News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
A philantropist and former deputy chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA), in Benue state, Hon. Boniface Iornumbe has donated the sum of N500,000 to Duku Youth Multipurpose Cooperative Society LTD, to support them in their economic activities.
Hon. Iornumbe made the donation on Saturday, August 9, 2025, during the 10 years anniversary celebration of Duku Youth Multipurpose Cooperative Society LTD.
The association is comprised of Benue Youths from Mbaduku extraction in Vandeikya LGA of Benue State.
Hon. Iornumbe who is the Chairman of Private Schools’ Cooperative Society in Abuja, commended the youths for starting the Cooperative and encouraged them to continue with it saying that is a sure way of attracting financial support for their people.
He noted that the Governor Alia’s administration also encourages forming of cooperatives as a strategy to attracting government funding and support for the numerous economic empowerment and development.
He pledged to continue to support them adding that in the past, he has extended such support to orphans and vulnerable children as well as widows to give them a ray of hope. He also disclosed of his intention to increased the number of beneficiaries to accommodate more widows and orphans.
Hon Iornumbe was honoured by the youths with a title as the “Iwanger I Mbaduku Youths” meaning the “The Lght of Mbaduku Youths,” an honour he appreciated pledging to continue to light the way for others to see.
Also speaking at the event, a former House of Assembly member representing Tiev State Constituency, in Vandeikya LGA, Hon Terkaa Ucha, lauded Hon. Iornumbe for his philantropic gestures and for helping the less privileged saying his identification and honour was well-deserved.
In her remarks, wife of the President of Kunav Development Association (KUDA), Evangelist Dorathy Yajir, commended the youths for being resourceful and enterprising identifying idleness as the reason for youth restiveness and insecurity in the state.
She called for unity among the youths urging them to prioritize peace above anger, violence and unnecessary political rivalry while also encouraging them to engage themselves meaningfully for the betterment of their lives, the state and Nigeria at large.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of the Cooperative Society, Mr Terwase Agum, said the 10 years anniversary celebrate was a landmark event to commemorate the success in the life of Mbaduku Youths.
He said “What began as a humble initiative 10 years ago to empower our youths, promote cooperation and uplift our community had grown into a movement of vision, resilience and collective impact.
“Today’s event is not just a celebration of years gone by, but a reflection of our values, a recognition of those who have stood with us and a bold step into the future.
“We are especially honoured to confer chieftaincy titles on a few distinguished individuals, our sons, friends and associates in appreciation of their selfless support and contributions to the growth of Mbaduku.
“This gesture is both strategic and symbolic, a way to celebrate excellence while raising support for our next big goal; the construction of our permanent office complex here in Makurdi.”
Agum pledged that the office would not just be a building but a center for development, training, empowerment, coordination and legacy where the future generations can proudly identify with.
Our correspondent reports that the youths also honoured an associate of Mbaduku, Mr Tersoo Adum with the title of “Ashe a Mbaduku Youths” meaning “Eyes of Mbaduku Youths.”
