Alia Urges Benue Farmers To Expand Cultivation As Taraku Mills, Other Industries Revive

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has urged Benue farmers to embark on extensive farming, assuring them that the revival of agro-allied industries in the state will provide a ready market for their produce and end losses associated with post-harvest glut.

Governor Alia gave the charge on Wednesday during his statewide Thank-You Tour, while engaging stakeholders of Gwer East/Gwer West and Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituencies.

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

The governor said Taraku Mills in Gwer East had been revived and was undergoing test-running, 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 the 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.

The governor first met traditional rulers and religious leaders in both federal constituencies before proceeding to separate Town Hall Meetings with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.

In Gwer, the Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Council, Timothy Adi, received the governor on behalf of the people, while Commissioner for Land and Survey, Pastor Frederick Ikyaan, commended the administration’s achievements and pledged the constituency’s support for Alia’s re-election.

Former Governorship aspirant, Hinga Biem also praised the governor for reviving Taraku Mills and executing other legacy projects in the area, while appealing for the construction of the Makurdi-Naka and Aya-Mbalom roads, assuring the governor of the people’s continued support.

In Makurdi/Guma, the Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Apev Keffi, thanked the governor for the projects executed especially his efforts to tackle insecurity and appealed for motorcycles for security personnel operating in difficult terrains.

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, said Governor Alia had done for Makurdi and Guma what previous administrations had not achieved, urging APC aspirants to remain loyal to the governor and assuring him of the people’s support in 2027.

Former Speaker of the Assembly, Dave Iorhemba, commended Governor Alia for his good works across the constituency and assured him of the people’s backing in the 2027 elections.

APC State Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, thanked the people for their sustained support for the party and the Alia administration, urging them to intensify grassroots mobilization for the APC ahead of 2027.

Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, urged the people of Minda to stand firmly behind Governor Alia, stressing the need for unity and collective commitment to the success of his administration beyond 2027.