Minister of Water Resources, Utsev Empowers Youths, Women, and Vulnerable Groups in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, has distributed various empowerment items to youths, women, and vulnerable groups across Benue State.

The items included five cars, 120 motorcycles, 120 sewing machines, 120 grinding machines, 150 irrigation pumps, communication gadgets, among others.

Speaking on Saturday at the Makurdi residence of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the Minister explained that the empowerment programme was designed to encourage youths and women to engage in commercial agriculture, particularly irrigation farming, to boost food security in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that the initiative would also enhance transport businesses, create employment opportunities, and reduce youth restiveness in the state.

Utsev further revealed that the Federal Government, through his ministry, is currently constructing water schemes across the country, including in all 23 local government areas of Benue State, to tackle rural water scarcity.

According to him, the Ministry’s Department of Dams and Reservoirs has built several dams nationwide to improve agriculture, water supply, and hydro-power generation. In Benue, he said, dams are being constructed to support irrigation farming and control flooding along the banks of Rivers Katsina-Ala and Benue.

He highlighted ongoing projects such as the construction of a dam in Otukpo, as well as studies and redesigns of Dura Dam in Buruku LGA, Ater Dam in Tarka LGA, Angbo and Lessel Dams in Ushongo, Amile Dam in Kwande, and a reconstruction project in Naka. He also disclosed plans to build a major dam in Katsina-Ala LGA for irrigation, water supply, and hydro-power generation.

The Minister urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the empowerment items while continuing to support and pray for President Tinubu, SGF George Akume, and himself in their efforts to make Nigeria great. He expressed appreciation to the President for his appointment and to Senator Akume for his leadership of the APC in Benue and for his support.

He also encouraged eligible voters in Benue without voter cards to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise, stressing the need to strengthen the APC’s support base ahead of the 2027 elections.

In his remarks, the APC Chairman in Kwande LGA, Hon. Tersoo Kenti, speaking on behalf of party chairmen across the state, commended Senator Akume for his leadership and praised the Minister for initiating the empowerment programme. He assured that the APC would secure overwhelming support in Benue come 2027.

The State Chairman of Jamatu Nasir Islam (JNI), Ahmed Baba, speaking for the Muslim community, acknowledged the government’s efforts, noting that Nigeria’s economic fortunes were beginning to improve. He urged Benue people and Nigerians at large to support the Tinubu administration.

APC Woman Leader, Princess Nancy Tyorhee, lauded the Minister and President for recognizing women and putting smiles on their faces through empowerment. She pledged that by 2027, Benue women would deliver massive support to the President.

Also, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wanune, Tyover Ashinya, described the gesture as noble and promised to continue supporting the Minister to achieve greater impact.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Rebecca Washima, Mr. Mkar Pepe, and Mr. Washima Zenda, expressed gratitude to the Minister, assuring that they would use the items for their intended purposes.