Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has swore in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen in the state. Alia, during the ceremony on Monday in Makurdi, tasked the new council chairmen with accountability and transparency. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) on Sunday declared the results of local government elections held on Saturday. The results indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates won all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship seats. The governor urged them to be responsible, work for the people, and be mindful of all they do, stating that granting autonomy to the LG has its consequences. He said no tier of government works in isolation and advised them to collaborate with the state and federal governments for effective service delivery. Alia charged them to work diligently, provide leadership, and uphold the highest standards of governance in their respective councils. The governor further described the APC as serious and urged them not to disappoint the electorates who voted massively for their victories. Alia advised the new council chiefs to focus on bringing democratic deliverables to the people and to always remain in their respective areas of assignments. “This event marks a significant movement in the life and future of LG administration in Benue, especially as it concerns people at the grassroots who came out in their numbers on Saturday overwhelmingly to choose you at the polls. “Be reminded that leadership is about service and sacrifice and not personal glory. “I urged you to always collaborate with us at the state level in order to implement policies and programmes that benefit our rural communities,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Mr Dennis Guda, Chairman, Vandiekya LG, promised to deliver dividends of democracy to the people. Guda said they would also be loyal to the APC, uphold its constitution, and collaborate with the state government to succeed.

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has just been honoured with the ‘Best Governor Award’ by the African Trust Magazine for his outstanding dedication to women and youth development in the state.

A statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, on Friday in Kano said the award was presented by the publisher of the magazine, Prince Isaac Adekunle.

Praising Yusuf for his commitment to grassroots empowerment, he highlighted his focus on ensuring that the benefits of democracy were felt across all levels of the society.

According to Adekunle, this is particularly to Kano’s most vulnerable populations.

“This recognition is a testament to his tireless efforts in transforming Kano State into a beacon of progress and unity.

“Under the leadership of Gov. Yusuf, the state has witnessed a transformational approach to governance, with women and youth at the forefront of development initiatives,” he said.

Adekunle said that Yusuf administration’s unwavering focus on these key groups has made a significant impact, offering real value to the people at the grassroots level.

In response to the award, Yusuf reaffirmed his dedication to fulfilling his promises to the people of Kano, stressing the importance of governance that directly benefits the masses.

“I am truly honoured by this recognition, and it only strengthens my resolve to continue working tirelessly for the people of Kano State,” Yusuf said.

According to him his administration remains committed to improving the lives of all citizens, particularly through programmes that prioritise women and youth empowerment.

He commended the magazine for the recognition, calling it a testament to the collective efforts of his administration to foster progress and development in the state.

Yusuf said, “This award is yet another reflection of my leadership as my focus on inclusive governance continues to earn me widespread praise both locally and internationally.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom, has suspended its local government election campaigns following the death of Mrs Patience Eno, the wife of the state governor.

Mr Edwin Ebiese, the Publicity Secretary, said in a statement in Uyo on Friday that the decision was a mark of respect for the deceased.

Ebiese said that the party had been deeply devastated by the sudden death of the governor’s wife.

“It is with sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the suspension of our local government campaign.

“This decision follows the untimely demise of our governor’s wife. This loss is devastating, it has left the party and the entire state mourning.

“As we struggle to come to terms with this huge loss, we are compelled to suspend our campaign activities as a mark of respect for her,” he said.

The PDP spokesman expressed the party’s condolences to the governor and his family, and prayed God to grant him the fortitude to bear the loss.

“May God Almighty also grant our dear state the strength to trudge on at this time of grief,” he said.