As the global population grows and environmental pressure mounts, agriculture’s growth has been shown to be more effective at reducing poverty, supporting human lives, and developing the economy.
The future of farming is not only about feeding the world today but also about ensuring that future generations can continue cultivating and harvesting the resources they need for a healthy and prosperous future.
The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who considers agriculture the backbone of thriving economies, has been pushing for sustainable agricultural practices to test their transformative power and how they can fuel economic prosperity and food security for Benue State and Nigeria.
Benue State, fondly called the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is once again taking bold steps to reaffirm its agricultural pride. With the launch and distribution of improved Tenera oil palm seedlings under Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration, a new chapter is unfolding—one that could reshape the state’s future of farming, job creation, and economic development.
Unlike the older dura palms with low yields, the Tenera variety is a hybrid specially developed to produce more oil, larger fruit bunches, and earlier harvests. Farmers who cultivate it can expect to begin harvesting within 3–4 years, compared to the long wait of traditional species. At maturity, Tenera palms can yield up to 20–25 tons of fresh fruit bunches per hectare annually, nearly double the output of older varieties.
This is not just an improvement—it’s a breakthrough. For small-holder farmers, the difference means higher income, steadier cash flow, and a more reliable source of livelihood.
At the official flag-off in Makurdi, Governor Alia emphasised that the distribution of improved seedlings aims to put more money in the hands of farmers while also boosting industrial activities in palm oil production and processing. Women, youth cooperatives, and rural farmers are at the forefront of this intervention, ensuring that the benefits reach grassroots communities.
“The Tenera palms will serve our people for more than 20 years, offering steady income and creating value along the chain,” the governor assured.
Palm oil remains one of Nigeria’s most sought-after agricultural commodities, widely used for cooking, cosmetics, and industrial purposes. Yet, the nation still imports a significant share to meet local demand. By encouraging large-scale planting of improved seedlings, Benue is positioning itself to bridge the supply gap while generating revenue within the state.
Agriculture offers a significant opportunity to reduce unemployment among youth and provide them with sustainable livelihoods.The Alia Pam initiative will create jobs for Benue people. From nursery operations to harvesting, milling, and marketing, thousands of jobs are set to emerge.
Governor Alia wants Benue youth to shift their perceptions, stop seeing agriculture as a low-status and back-breaking job, and embrace it as a viable and lucrative career path.
With Nigeria’s rapid population expansion, increased youth participation in the agriculture sector is crucial to ensuring its long-term sustainability and growth. The oil palm initiative underscores Governor Alia’s efforts to ignite a passion for farming, agribusiness, and the entire agricultural value chain among Benue youth.
A robust oil palm initiative in Benue State will attract investment in small and medium processing industries, particularly in rural communities. Increased palm oil production will not only support local consumption but also contribute to export earnings.
Governor Alia is arguably the first governor in Benue State’s history who is seriously working towards unlocking the potential of youth in agriculture to address food insecurity and youth unemployment.
For many years, Benue’s agricultural potential has been underutilised. With this renewed focus on oil palm cultivation, the government is sending a strong signal that the state is ready to reclaim its rightful place as a driver of agricultural wealth.
The governor announced a plan to invest in modern smart agricultural techniques and irrigation systems and provide high-yielding seedlings to empower Benue farmers. The goal was to increase local production, reduce reliance on imported food, and ensure that the agricultural sector is sustainable and profitable for Benue farmers.
He is doing well by promoting positive narratives about agriculture as a dynamic, innovative, and rewarding career path, showcasing its diverse opportunities for Benue people.
The Tenera project represents more than just seedlings in the soil—it symbolises hope, resilience, and a return to prosperity for thousands of farming families. It also aligns with global shifts toward agricultural sustainability, ensuring Benue farmers are not left behind in the modern agricultural economy.
As farmers begin to plant these improved seedlings, the initiative’s success will depend on continuous support services, market linkages, and access to processing facilities. But one thing is clear: with the Tenera oil palm, Benue has planted the seeds of a brighter economic future.
For the ordinary farmer in Katsina-ala, Gwer, Otukpo, or Vandeikya, the seedlings mean more than improved yields—they mean better school fees for children, food security for the household, and dignity for the farming profession.
For Benue State as a whole, they signal the revival of an age-old green gold with the power to transform lives and uplift the economy.
As citizens, we each have a role to play by working together with the government of today to unlock and support opportunities for young people in agriculture, fight hunger, and create job opportunities for them.
Isaac Uzaan is the Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor of Benue State on Media and Content Creation. He writes from Makurdi.
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