Benue, Nasarawa assemblies confirm new commissioners

The Benue State House of Assembly has confirmed seven commissioner-nominees and approved the appointment of Anya Godwin as a member of the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Their confirmations followed a nomination letter from Governor Hyacinth Alia and were announced at Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Aondona Emberga.

In Nasarawa State, the House of Assembly confirmed eight new commissioners nominated by Governor Abdullahi Sule for screening. Speaker Danladi Jatau, announcing the confirmation at yesterday’s plenary in Lafia, urged the nominees to live above board once sworn in.

The newly confirmed Benue commissioners are Chief Solomon Terver Iorpev, Elizabeth Onma Ogenyi, Kuma Aii Yenge, Roy Ashirga Terna, Angwa Egbe Monday, Nick Eworo and Amo Ankwa II. Their appointments are expected to strengthen the Alia administration’s development agenda, drawing on their professional and political experience.

Lorpev, a media strategist and public communication expert with over two decades in broadcasting, journalism and governance communication, currently serves as technical adviser to the governor on media, publicity and strategic communication. He previously served as acting chief press secretary and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mass communication from Benue State University.

Ogenyi, a grassroots politician from Ado Local Government Area, has served as chairman of Ado Local Government Council, supervisory councillor for revenue and finance, and chairman/coordinator of the National Poverty Eradication Programme in the area. She is recognised for her work in women’s mobilisation and community development.

Yenge, a businessman and industrialist from Buruku Local Government Area, is managing director/CEO of Max Woody Group, with interests in manufacturing, technology and fabrication. With over three decades of private-sector experience, he has contributed to youth empowerment and skills development, and previously served as president of the Benue Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

Terna, an administrator and politician from Tarka Local Government Area, has served as a teacher, councillor, secretary of Tarka Local Government Council, senior legislative aide at the National Assembly and caretaker committee chairman of Tarka LGA. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Benue State University.

Monday, a geologist and hydrogeology specialist from Oju Local Government Area, has extensive experience in water development, sanitation, environmental services and project monitoring. He has worked on UNICEF-supported water and sanitation projects and previously served as vice chairman of Oju Local Government Council.

Eworo, a politician, businessman and community leader from Obi Local Government Area, is a former two-term member of the Benue State House of Assembly and former deputy majority leader. He previously served as commissioner for science, technology and innovation under the Alia administration.

Ankwa, from Logo Local Government Area, is an administrator and grassroots leader with experience as a councillor, local government chairman and special assistant to the governor on administration and urban development.

Those confirmed in Nasarawa are Muhammad Habeeb Nagogo (Wamba), Ahmed Yakubu Mohammed (Lafia), Mohammed Baba Shehu (Keffi), Mohammed Iyimoga Oyigye (Obi), Rebecca Adamu Kpadji (Wamba), Nawani Aboki (Doma), Jibril Abdullahi Ibrahim (Nasarawa) and Daniel Paul Ashefo, Ph.D (Lafia).