society
Benue Good Governance Group Commends Chief of Army Staff Over Visit to Benue After Deadly Attacks
Benue Good Governance Group Commends Chief of Army Staff Over Visit to Benue After Deadly Attacks
The Benue Good Governance Network (BGGN) has lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his recent visit to Benue State to coordinate military operations aimed at restoring peace and order in conflict-affected communities.
The group described the Army Chief’s actions as bold, timely, and deeply reassuring to the people of Benue, many of whom have endured years of violent attacks and displacement without visible federal intervention.
In a statement signed by the Convener, Dr. Amase Paul, the BGGN said General Oluyede’s presence in the state — personally assessing the situation, meeting with troops, and engaging with key stakeholders — sent a strong message of renewed federal resolve to bring an end to terrorism and protect innocent lives.
“For many of our people, this visit came like the first rainfall after a long drought. It was a powerful demonstration that Benue is not alone and not forgotten. Lieutenant General Oluyede has restored our faith in the Nigerian Army and in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Dr Paul said.
Benue State has witnessed a series of brutal attacks by armed militias and terrorists, especially in rural communities where state protection has been minimal. Dozens have been killed, properties destroyed, and families forced to live in IDP camps for years. In recent months, this violence intensified, leaving residents feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
According to BGGN, the military chief’s proactive decision to visit the flashpoints and directly coordinate troop deployment marks a turning point in the fight to reclaim the state from lawlessness.
“His boots-on-ground approach shows courage and sincerity. It gave our people a sense of safety they have not felt in years. Our women now sleep without fear, and our youths feel that the government finally understands their pain,” he added.
The statement further praised the renewed military coordination as evidence of President Tinubu’s determination to tackle insecurity in all parts of Nigeria, particularly in regions where terror has lingered too long without response.
“Before now, there was a growing belief that Benue had been left to its fate. But the actions of General Oluyede and the clear support from the President have changed that perception. Our people now feel reassured that all will be well again,” he added.
The Benue Good Governance Network said the federal government must ensure this momentum is sustained. It called for more troops, intelligence operations, and continued community engagement to eliminate criminal hideouts and build trust between civilians and the military.
“We urge the Chief of Army Staff not to allow this visit to be a one-off gesture. Let it mark the beginning of sustained and well-coordinated efforts to permanently end terrorism in our land,” Dr. Paul stated.
The group also pledged the full cooperation and support of Benue youths to complement the military’s efforts. It noted that local knowledge, civilian intelligence, and inter-generational partnerships will be key to restoring lasting peace.
“The youths of Benue are ready to support this new direction. We will organise, sensitise, and mobilise our communities to work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Army in defeating terror. It is our land, and we will defend it — through unity, lawful engagement, and honest partnership,” the group stated.
The BGGN said it has already begun deploying its networks across affected local government areas to facilitate communication between youth leaders and military commanders on the ground.
“We believe peace must be built by both the gun and goodwill. While the soldiers defend us, our duty is to help create an environment where peace can grow and survive,” Paul added.
The group further urged the Army and federal government to pay attention to the post-conflict phase, including the reconstruction of schools, hospitals, roads, and homes destroyed by violence.
“Lasting peace goes beyond the battlefield. It requires healing, rebuilding, and restoring the dignity of displaced families. We appeal to the Chief of Army Staff to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the military’s success is followed by relief, recovery and development.”
Dr. Paul concluded by reaffirming the network’s commitment to advancing good governance, civic responsibility, and public accountability in the state.
He also called on traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society groups to rally behind the peace efforts initiated by the military leadership.
“Lieutenant General Oluyede has done what true leaders do. We thank him. And we stand ready to support him in this courageous mission to restore peace in our dear Benue State,” the group concluded.
Politics
North West Youth Network Lauds Tinubu Over Yazeed Danfulani’s Appointment, Begins Mobilisation for 20 Million Votes in 2027
North West Youth Network Lauds Tinubu Over Yazeed Danfulani’s Appointment, Begins Mobilisation for 20 Million Votes in 2027
The North West Youth Network has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), describing the move as a clear reward for competence and a boost for youth inclusion in governance.
In a statement on Sunday, the group said Danfulani’s appointment had restored the confidence of young professionals across the North West in President Tinubu’s readiness to identify and empower credible technocrats regardless of age or political weight.
“We applaud President Tinubu for this well-considered appointment. Yazeed Danfulani is a tested, trusted, and transformative leader. His emergence is a strong signal that this administration is serious about driving economic growth through capable hands,” said Bashir Kawu, National Coordinator of the North West Youth Network.
Danfulani, a respected agribusiness expert and public finance professional, has since resumed duties as Managing Director of NAIC — the federal agency responsible for agricultural insurance and risk mitigation for farmers nationwide.
Kawu said the appointment will revitalise NAIC and refocus its operations on practical support for farmers, particularly those in underserved rural communities.
He described the president’s decision to entrust Danfulani with a critical role in the agricultural sector as “a masterstroke,” particularly at a time when the government is pushing for food security and economic stability.
“For too long, young farmers in the North West have been left out of key agricultural interventions. With Danfulani in charge of NAIC, we expect to see a shift — one that gives rural farmers real protection and opportunities to scale,” he said.
In what it described as a “vote of confidence” in President Tinubu’s leadership style, the group also pledged to mobilise massive grassroots support for the president ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are not just showing appreciation — we are already on the move. Our mobilisation campaign has begun across the seven North West states. Our goal is clear: to deliver no fewer than 10 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027,” Kanu declared.
