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GOVERNOR ALIA FLAGS OFF AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION OUTGROWERS PROGRAMME IN BENUE.
By: Fabian Apechihin
The Benue State Government has officially launched the Agricultural Mechanization Outgrower Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming agriculture and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Makurdi, witnessed the distribution of brand new tractors and other modern farming equipment to cooperative farmers’ groups.
The initiative by the Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia led administration is aimed at boosting mechanized farming, and increased productivity among smallholder farmers.
Governor Alia who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Ode commended the Benue farmers for their keen interest in his administration’s vision in redeeming the food basket image of the State, assured that his administration would subsidized Agricultural mechanization.
While noting that the Benue farmers were lucky to have had an expert in the agriculture sector, Doctor Benjamin Ashaver as Agriculture Commissioner, the Governor announced that through the pilot scheme, ten clusters of over three hundred farmers would benefit from the mechanization and other farm inputs and commended the Benue farmers for endorsing him for a second term bid.
In his address the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food security, Doctor Benjamin Ashaver noted that the small holder farmers outgrowers programme is the pathway to food security, job creation and wealth generation for the Benue people, commended the Benue State Governor, Reverend for his vision of Agricultural development with focus on food security and wealth creation and poverty reduction as well as the development partners for their commitment to the liberation of the Benue farmers.
Director General of the Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Benita Shuluwa, said the programme marks a significant milestone in the government drive to transform agriculture and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers.
She further emphasized the role of extension agents who will work hand-in-hand with farmers to guarantee efficiency and accountability in the use of the equipment, adding that the success of the programme would not have been possible without the contributions and collaboration of partners and stakeholders.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Acting Director General of the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization, Mrs. Dooshima Zaki, described the programme as a critical component of modern farming.
She noted that the initiative would grant farmers access to machinery, training, and technical support necessary for effective utilization and maximum output.
Highlights of the event was the endorsement of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for a second term by the Benue Cooperative Farmers Federation as well as unveiling and test-run of the new tractors, which drew applause from excited farmers and invited guests.
Beneficiaries described the intervention as timely, noting that it would reduce the burden of manual labor and expand access to commercial-scale farming.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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