Oju College Upgrade, Igumale Cement Revival Top Alia’s Agenda

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has announced plans to upgrade the College of Education, Oju, into a more standard institution under a new nomenclature, as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen education and expand opportunities for Benue youths.

Governor Alia made the announcement yesterday during a Town Hall Meeting with the people of Oju/Obi Federal Constituency at the College of Education, Oju, as part of his statewide Thank-You Tour.
The governor also assured the people of the constituency that the ongoing construction of the Oju-Awajir Road would be completed, while promising additional legacy projects to accelerate development and improve residents’ welfare.
He disclosed that plans were underway to revive the Igumale Cement Factory in Enone, noting that experts had already assessed the facility and that rehabilitation work would soon commence.
Alia urged the people of Benue to engage in extensive farming, stressing that government investments in agro-industrial projects would provide ready markets for farm produce and improve farmers’ earnings.
He mentioned the Food Basket Brewery, Fruit Juice Company, the revived Taraku Mills and other industrial investments as part of efforts to establish a functional agricultural value chain and reduce post-harvest losses.
According to him, the revival and establishment of industries would address the challenge of farmers selling their produce at giveaway prices by creating sustainable markets for their harvests.
On security, Governor Alia reiterated that no part of Benue land would be ceded to anyone for ranching, insisting that the land belongs to the people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate purposes.
He said the fight against insecurity would continue until lasting peace was restored, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division in Benue, with headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations.
Alia thanked the Igede people for their support for his administration and President Tinubu, urging them to sustain the partnership. He also called for the renewal of their mandates in 2027 to enable both governments to consolidate the gains recorded.
Before the Town Hall Meeting, the governor met with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Oju/Obi. The traditional rulers subsequently conferred on him the chieftaincy title, “Ogakwu of Igede Land,” meaning “Strong Man of Igede,” in recognition of his leadership and development efforts.
The Executive Chairman of Oju Local Government Council, Hon. Ominyi Jackson Adah, welcomed the governor on behalf of the people and appreciated his administration’s interventions, assuring him of their continued support.
The Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Hon. Nick Oworo, commended Governor Alia’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and human welfare, describing the progress recorded within three years as unprecedented. He also pledged the support of the Igede people for the governor’s re-election.
The member representing Oju Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly and Chief Whip, Hon. Cyril Ikon, appreciated the governor for the ongoing Oju-Awajir Road and other projects, assuring him of the people’s continued support.
At Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Governor Alia first met with traditional rulers and religious leaders before proceeding to a Town Hall Meeting with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
The Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Hon. Oche Sunday Oche, welcomed the governor and commended his administration for executing several legacy projects in the area. He also appreciated him for appointing many indigenes of the constituency into government.
Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, highlighted some of the administration’s major interventions across Benue South, including road construction and rehabilitation, investments in agriculture and agro-processing, improvements in healthcare and education, infrastructure upgrades and measures to strengthen security.
Barrister Ode said the projects demonstrated Governor Alia’s commitment to balanced development and urged the people to sustain their support.
APC State Chairman, Hon. Chief Dr. Benjamin Omale, said Governor Alia had gone beyond physical infrastructure to prioritise the welfare of the people of Benue. He thanked the people for their sustained support for the party and the administration and called for stronger grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027.
The Town Hall engagements, attended by political office holders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders, formed part of the governor’s statewide appreciation and consultation tour, which concludes today with visits to Apa/Agatu and Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituencies.