FIC Report (Benue State) – The newly appointed Benue State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Terver Iorpev, has assumed office with a pledge to promote an inclusive media policy, strengthen information flow and ensure journalists have timely access to government activities.
Iorpev made the commitment on Monday, 24th August, 2026, when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Makurdi.
The Commissioner described his appointment as an act of divine favour and thanked God and Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for the confidence reposed in him. He noted that within less than three years, he had served in four capacities, including Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Director-General of the Benue State Signage and Advertising Agency, Acting Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
Iorpev solicited the cooperation of journalists, describing the media as a critical pillar of governance and stressing that effective information dissemination was essential to keeping citizens informed about government policies and programmes.
He disclosed that the Ministry was developing a 10-month strategic working document which would provide for regular press briefings, direct engagement with journalists and periodic interactions with the Governor to facilitate access to firsthand information.
The Commissioner assured journalists that the Ministry would operate an inclusive policy without discrimination against any media organisation or practitioner. He also announced plans for a statewide media tour before the end of October 2026, during which journalists would visit the 23 local government areas to assess and report ongoing government projects and activities.
He further disclosed plans to train information officers across ministries, departments, agencies and local government councils, while strengthening the Ministry’s digital communication strategy through increased use of social media and the revitalisation of its official website.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Ruth Ubwa, welcomed the NUJ delegation and assured journalists that the Ministry remained their “second home.”
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, congratulated the Commissioner and pledged the union’s cooperation and support. He noted that the visit was primarily to felicitate with Iorpev and demonstrate solidarity, adding that the NUJ would return at a later date to formally present issues affecting journalists in the state.
Ugber said the state had about 450 journalists and expressed confidence that the new Commissioner would use his experience to strengthen government-media relations and improve information dissemination in Benue State.
BRIDGET TARKER
For: Head of Centre, FIC Makurdi
