Alia Asks Benue Farmers To Embark On Extensive Farming

Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has charged farmers in the state to embark on extensive farming.

He told them that the revival of agro-allied industries in the state would provide a ready market for their produce and end losses associated with post-harvest glut.

Alia stated this during his statewide “Thank-You Tour” when he engaged stakeholders from the Gwer East/Gwer West and Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituencies.

He said the revival of Taraku Mills and the establishment of other industries were part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen agriculture and expand economic opportunities for the people of Benue State.

The governor said Taraku Mills in Gwer East had been revived and was undergoing test runs, assuring the people that the company would soon commence full operations.

He commended the people for protecting the machines and other equipment from vandalism.
Alia said the revival of the mills, alongside other agro-allied companies, would create a sustainable market for farm produce, stressing that Benue farmers would no longer be forced to sell their produce at unprofitable prices.

He also highlighted his administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and welfare, assuring the people of Gwer, Makurdi and Guma that more people-oriented projects would be delivered across the state.

On roads, the governor promised to look into the construction of the Makurdi-Naka Road and other priority roads, including concerns raised by communities in Gwer. He assured the people that their development needs remained part of his administration’s agenda.

On education, Alia disclosed that following the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers, arrangements were underway to recruit more teachers for both primary and secondary schools to strengthen the sector and improve the quality of education.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to security, declaring that no part of Benue would be given to anybody for ranching.

He insisted that the land belonged to the people and should remain available for farming and other legitimate uses.

He said the fight against insecurity would continue until peace was fully restored and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations.

Alia thanked the people of Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi and Guma for supporting his administration and President Tinubu, urging them to sustain the support and renew their mandates in 2027 to enable both governments to consolidate their achievements.