From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State marked the 50th birthday of Dr. Mathias Byuan, Executive Director of Housing, Finance and Accounts, on 1 January 2025, at a thanksgiving service held in his honour.
The event also served as a fundraiser for completing the Church of the Holy Trinity, Agidi, Ugambe, Shangev Tiev, in Konshisha LGA, Benue State, and for launching the Dr. Mathias Byuan Community Empowerment Foundation, aimed at supporting the less privileged.
Speaking at the occasion, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and North Central APC leader, Senator George Akume, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for delivering democratic dividends, particularly in Benue State. He cited projects such as the dualisation of the Makurdi to 9th Mile road and urged citizens to be patient and supportive.
Akume advised youths to safeguard their land and challenge deceit while demanding transparency in public spending. He commended Dr. Byuan for his political courage, particularly for refraining from challenging Governor Alia in court after the 2023 primary elections.
The SGF called on Comrade Austin Agada, recognised as the legitimate APC Chairman in Benue State, to welcome decampees and ensure equal opportunities within the party.
Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, praised Akume as an exceptional leader and benefactor. He lauded President Tinubu for appointing Benue indigenes to key positions and described Dr. Byuan as a determined young man who is an asset to the administration.
State APC Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, highlighted Akume’s leadership as pivotal to the party’s unity in Benue and urged that future election candidates independently canvass for votes. Agada described Dr. Byuan as a dedicated party loyalist and urged continued support for the SGF and Tinubu-led administration.
The event’s chairman, Jacob Tilley Gyado, commended Akume as a political guide for Benue State and praised Dr. Byuan for his contributions to the APC.
Dr. Byuan, while welcoming guests, pledged loyalty to President Tinubu and Akume. He affirmed that Tinubu had allocated substantial resources to Benue through Governor Alia’s administration and called for the delivery of democratic dividends to the people. He emphasised the need for peace and unity within the party and vowed that Konshisha and Benue would secure more votes for the APC in 2027.
In his homily, Bishop Isaac Dugu of Katsina-Ala Diocese urged Christians to embrace love, forgiveness, and prayer, emphasising its power over weapons. He praised Dr. Byuan as hardworking, humble, and God-fearing, and prayed for his success. The bishop appealed for the facilitation of employment for Benue indigenes and the completion of Dr. Byuan’s university project to commence admissions and lectures.