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In a colourful display of solidarity rarely seen in today’s polarized political climate, the entire Ucha community in Afia, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, on Saturday 17 December 2025 rolled out the red carpet for one of their own, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Lagos.
The grand event combined a special Thanksgiving service, the presentation of “maternal blessings,” and a well-attended political reception where the community openly and unanimously declared their total support for Dr. Akutah’s ambition to contest the 2027 Benue State governorship election.
Speaking during the church service at NKST Afia, the officiating minister, Rev. I. T. Mnengean, drew from Genesis 48:14-20 to emphasize that divine blessings, once bestowed, are irrevocable irrespective of human manoeuvres. He charged the congregation to remain grateful, insisting that thanksgiving is the key that opens doors to greater blessings.
In his response, Dr. Akutah expressed profound gratitude to his kinsmen, acknowledging that growing up in Afia exposed him to the real challenges facing both the Ucha people and the larger Ukum constituency. He praised Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, for his consistent mentorship and support, urging continued prayers for the SGF so he can keep delivering dividends of democracy to Benue people.
At the reception that followed, Dr. Akutah assured the mammoth crowd that, if elected governor in 2027, his administration would prioritize security, citizens’ welfare, infrastructure development, and massive job creation opportunities across the state. He particularly promised to focus on the long-neglected intermediate areas of Benue.
Several prominent sons and political heavyweights added their voices to the endorsement. Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, representing Benue North East Senatorial District, commended Dr. Akutah’s leadership qualities and revealed that it was those qualities that inspired him to personally present the Shippers’ Council boss to the Ucha community for blessings and backing. Senator Udende equally passed on goodwill from Senator George Akume, who called on youths to shun violence and embrace legitimate means of livelihood.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Iorwuese Hagher (represented by Rt. Hon. David Mzenda Iho), the Chairlady Rt. Hon. Hembadoon Amena, Guest Speaker and member of the House of Representatives for Gwer-East/Gwer-West federal constituency, Architect Dr. Asema Achado, and Chief John Akperashi (Ikpamkor I Kwande) all spoke with one voice, praising Dr. Akutah’s track record and readiness to transform Benue’s governance landscape. Dr. Achado declared that the people of Benue have resolved to hand over the mantle of leadership to Dr. Akutah in 2027 and urged every son and daughter of the state to mobilize support for the project.
In a subtle but pointed reference to recent political tensions, Senator Udende criticized attempts by certain quarters, including the state governor, to disrupt the Thanksgiving programme, describing such actions as unbecoming and contrary to Christian values.
As a high point of the day, the leadership of NKST Afia honoured Dr. Akutah with the prestigious “Sema Wam U NKST Afia” award, while Senator Udende received the “Atonko U NKST Afia” award in recognition of their contributions to the church and community.
With the kind of grassroots momentum witnessed in Afia on Saturday, it is clear that Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima is not just nursing a governorship ambition; he is building a movement that appears determined to reshape the political future of Benue State come 2027.
