By Amos Aar
BENUE State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has unveiled plans to drill five boreholes in each of the five kindreds of Mbagbam District of Vandeikya LGA as part of efforts to alleviate water scarcity being experienced by his kinsmen.
The announcement was made on Friday during the funeral of elder statesman, Mr. Timothy Tyohen Aondo-Akaa, in Mbagbam, Ute, Vandeikya LGA.
According to Mr. Kehe, Information Officer at the Government House in Makurdi, Governor Alia praised the late Aondo-Akaa as a respected leader whose contributions to education and public service left a lasting legacy.
The governor noted that the large attendance at the funeral reflected the deceased’s significant impact on the community.
Governor Alia also commended Aondo-Akaa’s integrity, recalling his tenure as Chairman of Vandeikya LGA in 1999 as a period of dedicated service.
He further disclosed that many of the development initiatives currently being pursued by his administration were inspired by advice received from the late leader during his gubernatorial campaign.
In addition to the water projects, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Adikpo–Koti Yough–Vandeikya township road and other infrastructure projects designed to enhance socio-economic growth in the area.
Governor Alia called for unity among residents, urging critics to avoid spreading misinformation and instead collaborate in advancing the development of Kunav land and Benue State as a whole.
He stressed that sustainable progress requires collective effort and shared responsibility.
Reiterating his administration’s focus on promoting indigenous languages, the governor encouraged qualified Tiv-speaking individuals to apply for teaching positions, in line with efforts to reintroduce the Tiv language into school curriculum.
During the event, the President General of the Mbagbam Development Association and the President of the Kunav Development Association (KUDA) both emphasized the need for unity among the Kunav people.
They lauded the governor’s development efforts and called for increased provision of social amenities in the region.
Representing the Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Orukuna, honored the late Aondo-Akaa’s contributions to development and pledged to uphold his legacy. She also commended Governor Alia for the progress achieved under his leadership.
