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Tiv Youths Slam APC, Tackle Oyegun over ‘utter neglect’ of Tiv nation
Tiv Youths Initiative for Progressive Democracy (TYIPOD) has expressed its displeasure to the National Chairman, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, over the way the party abandoned Tiv nation despite promises made to the people while soliciting for votes.
A letter by the group dated 23rd February, 2018 and signed by the National Coordinator, Comr. Terkuma Jiki, and Secretary General Comr. Luper Damkor Chairman, said that despite the massive support the party enjoy from Tivland, the APC has constantly and continually put the Tiv people of Nigeria in perpetual neglect and held her in utmost contempt.
“The party has completely neglected one of its most benevolent partners in the Nigerian state. Else how would you describe a situation where there is complete disregard for federal character, the dislodgement of prominent Tiv sons and daughters from positions and offices held prior to emergence of the party into power – the likes of the director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Executive secretary of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the director general of the Nigerian Export and Import Bank (NEXIMBank), etc.
“It is rather difficult to describe as anything other than cruel, Mr. Chairman, the deliberate absence of Tiv representation at federal executive council for the first time under the APC-led federal government and the total absence of federal presence in Benue State in terms of Infrastructural development. For a people who gave their all in support of your party, this symbolises absolute neglect sir, to put it mildly,” the youths said.
It noted: “In all the aforementioned, the Tiv nation has remained steadfast, loyal and
hoping against hope that the APC-led government would have a change heart of heart, turn around and deliver on its campaign promises to us but alas, the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back came inform of the conspiracy of silence that followed the systematic and tactical cleansing of the Tiv nation duly superintended over by the APC led government as was evident in the utterances and in action of the federal government and even the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria himself,” adding: “Till date, Mr President has not deemed it necessary to pay our dear state a condolence visit in the face of a genocide that claimed over a hundred lives, all to our greatest dismay. “Rather, Mr. Chairman, the President acted non-nonchalantly, in fact, biased. “Pitifully too, your party (the APC) at the national level failed to issue an official statement in condemnation of these acts or deem it fit to visit the IDP Camps. Even when a delegation of Benue elders visited the President at the Presidential villa and tried to impress on him the need to visit and identify with the people of Benue state, all the President had to offer was a provocative call for us to accommodate our fellow countrymen, something the Tiv nation has been known for, for millennia prior to the premeditated attacks and planned annihilation of her people,” the youths stated.
The youths pointed out that in the face of these challenges, “we’ve had a number of sympathetic governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) visit our state and specifically affected areas, donating over two hundred million naira and items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), sadly not even one APC governor has thought it wise to identify with a state that happens to share the same political umbrella with them. “Instead, they were personal attacks on the person and office of the executive governor of Benue state, first by Governor Simon Lalong of Plataeu State, then Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State all of whom are governors under the APC platform.
“A police spokesman nailed it on another level by calling our governor, an elected executive governor of a state under the platform of your party ‘a drowning man’, yet your party, Mr Chairman, never deemed it fit to condemn or even call these people to order. It seems therefore with these clearly sanctioned acts that, there is a conspiracy to humiliate not just the person and office of the Executive governor of Benue state but also the entire Benue people.
“Mr Chairman Sir, it will only be right to make reference to other democracies in the African region. We can only hope to move forward as a people if we truly work at upholding the values of a true democracy as was the case recently in South Africa where the African National Congress (ANC) in preserving and protecting its integrity and in line with the wishes of the people, refused to shield former President Jacob Zuma in the face of abysmal failure. This however is not the case with Nigeria, where the APC has opted instead to protect and shield President Muhamadu Buhari for selfish and ghoulish reasons to the detriment of the common man. Of a truth, this has become the greatest undoing of the party.”
“Having said all that has been said, Mr. Chairman Sir, it would be sacrosanct to state that this ‘marriage’ between the APC and the Tiv nation has failed us. The APC has betrayed the trust and commitment bequeathed to her by the Tiv nation. It is in view of this Mr. Chairman that we the Tiv Youths wish to categorically state that we can no longer afford to ride with this failed ‘vehicle’ known as the APC as it has become evident that your political party does not represent our interests. We therefore unequivocally assert our support for our governor in light of his stand against the bastardisation of his people by the ‘powers’ that be and urge him to vacate the sinking ‘ship’ of the All Progressives Congress (APC), because political party(s) don’t decide for us, we decide our leaders and 2019 won’t be different,” the statement declared.
Talking about the earlier perception of the APC by Tiv people, the statement said: “Barely five years ago, change movement was launched called the APC as a realistic succor and replacement for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that had ruled the Nigerian state since the return of democracyin1999.The new party, the APC held a lot of hope and attracted a lot of men and women of good will across the nation, and in all these the Tiv people were not left out. “In the buildup to the 2015 general elections, the APC as a new political party won the heart and the support of Tiv nation. Through some of her most respected leaders like Senator George Akume, the then minority leader in the senate, senator JKN Waku and later Senator Barnabas Gamade, etc, the Tiv nation gave the leadership of Benue state to the APC; the two (2) senatorial seats from the Tiv speaking areas of Benue state and five (5) out of the six (6) Federal House of Representatives seats also in the Tiv speaking areas were won by the APC. Elsewhere in Nasarawa State, particularly the southern senatorial districts where the Tiv people are predominantly in three local governments, namely: Awe, Obi and Keana local government areas, the APC also won the Senatorial seat and the Federal House of Representative seats. The above Mr. Chairman is to elucidate on the massive support from Tiv people which the APC enjoyed, so you could only imagine the level of expectations from this party of which we gave our all to.
“However, like an abusive marriage, the APC has constantly and continually put the Tiv people of Nigeria in perpetual neglect and held her in utmost contempt,” the youths lamented.
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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka
The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.
The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
News
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
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