By Samson Adeyan

Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved the appointment of Rev. Fr Dr. Patrick Alumunku, OON, as Chairman of the Board of the Benue Television Corporation.

Alumunku, a renowned media professional, brings decades of experience in broadcasting and communications to the position. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Mass Communication and previously worked for 12 years with Vatican Radio.

He also served for 21 years as Director of Communications at the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja and is currently the Executive Director of Catholic Television of Nigeria.

His appointment is part of a broader board constitution approved by Governor Alia to strengthen the operations of the state-owned broadcasting corporation.

Other members of the board include Dr. Thaddeus Hanmakyugh as Secretary, Mrs. Jennifer Ejembi, Dr. Barnabas Gbam, and Engr. Sunday Iji.

Hanmakyugh holds a doctorate in Film Production and Media Arts from the University of Abuja and retired from the National Film Institute.

Ejembi is a former Executive Director of the Nigerian Television Authority in Ibadan, while Gbam previously served as Rector of the NTA College Jos. Engr. Iji is a former Director of Engineering Services at Radio Benue.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, the appointments take immediate effect.

Governor Alia charged the new board to deploy their wealth of experience toward improving broadcasting standards in Benue State and promoting the state’s cultural heritage through quality programming.

By Ade Iyamoye 

Veteran Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has reiterated his ambition to venture into politics, saying his interest remains alive.

Speaking on the Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, 2Baba linked his political ambition to years of civic engagement, including his campaign “Vote No Fight”, which aimed to reduce election violence. “It’s definitely alive… we need very grassroots engagement,” he said.

Asked if Nigerians should expect “Senator Innocent Edibia” or “Governor Innocent Edibia,” he replied cautiously: “Let’s keep our fingers crossed on that.”

He revealed he currently serves as a Technical Adviser in Benue State, a role he sees as contributing to nation-building.

2Baba clarified that he is not a member of the APC but noted his partner, Honourable Natasha, is active in politics.

He also highlighted his ongoing humanitarian work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on displaced persons.

The singer first hinted at political ambitions in 2018 and has consistently expressed interest in contributing to governance and national development.

By Patrick Idowu

Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, has reportedly died after a snakebite at her residence in the Federal Capital Territory.

The 25-year-old classical, jazz, R&B and soul artiste was said to have been bitten in the early hours of the day and rushed to two hospitals for treatment. Reports indicate she could not receive care due to the unavailability of anti-venom.

Sources said this was not the first time a snake had been sighted around her residence. As of the time of filing this report, health authorities and the police were yet to issue an official statement.

Nanyah was described as a rising talent in Abuja’s music scene. Her death has renewed concerns over emergency healthcare gaps, including the shortage of life-saving anti-venom in hospitals, even within the FCT.