Staff Writer
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has called for sincere collaboration between the state government and the North-Central Development Commission to address key developmental challenges in the state.
Governor Alia made the call on Wednesday at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, while hosting the board and management of the commission, led by Cosmos Akighir and Cyril Tseenyil, who were in the state on a courtesy visit.
The governor stated that his administration’s priority remains the restoration of security across the state and the resettlement of people currently living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
According to him, the government has made significant progress in tackling insecurity in several local government areas that were previously affected.
“We have done a lot to ensure we have peace in the state. We have drastically reduced the number of local governments that were gravely infested by insecurity,” Alia said.
He noted that although relative peace has returned to many parts of the state, the fight against insecurity requires continuous vigilance.
“Security is like a monster. Cut the tail, and another part of the body will spring up. Cut the hand, and you see another part of the body developing to cause havoc,” he added.
Governor Alia stressed that the ultimate goal of his administration is to ensure that displaced residents return to their ancestral homes.
“Most importantly, we are resolute that our people must go back to their ancestral homes. The people of Benue State deserve peace to continue to feed the nation,” he said.
The governor also sought collaboration with the commission in critical sectors such as agriculture, employment creation, and rural infrastructure development.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening the agricultural value chain to stimulate economic growth and meet rising demand.
“Agriculture value chain must be in the front burner to create overreach on the demands,” he stated.
Alia further explained that the state government has prioritised rural development in its current budget, but acknowledged that the long years of neglect in the sector require broader support.
“In our budget this year, we have prioritised rural development. But because these particular areas were neglected for a long time, no matter how much money you budget for this area, it will not be easy to have an immediate impact, hence the need for support from your commission,” he said.
The governor also urged the leadership of the commission to remain non-partisan in the discharge of their responsibilities, warning that politicizing the activities of such a sensitive institution could undermine its objectives.
