, your state, what does this portends for the development of the state given the position of Governor Darius Ishaku that give me peace, I will give you development?

First and foremost, that question supposed to be forwarded to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Darius Ishaku. He is in the position to answer that question not me. He is the Chief Security Officer of Taraba State. Insecurity is everywhere in the country. Cases of Kidnapping, killing, banditry, and what have you are happening all over in the country and it is happening in Taraba. It is worrisome to me. Every Taraban is worried.

Governor Ishaku’s slogan that  give me peace, I will give you development, is not a bad idea. But like I always say, Darius is a good man. Darius has good intentions, but like I always say, he is entrapped.  The trap is that, he did not have good advisors. There are certain things that he is lacking, lack of efficient communication with the people. As a Chief Security Officer of the state, he needs to open up access and be in touch with the people.

For a couple of times, some of us advised him to convene a meeting of all Tarabans from each tribe for security meeting, so that we can address certain grievances and lingering issues among ourselves as a people. There is need for government to have an interface with groups such as religions leaders, traditional leaders and cultural groups across the state, so that we can come together and discuss the way forward.  I think the way forward here is to have convocation of all interests and agree on security strategies that can tame the tide of insecurity in our state. It was done in the South West successfully; I think we can do our own here in Taraba State.

What is your advice to the warring communities in Taraba State?

They should understand that nobody is allowed to kill, whether in the Bible or the Quran. We should educate our people to live together. I think it will give us peace and progress.

There is not tribe that is inferior or superior over another, there is no life that is inferior and superior.  There is no community that is superior or inferior and we most learn to, come together and live together. That is the only way forward.

War against kidnappers, bandits

Gongo Maliki a sleepy farming community, 13 kilometres North of Jalingo, Taraba State capital, was under the siege of a vicious gang of kidnappers and cattle rustlers. Many members of the community were kidnapped and some killed. Gongon Maliki was just a victim of a pervading trend of kidnapping in Taraba State. Rather than look up to Government for security, as most communities in the country are doing, the community used what they have to fight the criminal elements to a standstill. They apprehended some and handed then over to the police, while some are already on the run.

When our reporter visited the community last week for a fact finding mission, he was greeted with a mix glee by members of the community. They were still counting their lose, but on the other hand, they were happy that God has given them the capacity to fight back their enemy.

District Head of Kogi District, HRH Adamu Jagwa who received our reporter at his Palace in Gongo Maliki, was happy with the feat they have achieved as he shared his experience with our reporter.

“It is only this year that we started having some security challenges. The challenges range from kidnapping, cattle rustling and other acts of banditry. The activities of the criminals started with the kidnapping of a Pastor who is also a teacher in one of the schools in this community. They kept him until the ransom was paid before he was released. As we were still wondering why this has happened, my village head, Usman Makon of Gogon Gbata, was killed. They also killed one Christopher Makon. They killed him outside, but they pulled his body into his house and set the house ablaze.  There is another victim, Ezekiel. They went for him; they did not meet him at home then they set his grinding engine ablaze. We were so shocked at what was happening. We cannot imagine that somebody will be killed and then his corpse will be set ablaze. Even in Boko Haram operations, such incidents were not common.” HRH Adamu Jagwa, told our reporter.

Worried by this situation, the District Head summoned the leadership of the community for a meeting. In the meeting they resolved to form a vigilante group. After which they wrote and obtain the permission security agencies in the state, including Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, DPO. They also obtained the permission of the Chairman of the Local government and SSG, and the task of fighting the criminals commenced.

“A lot of progress has been made. Many of these criminals are arrested and handed over to the police for the law to take its course. The operation by the vigilante is ongoing. So far, we have arrested and handed over 16 these criminals to the police” The District Head told our reporter.

But how did they raise the funds to support the operations of this vigilante?

“After setting up the vigilante association, we decided that since no organization can function without money, we decided to task ourselves, N50, 000. 00 by each of the following groups, Mumuye, Nomadic Fulani, Fulani leaders, Muslim and Christian community. It is this money that we are feeding and motivating members of this vigilante committee to enable them perform their work effectively. They are doing their best.” He said. In some instances, run away criminals would reorganize and attack those formulating policies for their arrest. The story of Gongon Maliki is no exception. “We have received several threats from some of them. One of them is on the run, we learnt that he is taking refuge somewhere in Adamawa State. We keep hearing rumours that he is planning to come and attack leaders of this community that are supporting the vigilante initiative. But we are not scared by his intimidation. Our confidence is in God and the Government. We will continue with our work and there is no level of intimation that can discourage us” he said. .

The District head also solicited the support of government in its ongoing war against kidnappers and cattle rustlers. “Government should provide us with adequate security. As said earlier, the perpetrators have been sending threats of returning to attack us. We cannot stand them unless we have security backup to deter their plans. We have about five security agents here but they are not armed. If they were well armed, the kidnaping of the missionary would not have succeeded.” He said.

The District Head also used the opportunity to call on the Taraba State’s intervention on bad condition of the road.  The community is a stone throw away from Jalingo, but road to this place is not motorable