Akume Debuts New Wife at Emotional 72nd Birthday Thanksgiving in Benue

Gboko, Benue State – Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, turned heads on Saturday as he marked his 72nd birthday with a vibrant thanksgiving service at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Gboko, Benue State. For the first time publicly, the elder statesman appeared alongside his new wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, just 24 hours after a family member confirmed their union on social media.

The event, attended by dignitaries, family, and well-wishers, doubled as a spiritual milestone and a subtle unveiling of Akume’s personal life update. Photos shared widely online showed the couple beaming during the service, with Queen Zaynab elegantly dressed in traditional attire, holding hands with the celebrant. This comes nearly 15 months after the death of Akume’s first wife, Terkwase Akume, in September 2024, following a prolonged illness. Family sources described the remarriage as a source of joy and stability for the former governor.

Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF (OSGF), issued a statement capturing the occasion’s dual focus: celebration and national duty. “The SGF used the thanksgiving service to reiterate that accountability among the three tiers of government remains central to sustainable national development,” Imohiosen noted.

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Akume, a key figure in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasized collective effort in his remarks. “National development is a collective responsibility, requiring the synergy of all three tiers of government,” he insisted, urging federal, state, and local leaders to prioritize transparency and collaboration amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Background on Akume’s Journey and New Chapter

Born on December 27, 1953, in Gboko, Senator Akume has carved a storied path in Nigerian politics. A former governor of Benue State (1999–2007), Senate Minority Leader (2019–2023), and now SGF since June 2023, he remains a Tiv ethnic leader and APC stalwart. His career spans education—he once lectured at Benue State University—and grassroots mobilization.

The thanksgiving service featured hymns, prayers, and tributes, with Bishop William Avenya of Gboko Catholic Diocese delivering the sermon on gratitude and renewal. Attendees included Akume’s children, political allies, and community elders, who praised his resilience. Social media buzzed with reactions, from congratulations to light-hearted commentary on the “new queen” in Akume’s life.

Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, whose full title hints at royal or communal ties in Benue, kept a low profile beforehand. Family confirmations earlier this week described the marriage as traditional and faith-based, aligning with Akume’s devout Catholic roots.

Renewed Push for Governance Synergy

Beyond personal festivities, Akume’s message resonated with Nigeria’s ongoing push for reforms. His call for inter-tier accountability echoes federal initiatives like the Tinubu administration’s economic blueprint, amid debates over local government autonomy following Supreme Court rulings.

As Benue grapples with farmer-herder clashes and flooding, Akume’s Gboko homecoming underscored his enduring influence. The OSGF statement concluded: “The SGF appreciates the outpouring of love and continues to serve with renewed vigour.”

This birthday milestone blends personal joy with public service, signaling Akume’s next chapter at 72.