By: Fabian Apechihin

The Benue Youth Congress (BYC) has presented a detailed report on the state’s worsening security situation to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a courtesy visit to Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Led by BYC President, Hon. Anngu Orngu, the delegation included youth leaders from the Tiv, Idoma, Igede, and Etulo communities. They stressed the urgent need to safeguard farmlands, protect rural communities, and preserve livelihoods in Benue, describing the state’s role as the “Food Basket of the Nation” as vital to Nigeria’s food security.

The group urged the inclusion of youths in security operations and called for the extension of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to restive youths in the Sankera axis as a strategy for lasting peace.

“Benue is the Food Basket of the Nation, but without security, our farmlands, our communities, and our future are at risk,” Orngu said. “Involving our young people directly in security initiatives will not only improve safety but also inspire a new generation of peace-builders.”

The delegation was received by AVM Sayo Olatunde, Defence Chief of Policy and Plans, before meeting Gen. Musa. They also presented the Defence Chief with an Excellence in Leadership Award for his outstanding service to the Nigerian military.

Hon. Orngu described the meeting as a milestone in strengthening collaboration between the military and youth leaders, expressing optimism about renewed efforts to restore peace and stability in Benue State.

If you want, I can also make a punchier, advocacy-driven version that puts more emotional weight on the insecurity crisis.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, llorin

In its bid to strengthen security operations in Kwara State, the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commissioned two new divisional offices in Ilorin West and Ilorin South Local Government Areas.

In his speech at the occasion, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, described security as the bedrock of development and pledged continuous government support for security agencies, while commending the NSCDC for its laudable strides in safeguarding lives and property, as well as for its proactive measures in addressing security challenges across the State.

On his part, the Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government, Hon. Abdulrahman Babatunde Laden, said the project was undertaken to provide a conducive environment for NSCDC personnel to effectively discharge their duties, noting that meaningful development can only thrive in a peaceful atmosphere, while reaffirming his Council’s commitment to supporting the Corps.

Also, the Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, said the facility would serve as a vital security hub for the area, enabling quicker responses to incidents and fostering better community engagement. He, therefore, urged the officers of the Alagbado Division to remain steadfast and professional in carrying out their duties, assuring them of the Council’s continued support in maintaining a secure environment for all.

In his remarks, the Kwara State NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, commended both Council Chairmen for making security a priority and for their consistent support to the Corps, noting that the newly inaugurated NSCDC Divisional Office in the Ilorin West Local Government Area is the largest in the State.

According to him, within his two years in office, the Command has commissioned 14 divisional offices across the State, a deliberate strategy to extend security presence to the grassroots and ensure that residents can sleep with their two eyes closed.

Dr. Umar reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to continue to actively combat crime in the State, adding that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” He assured that every effort would be made to guarantee a safe and secure environment for all residents.

He also applauded the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his visionary leadership in repositioning the Corps into a modern and globally respected security organisation, while also expressing gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment that allows the Corps to thrive and fully deliver on its mandate.

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• As he receives result on Geospatial Mapping

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has received the result on geospatial mapping that the administration conducted to use as guide to address the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts and for overall development of livestock in the state.

The Governor also took delivery of extension materials for livestock productivity enhancement.

The state government had engaged the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, to carry out the exercise, under the Kwara’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

At the presentation ceremony in Ilorin, the Governor commended
the research directorate of the university for their dedication and professionalism throughout the exercise, pledging the government’s determination to implement the findings to the letter.

AbdulRazaq also hailed the National Office of L-PRES, World Bank, the Federal Government, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project.

“This presentation is not merely a set of maps and statistics; it is a strategic tool that will guide us in making informed, evidence-based decisions for livestock development, conflict prevention, and sustainable natural resource management in Kwara State,” the Governor said through his Special Adviser and Counselor Sa’adu Salau who represented him.

The event was attended by the Minister of Livestock, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, represented by Richard Mbaram Esq; Kwara legislators led by the Chairman, Kwara House Committee on Livestock, Hon. Yisa Gideon; local government chairmen; top government officials in the state, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamman Saba Jibril; Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas; and APC chieftain Dr Gali Alaya.

“The findings have shed light on the drastic changes in land use and vegetation cover over the past two decades; the critical shortage and uneven distribution of functional water points; and the status of grazing corridors and the challenges posed by encroachment; among others,” the Governor said.

He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society, development partners, and security agencies, among all stakeholders to work hand-in-hand with the government to implement the recommendations from the study.

The programme also attracted the National Coordinator for L-Press, Sanusi Abubakar; traditional rulers led by Olomu of Omu-aran Oba Raimi Olaoti; Kwara Coordinator for L-Press, Soji Oyawoye; Director of Center for Dryland Agriculture, BUK, Prof Sanusi Gaya Muhammed; Prof Murtala Gbadamosi; some security chiefs; and Serikin Fulani of Kwara State Alhaji Ali Mohammad; among other stakeholders.

Oloruntoyosi, for her part, said the Ministry is committed to using this geospatial database to prioritise water point rehabilitation and create climate-resilient watering systems.

“This is a milestone achievement for our young Ministry of Livestock Development, providing us with an evidence-based platform for planning, intervention, and policy formulation,” she said.

Minister’s representative, Richard, described the event as a watershed in the annals of history to find a lasting solution to the farmer-harder conflicts in the country.

He said the exercise forms a part of the 10-year (2019-2028) National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) strategy that focuses on transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.

National Coordinator for L-Press, Sanusi, who commended the Governor’s investments in livestock development, pledged to continue to support the state government in its aspiration and drive to achieve a paradigm shift in the livestock sector

He disclosed that the National L-PRESS office newly got four approvals in favour of the state, including to build a new veterinary hospital, build an animal boarding facility, and supply vaccines to check some animal diseases.

“I have four pieces of good news for Kwara State. We have approvals for a brand new veterinary hospital here. This is to complement what the state government is doing. We also have approval to build an animal boarding facility in Baruten LG. We also have approval to supply vaccines against four animal diseases,” Abubakar said.

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