Chief (Engr.) Barnabas Andyar Iyorhyer Gemade, FNSE

Seasoned Statesman, Veteran Legislator & Pioneer Party Administrator

Chief Barnabas Gemade stands as one of Nigeria’s most revered political leaders, distinguished engineers, and accomplished corporate executives. With a public service career spanning over four decades, he remains a cornerstone of democratic politics and governance, particularly within the North-Central region and Nigeria at large. Born on September 4, 1948, Chief Gemade’s life is a masterclass in leadership, shifting seamlessly from high-impact corporate boardrooms to the highest echelons of national governance.

His footprint on Nigeria's political landscape is both profound and historic. As a master strategist, he stood at the vanguard of the nation's democratic journey during a critical foundational era, serving as the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party from 1999 to 2001, where he helped stabilize the nascent Fourth Republic. His statesmanship was further forged during the historic 1994–1995 National Constitutional Conference, where he contributed to shaping the structural dialogue of modern Nigeria. Driven by a vision for national transformation, he later contested the presidential primaries in 2003, cementing his status as a leader of national consensus. He subsequently transitioned to the red chamber, serving with distinction as a two-term Senator representing the Benue North-East Senatorial District from 2011 to 2019, where he championed robust legislative frameworks driven by a deep commitment to regional development and national cohesion.

Before his illustrious career in public service, Chief Gemade established himself as a brilliant engineering mind, building a solid academic and corporate foundation. His academic journey began at Bristow Secondary School in Gboko and Government College in Keffi, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1974, and a Master of Science in Engineering from City University London in 1978. Leveraging this technical expertise, he served with distinction as the Chief Executive Officer of Benue Cement Company from 1985 to 1992, guiding the industrial giant through a period of remarkable productivity and economic impact.

Beyond the halls of parliament and corporate suites, Chief Gemade is a deeply respected custodian of culture. He holds the prestigious traditional title of Nom-I-Yange-I-Tiv, meaning The Sun of the Tiv Nation, which stands as a testament to his enduring dedication, philanthropy, and leadership within his community. Whether steering major political parties, crafting national legislation, or driving industrial growth, Chief Barnabas Gemade exemplifies a rare blend of technocratic precision and political wisdom, remaining an enduring symbol of statesmanship and a pillar of excellence in Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.