…reaffirms Commitment To Development
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Friday took his statewide Town Hall Meeting to Zone C, beginning with Oju/Obi Federal Constituency.
In a post on his official X handle, the Governor said the engagement brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
He stated that the meeting provided an opportunity to listen to the people, account for his stewardship and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to balanced and sustainable development.
Governor Alia highlighted key interventions in Oju and Obi, noting that the list was not exhaustive.
On roads and infrastructure, he said the administration is rehabilitating and constructing the 52km Awajir–Oju Road to open up communities across Konshisha and Oju.
He added that major box culverts and drainage structures are also being constructed at River Ukpabe, River Okiledu and Owowo Stream to improve rural connectivity and the movement of agricultural produce.
In education, the Governor said UBE-standard three-classroom blocks, offices, stores and improved toilet facilities have been provided at LGEA Primary School Adiko and LGEA Primary School Ahuma Orihi Ito in Obi. He added that classrooms at LGEA Primary Schools Agidegbe Ainu, Ezza Anwu, Obohu and Ohuhu-Owo in Oju have also been constructed and rehabilitated, while dual desks and other furniture have been supplied across beneficiary schools in both LGAs.
He further disclosed that the upgrade of the College of Education, Oju, to a more standard institution with a new nomenclature is underway to expand opportunities for young people and strengthen teacher education.
On healthcare, Governor Alia said primary healthcare facilities are being revitalized across the constituency. These include PHC Obijago, CHC Adum East, PHC Ameka and PHC Itakpa in Obi, as well as PHC Akwuda, PHC Obussa, PHC Ojokwe and PHC Ihigile in Oju. He said the objective is to bring functional healthcare closer to the people and strengthen access to essential medical services in rural communities.
On agriculture and industrialization, the Governor said his administration is building a functional agricultural value chain where farmers produce, process and earn better from their harvests. He urged the people to farm extensively and assured them that the emerging agro-industrial sector will provide sustainable markets and end the era of selling at giveaway prices.
He listed ongoing initiatives to include the revival of the Igumale Cement Factory in Enone, the development of the Food Basket Brewery, fruit juice and concentrate factories, and other agro-processing investments, as well as the revival of Taraku Mills which is undergoing test-running ahead of full operations. He said the investments will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, provide markets for agricultural produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
Speaking on security, Governor Alia reaffirmed his commitment to securing communities and protecting ancestral land. He declared that no part of Benue land will be ceded to anybody for ranching, stressing that the land belongs to the people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate uses.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division in Benue with headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations, and pledged to continue working with the Federal Government and security agencies until lasting peace is restored.
The Governor also disclosed that traditional rulers honoured him with the chieftaincy title “Ogakwu of Igede Land,” meaning “Strong Man of Igede,” in recognition of his leadership and development efforts.
He appreciated the people of Oju and Obi, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders and all stakeholders for their warm reception and continued support.
Gov Alia Takes Town Hall To Zone C, Lists Projects In Oju, Obi
