Agricultural activities in Benue State have received a boost following the distribution of about four thousand bags of fertilizer and irrigation equipment to farmers, enabling them to undertake large-scale farming and achieve food security in the country.
Similarly, the Federal Government has also distributed bags of rice to Benue citizens to reduce the hardship faced by families in feeding themselves.
During the distribution event on Saturday in Makurdi, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, explained that this distribution was in addition to earlier distributions made by the Federal Government. These efforts aim to ensure a bumper harvest and year-round agriculture in Benue, an agrarian state. He added that such interventions are ongoing across the thirty-six states of the Federation and the FCT.
According to the Minister, the free fertilizer and irrigation machines are intended to make agriculture attractive and encourage more youths and women to venture into farming to make ends meet.
The Minister maintained that with the declaration of the state of emergency on food security, the Federal, State, and local governments are working together assiduously to ensure that every Nigerian has food to eat at no cost.
Professor Utsev announced that the construction of dams and water schemes across the country, including Benue, is ongoing to ensure irrigated agriculture and provide citizens, especially those in rural communities, with access to clean and safe water.
He informed Benue residents that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also introduced reforms aimed at improving citizens’ lives, such as student loans, a mass urban housing scheme across the thirty-six states and the FCT, and ongoing road construction projects to ease vehicular movements and enable farmers to transport their produce to markets.
Professor Utsev mentioned that the construction of the River Katsina Ala crossing at Buruku has commenced, and the Federal Executive Council has approved the construction of the Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina Ala roads. He added that conscious efforts are being made to tackle insecurity in Benue and other parts of the country.
He urged Benue residents to appreciate the tremendous support and attention the state has received under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the appointment of many sons and daughters to key federal positions.
The Water Resources and Sanitation Minister appealed to Benue residents not to participate in the planned nationwide protest being canvassed by some groups. He assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware of the challenges facing the country and is doing everything possible to address them and restore Nigeria to greatness.
Speaking at the occasion, House of Representatives Member for Kwande Ushongo Federal Constituency, Mr. Terseer Ugbor, said the National Assembly is committed to working in synergy with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to deliver the desired dividends of democracy to citizens. This commitment is exemplified by the recent passage of a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers and the student loan scheme, where thousands of Nigerian students have already been enrolled.
Members of the Benue State House of Assembly, speaking through Gboko East representative Mrs. Becky Orpin, expressed solid support for the policies and programs of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. They stressed that the country stands to benefit more from this administration and called for more patience and understanding, thanking the Nigerian judiciary for restoring local government autonomy.
Speaking on behalf of Benue youths, Mr. Terdindi Adom, the President of the National Union of Benue State Students, Mr. Sylvester Terwase, a retired civil servant, Mr. Peter Chiangi, and market women enumerated the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within one year in office. They vowed never to be part of any protest against President Tinubu’s administration, which they believe is on track to address the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
They expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, for supporting Benue farmers with free fertilizer and food items. They pledged their total loyalty and support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Terhemen Oraduen
Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister
