By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has urged farmers across the state to expand their agricultural activities, assuring them that the revival of agro-allied industries will create a ready market for their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
Alia gave the assurance 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 in Gwer East, alongside the establishment of other agro-allied industries, was part of his administration’s efforts to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
According to him, “Taraku Mills has been revived and is currently undergoing test-running, with full operations expected to commence soon.” He commended residents for protecting the facility’s machines and equipment from vandalism.
Alia said the revival of the mills would provide farmers with a sustainable market for their produce, stressing that they would no longer be compelled to sell at unprofitable prices due to lack of buyers.
He also highlighted his administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and social welfare, assuring residents of Gwer, Makurdi and Guma that more people-oriented projects would be delivered.
On infrastructure, the governor promised to examine the construction of the Makurdi-Naka Road and other priority roads, including roads demanded by communities in Gwer. He also said that after recruiting 9,700 primary school teachers, plans were underway to recruit additional teachers for primary and secondary schools.
On security, Alia declared that no part of Benue would be ceded for ranching, insisting that the state’s land belonged to its people and should remain available for farming and other legitimate uses.
He said, “The fight against insecurity will continue until peace is fully restored,” while commending 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.
The governor thanked the people of Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi and Guma for supporting his administration and the Tinubu government, urging them to sustain the support and renew their mandates in 2027 to enable both administrations to consolidate their achievements.
Earlier, traditional rulers and religious leaders in the two federal constituencies met with the Governor before separate town hall meetings involving political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
In Gwer, the Executive Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Council, Timothy Adi, received the governor on behalf of the people, while the Commissioner for Land and Survey, Pastor Frederick Ikyaan, commended the administration’s achievements and pledged the constituency’s support for Alia’s re-election.
Mr. Hinga Biem also commended the governor for reviving Taraku Mills and executing other projects, while appealing for the construction of the Makurdi-Naka and Aya-Mbalom roads.
At the Makurdi/Guma meeting, the Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Apev Keffi, thanked the governor for projects executed in the area and appealed for motorcycles for security personnel operating in difficult terrains.
Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, said Alia had achieved in Makurdi and Guma what previous administrations had not accomplished, urging APC aspirants to remain loyal to the governor ahead of 2027.
Former Speaker of the Assembly, Dave Iorhemba, also commended the governor’s performance, while APC State Chairman, Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale, urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the APC.
Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, urged the people of the axis to remain firmly behind Governor Alia, stressing the importance of unity and collective commitment to the success of his administration beyond 2027.
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