…promises Oju-Awajir road completion, more legacy projects
By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has announced plans to upgrade the College of Education, Oju, into a more standard tertiary institution as part of efforts to expand access to quality education and create greater opportunities for youths in the state.
Alia made the disclosure at a Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders from Oju/Obi Federal Constituency at the auditorium of the College of Education, Oju, during his statewide Thank-You Tour.
The governor, who said the institution would be given a new nomenclature following its upgrade, also assured the people of the constituency that the ongoing construction of the Oju-Awajir Road would be completed.
He said his administration would embark on additional legacy projects in the area, stressing that the government remained committed to spreading development across the state.
On industrial development, Alia disclosed that plans were underway to revive the moribund Igumale Cement Factory in Enone, saying experts had already inspected the facility ahead of its rehabilitation.
According to him, the revival of the cement factory and other industries would boost employment, increase economic activities and improve the living standards of the people.
The governor also urged Benue farmers to increase food production, assuring them that government investments in agro-industrial projects would provide ready markets for their produce.
“Our people should go into extensive farming because industries are coming. When we revive these industries, there will be a ready market for what our farmers produce,” he said.
Alia cited the Food Basket Brewery, Fruit Juice Company, revived Taraku Mills and other industrial projects as efforts to establish a functional agricultural value chain and curb post-harvest losses.
He said the emerging industrial base would end the situation where farmers were compelled to sell their produce at giveaway prices because of lack of markets.
On security, Alia reiterated his administration’s opposition to the ceding of any portion of Benue land for ranching, insisting that the land belonged to the people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate uses.
He said the government would continue the fight against insecurity until lasting peace was restored, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving an Army Division in Benue, with headquarters in Makurdi and deployments to strategic locations.
Alia thanked the Igede people for their support for his administration and President Tinubu, urging them to sustain the partnership and renew their mandates in 2027 to enable both governments consolidate their achievements.
Earlier, the governor had met with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Oju/Obi Federal Constituency. The monarchs subsequently conferred on him the chieftaincy title, “Ogakwu of Igede Land,” meaning “Strong Man of Igede,” in recognition of his leadership and development efforts.
The Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Nick Oworo, who hails from the area, praised the administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and human development, describing the progress recorded in three years as unprecedented.
At the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, the governor also held meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Sam Ode, highlighted the administration’s interventions across Benue South, including road construction and rehabilitation, agricultural and agro-processing investments, healthcare and education improvements, infrastructure upgrades and measures to strengthen security.
APC State Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, said Alia’s administration had gone beyond physical infrastructure to prioritise the welfare of the people, urging stronger grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Town Hall meetings, attended by political office holders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders, are part of the governor’s statewide appreciation and consultation tour.
