….Unveils 10-Month Media Plan, Gets NUJ Backing
Iorfa Akpen
Chief Solomon Iorpev officially assumed office on Monday as Benue State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, pledging an inclusive media policy and stronger information flow across the state.
Iorpev made the pledge when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, led by Chairman Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, paid him a courtesy visit at the ministry in Makurdi.
The new commissioner described his appointment as “a product of divine favour” and thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia for the trust. He noted that in less than three years he had served in four roles under the administration: Technical Adviser, Director-General of Signage and Advertisement, Acting Chief Press Secretary, and now Commissioner.
According to him, the progression shows that people can rise in government without political godfathers.
“I want to thank journalists in the state for the exceptional support over the years,” Iorpev said. He recounted an early Monday conversation with the governor about the wide social media celebration that followed his announcement, and credited it to goodwill from the media community rather than personal entitlement.
Iorpev said the ministry has started work on a 10-month strategic document to guide information dissemination. Key elements include regular press briefings, direct engagement with journalists, and periodic sessions with the governor to give the media firsthand updates on government policies.
He promised that no media house would be sidelined.
“My administration as Commissioner of Information is inclusive of every media practitioner. I’m not discriminating whether you’re a newspaper, whether you’re a local paper, whether you’re an international paper, even if you’re a one-man radio station,” he assured.
Other initiatives announced:
– Statewide media tour: Before the end of October 2026, journalists will tour all 23 local government areas with the ministry to assess and report on government projects.
– Capacity training: Information officers in ministries and LGAs will be trained to improve official communication.
– Digital push: Stronger use of Facebook and X, plus a revamped ministry website for real-time updates so citizens do not have to visit the ministry physically for information.
“Without information, every government is in the dark. Nobody knows what is going on. Nothing happens. It is what you tell the people that they know. That’s how important you are,” he said.
Permanent Secretary Mrs Ruth Ubwa welcomed the NUJ delegation and called the ministry the journalists’ “second home.”
NUJ Chairman Ugber said the visit was to congratulate Iorpev and show solidarity. He noted the union would return later to formally present challenges facing journalists.
“For us, we want to give you not less than 100% support, nothing less than that,” Ugber said, adding that Benue has about 450 journalists.
He urged the commissioner to deliver on his mandate and pledged the union’s cooperation to help the ministry achieve its goals.
