Wednesday, July 28, 2026
He also approved the creation of some agencies and appointed their heads.
The agencies include;
1. Benue Road Maintenance Agency – Engr. Thaddeus Terngu Tarzomon – General Manager
2. North Central Development Commission – Dr. Ben Ebe – State Coordinator.
Ben Ebe, PhD, is a seasoned communications leader, media executive, and academic with more than 30 years of progressive experience across journalism, public sector administration, strategic communications, research, and higher education. He combines deep expertise in media management, public information systems, and policy communication with a strong record in research, documentation, and institutional coordination. Known for intellectual rigour and ethical leadership, he has played key roles shaping media practice and public discourse in Nigeria.
An experienced educator and researcher, he teaches postgraduate courses in journalism and mass communication and supervises academic research at Benue State University. He holds a PhD and MSc in Mass Communication and has authored a book and multiple peer-reviewed articles on media practice, citizen journalism, and the role of state-owned media. Dr. Ebe is also active in professional and civic life, serving as CEO/Editor-in-Chief of Zeyani Associated Media, a former Board member of Radio Benue Corporation, and a member of major Nigerian media and public relations bodies.
Practical, strategic, and collaborative, Dr. Ebe brings a blend of editorial judgment, policy insight, and institutional leadership to roles that require clear public messaging, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable knowledge management.
3. Agency for Recreation and Parks – Mercy Turugh – Executive Secretary.
Mercy Turugh is an accomplished community development and workforce professional with over 24 years of experience in youth empowerment, job readiness, career development, and community advocacy. As Co-founder of Smart Staffing Group LLC, she has led initiatives in workforce training, employment placement, and educational programming. Her extensive background spans mentorship, workforce development, and supporting at-risk youth through strategic partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations. She is committed to empowering individuals and creating pathways to sustainable success.
4. IFAD – Samuel Terungwa Agwa – State Coordinator.
Mr. Agwa is a seasoned development professional, policy advocate, and agribusiness expert from Vandeiky Local Government Area. With over two decades of experience spanning humanitarian services, international development cooperation, research, governance, and agribusiness, he has held strategic leadership roles with organizations including UNHCR, Benue State Government, and Midwest Agro Services Limited. He is also the founder of/CEO of Eternity Synergy Limited and has contributed significantly to development policy, livelihood programming, and public service initiatives within and beyond Nigeria.
5. Benue State Project Monitoring Team:
a. Engr. Dr. Feliox Atume, mni – Chairman
b. Engr. Cephas Suswam – Member
c. Surveyor Bartholemew Feese – Member
d. Engr. Terna Ibi – Member
e. Engr. S A Baba – Member
f. Arch. Idu John Adakole – Member
g. Engr. Jijingi Emmanuel – Member
h. Engr. Mlumun Ikpaahindi – Secretary.
The team is expected to;
– Oversee and track the implementation of government projects across all sectors
– Ensure compliance with approved project specifications, timeliness, and budgets
– Conduct periodic inspections and submit detailed reports to the office of the Governor
– Identify delays, substandard work, or deviations, and recommend corrective actions
– Serve as independent eyes of the government to ensure value for money and quality delivery
– Advise the government on the cost of projects and value-for-money considerations.
– Any other roles that the Governor may assign.
The Governor also approved the deployment of the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. James Dwam, to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The deployment takes immediate effect.
The Governor has also sent the name of Hon. Ankwa Amo II as a commissioner nominee to the Benue State House of Assembly.
Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
