Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to upgrade the Agricultural Training Centre, Mbatie, in Buruku Local Government Area, into a higher institution for the training of agricultural extension workers.
Governor Alia disclosed this on Wednesday in Buruku during his ongoing Town Hall meetings and statewide “Thank-You Tour” across the 11 federal constituencies of the state.
He said the proposed upgrade would strengthen agricultural extension services and produce skilled personnel capable of transferring modern farming techniques, government policies and innovations to farmers, particularly those in rural communities.
According to the governor, competent extension workers are essential to improving agricultural productivity as they would assist farmers in adopting improved production methods, using agricultural inputs effectively and accessing relevant technical knowledge.
Alia consequently directed the Commissioner for Works, Mr Kuma Iyenge, and his Education counterpart, Dr Margaret Adamu, to commence the necessary processes for upgrading the centre.
He further directed the commissioners to ensure that the project was completed within the shortest possible time.
The governor also urged the people of Benue, particularly residents of Buruku, to embrace agriculture as a major economic activity, stressing that increased investment in the sector could create employment, boost household incomes and strengthen the state’s economy.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening education and accelerating people-oriented development through increased investment in human capital and infrastructure.
Alia noted that although his administration had recruited 9,700 primary school teachers, plans were underway to employ additional teachers for both primary and secondary schools to address manpower shortages and improve the quality of education across the state.
The governor also called on Benue residents to place unity and collective interests above political differences, stressing that peace and cooperation were essential to achieving sustainable development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to Benue State and urged the people to sustain cooperation with the Federal Government.
During the tour, the governor held consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, political office holders, women and youth leaders and other stakeholders across Buruku, Gboko and Tarka constituencies.
Suswam Urges Support for Alia
Earlier, former Benue State Governor and Senator, Gabriel Suswam, appealed to the people of Jemgbagh to avoid political distractions and support Governor Alia, whom he described as their son.
The Chairman of Buruku Local Government Council, Raymond Zege, commended the governor for his 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; Mue Ter Mbanyam, Tivfa Addingi; and the District Head of Mbakyongu, Chief Nikwagh Toryough, also commended the administration for its achievements.
They called for stronger cooperation between the Jechira and Jemgbagh blocs to promote peace, unity and development.
Similarly, the Chairman of Tarka Local Government Council, Raphael Yenge, expressed appreciation for projects executed across Gboko and Tarka and assured the governor of continued support.
Elders Atsenda Ishwa and Iortyer, representing Gboko and Tarka respectively, also praised the administration and appealed for additional development projects in their areas.
The APC State Women Leader, Mrs Helen Agaigbe, alongside women and youth leaders from Gboko and Tarka, pledged continued mobilisation for Governor Alia’s re-election bid.
The APC State Chairman, Chief Dr Benjamin Omale, urged party supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The engagements formed part of Governor Alia’s ongoing statewide “Thank-You Tour”, designed to appreciate the people for their support while strengthening grassroots engagement and gathering feedback on development priorities across the state.
