2027: Governorship Aspirant Promises Jobs, Security In Benue

A governorship aspirant in Benue State, Dr Raymond Edoh, has intensified his campaign ahead of the 2027 election, pledging to tackle insecurity, unemployment and poor infrastructure across the state.

Edoh, in a statement yesterday, said his ambition was to restore hope and make Benue economically viable again through people-centred governance.

Describing himself as a “true son of the soil”, he said the state’s strength lay in its farmers, traders and youths spread across communities including Agatu, Guma, Makurdi, Gboko, Sankera, Otukpo, Katsina-Ala, Vandeikya, Apa and Oju.

“Benue is blessed with fertile land and resilient people, yet our farmers live in fear, our youths are unemployed, and basic infrastructure is lacking. This is not the Benue we deserve,” he said.

The aspirant promised to place youths at the centre of governance, unveiling plans for a statewide Youth Jobs and Skills Programme focusing on digital, vocational and technical training.

He also announced a proposed Benue Youth Enterprise Fund to provide low-interest loans and grants to young entrepreneurs in agriculture, technology, trade and the creative sector.

“Opportunity in Benue will no longer depend on who you know, but on what you can do,” Edoh said.

On agriculture, he pledged land access, mechanisation, storage facilities, and guaranteed markets for young farmers, adding that farming must once again become profitable for the youths.

Edoh further promised technology and innovation hubs starting from Makurdi, youth inclusion in government appointments and the creation of youth advisory councils at state and local government levels.

He also outlined plans to empower women through soft loans, grants and cooperative financing, particularly in rural areas, while strengthening primary healthcare centres with emphasis on maternal and child health.

On security, Edoh said peace was non-negotiable, stressing that no community should be displaced due to leadership failure.

Calling for support, he described his aspiration as a movement to rebuild trust in governance and ensure that every community in Benue matters.