By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has renamed the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation in honour of renowned journalist and columnist, late Chief Dan Agbese, as part of efforts to recognise his outstanding contributions to journalism and Nigeria’s media landscape.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Peter Egbodo, who disclosed this Tuesday in Makurdi said the renaming was approved by Governor Hyacinth Alia as part of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Egbodo said “the state-owned publishing outfit will now be known as the Dan Agbese Publishing House, in recognition of the late journalist’s legacy, particularly his role at the defunct Newswatch magazine.

“This decision is to honour excellence, intellectual courage and professionalism in journalism, values that Dan Agbese exemplified throughout his distinguished career,” Egbodo said.

He explained that the gesture was part of a broader programme designed to celebrate Benue State’s golden jubilee, noting that the anniversary would be observed over a one-year period to fully reflect on the state’s journey and achievements.

The commissioner noted that since its creation in 1976, Benue State had been governed by 17 administrations, including the current one, and had continued to record progress despite the challenges encountered in the early years.

As part of the jubilee activities, the commissioner disclosed that the state government granted clemency to 14 inmates serving various jail terms across correctional facilities in the state.

He further revealed that one inmate, Terhumba Aondona, had his jail term reduced from 10 years to four years, describing the gesture as a demonstration of mercy and commitment to justice reform.

Those who benefitted from the clemency include Akaajime Imoter, Kongusu Terzugwe, Terngu Orshi, Ornaa Achagh, Zwa Achir, Terkimbi Amadu, Christian Iorpenda, Aondowaae Terlumun, John Oriba, Sughnen Terfa, Akaahar Isaac, ThankGod Ordam, James Gwayem, and Iorfa Terkimbi.