Benue Philanthropist Donates N500,000 to Duku Youth Cooperative Society at 10th Anniversary

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A philanthropist and former Deputy Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State, Hon. Boniface Iornumbe, has donated N500,000 to the Duku Youth Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd to boost their economic activities.

The donation was made on Saturday, August 9, 2025, during the 10th anniversary celebration of the cooperative society, which is made up of youths from the Mbaduku community in Vandeikya LGA.

Hon. Iornumbe, who also serves as Chairman of the Private Schools’ Cooperative Society in Abuja, commended the youths for establishing the cooperative and urged them to remain committed to its growth, noting that such initiatives attract financial support for communities.

He added that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration encourages the formation of cooperatives as a means to access government funding and economic development support. Iornumbe pledged continued assistance, recalling past support for orphans, vulnerable children, and widows, and revealing plans to expand such aid to more beneficiaries.

In recognition of his contributions, the youths conferred on him the title Iwanger I Mbaduku Youths (“The Light of Mbaduku Youths”), which he appreciated, pledging to continue inspiring and supporting the community.

Former House of Assembly member for Tiev State Constituency, Hon. Terkaa Ucha, praised Iornumbe’s philanthropy and service to the less privileged, describing the honour bestowed on him as well-deserved.

Also speaking, Evangelist Dorathy Yajir, wife of the President of the Kunav Development Association (KUDA), applauded the youths’ resourcefulness, stressing that idleness fuels restiveness and insecurity. She urged them to remain united, embrace peace, and focus on meaningful engagements for personal, community, and national development.

Vice Chairman of the Cooperative, Mr. Terwase Agum, described the 10th anniversary as a milestone marking the society’s growth from a humble idea into a movement of vision, resilience, and collective impact.

He said the event was both a celebration of the past and a step into the future, noting that chieftaincy titles were conferred on distinguished individuals in appreciation of their support, including Mr. Tersoo Adum, who was honoured as Ashe a Mbaduku Youths (“Eyes of Mbaduku Youths”).

Agum revealed that the cooperative’s next major goal is the construction of a permanent office complex in Makurdi, which will serve as a hub for development, training, empowerment, coordination, and community legacy.