Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has officially appointed music legend Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach. The announcement was made during a visit by 2Baba to the Government House in Makurdi, where he came to offer his condolences for the recent spate of killings in the state.
Governor Alia praised 2Baba as a distinguished ambassador for Benue State and highlighted his international success in the music industry. He also acknowledged the musician’s significant contributions to supporting vulnerable communities through his humanitarian efforts. The governor expressed confidence that 2Baba’s experience and global reach would bring positive change to his new role.
During the meeting, Alia discussed the importance of security and control in camps for displaced persons (IDPs), noting that while visits are welcome, they need to be carefully monitored to ensure the safety and privacy of the traumatized individuals. He emphasized the need for cooperation with the international community to help manage the camps and protect those affected by insecurity.
The governor further condemned the ongoing violence in the state, particularly the unprovoked attacks by bandits and terrorists, stressing that such actions are unacceptable. He called on the federal government and other well-meaning Nigerians to assist Benue in addressing the growing insecurity, which has severely impacted farming communities.
In his remarks, 2Baba offered his condolences to the state and expressed his readiness to support the governor in any way necessary. He also encouraged others to join in helping Benue overcome its challenges. The Head of Communications for the 2Baba Foundation, Enoch Ocheni, reaffirmed that the foundation, under 2Baba’s leadership as a Goodwill Ambassador to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, would continue to advocate for displaced persons, providing relief materials, healthcare, and sanitation to those in need.
