Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian musician Innocent Ujah Idibia, widely known as TuFace or 2Baba, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
The announcement was made during a visit by the artist to the Government House in Makurdi on Wednesday, as shared in a video that gained traction on X.
Governor Alia acknowledged Idibia’s support for his administration, stating, “Let me thank you very firstly for supporting my administration and for proclaiming me for 2027. I feel it will not be out of place at all, because you are a guru of entertainment. Once you say ‘2face’ people start dancing, even without you singing. So we are happy you’re here.
“On behalf of the state government and our very good people, I want to give you some more responsibility, plus the ones you have been doing, because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart the way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advisement as well. So I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a technical advisor to the governor on entertainment and community outreach.”
Idibia, a native of Okpokwu Local Government Area in Benue’s Idoma ethnic community, has a history of engagement with his home state. Through his 2Baba Foundation, he has supported initiatives in peacebuilding, education, and humanitarian aid, including a 2017 visit to a Makurdi camp for internally displaced persons affected by flooding. His appointment is seen as a move to leverage his influence to engage youth and promote community development, particularly in a state facing challenges like insecurity and economic hardship.
The decision comes amid ongoing issues in Benue, including recent violence that Alia described as “unprovoked attacks” aimed to “kill, conquer and occupy,” emphasizing the need for federal and public collaboration to address insecurity. Idibia, during his visit, expressed condolences for the killings and readiness to support the state, aligning with his foundation’s work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Head of Communications for the 2Baba Foundation, Enoch Ocheni, noted that Idibia’s role would focus on fostering partnerships to enhance talent development and community initiatives, stating, “As a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees, 2Baba, through his foundation would continue to fight for the rights of the displaced.”
The appointment has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a strategic use of Idibia’s platform to inspire youth and bridge the gap between entertainment and governance. Others question the relevance of a musician in a technical advisory role, though Alia’s administration frames it as part of a broader effort to involve influential figures in addressing social issues.
Idibia’s new role follows other high-profile activities, including his recent introduction of his fiancée, Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, to the Idoma traditional leadership on April 21, 2025, during a peace and unity symposium in Otukpo. As Technical Adviser, he is expected to draw on his experience in music and philanthropy to support Benue’s development goals.
