A Distinguished Engineer, Statesman, Nation Builder and Political Leader

Early Life and Background

Senator Chief Barnabas Andrew Iyorher Gemade was born at Mkar Christian Hospital, Gboko, on 4 September, seven decades ago, into the illustrious family of Late Chief Gabriel Iyorher Gemade and Mama Mbatuhwan Gemade. He hails from Mbajir, Mbawar Council Ward, Iwarev District, in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State.

Over the years, Senator Gemade has distinguished himself as an accomplished engineer, administrator, industrialist, politician, philanthropist and statesman whose contributions to national development and public service have left an enduring mark on Nigeria and, particularly, his home state of Benue.

Educational Background and Professional Qualifications

Senator Gemade began his educational journey at Mkar Demonstration School, Mkar, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). He proceeded to the prestigious W. M. Bristow Secondary School, Gboko, and later attended Government College, Keffi, where he completed his Higher School Certificate (HSC) with distinction.

He subsequently gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he studied Civil Engineering and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Civil Engineering.

Following graduation, he undertook his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at the Western Nigeria Housing Corporation, Ibadan, where he served as a Graduate Engineer.

Determined to broaden his professional knowledge and expertise, Senator Gemade proceeded to City University, London, United Kingdom, for postgraduate studies, earning a Master of Science (M.Sc. Eng.) degree in Highway and Transport Engineering. He subsequently became a Member of the Institute of Highways and Transport (MIHT), United Kingdom.

He also attained the prestigious status of Chartered Engineer and became registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

His professional development further took him across Europe and Asia, where he participated in several international study tours, professional conferences and executive training programmes. These included study tours to Korea and Singapore, executive management training at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and participation in the International Road Federation Conference in Madrid, Spain, among other international engagements.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to engineering and professional development, Senator Gemade became a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Science and Technology, Ibadan (FNIST), and an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR).

Industrial Leadership: The Benue Cement Company Years

Before venturing fully into national politics, Senator Gemade built an impressive career in the industrial sector, particularly at the defunct Benue Cement Company (BCC) Plc, Gboko, where he rose through the ranks to become the first indigenous Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO).

His tenure at BCC was characterised by purposeful leadership, institutional development, industrial expansion and a strong commitment to local participation in economic activities.

As Managing Director, he worked to strengthen the company’s operations, increase production capacity and improve staff welfare. He also created employment opportunities for numerous young people and facilitated the economic empowerment of indigenous businessmen, contractors and entrepreneurs.

Through his leadership and empowerment initiatives, several local businesses flourished, contributing significantly to the commercial growth and development of Gboko. Many of the entrepreneurs who benefited from these opportunities, including prominent businessmen such as the renowned Gbaden Jam, popularly associated with WISHDEN, continued to thrive long after his tenure.

One of Senator Gemade’s most enduring contributions at BCC was his commitment to developing indigenous technical and managerial capacity. He championed the training, mentorship and eventual appointment of qualified Nigerian professionals to positions previously occupied by expatriate managers.

Among the indigenous professionals who benefited from this institutional transition were the late Mr Emmanuel Agum, Engineer Solomon Nyagba, Engineer Moses Aende, the late Ion-nguga Atagher, Mike Mku, the late Engineer Peter Ullam, Engineer Sam Iyornumbe and Mr Benjamin Achiatar, among several others.

He also facilitated the establishment of essential social infrastructure within the company, including a health clinic that provided medical services to staff and the BCC Staff Nursery and Primary School, Gboko, which has continued to contribute to the education and development of young minds.

Beyond industrial development, Senator Gemade’s administration at BCC also witnessed a remarkable sporting revolution through the famous BCC Lions Football Club.

Under his leadership and support, BCC Lions emerged as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football clubs, transforming Gboko into a major sporting destination in Nigeria and Africa. The club achieved remarkable success, including its historic Mandela Cup triumph, widely celebrated as a landmark achievement for Northern Nigerian football, as well as other notable honours, including the Cup Winners’ Cup.

The incentives and institutional support provided during his tenure attracted talented footballers from across Nigeria and beyond, while football enthusiasts travelled from far and near to witness the club’s remarkable performances.

Indeed, his years at Benue Cement Company remain an important chapter in the industrial, economic, social and sporting history of Gboko.

National Service: Minister of Works and Housing

Senator Gemade’s outstanding performance in industrial management and administration attracted national recognition. In 1992, he was appointed by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida as Minister of Works and Housing. He subsequently served as Secretary of Works in the National Interim Government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan.

During his time in the Ministry, he played significant roles in the development and execution of federal infrastructure and housing projects across the country.

