… Silent On Displaced Farmers, Herders Violence, Banditry
… Directs GLOs To Report Directly To Him
By National Record
THE BENUE State Government has earmarked ₦15 billion to boost food production and ensure year-round agricultural activities, for the procurement of food items to distribute within the state toward achieving self-reliance and food security.
Governor Hyacinth Alia announced this on Monday during the inauguration of what he called Gubernatorial Liaison Officers (GLOs) for the 22 out of the 23 local government areas at Government House, Makurdi.
The governor is yet to appoint a GLO for Gboko LGA.
Alia explained that the initiative aims to position Benue as a state capable of supporting others, rather than depending on federal food palliatives, noting his government’s plans to encourage and expand dry-season farming across the state.
“This effort will enable Benue to complement the federal government by sending food palliatives to other states,” Governor Alia said.
He called on the youth to join the Young Farmers Club, emphasising that this would allow them to benefit from various government programs designed to enhance food production.
The governor also shared agricultural goals for the state, revealing that Benue produced over 202,000 metric tons of grains last year and announced a target of over 900,000 metric tons for this year. He urged the liaison officers to prioritise agriculture in their activities and emphasised the importance of compiling comprehensive data on farmers to enhance productivity.
Governor Alia however did not at the moment come out with the blueprint or strategy of achieving his lofty goal of increased food productivity against the backdrop of persistent violence occasioned by banditry and herders/farmers clashes that has devastated farming communities across the state.
Incidences of violence, especially herders’ invasion of farming communities have over the years displaced an estimated two million farmers who are currently trapped in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.
Apart from the threats posed by banditry, gunmen and Fulani herders attacks on the state’s farming belts, there are no established and working dams to put to practice large scale dry season farming.
With complaints and cries of despair from a number of communities on attacks by herders during rainy season, when large farms were ravaged, and communities sacked, many communities are wondering on the possibility of engaging in dry season farming at a period Fulanis traditionally consider their right to go anywhere and everywhere.
It is also not clear if the N15 billion allocation is captured in this year’s budget or in the appropriation for the incoming year, 2025.
Speaking on broader development plans, Governor Alia underscored the need for innovative ideas to drive progress, urging citizens to contribute meaningful suggestions for consideration. He firmly stated that his administration would not tolerate financial mismanagement or political distractions, warning individuals creating discord within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist or face consequences.
Alia reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to social justice and improving the lives of the poor. He assured Benue people that his administration is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property across the state, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all.
Alia To GLOs: Report Directly To Me
Meanwhile, Governor Alia on Monday during their inauguration of 22 Gubernatorial Liaison Officers (GLOs) at the Government House, Makurdi, mandated them to report directly to him.
Alia’s directive effectively grants the GLOs the power to bypass the Local Government Council Chairmen.
While emphasising direct accountability, Governor Alia, however tasked the GLOs to work closely with the chairmen of their councils. He urged them to ensure that the government’s presence and impact are felt down to the grassroots level.
The governor advised the GLOs to collaborate with local leaders and stakeholders, maintaining a visible presence in their LGAs, and prioritise the protection of lives and property.
He congratulated the appointees on accepting the responsibility and informed them that their assignments commence immediately.
Swears in New SA on BLGCA
In a related development, Governor Alia also swore in Hon. Joseph Denen Aondoakaa as the new Special Adviser on the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Aondoakaa replaces Dr. Dennis Akura who has been elevated to a higher advisory role on Financial and Economic Strategy, Planning, and Development.
During the event, DSI Abege Linda Iember was also decorated as the Immigration Attaché to the Governor.
Hon. Denen Aondoakaa expressed gratitude to the governor for the appointment and promised to dedicate his time and energy to justify the confidence reposed in him.
The newly appointed GLOs include: Joseph Ugo Yawe (Vandeikya); Atetan Mvendaga (Ushongo); Jerry Gwaza (Katsina-Ala); Jerome Ukor (Ukum); Amb. Gbaya Jinawa (Logo); Engr. Msughter Chigh (Kwande); Philip Achua (Konshisha); Hon. Andrew Akoso (Gboko); Cephas Agber (Buruku); Hon. Roy Ashirga (Tarka); James Dwem (Makurdi), and Henry Agba (Gwer West).
Others are Comfort Agbo (Gwer East); Unongo Simon (Guma); Ugwuru Matthew (Ado); Udoh Austin (Ogbadibo); Charles Ameh (Okpokwu); Yusuf Hussaini (Ohimini); Hon. Agbo Uloko (Otukpo); Emmanuel Yahaya Eigege (APA); Philip Otukpa (Agatu); Peter Celestine Onuwa (Obi), and Grace Ezekiel (Oju).
