Latest Benue News Today, Friday, November 15, 2024

Benue State Government News Summary

1. Collaboration with IOM for IDP Support
   The Benue State Government has announced plans to collaborate with the International Organization on Migration (IOM) to provide enhanced support for the 500,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state. The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), James Iorpuu, made the announcement in Makurdi on Thursday.

2. Engagement of Ex-Servicemen in State Security
   The Benue State Government has enlisted the services of ex-servicemen and women in its state-owned security outfit, the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. This move builds on initiatives from the previous administration, including the creation of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law.

3. Strategic Alliance for Feed and Fodder Production
   The Commodities Development Initiative (CDI) and the Nigeria Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholders Platform (NFFMSP) have formed a strategic alliance with the Benue State Government to drive large-scale feed and fodder production. The initiative aims to generate $70 million in revenue for the state, with plans to cultivate 1,000 hectares of fodder initially, expanding to 6,000 hectares in three years.

4. Court Strikes Out APC Suit
   A Benue State High Court has dismissed a suit filed by James Ornguga, the former organizing secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, challenging the vote of no confidence passed on him by his party’s EXCO in Gwer LGA. Ornguga had argued that his right to a fair hearing was violated.

5. National Lottery Trust Fund to Collaborate with Benue State
   The Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Tosin Adeyanju, met with Benue’s Deputy Governor Sam Ode to discuss potential collaboration to benefit the state’s communities. The meeting focused on the National Lottery Trust Fund’s Four-Year Strategic Plan, recently unveiled by President Bola Tinubu.

6. Establishment of Peace Networks and Committees
   The Benue State Peace Commission has established Peace Networks and Committees at the ward and local government levels to promote peace across the state. This initiative was announced by Mrs. Josephine Haba, Director General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, during a training session on Women, Peace, and Security.

7. Food Prices in Benue State
   Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), revealed that food prices in Benue remain higher than in neighboring states, despite its status as the “Food Basket” of the country. The company has initiated a program to off-take goods produced by farmers to address food insecurity and improve farmers’ economic conditions.

8. NUJ Lauds Palliative Measures, Seeks Wage Review
   The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, has praised the federal and state governments for providing palliatives to ease the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. The union has also called on the state government to expedite the implementation of the N70,000 new national minimum wage and approve weigh-in allowances for eligible workers.