By Fatima Ndagi, Abuja
The Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja pulsed with urgency and optimism on Tuesday, as politicians, industry experts, and concerned citizens gathered for the unveiling of the Benue State 2027 Roadmap, a sweeping blueprint to tackle insecurity, youth unemployment, industrial decline, and leadership gaps ahead of the next election cycle.
Organized by the Markolima Consultancy Academy (MACA) in partnership with the Nigerian Good Governance Initiative (NGGI), the event was chaired by Chief (Dr.) Terlumun Akputu, JP, Executive Director of FHA Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
In his welcome address, Dr. Timothy Aikyor, Chairman of the Benue 2027 Roadmap CPC, described the initiative as “innovative and timely,” framing it as a turning point for the state’s political maturity and citizen participation.
“The political history of Benue State has been shaped by the decisions, alliances, and leadership choices of its people,” Aikyor said. “But today’s challenges, from insecurity to zoning disputes, demand a new era of open, intelligent, people-driven conversations.”
Aikyor outlined a three-phase rollout to include, Phase I (September 2025): Public unveiling now underway, Phase II (Nov 2025–Mar 2026): Debates on gubernatorial zoning and
Phase III (Apr–Aug 2026): Full governorship debate post-primaries.
The day’s most stirring remarks came from Dr. Simon Ater, a tech entrepreneur and governance advocate, whose frank diagnosis of Benue’s woes electrified the audience. Linking deepening insecurity to insider sabotage and youth neglect, he urged decisive action:
“We need to imbibe discipline; otherwise, in the worst-case scenario, everyone is a suspect,” Ater warned. “Who are the insiders inviting criminals to destroy our state? No sane society can be destabilized without internal betrayal.”
He also pressed for industrial revival as a solution to economic stagnation and youth unrest.
“We must build industries to engage our youths,” he said. “Farmers cannot even transport their produce due to poor infrastructure. Without jobs and a thriving economy, insecurity becomes the order of the day.”
A hard-hitting lecture by Prof. Zachary Gundu, titled “Insecurity and Political Leadership in Benue State”, underscored that poor governance and internal disunity lie at the heart of the crisis. A lively panel discussion followed, featuring Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, Surveyor Godwin Tyoachimin, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, and Dr. Tersoo Loko, who echoed calls for transparency, unity, and practical reforms.
A screening of endorsement clips from nine prominent figures—including Chief Michael Kaase Aondokaa (SAN), Hon. Terseer Ugbor (Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency), and Engr. Nick Wende—signaled growing momentum for the roadmap.
As the event closed, applause for Dr. Ater’s uncompromising message made clear that youth-centered leadership, industrial growth, and security reform have become rallying cries for Benue’s future. Participants agreed the roadmap has opened a vital space for dialogue and set clear priorities for a united, secure, and economically vibrant Benue ahead of the 2027 elections.