The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has lauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, on his 62nd birthday, describing him as a man who embodies the grace of God and the silent strength of purposeful leadership.

In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, Akpabio praised the governor’s ARISE Agenda, which he said has transitioned from vision to visible impact.

“Your Excellency and my brother, Pastor Umo Eno, on behalf of my family, and the good people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and indeed the National Assembly, I extend my warmest felicitations to you on the joyous occasion of your 62nd birthday.

“At 62, you embody the grace of God and the quiet strength of purposeful leadership. Your ARISE Agenda has moved from vision to visible impact — in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, and social empowerment — giving our people renewed hope and tangible dividends of democracy.

“I particularly commend your politics of inclusivity. By running an open, broad-based administration that embraces all Akwa Ibomites regardless of party or creed, you have lowered the political temperature in our state and fostered unity. That is statesmanship, and it is yielding peace as a foundation for progress, growth and opportunities.

“Under your watch, Akwa Ibom continues on the path of steady development — from roads and healthcare upgrades to support for SMEs and human capital growth. You are building on our shared heritage while charting a compassionate, people-first course for the future.

“As you mark this new age, my prayer is that Almighty God will grant you greater wisdom, sound health, and enduring strength to keep serving our dear state and nation. May your years be long, and may Akwa Ibom continue to ARISE under your leadership”.

Happy 62nd birthday, Your Excellency.

Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr
Special Adviser on Media/Publicity
Office of the President of the Senate

By Felix Umande, from Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called for a deeper strategic partnership with the United Nations to tackle the state’s humanitarian, agricultural and climate challenges, insisting that Benue is prepared to convert its vulnerabilities into long-term resilience.

The governor made the appeal on Thursday at Government House, Makurdi, while hosting the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, on her official visit to the state.

Framing his administration’s request around food security, climate resilience and human dignity, Alia said Benue’s future hinges on collaborative global action rather than short-term interventions.

“What we seek is not charity, but collaboration. Not isolated projects, but integrated systems. Not temporary relief, but lasting transformation,” the governor told the UN delegation.

Describing Benue as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation,” Alia noted that the state occupies a critical position in Nigeria and West Africa’s food systems but remains under severe strain from farmer-herder conflicts, climate-related shocks and a humanitarian caseload of more than 500,000 internally displaced persons.

Since assuming office in 2023, he said, his government has pursued an integrated development agenda aimed at rebuilding institutions, restoring dignity and unlocking economic opportunities across key sectors. “We are not waiting for change, but building structures that enable change,” he added.

On education, the governor disclosed that his administration has rehabilitated more than 375 public schools, recruited 9,700 teachers at the basic education level, rolled out free education policies and established new technical and higher institutions.

In the health sector, he listed the rehabilitation of 104 rural health centres, revitalisation of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and expansion of maternal and child healthcare services as key milestones.

Alia said strategic road and transport projects are being deployed to link rural and urban economies and unlock agricultural productivity, while over 10,000 youths have already been trained in digital skills under the state’s ICT empowerment programmes.

He stressed that humanitarian response remains central to his administration’s priorities, particularly in conflict-affected communities. “These are not just interventions; they are pathways from displacement to dignity,” he said, referencing shelter provision, farmland allocation, livelihood restoration and post-crisis rebuilding efforts in Yelewata for internally displaced persons.

To consolidate gains, the governor formally sought UN collaboration in five strategic areas: climate resilience and restoration of the River Benue; agro-industrial mechanisation; human capital development in education and health; community stabilisation and security; and the creation of a Benue SDG Transition and Resilience Financing Facility.

Reaffirming the state’s ambition to become a model of sub-national transformation, Gov. Alia declared: “Benue is ready to lead, to partner and to deliver results that matter — not just for the Benue people, but as a model for Nigeria and the global community.”

By Wale Gbadebo
As African economies continue to evolve, notable disparities persist in the strength of national currencies, particularly in exchange rate value.
Latest data for March 2026 identifies the ten strongest African currencies, underscoring levels of economic stability, trade influence, and the impact of monetary policies across the respective countries.

1. Tunisia – 2.93 Tunisian Dinar
   The Tunisian Dinar ranks as Africa’s strongest currency in 2026, underpinned by the country’s relatively stable economy and solid trade position in North Africa.
2. Libya – 6.38 Libyan Dinar
   The Libyan Dinar remains the country’s official currency and is widely used despite years of economic strain linked to prolonged instability.
3. Morocco – 9.34 Moroccan Dirham
   The Moroccan Dirham reflects a stable economy supported by tourism, agriculture, and phosphate exports.
4. Ghana – 10.95 Ghanaian Cedi
   Ghana’s Cedi plays a central role in West Africa’s economy, driven by the country’s strong export base in gold and cocoa.
5. Botswana – 13.78 Botswana Pula
   The Pula—meaning “rain” in Setswana—symbolises wealth and stability in Botswana’s diamond-backed economy.
6. Seychelles – 14.35 Seychellois Rupee
   The Seychellois Rupee is sustained by the island nation’s tourism-driven economy, a key pillar of its revenue base.
7. Eritrea – 15.00 Eritrean Nakfa
   Introduced in 1997, the Eritrean Nakfa reflects the country’s efforts to maintain monetary independence.
8. South Africa – 17.09 South African Rand
   The South African Rand remains a dominant currency in southern Africa, playing a pivotal role in regional trade and commerce.
9. Swaziland – 17.16 Swazi Lilangeni
   The Lilangeni, pegged to the South African Rand, serves as Eswatini’s official currency and underscores regional monetary cooperation.
10. Lesotho – 17.17 Lesotho Lot
    The Lesotho Lot, also linked to the Rand, circulates alongside it and supports the country’s domestic trade and monetary system.
    Source: The Nation