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Catholic church demands apology from Akume over statement on Benue killings

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Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe is demanding public   apology from Senator George Akume for lying to the public that the Tiv people are killing themselves and not the Fulanis.

He made the demand today at St. Ignatius Quassi Pasish Ukpor-Mbalom during a holy mass to mark cleansing of the church where the invading Fulanis attacked and killed 17 worshipers including two priest in April this year.

In a strong warded demand, Bishop Anagbe who recalled how the two priest were gruesomely murdered by the Fulanis want Senator Akume to immediate withdraw his unguided statement as well as tender apology even if not to the church but to him personally as Bishop of Makurdi Diocese.

The Bishop however assured that inspite of the present predicament confronting the Tiv nation, God will triumph over evil in no distant future.

According to the Bishop, “Human life is sacred and only God who is the Supreme Creator has the right to freely take what He gives. It is my believe that those who attack the house of God have no single atom of piety in their heart and therefore should not expect mercy from the Supreme Creator”. He declared.

Governor Samuel Ortom who also spoke urged the Christian community not to be deterred by the callous and demonic forces against the Benue people but be strengthened in their faith in the Almighty God to defeat the insurgents.

Governor Ortom also took strong exception over the recent statement by Senator George Akume reporting to President Mohammdu Buhari that the Tiv people are killing themselves and not the Fulanis who have been claiming responsibilities of various attacks in Benue.

Ortom described as wicked, barbaric and insanity taken too far for a Benue Senator to have made such a sweeping statement that the Tiv people are the ones killing themselves even when the blood tasty “Jihadists” invaded Holy places of worship to carry out ethnic cleansing agenda.

The governor called on the Federal Government to immediately provoke investigation in the circumstances leading to attack on the Mbalom people and other communities in Benue with a view of identifying and bringing the culprits to book.

Ortom announced donation of a standard classroom block at the school which the late Fr. Joseph Gor had started, a contribution of N20m for the development of St. Ignitus Quasi Parrish as well as a functional vehicle for the Parish Priest in the area.

He console those who lost loved ones to take solace in the fact that the dead have only gone to rest with their creator at the appointed hour and will surely rise with Christ on the judgment day.

Recall that on 24 April 2018, there was an attack on the St. Ignatus lwhere two Catholic Priests and 17 worshipers were gruesomely massacred by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Since after the incidence, the place remain unholy for worship and the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Rev. Anagbe had put together a consecration mass to reprepare the church for the worship.

Governor Samuel Ortom and Bishop  Anagbe are principal speakers at the event who gave touching speeches that threw people into deep sober reflections.

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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative

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YP4T
L-r: Alex Oware, Director, YP4T; a beneficiary; Dr. Love V. Tinuoye (C.E.O. Medvita Consultancy); Pharm. Enobong S. Useh (M.D. Medvita Pharmacy and Stores LTD); Mrs Jumoke Elom, beneficiary; Ojey Victor Benjamin, Director, YP4T.

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.

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Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas

… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence

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Bello Matawalle and Christmas
*Bello Matawalle

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.

Matawalle Salutes military
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas

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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Tinubu to Revitalize Zamfara and Nigeria’s Economy – Matawalle

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Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle
Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle

…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.

Matawalle who is currently on  a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.

He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.

Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.

Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.

He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.

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