Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, has urged farmers in the state to expand agricultural production, assuring them that the revival of agro-allied industries will provide a ready market for their produce.
Alia spoke on Wednesday during his statewide “thank-you tour” while engaging stakeholders from Gwer East/Gwer west and Makurdi/Guma federal constituencies.
The governor said the revival of Taraku Mills in Gwer east and the establishment of other agro-allied industries were part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen agriculture and expand economic opportunities in the state.
He said Taraku Mills had been revived and is undergoing test-running, adding that the company would soon commence full operations.
Alia commended residents for protecting the mill’s machinery and equipment from vandalism.
According to him, the revival of Taraku Mills and other agro-allied companies would create a sustainable market for farm produce and prevent farmers from being forced to sell their crops at unprofitable prices.
He said the development would also help address losses associated with post-harvest gluts.
The governor highlighted his administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and welfare, assuring residents of Gwer, Makurdi and Guma that more projects would be delivered across the state.
On infrastructure, Alia promised to consider the construction of the Makurdi-Naka Road and other priority roads, including those requested by communities in Gwer.
He also said his administration was taking steps to strengthen education following the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers.
Alia said arrangements were underway to recruit additional teachers for primary and secondary schools to improve the quality of education in the state.
On security, the governor reiterated his position that no part of Benue would be given to anyone for ranching.
He said the land belonged to the people and should remain available for farming and other legitimate uses.
Alia said the fight against insecurity would continue until peace was fully restored, while commending President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with its headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations.
The governor thanked residents of Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi and Guma for supporting his administration and the Tinubu government.
He urged them to sustain the support and renew their mandates in 2027 to enable both administrations to consolidate their achievements.
Alia first met traditional rulers and religious leaders in the two federal constituencies before holding separate town hall meetings with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
In Gwer, Timothy Adi, chairman of Gwer east LGA, received the governor on behalf of the people.
Frederick Ikyaan, commissioner for land and survey, commended the administration’s achievements and pledged the constituency’s support for Alia’s re-election.
Hinga Biem also praised the governor for reviving Taraku Mills and executing other projects in the area. He appealed for the construction of the Makurdi-Naka and Aya-Mbalom roads.
In Makurdi/Guma, Apev Keffi, chairman of Makurdi LGA, thanked the governor for projects executed in the area and commended his efforts to tackle insecurity.
He appealed for motorcycles for security personnel operating in difficult terrains.
Berger Emberga, speaker of the Benue State house of assembly, said Alia had achieved more in Makurdi and Guma than previous administrations, urging APC aspirants to remain loyal to the governor ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dave Iorhemba, former speaker of the assembly, also commended Alia’s performance and assured him of the constituency’s support.
Benjamin Omale, APC chairman in Benue, thanked residents for their support for the party and Alia administration and urged them to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027.
Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue, urged the people of Minda to support Alia, stressing the importance of unity and collective commitment to the administration beyond 2027.
