By Felix Umande

Three major socio-cultural organizations in Benue State have rejected the Federal Government’s proposed pilot National Ranching Scheme for the Middle Belt, insisting that the safe return and resettlement of over 500,000 Internally Displaced Persons must come first.

The position was presented on Friday, August 15, 2026, at a press conference in Makurdi by Air Commodore Titus Agbecha, rtd., Chairman of the Benue Socio-Cultural Organizations, on behalf of Mdzough U Tiv, Ochetoha ‘k Idoma, and Omi Ny’Igede.

The Federal Government had announced that Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States would serve as pilot states for the ranching programme, with rollout expected to begin in Plateau.

While acknowledging that ranching as a modern practice of animal husbandry could reduce farmer-herder conflict and improve food security, the groups said Benue’s peculiar realities make implementation impossible at this time.

The groups listed three critical issues.

First, they said over 500,000 Benue indigenes are currently living in IDP camps across the state “with no home to return to, no shelter, no farms, and no livelihood.”
“It is unjust to talk about new land use for ranches when the owners of the land are still refugees in their own state,” Agbecha said.

Second, he noted that for over five years, several communities in Benue have been “under siege,” with villages attacked, occupied, and residents killed or displaced.
“There has been no comprehensive mediation, no justice, and no resettlement of these communities. Establishing ranches under this atmosphere will be seen as rewarding violence and dispossession,” he added.

Third, the groups cited pressure on land due to rapid population growth. “Benue remains the food basket of the nation. Any program that involves large-scale land acquisition must not undermine food production,” Agbecha stated.

The socio-cultural leaders called on the Federal Government to prioritize the safe return and resettlement of all IDPs to their ancestral homes before any pilot scheme begins.

They also demanded “genuine mediation, security of lives, and restoration of occupied communities,” stressing that “peace must precede policy.”

On implementation, the groups said any ranching programme must be done through “proper consultation, consent, and compensation with host communities.”
“We are not against modern ranching, but it must be voluntary, community-driven, and must not displace food production. Land is a sensitive issue and cannot be imposed,” Agbecha said.

He further urged Benue people to “remain calm and law-abiding” as the organizations engage relevant authorities to ensure their concerns are addressed through dialogue.

“Benue is the food basket of the nation. For Nigeria to be food secure, Benue farmers must first be secure on their land,” he concluded.

–85.5 % Prefer staying back with things right

–Unemployment fueling insecurity

By Son Tertsegha, Abuja

A new survey has shown that seventy-three per cent of young Nigerians are forced to consider emigration due to unemployment, limited economic opportunities and poor access to capital.

Made public in Abuja at a dialogue organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Youth Advisory Committee to mark International Youth Day, the Nigerian Youth Pulse Survey found that most respondents were not seeking to leave Nigeria for a foreign dream but in search of jobs, skills and sustainable livelihoods.

60.9 per cent identified lack of capital and access to finance as their biggest obstacle, among respondents seeking stable incomes,, while 49.1 per cent cited inadequate job opportunities. Skills gaps accounted for 42.7 per cent of responses, while 37.3 per cent blamed a weak business environment, including high interest rates and limited access to credit.

The survey, which covered more than 100 young Nigerians, also showed that the desire to leave could change if economic conditions improve. About 85.5 per cent of respondents said they would prefer to remain in Nigeria if better economic opportunities were available.

The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, said the findings showed that young Nigerians wanted functional systems and opportunities at home rather than an exit route.

He said unemployment ranked above insecurity as a major driver of the country’s youth emigration trend, adding that a stronger economy with more opportunities could persuade more young Nigerians to remain in the country.

The survey also linked unemployment to insecurity, with respondents supporting a “jobs before policing” approach to national security. They argued that economic exclusion contributes to vulnerability to crime alongside weak law enforcement.

To address the funding gap, the report urged the government and financial institutions to develop more inclusive financing models for young entrepreneurs by reducing collateral requirements and simplifying loan applications.

It also recommended greater use of mobile technology and mentorship programmes to expand access to finance.

On employment, the report called for a shift from training programmes focused mainly on certificates to programmes that lead directly to income. It recommended stronger partnerships between employers and training providers, paid work-based learning and commercial agribusiness initiatives.

The report further proposed entry-level hiring quotas and tax incentives for companies that employ young Nigerians.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, said the findings could help shape government policy and called for greater inclusion of women in youth-focused platforms.

The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has commended the Department of State Services and other security agencies for their partnership in safeguarding journalists, while urging media practitioners to shun sensationalism in reporting terrorism and insecurity.

The resolution was reached at the NEC meeting held in Dutse, Jigawa State, on August 11, 2026. The meeting, chaired by the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, had in attendance National Officers, as well as Chairmen and Secretaries of State Councils.

After exhaustive deliberations on issues affecting the profession, national security, welfare and institutional development, NEC issued a communiqué with key resolutions.

NEC commended various security agencies, particularly the DSS, for their continued cooperation and support in promoting the safety and security of journalists and the media community.

The Council urged the agencies to “sustain and deepen this partnership,” citing the increasing security challenges confronting journalists in the course of their professional duties.

The Union called on journalists and media organisations to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in reporting terrorism, banditry, insurgency and other forms of insecurity.

NEC warned against sensationalism and the glorification of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, saying such coverage could amplify propaganda, facilitate recruitment, or enhance the public profile of criminal groups.

“The Union reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism and emphasised the importance of accurate, balanced and responsible reporting that serves the public interest while taking into consideration national security and the safety of journalists,” the communiqué stated.

In view of the prevailing security challenges in the North, NEC endorsed the proposed Northern States Security Summit to be hosted by Zamfara State.

The Union described the summit as an important platform for stakeholders to deliberate on practical and sustainable strategies for addressing insecurity and enhancing the protection of journalists, media organisations and the wider society.

All NEC members were directed to participate actively in the summit.

The Dutse meeting focused broadly on the journalism profession, safety and welfare of journalists, professional development, agriculture, strategic partnerships, and the unity and growth of the Union.