By Bridget Tikyaa

Thursday, October 30, 2025, will remain a landmark date in the history of Benue State, as both the Federal and State Governments, alongside key stakeholders, took decisive steps toward establishing a peace process aimed at fostering unity and social cohesion across all communities in the state.

On that day, the Benue State Government, under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, and the International Communities Organisation, hosted a workshop on establishing Community-Based Peace Structures across the 23 local government areas of the state.

The event brought together community and religious leaders, traditional rulers, security officials, and representatives of civil society organisations.

Benue State has, over the years, suffered from violent conflicts, including herder-farmer clashes, banditry, kidnapping, and communal crises resulting in loss of lives, displacement, and severe economic disruption. These conflicts, often rooted in land disputes and competition for resources, have led to humanitarian challenges and strained local capacities.

Given these realities, peacebuilding initiatives are essential to promote dialogue, reconciliation, trust, and understanding between communities, government, and security agencies, while addressing the root causes of conflict. Restoring peace will also pave the way for victim rehabilitation, reintegration, and sustainable development.

Governor Alia, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, described the peacebuilding initiative as a commendable effort by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fully supported by the state government and deserving of continuity.

He emphasized that traditional institutions are key drivers of peaceful coexistence and urged local government chairmen to maintain constant communication with community leaders to foster social harmony.

Over the past two and a half years, Governor Alia has sustained momentum in peacebuilding by working closely with security agencies, deploying drones for intelligence gathering, and establishing a 10,000-man state security outfit equipped with motorcycles and Hilux vans to complement federal efforts.

His administration also convened a four-day security summit in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), supported displaced persons, and donated ₦5 million to each family of security operatives who lost their lives in the fight against banditry.

The government continues to engage local stakeholders and collaborate with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue to promote reconciliation and inclusive dialogue among diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Citizens are also encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces for peace and stability.

These initiatives, highlighted at the peace enhancement workshop, earned commendation from the Office of the SSA to the President and Mrs. Josephine Habba, Director-General of the Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission.

Dr. Abiodun Essiet, the SSA to the President, stressed that unity is essential for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity, describing the workshop as a vital step toward strengthening community collaboration and peace through inclusive participation.

The initiative aims to support security agencies and strengthen the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation by expanding community peace committees – structures designed to enhance intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and dialogue.

The Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Selumun Deborah Aber, represented by James Azande, SSA to the Governor on Media, expressed support for the programme, noting that peacebuilding requires collective effort. She also commended President Tinubu’s initiative to address insecurity in the North-Central region.

Commitments were made by local council leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

Comrade Vitalis Neji, Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council and State ALGON Chairman, reaffirmed the councils’ commitment to peace and integrity. Similarly, His Royal Highness, Chief Orkaa Kave, the Ter Ukum, expressed concern over ongoing insecurity but urged continued dedication to peace efforts.

Representatives of the National Council for Women Societies, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, and MACBAN – Mrs. Theresa Dewua, Pastor Ernest Atogi, and Ibrahim Galma also pledged support for the initiative and called for unity and collaboration to restore peace across the state.

The workshop, no doubt, underscores both the Federal and State Governments’ commitment to building a peaceful society through inclusive, community-driven engagement backed by civil society groups, local communities, and traditional institutions.

Bridget Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Communications Strategy

By Huldah Shado

Alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body, has become a growing concern in both medical and social discussions.

While normal hair shedding is part of everyday life, alopecia goes beyond this, often resulting in visible thinning, bald patches, or even complete baldness.

The condition can affect anyone and its impact is not merely physical, it often affects self-esteem, emotional health, and overall quality of life.

Causes and Types

Alopecia arises from a variety of factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle and environmental triggers.

The most common form, androgenetic alopecia, is hereditary and appears as male or female pattern baldness.

Men typically experience a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while women often have diffuse thinning across the scalp.

Other causes include autoimmune disorders, where the body mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to alopecia areata and its more severe forms alopecia totalis (complete scalp hair loss) and alopecia universalis (loss of hair from the entire body). Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid dysfunctions may also disrupt normal hair growth.

