Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has reiterated his resolve to prioritize the security of his people and secure their lands to farm unhindered to feed the nation and equally boost the economy of the state and country.
Governor Alia assured that he would not relent until terrorists are shown the way out of Benue state as he would sustain his efforts in ensuring enforcement of the relevant laws, and continuously pursue and comb terrorists’ havens to get them to face justice.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula said the governor stated when he paid an unscheduled visit to Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area to inspect the extent of the maintenance work at the multi-billion state-owned company.
According to Kula, the governor expressed satisfaction on the level of work done so far and regretted that “though Benue farmers have the capacity to provide the needed raw materials to feed the company, if insecurity persists in the state and the neighbouring states including, Nassarawa, Cross River, Kogi and Taraba and the people are unable to farm, reviving the company will become an exercise in futility.”
“That is why I am serious and not blinking at all over the issue of insecurity in my state. Terrorists MUST leave the state. We shall fight them until they leave our state for us. Nobody will take Benue land”, he declared.
The governor’s spokesman noted that “the engineers servicing the machines, on the request of the Governor, powered several machines whose maintenance had been completed and demonstrated as evidence of the significant progress made towards restoring the factory to full operational capacity.
The governor, the statement continued noted that “the level of work done on the machines was encouraging and working in line with the earlier projection for the commencement of production within a very short time.”
Kula quoted the governor as calling on farmers across the state, particularly those cultivating soyabeans, maize and groundnuts, to increase production in readiness to supply the factory with adequate raw materials throughout the year once test-running is completed and full operations begin.
“The revival of the mill would create a strong value chain around soyabeans and maize, stimulate agricultural activities, generate employment and further strengthen the state’s economy.
“The Benue’s economy had already begun witnessing significant improvement through the reforms introduced by the Federal Government and his administration over the past three years.”
He appreciated the team of engineers handling the maintenance works for their dedication and professionalism, while also appreciating the host community for safeguarding the factory against vandalism and theft over the years.
The Alia led government is currently working to resuscitate the multi-billion naira Taraku Mills Company that went muribond for several years.
