Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music icon Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as TuFace or 2Baba, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
The announcement was made during a visit by the artist to the Government House in Makurdi on Wednesday, with the news quickly spreading on X (formerly Twitter) after a video of the event went viral.
Governor Alia expressed his gratitude for Idibia’s support, saying, “I want to thank you first and foremost for supporting my administration and for endorsing me for the 2027 election. I believe this is not out of place because you are a true guru in the entertainment industry. When people hear ‘2Baba,’ they begin to dance, even before you sing! We are excited to have you here.”
He continued, “On behalf of the state government and our wonderful people, I want to assign you additional responsibilities. You have already been doing great things, but you have the capacity to do even more. Your wisdom and experience can help us chart a better path forward and improve the lives of our people. So, I am pleased to announce that I am appointing you as Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Idibia, a native of Okpokwu Local Government Area in Benue’s Idoma ethnic community, has long been involved in various charitable initiatives in his home state. Through his 2Baba Foundation, he has supported a range of causes, including peacebuilding, education, and humanitarian aid. In 2017, he visited a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Makurdi, offering support to those affected by flooding. His new appointment is seen as an effort to harness his influential platform to engage youth and promote community development, particularly in a state grappling with issues like insecurity and economic hardship.
Governor Alia’s decision to appoint Idibia comes amid ongoing security concerns in Benue, with recent violence being described by the governor as “unprovoked attacks aimed at killing, conquering, and occupying.” The governor has called for greater federal and public collaboration to address the state’s security challenges. During his visit, Idibia expressed his condolences for the recent killings and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the state, aligning his efforts with the mission of his foundation. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Idibia has a history of advocating for displaced communities.
Enoch Ocheni, Head of Communications for the 2Baba Foundation, elaborated on Idibia’s role, stating, “As a Goodwill Ambassador to the UNHCR, 2Baba, through his foundation, will continue to advocate for the rights of displaced persons and work on initiatives that promote peace and development. His role will focus on fostering partnerships to enhance talent development and community outreach in Benue.”
Idibia’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a smart move to leverage his popularity and influence to inspire youth, as well as bridge the gap between the entertainment industry and governance. Critics, however, question the suitability of a musician in a technical advisory role, though Governor Alia’s administration views it as part of a broader strategy to engage influential figures in addressing the state’s social issues.
This new appointment follows other high-profile activities in Idibia’s life, including his recent introduction of his fiancée, Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, to the Idoma traditional leadership during a peace and unity symposium in Otukpo on April 21, 2025. In his new role as Technical Adviser, Idibia is expected to leverage his experience in both music and philanthropy to help drive Benue’s development goals forward.
