Benue News Update: Latest News from Benue today, Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Benue News Update: March 20, 2024

1. State Governments Borrow N457.17 Billion for Salaries

   • Not fewer than 31 state governments in Nigeria, including Benue, have resorted to borrowing a total of N457.17 billion to meet salary obligations to their civil servants. This borrowing was facilitated through the Salary Bailout Facility (SBF), an initiative by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as reported by Nairametrics.

2. Governor of Benue State Saves N3 Billion from Ghost Workers

   • Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia of Benue State revealed that since assuming office in May 2023, his administration has saved about N3 billion by eliminating ghost workers. Speaking with Vanguard, the governor highlighted the success in curbing the issue of ghost workers that plagued the state before his tenure.

3. Governor Alia’s Transition from Priesthood to Politics

   • Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State explained his decision to transition from his calling as a Catholic priest to Nigerian politics. Citing a calling from God to redeem the people of Benue State from maladministration, Governor Alia stated to Vanguard, “My advent into partisan politics was because too many things were wrong.”

4. Nigerian Gospel Musician, Israel Ekere, Set to Marry

   • Gospel music minister and acclaimed dancer, Israel Ekere, known for his hit song “Gwumolo L’Owoicho,” is set to tie the knot with his Nigerian lover, Esther Akor. Esther hails from Ugbugbu Owukpa in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State.

5. Governor Alia Embraces Autonomy for Local Government Areas

   • Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia announced that his administration fully supports the autonomy of the 23 Local Government Areas in Benue State. The governor also outlined plans to promote rural development and boost rural economies. He made these remarks at the opening of a Two-Day workshop organized by the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with Timarage Nigeria Limited.

6. Warning to Local Government Chairmen Against Financial Misappropriation

   • Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State cautioned local government chairmen in the state against engaging in financial misappropriation. He emphasized that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would investigate any such activities. The governor also advised against the abandonment of their council areas. Governor Alia issued these warnings during the opening of a two-day workshop on ‘Responsive Local Government Leadership for Effective Local Government Administration in Benue State.’