The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akuta Ukeyima, has urged Benue people to rally behind President Bola Tinubu in 2027, describing him as “a leader of courage, vision, and results” whose reforms are already reshaping Nigeria’s economy.

Ukeyima, who spoke when he hosted members of the Conference of Benue Journalists (CBN) in Abuja, observed that President Tinubu came into office in 2023 with a clear mandate and has not wasted a single day delivering on it.

“From day one, he took the historic step of removing fuel subsidies, a move many promised but never had the courage to carry out. He kept his word, knowing it would bring short-term hardship, but he stayed the course because it was the right thing for Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the policy has freed up record revenues for states and local governments, enabling massive infrastructure development across the country, regardless of political affiliation.

“This is a President who praises good governance wherever he sees it, whether in a PDP or APC state because his only loyalty is to Nigeria’s development,” he noted.

Ukeyima also lauded Tinubu’s creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as “a game-changing policy that positions Nigeria to tap into a multi-trillion-dollar global industry.”

He commended the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, for producing Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, attracting unprecedented foreign direct investment, and reforming the ports sector.

“Our ports are busier, exports are rising, and for the first time, vessels are leaving Nigerian shores loaded with goods instead of empty containers.

“We are building inland dry ports, maritime logistics hubs, and even targeting landlocked African countries to use Nigerian ports,” he added.

Highlighting Tinubu’s inclusive style of governance, the Shippers Council boss cited the President’s key federal appointments for Benue indigenes and interventions in the state’s security challenges.

“Twice there were moves against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and twice the President stood with Benue people. His appointments of our sons and daughters into strategic offices show a leader who values our state,” he added.

On political permutations for the 2027 general election, Ukeyima confirmed receiving calls to contest for governorship but stressed that his immediate priority is delivering a stronger APC in Benue to secure Tinubu’s re-election.

“I am a party man. We are building the structure to give President Tinubu an even bigger mandate in 2027. When the time comes, we will make decisions together, because leadership is about service, not personal ambition,” he said.

He called on journalists to remain steadfast in projecting the state’s image positively at the national and international levels, describing the media as “the conscience of society” and a key driver of development.

“Journalism is the hallmark of development. You promote developmental ideas; you challenge leaders where there are gaps, and you offer constructive criticism that makes them sit up. You speak to society’s conscience and promote goodwill where it exists.”

Commending the group’s two-decade existence and its efforts to advance Benue’s image, the Shippers Council boss lamented the struggles of the media in the state, citing a lack of sponsorship and equipment for local newspapers and radio stations.

He urged members to fill the gap by telling Benue’s story from the national stage and amplifying the achievements of indigenes in positions of authority.

He identified insecurity and infrastructure deficits as pressing concerns in the state, saying: “Benue’s infrastructure deficit is glaring. Among the North-Central states, I don’t think there’s any state worse off in that regard. When you speak on these issues, tell the truth as it is. Investigative journalism is vital, go to the field, see things for yourself, and report them accurately.”

Turning to social media, Ukeyima decried the proliferation of hate speech, misinformation, and politically motivated falsehoods in Benue’s online space, warning against its corrosive effect on public trust and peace.

“I have never seen a social media space as toxic as Benue’s,” he said. “People are educated but still spread lies. With just a phone and internet access, everyone now calls himself or herself a journalist. Our young people must understand that what they post online can destroy their future, even cost them jobs and opportunities abroad.”

He urged journalists to educate the public, particularly the youth, on the dangers of reckless online behaviour and the permanence of digital footprints.

“Do not relent in the good work you are doing. Benue needs courageous people who will speak the truth about what is happening. If we fail to correct the dangerous trajectory of misinformation and disunity, we risk self-destruction,” he warned.