News Investigators/ Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to upgrade the Agricultural Training Centre, Mbatie, in Buruku Local Government Area to a higher institution for training of agricultural extension workers.
Mr Alia disclosed this on Wednesday in Buruku, during his ongoing Town Hall and statewide “Thank-You Tour” to the 11 federal constituencies in the state.
He said the upgrade would strengthen agricultural extension services, by producing skilled personnel capable of transferring modern farming knowledge, government policies and innovations to farmers, particularly those in rural communities.
He said that competent extension workers are critical to improving farm productivity.
The governor said that the extension workers would help farmers adopt improved production methods, use agricultural inputs effectively and access relevant technical knowledge.
He directed the Commissioner for Works, Mr Kuma Iyenge, and his Education counterpart, Dr Margaret Adamu, to commence necessary processes for the upgrade.
He further directed the commissioners to ensure that the project was completed within the shortest possible time.
Mr Alia urged Benue residents, particularly those in Buruku, to increase their participation in agriculture, noting that the sector could create jobs, raise household incomes and strengthen the state’s economy.
He pledged to strengthen education and accelerate people-oriented development across the state through increased investment in human capital and infrastructure.
He noted in spite of the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers, his administration still has plans to employ more teachers for primary and secondary schools to address manpower shortages and improve education quality.
The governor urged Benue residents to prioritise unity and collective interests above political differences, stressing that peace and cooperation are essential for sustainable development.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Benue and urged the people to sustain cooperation with the Federal Government.
The governor also met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, political office holders, women and youth leaders and other stakeholders in Buruku, Gboko and Tarka constituencies.
Earlier, the former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, urged the people of Jemgbagh to shun political distraction and support Mr Alia, whom he described as their son.
The Chairman, Buruku Local Government Council, Raymond Zege, commended the governor’s interventions in the area and appealed for the establishment of a science secondary school in the local government.
The Ter Buruku, His Royal Highness Moses Hanior; the Mue Ter Mbanyam, Tivfa Addingi and the District Head of Mbakyongu, Chief Nikwagh Toryough, also commended the administration’s achievements.
They called for stronger cooperation between the Jechira and Jemgbagh blocs to promote unity and development.
The Chairman of Tarka Local Government Council, Mr Raphael Yenge, appreciated the projects executed across Gboko and Tarka and assured the governor of continued support.
Elders Atsenda Ishwa and Iortyer, representing Gboko and Tarka respectively, also commended the present administration and appealed for additional development interventions.
The APC State Women Leader, Mrs Helen Agaigbe, alongside women and youth leaders from Gboko and Tarka, pledged continued mobilisation for the governor’s re-election.
The APC State Chairman, Chief Dr Benjamin Omale, urged party supporters to intensify mobilisation for the success of the party in 2027.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the engagements formed part of the governor’s ongoing statewide “Thank-You Tour” aimed at appreciating the people for their support and strengthening grassroots engagement.
NAN
