By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has said his administration is counting on the continued support of the Benue people to enable him reposition the State and take it to global notoriety.
Governor Alia who was speaking on Wednesday at the 2024 Democracy Day Celebration held at the IBB Square in Makurdi said, “I am excited to join you today to mark 25 years of uninterrupted civil administration in our dear country – Nigeria”.
Giving a brief but articulate account of his stewardship in the last one year; as well as pointing to the bright path that would leads to a greater Benue which his administration wishes for the Benue people to all aspires, the governor reinstated his administration’s determination to develop the state not minding distractions.
He reaffirmed his resolve to work to better the lives of the Benue people by recalling that, “over a year ago, I stood here and made lofty but achievable promises to you. These promises, enshrined in our 7-point agenda, ranged from economic growth, to infrastructural development, security of lives and property, prompt payment of salaries and pensions/gratuities, amongst others”.
He pointed out that on assumption of office, “we met Benue in an economic ditch from where his administration has assiduously worked in this past year to rejuvenate back to a workable condition.
According to the governor, his government in one year, has positively impacted the Benue people who were hitherto abandoned after elections.
He enumerated his administration’s achievements in one year to include, procurement of 100 trucks of fertilizer which was distributed to farmers at subsidized rates, approval of counterpart funding for International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD’s) Value Chain Development Programme in eight local government areas, with a view to enhancing rice and cassava production.
” My government has established collaborations with agricultural input suppliers to ensure the availability of improved seeds and seedlings. This was coupled with our reactivation of the swine/crop integrated project in Yandev, Gboko Local Government Area, through partnership with the French Development Agency to advance agricultural skills, as well as renovation of the infrastructure to boost enhance productivity.
Furthermore, we have struck a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal with Star Fertilizer Company Limited, in order to revive the state-owned fertilizer blending plant. This is in addition to our kick-starting of phased development of the Ikyogen Cattle Ranch.
Just last week, I handed over 33 new tractors and the sum of 380 Million Naira to community interest groups across the state, to undertake climate-smart agricultural activities under the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) scheme of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL)”.
On Economy and Wealth Creation, the governor said his administration has created 1,450 ad-hoc jobs for the Nigeria Fire Extinguishers Control, with plans for permanent integration into the Federal Fire Service, and currently setting up a multifunctional fashion hub in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, to benefit over 250 professionals in the industry.
Also, 34 out of Nigeria’s 46 solid mineral deposits in Benue, are on the verge of becoming a mining powerhouse, partnering with Sound Core to clean up and develop the mining sector, projecting 3.5 billion Naira in revenue through our annual surface rent scheme.
The governor said his administration have revitalized government assets, including the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) Kaduna Plaza, as well as the Guest Houses in Kaduna and Makurdi towns respectively. While transitioning to digital operations for better service delivery, we have also commissioned a BIPC bakery and water factory, and launched the Emperor Fertilizer and Motorcycle Hire Scheme, all domiciled in the State.
The government have also initiated plans for the re-establishment and resuscitation of Benue Breweries, Taraku Oil Mills, amongst others moribund industries. This aims at creating more job opportunities for our teeming youths, as well as improving our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
On the aspect of security of lives and property, one of our most prioritized missions of the administration has been to ensure that people displaced by marauders, can return safely to their ancestral homes.
