Alia to Benue Farmers: Expand Your Farms, Industries Are Ready for Your Produce

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has urged farmers across the state to expand their cultivation, assuring them that the revival of agro-allied industries will provide a ready market for their produce and reduce losses caused by post-harvest glut.

Governor Alia made the call on Wednesday during his statewide Thank-You Tour, while interacting with stakeholders from the Gwer East/Gwer West and Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituencies.
He said the revival of Taraku Mills and the establishment of other industries were part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen agriculture, create economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of Benue people.
According to him, Taraku Mills in Gwer East has been revived and is currently undergoing test-running, with full operations expected to commence soon. He commended the people for protecting the machinery and other equipment at the facility from vandalism.
The governor explained that the revival of the mills, alongside other agro-allied companies, would create a sustainable market for farm produce and prevent farmers from being compelled to sell their crops at unprofitable prices.
Alia also highlighted the achievements of his administration in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and welfare, assuring residents of Gwer, Makurdi and Guma that more people-oriented projects would be executed across the state.
On infrastructure, he promised to consider the construction of the Makurdi-Naka Road and other priority roads, including those requested by communities in Gwer, stressing that the development needs of the people remained central to his administration.
Speaking on education, Alia disclosed that following the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers, plans were underway to recruit additional teachers for primary and secondary schools to strengthen the sector and improve the quality of education.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to tackling insecurity, insisting that no part of Benue would be surrendered for ranching. He maintained that the land belongs to the people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate purposes.
He said the fight against insecurity would continue until peace was restored across the state, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with its headquarters in Makurdi and deployments to strategic locations.
Alia thanked the people of Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi and Guma for their support for his administration and President Tinubu. He urged them to sustain the support and renew their mandates in 2027 to enable both governments to consolidate their achievements.
The governor first held meetings with traditional rulers and religious leaders in the two federal constituencies before proceeding to separate Town Hall Meetings involving 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. The 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. He appealed for the construction of the Makurdi-Naka and Aya-Mbalom roads while assuring the governor of the people’s continued support.
At the Makurdi/Guma meeting, the Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Apev Keffi, thanked the governor for projects executed in the area, particularly efforts to address insecurity. He also appealed for motorcycles for security personnel operating in difficult terrains.
The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, said Governor Alia had achieved what previous administrations had not accomplished in Makurdi and Guma. He urged APC aspirants to remain loyal to the governor and assured him of the people’s support in 2027.
Former Speaker of the Assembly, Dave Iorhemba, equally commended the governor for his achievements across the constituency and assured him of continued backing in the 2027 elections.
APC State Chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, appreciated the people for their sustained support for the party and the Alia administration, urging them to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, called on the people of Minda to remain firmly behind Governor Alia, stressing the importance of unity and collective commitment to the success of his administration beyond 2027.