His contributions included the development and completion of several housing estates in major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kaduna. Notable projects included Festac Phase II, Abeson and Osborne Road developments in Lagos, as well as housing projects in Sheraton, Lugbe, Nyanya, Gwagwalada and Kubwa Phase II in Abuja.

His responsibilities also covered erosion and coastal protection, environmental management, the maintenance of public buildings, water supply, urban development and other critical infrastructure initiatives.

Among the projects associated with his tenure was the Ameradu Water Works in Ipav, Gboko Local Government Area. He also facilitated important road projects, including the Yandev–Buruku Road, Gboko–Korinya Road and Awajir–Tse-Agberagba Road.

Another remarkable achievement during his tenure was the development of essential public infrastructure in seven newly created states: Kebbi, Jigawa, Kogi, Osun, Delta, Abia and Taraba. These projects included state secretariats, Houses of Assembly and High Court complexes.

He also played a significant role in the completion and commissioning of Nigeria House in New York, United States of America, an important national diplomatic asset.

Beyond infrastructure development, Senator Gemade was instrumental in creating opportunities for qualified Nigerians, particularly indigenes of Benue State, within the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and its associated agencies, including the Federal Housing Authority.

Among those who benefited from these opportunities were Engineer Edward Ujege, Engineer Jijinge, Engineer Jime Alaaka, Engineer Tsehega, Engineer Avishigh and Mr Benjamin Achiatar, among others. Several of these professionals subsequently rose to senior management positions, including director-level appointments within the federal public service.

Constitutional and Political Leadership

Following his service as Secretary of Works, Senator Gemade was elected into the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference, convened during the military administration of General Sani Abacha. His participation reflected his growing national profile and commitment to constitutional development and national governance.

His political leadership continued to expand when he emerged as National Chairman of the Congress for National Consensus (CNC) during the Abacha administration.

Following the death of General Abacha and Nigeria’s transition to democratic governance in 1999, Senator Gemade made history by becoming the first substantive National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the party’s inaugural National Convention in April 1999. He also served as Chairman of the party’s caucus.

He succeeded Chief Solomon Lar, who had served as the party’s interim National Chairman. His emergence reflected the party’s zoning arrangement, which favoured a candidate from Northern Nigeria.

However, at the PDP National Convention in 2001, he lost the chairmanship position to Chief Audu Ogbeh.

In 2003, Senator Gemade contested the PDP presidential primaries but lost to the incumbent President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who subsequently secured re-election.

Legislative Career and Representation of Benue North-East

Senator Gemade’s return to elective politics came during the 2011 general elections, when he contested for the Benue North-East Senatorial District seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The contest was particularly significant because he faced several political opponents, including his former political ally, Senator Joseph Akaagerger, whom he had previously supported in 2007.

Senator Gemade emerged victorious and was elected to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In 2015, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he won the party’s senatorial primary election. He subsequently defeated the then-incumbent Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, in the general election to secure another term in the Senate.

In 2019, he contested for the same senatorial seat under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but was unsuccessful.

During his tenure in the 7th and 8th Senate, Senator Gemade distinguished himself through legislative interventions, motions, bills and constituency development initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of his constituents.

Constituency Development, Philanthropy and Human Capital Development

Senator Gemade’s commitment to public service extends beyond political office. His approach to representation has consistently emphasised infrastructure development, education, healthcare, economic empowerment and human capital development.

Throughout his legislative career, he facilitated numerous projects and interventions across his constituency and beyond.

These included the establishment and support of schools, healthcare facilities, skills acquisition centres, traditional council halls and other community infrastructure. He also facilitated the construction and rehabilitation of roads, installation of electricity transformers, provision of water infrastructure and other essential amenities.

His empowerment initiatives covered financial support for small businesses, the distribution of vehicles and tricycles, scholarships for students in secondary and tertiary institutions, including seminarians, and other interventions designed to improve livelihoods.

He also supported agricultural development through the annual provision of fertilisers and other assistance to farmers.

In the area of education and institutional development, Senator Gemade facilitated the establishment of City Science and Technical Academy in Korinya City, Konshisha Local Government Area.

He also supported the establishment and development of Sun Rays FM, a private digital radio station in Korinya City, which has contributed to the expansion of local media and communication.

His road infrastructure interventions include the Branch Atser Road in Vandeikya towards Obudu, the ongoing reconstruction of the Ihugh–Korinya Road, the Wuese–Ankar Road, phases one and two of the Gbogbo–Akputu Road, and the Korinya–Awange Road, among several others.

His philanthropic activities and constituency projects reflect a longstanding belief that leadership should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary people.

Political Influence and Contributions to National Appointments

Senator Gemade’s influence in national politics also provided opportunities for the representation of Benue State in federal institutions and political structures.

