Agricultural endeavors in Benue State have been significantly bolstered through the allocation of approximately four thousand sacks of fertilizer and irrigation machinery to farmers, facilitating their engagement in large-scale farming to enhance food security within the nation.
Moreover, the Federal Government has also disbursed rice supplies to the residents of Benue in an effort to alleviate the prevailing hardships faced by individuals striving to provide sustenance for themselves and their families.
Conducting the distribution in Makurdi on Saturday, the Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, elucidated that the provision of fertilizer and irrigation equipment was supplementary to the prior allocations made by the Federal Government to the state, aimed at ensuring abundant harvests and year-round agricultural productivity in Benue, which is renowned for its agrarian pursuits. He emphasized that such interventions were concurrently taking place across all thirty-six states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister underscored that the gratis distribution of fertilizer and irrigation machinery was intended to render agriculture more appealing and to incentivize a greater number of youths and women to engage in farming as a means of livelihood.
Emphasizing the declaration of a state of emergency concerning food security, the Minister highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Federal, State, and local governments in diligently working to guarantee that every Nigerian has access to nourishment without financial burden.
Professor Utsev disclosed that the construction of dams and water infrastructure nationwide, including in Benue, was underway to facilitate irrigated agriculture and provide rural communities with access to clean and potable water resources.
Addressing the populace of Benue, the Minister detailed the administration’s initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the implementation of reforms aimed at enhancing citizens’ quality of life, such as the provision of Student Loans, the Mass Urban Housing Scheme spanning all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the ongoing construction of roads nationwide to streamline vehicular movement and enable farmers to transport their produce to markets.
The Minister highlighted the initiation of construction on the River Katsina Ala at Buruku crossing, along with the Federal Executive Council’s approval for the construction of the Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina Ala roads. He underscored the deliberate efforts being made to address insecurity in Benue and other regions across the country.
The Minister implored the people of Benue to acknowledge the substantial support and attention the state has received under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the appointment of numerous individuals from the state to pivotal federal positions.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation appealed to the people of Benue not to partake in the proposed nationwide protests advocated by certain groups, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was cognizant of the challenges confronting the nation and was diligently working to surmount them, steering Nigeria towards greatness once more.
In his remarks, the House of Representatives Member for Kwande Ushongo Federal Constituency, Mr. Terseer Ugbor, affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to collaborating with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to deliver the anticipated dividends of democracy to citizens. This commitment was exemplified through the recent enactment of a new National Minimum Wage for Nigerian workers and the successful implementation of the Student Loan scheme, with thousands of Nigerian students already enrolled.
Similarly, members of the Benue State House of Assembly, represented by Mrs. Becky Orpin from Gboko East, expressed unwavering support for the policies and initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the nation’s potential to reap substantial benefits under the administration. They called for continued patience and understanding towards the administration while expressing gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary for reinstating local government autonomy.
Voicing their perspectives on behalf of the Benue youths, Mr. Terdindi Adom and the President of the National Union of Benue State Students, Mr. Sylvester Terwase, alongside retired civil servant Mr. Peter Chiangi and market women, lauded the accomplishments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within his first year in office. They vowed never to participate in any protests against the administration, affirming their belief that President Tinubu was resolutely addressing the desires and aspirations of Nigerians.
These individuals expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, for their provision of free fertilizer and food items to support Benue farmers. They pledged their unreserved loyalty and backing to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure its success.
