By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Executive Council has approved the establishment of free snakebite treatment centres across the state’s three senatorial districts, approximately ₦1.69 billion for the sponsorship of 195 pilgrims and officials for the 2027 Hajj, and ₦1.6 billion for reviewed salaries and allowances for eligible medical personnel.
The decisions were announced on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Terver Iorpev, during a press briefing in Makurdi following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Iorpev, who was accompanied by the commissioners for Finance, Health and Human Services, and Youths, Sports and Creativity, as well as the Director-General of the Budget and Economic Planning Commission, also provided updates on the state’s fiscal performance, Ebola preparedness, sports development and regional efforts to tackle insecurity.
Three Hospitals Designated for Free Snakebite Treatment
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, disclosed that the council had approved the designation of three general hospitals as free snakebite treatment centres to improve access to emergency medical care.
The designated facilities are General Hospital, Katsina-Ala, for the state’s North-East Senatorial District; General Hospital, Gboko, for the North-West; and General Hospital, Otukpo, for the South Senatorial District.
The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, will serve as the referral centre for cases requiring specialised medical attention.
Ogwuche explained that the initiative followed collaboration between the state Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Federal Ministry of Health.
He said the programme was designed to reduce the financial burden of snakebite treatment, particularly the high cost of antivenom, on farmers, rural dwellers and other vulnerable residents.
According to him, healthcare personnel would undergo specialised training before the centres commence operations, while the necessary medical supplies would be provided to ensure effective service delivery.
Benue Strengthens Ebola Preparedness
On public health, Ogwuche alerted residents to the reported Ebola case in Abuja and reassured them of the state’s preparedness to respond to any potential outbreak.
He said the Benue Public Health Emergency Operations Centre was ready to coordinate the state’s response, with isolation facilities available at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and the Federal Medical Centre, Apir.
He added that another isolation facility was being developed at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo.
The commissioner noted that health personnel had received relevant training, while public sensitisation campaigns were ongoing to educate residents on preventive measures.
He urged residents to practise regular handwashing, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of suspected cases and promptly seek medical attention when experiencing persistent fever, headache, joint pain or other concerning symptoms.
Council Approves ₦1.6bn for Health Workers’ Salaries, Allowances
The Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglegba, disclosed that the council had approved ₦1.6 billion for the implementation of reviewed salaries under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), payment of hazard allowance arrears and new allowances for eligible medical personnel under the State Hospital Management Board.
Oglegba described the approval as a significant step towards improving healthcare workers’ welfare and strengthening the state’s health sector.
He explained that similar salary and allowance adjustments had been implemented for personnel at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and the College of Health Sciences.
The measures, he said, reflected the government’s commitment to improving working conditions and supporting healthcare professionals who provide essential services to residents.
₦1.69bn Approved for 2027 Hajj
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation also announced that the council had approved approximately ₦1.69 billion for the sponsorship of 195 pilgrims and officials for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The approval forms part of the state’s preparations for the pilgrimage, which involves arrangements for the participating pilgrims and officials.
Council Reviews ₦695bn Budget Providing an update on the 2026 budget, the Director-General of the Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Professor Jerome Andohol, said the council had reviewed the state’s ₦695.01 billion budget while retaining its overall expenditure ceiling.
He explained that the review involved realigning allocations to accommodate projects requiring additional funding and other priority needs.
Andohol also announced an improvement in Benue State’s Fitch credit rating from B-minus to B, describing it as an indication of progress in the state’s fiscal standing.
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He further highlighted the state’s performance in fiscal transparency assessments, noting the importance of sound financial management, accountability and effective budget implementation.
Benue Government Commends Gboko Basketball Team
In the area of sports development, the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo, congratulated the basketball team of Government Secondary School, Gboko, for winning a national secondary-school basketball championship.
Eworo said the achievement demonstrated the sporting potential of young people in the state and reflected the government’s renewed commitment to sports development.
He noted that the administration was determined to restore Benue’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting states.
The commissioner added that the team’s trophy would be formally presented to Governor Alia in due course.
Benue Joins Regional Efforts Against Insecurity
Iorpev also disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the Benue State Government’s participation in a regional initiative involving northern states to strengthen the fight against insecurity.
He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to restore peace and security across the region, including engagements arising from the North-Central Security Summit hosted by Benue State.
According to him, the regional collaboration is expected to support collective efforts to address security challenges affecting communities across the region.
He added that further details would be made available as the implementation process progresses.
The approvals underscore the state government’s ongoing efforts to address public health challenges, improve healthcare workers’ welfare, support religious pilgrimage, strengthen fiscal management, promote sports and enhance regional security cooperation.