Through his leadership positions as National Chairman of political parties, as well as his participation in party treasuries and presidential campaign committees, he played an influential role in facilitating the appointment of numerous Benue indigenes as chairmen and members of federal boards, agencies and other public institutions.

Among those associated with these appointments were Senator Jack Gyado, Chief Ameh Udo, General Geoffrey Ejigah, the late Chief John Varem Ayaka, Chief David Iyorwashima Amoh, Hon. Emmanuel Adyo, Mr Terry Wayas, General Lawrence Anebi Onoja and Chief Steven Lawani, among others.

He also facilitated the inclusion of Benue indigenes in key positions within the national party secretariat. Some of those who benefited from these opportunities included Ukantsugh Dogo, Kenneth Gyado and Vincent Aondoakaa, among others.

These interventions further demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that Benue State maintained a meaningful presence in national political and administrative structures.

Awards, Honours and Recognitions

In recognition of his distinguished contributions to engineering, public administration, politics, education and national development, Senator Gemade has received numerous awards, honours and traditional titles.

Some of his notable recognitions include:

1. Chancellor, University of Mkar, Benue State, an institution he has continued to support through personal financial contributions and infrastructural development.
2. Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
3. Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), University of Calabar, alongside President Muhammadu Buhari and other distinguished Nigerians.
4. National Productivity Merit Award.
5. Fellowship Award, Benue Polytechnic, Ugbokolo.
6. COREN Merit Award.
7. National Assembly Press Corps Merit Award.
8. Distinguished Merit Award, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
9. Nigerian Society of Engineers Merit Award.
10. Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
11. Numerous traditional chieftaincy titles and honours, including:

• Nom Yange u Tiv.
• Ogbawara Uzo of Abia.
• Ugbo Ogu of Umudioka.
• Atayes-i-c of Orin-Ekiti.
• Orya u Konshisha.

These honours reflect the recognition accorded to him by professional institutions, academic communities, public organisations and traditional authorities.

Personal Life, Interests and Family

Senator Gemade is happily married to Chief Mrs Vickie Mnguenyi Gemade, the Wan Kur u Nom Yange. Their marriage is blessed with children and grandchildren.

Beyond his professional and political engagements, he maintains a variety of personal interests. He is an enthusiastic football supporter, a lover of music and a keen badminton player. He also enjoys hunting and photography.

His personal interests reflect a personality that appreciates sports, culture, recreation and the preservation of memories.

Commitment to National Unity and Nation Building

Senator Gemade is a patriot whose commitment to the development of his people, Benue State and Nigeria remains a defining feature of his public life.

Over more than three decades of national service, he has served in several positions of significant responsibility, including Minister of Works and Housing, Secretary of Works, National Chairman of two political parties—the Congress for National Consensus (CNC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—and two-term Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His public service has taken him across the geographical landscape of Nigeria, providing him with extensive exposure to the country’s diverse people, cultures, institutions and developmental challenges.

He is a strong advocate of nation building, national unity, integration, equity and justice. His participation in several constitutional and political conferences, both within and outside Nigeria, reflects his longstanding interest in national reform and democratic development.

He firmly believes in a restructured Nigeria in which every constituent part and every citizen enjoys equal opportunities, freedom, justice and a genuine sense of belonging.

His professional accomplishments, political experience, administrative capacity and contributions to human capital development have earned him recognition and respect across different sectors of Nigerian society.

The 2023 Governorship Aspiration

In furtherance of his commitment to public service and the development of Benue State, Senator Gemade contested the 2023 Benue State governorship election. Although he did not emerge victorious, his participation underscored his continued interest in contributing to the governance and development of his home state.

He remains a respected political figure whose wealth of experience in public administration, engineering, industrial management and democratic politics continues to inform his contributions to national discourse.

Service and Leadership

Senator Chief Barnabas Andrew Iyorher Gemade represents a remarkable blend of professional excellence, industrial leadership, political experience and public service.

From his beginnings as a young engineering graduate to his emergence as the first indigenous Managing Director of Benue Cement Company, from his service as Minister of Works and Housing to his historic emergence as the first substantive National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, and subsequently as a two-term Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his journey has been defined by diverse responsibilities and a sustained presence in Nigeria’s public life.

His contributions to infrastructure, industrial development, institutional capacity building, education, sports, political representation and philanthropy form important chapters in his public-service record.

A renowned engineer, accomplished administrator, industrialist, political leader, philanthropist and advocate of national unity, Senator Gemade’s life and career reflect an enduring commitment to leadership, service and the advancement of society.

His story is ultimately one of professional accomplishment, political resilience, institutional leadership and an abiding belief in the promise of a united, equitable and prosperous Nigeria.