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Lopsided Representation Rubbishes Federal Character and Fairness in Benue State
With the new administration in Nigeria gradually finding its rhythm both at the state and the federal level, the dusts are just beginning to rise in Benue State, with lopsidedness and unequal representation rocking the Food Basket of the Nation.
Stakeholders in Benue state have decried the wanton disregard for equality and inclusiveness in the leadership outlook of the state. What has manifested as unequal spread of leadership is setting the state on a dangerous pedestal of dissatisfaction, mistrust, and lack of sense of belonging to all groups that make up the state.
On an outlook of the state’s pyramid, the Governor of the state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia hails from the TIV speaking part of the state, just as the Chief of Staff to the Governor. What has drawn the most irk across board is the fact that the Secretary General of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and the recently announced ministerial nominee from the state, Joseph Utsev are all TIVs, from the same local government area. This rollout is visibly wrong to the blind and loud enough in the ears of the deaf.
Section 14, subsection 3 of the 1999 Federal Constitution of Nigeria, as amended states that the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and also promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there be no predominance of persons from a few state or from a few ethnic or sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.
This law remains domesticated and practiced in States across Nigeria. With the foregoing in Benue state, it brings to question the ethical uprightness and the legal standing upon which the SGF, the nominated minister, the Governor, the Chief of Staff, Speaker of the House of Assembly, etc are all members of the same ethnic group, in a multi-ethnic group where the Idomas, Igedes, etc., also belong. This maligns the other groups and breeds a sense of resentment that is capable of derailing efforts in the state.
One hopes that this tide is curtailed and not fostered to look like a norm. With rancor already building up, the onus is now placed on the government and high ranking sons and daughters of the state to do what is right.
Featured
Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.
More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.
The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.
Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.
The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.
Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.
Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.
Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.
The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.
Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.
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