Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture in Benue State, with a bold plan to produce hundreds of millionaires within the next two years.
The Governor made this declaration at the official flag-off of the 2025 cropping season and distribution of subsidized fertilizers and other farm inputs in Makurdi where he emphasized that his government’s priority was to reposition Benue as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse by supporting young farmers with improved inputs and mechanization.
Governor Alia, who apologized for the delay in the flag-off, announced that the state has finalized arrangements to pay over N5 billion owed to genuine fertilizer suppliers from the previous season, noting that the delay was caused by fraudulent practices of some vendors in 2024.
“We want to make hundreds of millionaires from farming. Young farmers should take advantage of this support. Farming is where our money is, and it is where Benue’s pride lies,” the Governor declared.
He further disclosed that the state has adopted a new agricultural calendar, with wet season farm inputs distributed between April and June, and dry season inputs between November and January, to ensure timely access for farmers.
As part of the 2025 program, the government is making available 9,000 metric tonnes (600 truckloads) of fertilizers, including NPK, Urea, and SSP, valued at N16.8 billion, with a 50% subsidy provided by the state.
Farmers will therefore access fertilizer at N22,500 per bag, while the government covers the balance.
The Governor also pledged that from December, no oranges will be exported out of Benue in raw form, as the state’s new fruit processing factory will mop up oranges in the state and add value to local produce.
While calling on Benue youths to embrace farming, Governor Alia reiterated that Benue must maintain its number one position in soyabean production nationwide.
“This is your state. This is your Benue. Let us think differently, be patriotic, and make agriculture the pride of our land. Together, we will make Benue the agricultural powerhouse it is destined to be,” the Governor declared.
Governor Alia announced that 300 bags of fertilizer would be given to widows present at the event, while farmer cooperatives were urged to ensure transparent distribution among members.
Delivering the Governor’s formal address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, highlighted reforms to eliminate corruption in farm input distribution.
“Henceforth, all fertilizer sales will be processed cashlessly through POS terminals at accredited centers, with payments made directly to suppliers’ accounts.
“These reforms will ensure only genuine farmers benefit from government subsidies. We are also building a credible farmers’ register and deploying a hybrid digital platform to enhance transparency, close extension service gaps, and provide real-time support to farmers,” Dr. Ashaver said.
He commended farmers for their resilience and urged them to embrace improved seeds and modern techniques rather than relying on local grains for planting.
On his part, the CEO of Star Fertilizer, Dr. Julius Atorough, assured stakeholders that adulterated fertilizer will now be a thing of the past, revealing that the company had invested massively to revive the moribund Benue Fertilizer Plant and pledged to produce crop-specific fertilizers suited for the soil in the state.
“From today, Benue farmers can be sure of getting quality fertilizers. We will establish outlets across the state to end the circulation of fake products. Hold us accountable for our promise,” Atorough said.
The Benue State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Hon. Emmanuel Shimawua, described the input distribution exercise as a vital support ritual for farmers, assuring the Commissioner of Agriculture of the Assembly’s backing.
Also speaking, the Ter Lobi, HRH Moses Anagende, lauded the government’s efforts in addressing both agricultural challenges and security concerns, noting that farmers in many areas are already feeling safer to return to their fields.
Highlights of the event were cutting of tape, and presentation of songs, music and dance.
Credit: Isaac Uzaan