In addition, chemotherapy, medications, poor nutrition, stress, or harsh hair care practices can trigger temporary but significant hair loss.

There are also destructive forms such as cicatricial (scarring), alopecia, which permanently damages follicles through inflammation or injury.

By contrast, telogen effluvium is usually temporary, triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes, and often resolves once the underlying cause is addressed.

Emotional and Social Impact

Hair is closely tied to personal identity, beauty, and confidence. For many, alopecia brings not only medical challenges but also psychological strain, including anxiety, low self-esteem, or social withdrawal.

Beyond treatment, coping often requires emotional support, counseling, or the use of wigs and cosmetic alternatives to restore confidence.

Treatment Options
Managing alopecia depends on its type and severity. Widely used medications include minoxidil and finasteride for androgenetic alopecia, and steroid creams or injections to suppress immune responses in alopecia areata.

Surgical options such as hair transplantation offer more permanent results but are not suitable for everyone.

Emerging therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and JAK inhibitors are showing promise in clinical trials.
At the same time, lifestyle measures, such as eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, and practicing gentle hair care can complement medical treatments.

Conclusion

Alopecia is a complex condition with diverse causes and forms, extending its impact far beyond physical appearance to emotional and social well-being.

While not every case can be cured, medical advances are offering new hope. With proper treatment and supportive care, individuals can manage alopecia with dignity and confidence.

By Ade Iyamoye

In a world where economies are constantly shifting and businesses must navigate uncharted waters, voices of wisdom and vision are rare.

Today, as Austin Ijere marks his birthday, it is not only a celebration of life but also of the enduring contributions of a man who has become a trusted guide, thought leader, and architect of Africa’s business renaissance.

For decades, Ijere has carved a niche as a business advisor of repute, lending his expertise to governments, institutions, and entrepreneurs striving to find their place in an ever-changing economic landscape.

His counsel has been described as bold, practical, and transformative, positioning him as one of the continent’s most reliable voices in business and economic advisory.

Championing Business Growth and Development

Ijere’s career is a testament to resilience and foresight. He has consistently advocated for sustainable business models, enterprise development, and economic inclusiveness, helping leaders see beyond short-term gains to embrace long-term impact.

His advisory footprints cut across multiple industries from finance to agriculture, technology to manufacturing , reflecting his versatility and depth of knowledge.

At the core of his philosophy is a belief that Africa’s prosperity lies in unlocking local potential.

By guiding entrepreneurs to build systems that endure, he has contributed to shaping businesses that not only create profit but also generate jobs, inspire innovation, and strengthen communities.

A Voice for Policy and Economic Transformation

Beyond boardrooms, Austin Ijere has been a consistent voice in shaping policies that support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the bedrock of Africa’s economy.

His interventions have helped governments understand the dynamics of empowering local entrepreneurs, ensuring that businesses can thrive in environments often stifled by regulatory and infrastructural challenges.

Colleagues and clients alike describe him as a strategic thinker who marries vision with action, ensuring that advice is not just theoretical but implementable.

His reputation for integrity and excellence has earned him respect across borders, making him a sought-after advisor in Africa’s journey towards economic rebirth.

Inspiration to the Next Generation

What sets Ijere apart is not just his accomplishments, but his passion for mentoring the next generation of business leaders.

He embodies the principle that true leadership is about raising others to shine, and many young entrepreneurs today credit their growth to his mentorship, guidance, and encouragement.

A Life Worth Celebrating

As Austin Ijere celebrates his birthday today, he stands as a reminder that one individual’s wisdom can reshape the destiny of many.

His life is a story of service, excellence, and unwavering commitment to building businesses that stand the test of time.

In celebrating him, we also celebrate the values he represents: vision, hard work, integrity, and an unrelenting belief in Africa’s capacity to rise.

Truly, Austin Ijere is not just a business advisor, he is a trusted voice in Africa’s renaissance, a torchbearer of progress, and a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs and economies alike.