By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has urged farmers across the state to expand their cultivation, assuring them of a ready market for their agricultural produce as the government revives agro-allied industries.
Governor Alia gave the charge during his statewide Thank-You Tour, where he engaged stakeholders from the Gwer East/Gwer West and Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituencies.
The governor said the revival of Taraku Mills and the establishment of other industries formed part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen agriculture, create economic opportunities and reduce post-harvest losses in the state.
He disclosed that Taraku Mills in Gwer East had been revived and was currently undergoing test-running, assuring residents that the facility would soon commence full-scale operations.
Alia commended the people of the area for protecting the machines and other equipment at the facility from vandalism, noting that their cooperation had contributed to the revival of the mill.
According to him, the return of Taraku Mills and other agro-allied industries would provide a sustainable market for farmers and prevent them from being compelled to sell their produce at unprofitable prices.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and social welfare, promising to deliver more people-oriented projects across the state.
Alia Promises Road Projects, More Teachers
On infrastructure, Alia promised to consider the construction of the Makurdi-Naka Road and other priority roads, including those identified by communities in Gwer.
He assured residents that their development needs remained a priority of his administration.
On education, the governor disclosed that following the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers, plans were underway to employ additional teachers for primary and secondary schools.
He said the move was aimed at strengthening the education sector and improving the quality of learning across the state.
On security, Alia reiterated that his administration would not surrender any part of Benue land for ranching, insisting that the land belonged to the people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate activities.
He said the fight against insecurity would continue until lasting peace was restored across the state.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with its headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations in the state.
Stakeholders Back Alia for 2027
Alia acknowledged the continued support of the people of Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi and Guma for his administration and President Tinubu.
He urged them to sustain the support and renew their mandates in 2027 to enable both administrations to consolidate their achievements.
The governor first met with traditional rulers and religious leaders in the two federal constituencies before proceeding to separate town hall meetings with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
In Gwer, the Executive Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Council, Hon. Timothy Adi, received the governor on behalf of the people.
The 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 praised the governor for reviving Taraku Mills and executing other projects in the area. He, however, appealed 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, thanked the governor for projects executed in the area and commended his efforts in tackling insecurity.
He appealed to the state government to provide motorcycles for security personnel operating in difficult terrains.
The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, said Governor Alia had achieved more in Makurdi and Guma than previous administrations, urging APC aspirants to remain loyal to the governor.
Former Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dave Iorhemba, also commended Alia for his development efforts and assured him of the people’s support in the 2027 elections.
Similarly, APC State Chairman, Hon. Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale, thanked residents for their continued support for the party and the Alia administration, urging them to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027.
Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, called on the people of Minda to stand firmly behind Governor Alia, stressing the importance of unity and collective commitment to the success of the administration beyond 2027.
