By Huldah Shado

The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a public holiday to honor the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

President Tinubu is expected to embark on a one-day condolence visit to sympathize with the government and people of Benue over recent violent attacks that claimed several lives.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, the public holiday is intended to allow residents to give the President a warm welcome.

Workers in essential services such as healthcare, security, and banking are exempt from the directive.

The government called on citizens across the state to turn out en masse to receive the President and his entourage.

President Tinubu’s visit to Benue comes after he postponed an earlier scheduled trip to Kaduna, choosing instead to personally assess the security situation in the state and express solidarity with the affected communities.

By Huldah Shado

The Federal Government, through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), has disbursed N8.6 billion in pension arrears to 148625 eligible retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme.

This payment follows the approval of a N32000 pension increase by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of senior citizens.

According to a statement issued on Monday by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olugbenga Ajayi, the beneficiaries include retirees from the Civil Service, Police, Parastatals, and the Customs, Immigration and Correctional Services.

A detailed breakdown shows that N5.7 billion was paid to 59342 pensioners under the Parastatals Pensions Department while N2.3 billion went to 71084 pensioners in the Civil Service Pensions Department.

Additionally, N310 million was paid to 9579 retirees from the Police Pension Department and N276 million to 8620 pensioners from the Customs Immigration and Prisons Pension Department.

The Executive Secretary of PTAD, Dr Tolulope Odunaiya, said the payment demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to settling outstanding arrears resulting from the pension increment.

She reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving the welfare of pensioners in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

By Ade Iyamoye

His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Ibrahim Ademinuyi Momoh, the Afiwajoye I of Iyamoye Kingdom, has called on all indigenes of Iyamoye, both at home and in the diaspora, to embrace unity, mutual support, and attitudinal change as critical steps toward sustainable development in the community.

In an exclusive interview, Oba Momoh expressed gratitude for the progress made in recent times, especially in terms of education and exposure among his people, but lamented the growing division, mistrust, and disconnection within the community.

“There is too much individualism. Everyone wants to be ‘the one’ and that is why it’s hard for us to come together to build our land,” the monarch said. “Outside Iyamoye; whether in the North, West, or abroad, our people thrive and support each other. Why can’t we bring that same character and unity back home?”

The royal father, who spent much of his career in the North before returning to assume the throne, noted that indigenes living outside Iyamoye often demonstrate stronger cooperation, communication, and brotherhood than those residing within the kingdom.

He urged the community to replicate that same spirit locally for progress to be achieved.

“We need to start calling one another when we hear of opportunities, just like we do outside. Invite your brother, invite your sister. Let us stop this disconnection,” he emphasized.

Addressing the issue of insecurity, Oba Momoh noted that the community has relied heavily on divine protection in the absence of sufficient local support for security infrastructure.

He decried the unwillingness of residents to contribute to community safety, saying, “When you ask people to contribute for security, only a few respond. Yet, everyone wants peace.”

On the role of youth, the monarch said young people must show more interest in the affairs of the land and not stay indifferent.

“The youth have a big role to play, but many of them are silent. We need them to rise, engage, and lead by example,” he said.

Oba Momoh also acknowledged the role of the Iyamoye Development Union (IDU), but expressed the need for more proactive involvement from members, especially those in the diaspora.

He called for stronger participation and a sense of collective responsibility.

“There are people who are well-to-do and can help, but many prefer staying away. However, some will respond when you call them.

“That’s why I appeal to our media, our journalists, and all sons and daughters of Iyamoye to speak to our people. Let us become one again,” he said.

As a parting message, the royal father stressed the need for cooperation, openness, and a sincere desire to work together for a better future.

“Our future depends on how well we come together now. God will help us, but we must also help ourselves,” he concluded.