By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has urged farmers across the state to expand cultivation, assuring them that the revival of agro-allied industries would provide a ready market for their produce.
Alia gave the charge during his ongoing statewide Thank-You Tour of Gwer East/Gwer West and Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituencies.
He said the ongoing revival of Taraku Mills in Gwer East and other agro-allied industries would help address post-harvest losses and prevent farmers from being forced to sell their produce at unprofitable prices.
According to him, Taraku Mills had been revived and was currently undergoing test-running, with full operations expected to commence soon.
The governor commended the people of the area for protecting the company’s machinery and other equipment from vandalism, stressing that the revival of the mills was part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen agriculture and create more economic opportunities.
He therefore called on farmers to take advantage of the emerging market by increasing their production, assuring them that the state’s industrial revival programme would create sustainable demand for agricultural produce.
Alia also promised to look into the construction of the Makurdi-Naka Road and other priority roads, including roads raised by communities in Gwer.
On education, he disclosed that following the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers, his administration was making arrangements to recruit more teachers for primary and secondary schools.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, declaring that no part of Benue would be ceded to anybody for ranching.
He maintained that the land belonged to the people and should remain available for farming and other legitimate uses, adding that the fight against insecurity would continue until peace was fully restored.
Alia commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with headquarters in Makurdi and deployments to strategic locations across the state.
He also highlighted achievements of his administration in infrastructure, healthcare, security and social welfare, assuring residents that more people-oriented projects would be delivered.
The governor thanked the people of the four local government areas for supporting his administration and President Tinubu, urging them to sustain the support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier, the governor met traditional rulers and religious leaders before proceeding to separate town hall meetings with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders in the two federal constituencies.
At Gwer, the Executive Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Council, Hon. Timothy Adi, received the governor on behalf of the people.
Commissioner for Land and Survey, Hon. Pastor Frederick Ikyaan, commended the administration’s achievements and pledged the constituency’s support for Alia’s re-election.
Hon. Hinga Biem also commended the governor for reviving Taraku Mills and executing other projects in the area, while appealing for the construction of the Makurdi-Naka and Aya-Mbalom roads.
In Makurdi/Guma, the Executive Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Council, Hon. Apev Keffi, commended the governor’s projects and efforts to tackle insecurity, appealing for motorcycles for security personnel operating in difficult terrains.
APC State Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the party and the Alia administration.
Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, called on the people of Minda to support Governor Alia, stressing the need for unity and collective commitment to the success of the administration beyond 2027.
