​In a significant move blending entertainment with governance, Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has appointed renowned Nigerian musician Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach. ​

The announcement was made during 2Baba’s courtesy visit to the Government House in Makurdi, where the Governor warmly welcomed the multi-award-winning artiste and praised his influence in Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment landscape. According to Governor Alia, “You are a guru of entertainment. Once you say ‘2Face,’ people start dancing, even without you singing.” The governor emphasised that 2Baba’s voice, credibility, and visibility within the country and beyond could play a strategic role in driving development through entertainment, cultural reawakening, and community mobilisation.

The appointment comes at a time when governments across Nigeria are increasingly recognising the power of pop culture and celebrity advocacy in advancing social causes. With 2Baba’s new role, the Alia administration is hoping to use his far-reaching platform to bridge the communication gap between the state and its young population, especially in fostering peace, social unity, and creative enterprise among the youth.

Also present during the event was Honourable Natasha Osawaru, 2Baba’s fiancée, whose support added a personal and emotional tone to the event. This added dimension shows that the appointment is not only symbolic but also rooted in a shared commitment to the progress of Benue.

Over the years, 2Baba has transcended the boundaries of music to become a philanthropist, peace ambassador, and vocal advocate for good governance. Through his foundation—The 2Baba Foundation—he has consistently pushed for youth participation in politics, electoral transparency, and civic responsibility. His appointment as a Technical Adviser now formalises a long-standing legacy of community service, giving him a direct link to policy implementation and grassroots engagement in his home state.

This move, according to insiders, signals a new cultural direction for the Alia-led government—one that seeks to integrate celebrity influence into real-time problem-solving, particularly around youth restiveness, unemployment, drug abuse, and social alienation.

While some observers see the appointment as largely ceremonial, supporters argue that given 2Baba’s wide-reaching credibility and track record in humanitarian work, the position could yield tangible results if backed with institutional support and adequate funding.

In his brief remarks, 2Baba expressed his gratitude for the appointment and pledged to serve with diligence. “This is home for me,” he said, “and I will do all I can to see that we use entertainment not just to have fun, but to build, unite and inspire our communities.”

As Benue joins the growing list of Nigerian states incorporating entertainment figures into governance, all eyes will be on how 2Baba’s influence translates into measurable impact within the state’s cultural and community outreach agenda.

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