According to him, structures are being set up in local governments and wards across the region to coordinate outreach, register first-time voters, and build a broad coalition of youth voices in support of the administration.
“This is about numbers and vision. With the right leadership, our region can become the agricultural powerhouse of Nigeria — and we believe President Tinubu sees that. Our support for him in 2027 will be massive and well-organised,” Kawu said.
Yusuf said the mobilisation campaign was already gaining momentum, with sensitisation drives, door-to-door engagements, and townhall meetings being held across rural communities.
“We are going beyond social media. We’re speaking directly to the farmers, the traders, the students — people who need to see that this administration is working. And we are showing them through the likes of Danfulani,” he said.
The network urged Danfulani to justify the confidence reposed in him by ensuring NAIC reaches the grassroots and directly supports smallholder farmers, especially women and youth-led cooperatives.
“This is not the time for bureaucracy. We need action. We expect to see inclusive agricultural insurance that covers dry season farmers, livestock owners, and agritech startups. Let NAIC become a household name, not just an agency with an office in Abuja,” he stressed.
The group also appealed to other federal agencies to emulate the NAIC appointment by prioritising merit, professionalism, and regional balance in leadership selection.
“We are watching. Young people across this country are watching. Every appointment speaks. The message from Danfulani’s appointment is that President Tinubu listens. And we are ready to respond with loyalty and results,” Kanu added.
He concluded by reaffirming the North West Youth Network’s commitment to working with stakeholders, traditional institutions, and community leaders to ensure that youth voices remain visible and influential in national discourse.
“Our vote pledge is not a slogan. We will deliver the votes, because we believe in what this administration is building. And we will not stop until the North West is fully counted in the future of Nigeria,” the statement added.
Emi Lọkan: The APC’s Legacy of Misgovernance and Fiscal Irresponsibility
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Sahara Weekly Nigeria
Introduction
Since the All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed power in 2015, Nigeria has witnessed a series of policies and budgetary decisions that have raised concerns about fiscal responsibility and governance. The 2025 federal budget, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, has particularly drawn criticism for allocations that many perceive as misaligned with the nation’s pressing needs.
A Closer Look at the 2025 Budget Allocations
The 2025 budget has earmarked ₦393 billion for streetlight projects across 1,477 locations. This allocation has been met with skepticism, especially when juxtaposed against the ₦175 billion designated for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The disparity raises questions about the government’s prioritization, especially in a country where educational infrastructure and access remain significant challenges.
Further scrutiny reveals allocations such as ₦600 billion for a 30-kilometer road project and ₦10 billion for installing solar panels in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. These figures have been criticized as exorbitant, with many Nigerians questioning the transparency and necessity of such expenditures.
Public Outcry and Perception
The budgetary decisions have not gone unnoticed by the public. Social media platforms and public forums are rife with expressions of discontent. A notable sentiment captures the frustration: such as arise.tv
“When liars become habitual liars, they become patented liars and thereafter they graduate to the level of engraved liars.”
This quote encapsulates the growing distrust among citizens towards the government’s fiscal decisions.
The ‘Emi Lọkan’ Philosophy and Its Implications
President Tinubu’s political mantra, “Emi Lọkan” (Yoruba for “It’s my turn”), has been interpreted by critics as a reflection of entitlement rather than a commitment to public service. This perception is further fueled by budgetary allocations that seem to favor elite interests over the welfare of the general populace.
The emphasis on projects like the Aso Rock solar panel installation, amidst widespread energy poverty affecting millions of Nigerians, underscores concerns about misplaced priorities.
Comparative Analysis: Education vs. Infrastructure
While infrastructure development is essential, the disproportionate allocation of funds raises questions. The EDUCATION SECTOR, a cornerstone for national development, receives less funding compared to projects like street lighting. This imbalance suggests a need for a more equitable distribution of resources that aligns with the country’s developmental goals.
Historical Context and Patterns
The current budgetary approach mirrors patterns observed during Tinubu’s tenure as the Governor of Lagos State. Critics argue that similar fiscal strategies, characterized by large allocations to projects with questionable transparency, were prevalent. This continuity raises concerns about systemic issues in governance and fiscal management within the APC-led administration.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Civil society organizations and financial analysts have called for increased transparency in budgetary processes. The allocation of substantial funds to projects like street lighting necessitates detailed breakdowns and justifications to ensure public trust. Implementing stringent oversight mechanisms can help mitigate potential misappropriations and ensure that funds serve their intended purposes.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 federal budget, under President Tinubu’s administration, has ignited debates about fiscal responsibility, governance priorities and public trust. The allocations, perceived by many as misaligned with the nation’s pressing needs, underscore the importance of transparent and accountable governance. As Nigeria navigates its developmental journey, it is imperative for leaders to prioritize the welfare of the populace, ensuring that public funds are judiciously utilized to foster inclusive growth and national development.
References
Nairametrics. “Nigerians react as National Assembly earmarks N393 billion for streetlight projects in 2025 budget.” May 26, 2025.
nairametrics.com
Arise News. “Tinubu Launches Education Loan Fund, Says Education Vital Tool To Combat Poverty.” July 18, 2024.
arise.tv
Semafor. “Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu slows policy overhaul as he eyes reelection.” May 28, 2025.
semafor.com
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