The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr Sam Odeh, and the people of Igede land in Benue South have raised voices of praise to governor Hyacinth Alia for the approval, paving the way for the revival of Igumale Cement Factory in Ado local area and the planned upgrade of College of Education Oju to a higher status.
The Deputy Governor who spoke against the backdrop of the ongoing thank you tour to the eleven federal constituencies in the state by governor Alia, listed some of the administration’s major interventions across Benue South to include road construction and rehabilitation, investments in agriculture and agro-processing, improvements in healthcare and education, infrastructure upgrades and measures to strengthen security. According to Dr Odeh, such the projects demonstrates the governor’s commitment to balance development and urged the people to sustain their support to the Alia administration beyond 2027 for more of such gestures.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Hon. Nick Oworo commended Alia’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and human welfare, saying the progress recorded within three years was unprecedented.He pledged the support of Igede people for the governor’s re-election bid, while the member representing Oju Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly who is the Chief Whip, Hon. Cyril Ikon, appreciated the governor for the ongoing Oju-Awajir Road rehabilitation and other projects, assuring him of the people’s continued support.
Responding, governor Alia announced plans to upgrade the College of Education, Oju, into a more standard institution with a new nomenclature, as part of his administration’s drive to strengthen education and expand opportunities for Benue youths.
The governor also assured the people of the constituency that the ongoing construction of the Oju-Awajir Road would be completed, promising additional legacy projects to accelerate development and improve the welfare of residents.
He disclosed plans to revive the Igumale Cement Factory in Enone, saying experts had already assessed the facility and that work would soon commence on its rehabilitation and urged Benue people to embark on extensive farming, saying the government’s investments in agro-industrial projects would create a ready market for farm produce and improve the earnings of farmers.
He cited the Food Basket Brewery, Fruit Juice Company, the revived Taraku Mills and other industrial investments as part of his administration’s efforts to establish a functional agricultural value chain and reduce post-harvest losses.
According to him, the revival and establishment of industries would eliminate the problem of farmers being forced to sell their produce at giveaway prices, assuring them that the emerging agro-industrial sector would provide sustainable markets for their harvests.On security, Alia reiterated that no piece of Benue land would be ceded to anybody for ranching, insisting that the land belongs to the people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate purposes.
He said the fight against insecurity would continue until lasting peace was restored, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division in Benue, with headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations.
Alia thanked the Igede people for supporting his administration and President Tinubu and urged them to sustain the partnership, called for the renewal of their mandates in 2027 to enable both governments to consolidate the gains recorded.
At Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Alia first met with traditional rulers and religious leaders before proceeding to a Town Hall Meeting with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.The Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Hon. Oche Sunday Oche, while welcoming the governor, commended the administration for executing several legacy projects in the area and for appointing many indigenes of the constituency into his government.APC State Chairman, Hon. Chief Dr Benjamin Omale, said Governor Alia had gone beyond physical infrastructure to prioritize the welfare of Benue people. He thanked the people for their sustained support for the party and the administration and urged stronger grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027.The Town Hall engagements, attended by political office holders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders, formed part of the governor’s statewide appreciation and consultation tour.
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