News
2Baba Aligns with the Made in Benue Initiative to Champion a Renewed Wave of Cultural Revival
…..Says project is a movement to unveil a new, prosperous, talent-driven Benue
Joel Ajayi
Nigerian music icon Innocent “2Baba” Idibia has been officially unveiled as a major partner in the Made In Benue Project, marking a new phase in the decade-long cultural and creative movement originating from Benue State.
In a statement Signed Andrew Orduen Ikon (OD Woods) and Innocent “2Baba” Idibia on Friday in Abuja reveavs that, This makes him the biggest Ambassador of the project which started in 2016 with focus on translating talents from the stage to the economic corridor.
Speaking at a joint press conference held at JRC Chariot Apartments, Abuja, 2Baba described the project as “a movement that goes far beyond an event,” emphasizing its cultural, economic, and social dimensions.
“MADE IN BENUE is a movement, a cultural, economic, and social awakening designed to showcase the strength, creativity, and potential of the Benue people,” 2Baba said.
According to him, “Our mission is simple: to take Benue to the world,” in which case he has called on all Benue indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to rally behind the initiative, and particularly appealed to the State Governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to champion the movement as part of a broader drive for youth empowerment and economic transformation.
2Baba has also urged corporate bodies, government agencies, and development partners to support the project through collaboration and investment, noting that his 2Baba NewPhase Initiative will serve as a driving force behind the Made In Benue vision.
“I am willing, ready, and deeply motivated to work with all stakeholders to ensure that this movement becomes a national and global force,” he added.
The convener of the project, Ordue Andrew Ikon, popularly known as OD Woods, announced that the 2025 edition marks the 10th anniversary of Made In Benue, which began in 2016 as a platform to promote Benue talents and culture.
According to him, the event has evolved from a single-day concert into one of Nigeria’s leading creative showcases, giving hundreds of young artists and talents their first exposure while creating thousands of jobs across event production, fashion, catering, and logistics sectors.
“What began as a dream to give Benue talents a stage has become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated entertainment and cultural events.
Today, Made In Benue is a brand, a movement, and a celebration of identity,” OD Woods said.
He revealed that this year’s edition would expand into a multi-day festival featuring exhibitions in fashion, leather works, food and beverage production, tourism, and hospitality, all aimed at highlighting Benue’s economic potential and attracting investors.
Announcing 2Baba’s involvement, OD Woods described it as a “major boost” for the project’s next phase, saying the award-winning artist embodies the ideals of authenticity, creativity, and global excellence.
“2Baba’s partnership brings a new level of value and inspiration. His involvement is not just about performance. It’s about mentorship, vision, and giving back,” he noted.
The partnership is expected to open new opportunities for Benue creatives, strengthen local industries, and project the state’s unique heritage to a global audience.
The Made In Benue Live Concert and Festival is scheduled to hold on December 26, 2025, in Makurdi, Benue State.
“Let us come together. Let us tell our story. Let us elevate Benue,” 2Baba declared, saying, “Greatness is truly Made in Benue.”
For more information follow @madeinbenue on all social media platforms or go to the official website: www.madeinbenue.com
News
PSIN Posts Major Institutional Reforms, Improved Financial Discipline, Earns House Committee Praise
Cyril Ogar
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters has reviewed the 2024 budget performance of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) and commended the Institute’s leadership for initiating wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening governance, service delivery, and institutional discipline.
The commendation came during an oversight visit by members of the Committee to PSIN headquarters along the Kubwa Expressway, Abuja.
Speaking at the engagement, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Engr. Sani Umar Bala, described the visit as significant, noting that it marked the Committee’s first official engagement with PSIN under the leadership of its new Administrator. He congratulated the Administrator on the appointment and expressed the Committee’s readiness to work closely with the Institute to promote accountability, innovation, and sustainable institutional growth.
Hon. Bala recalled that the Committee’s last oversight visit to PSIN took place in July of the previous year, during which key recommendations were made, particularly the need for the Institute to evolve innovative strategies to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the enactment of a substantive Establishment Act to strengthen its legal and institutional framework.
He stressed that all public funds, including IGR, must be expended strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions, legislative approvals, and national priorities, adding that oversight by the National Assembly is constructive and aimed at supporting institutions to perform better.
“This visit provides an opportunity for us to receive a clear account of actions taken since our last engagement, the reforms introduced, challenges encountered, and the strategic direction the Institute is now pursuing,” the Committee Chairman said.
In her address, the Administrator of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria Administrator/ CEO, Barrister Imeh Okon welcomed members of the Committee and described the visit as timely, coming shortly after the completion of his first 100 days in office. He explained that the period was deliberately focused on understanding the institution, engaging staff, and restoring operational discipline rather than publicity.
According to her, management instituted monthly whole-of-staff engagement forums, reinstated weekly departmental meetings, and introduced staff morale initiatives aimed at strengthening teamwork, accountability, and a sense of belonging.
On service delivery, Barrister Imeh Okon disclosed that PSIN successfully completed the onboarding of its Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre as an accredited facility by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), strengthening the Institute’s capacity to deliver technology-driven and credible assessments.
Shee added that over 400 public servants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were trained during the period, while PSIN also conducted nationwide promotion examinations for more than 2,600 staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Administrator further highlighted steps taken to restore financial discipline, including strengthened financial controls, compliance with government financial regulations, comprehensive audits of facilities and assets, and the recovery and regularisation of outstanding revenues, all aimed at promoting transparency and value for money.
Physical infrastructure improvements were also recorded, with renovated lecture rooms, rehabilitated facilities, improved sanitation systems, fumigation of the premises, and enhanced security measures to protect government assets.
Looking ahead, he outlined plans to modernise PSIN’s curriculum, expand e-learning and blended learning platforms, digitise internal processes, and fully embrace the Institute’s think-tank mandate through policy dialogues, advisory services, and strategic partnerships, including a proposed twinning arrangement with the Singapore Public Service Institute.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of PSIN’s 2024 budget performance, in line with the Institute’s core mandate of training and continuous retraining of public servants.
Members of the Committee welcomed the presentation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting PSIN through legislation, policy guidance, and advocacy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s public service architecture.
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