News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Benue Coalition of Business and Professional Associations (BENCOBPA), has lauded the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, for his his policies and decisions which significantly improved the business climate and security landscape of the state during his tenure.
Chairman of the group, Mr. Paul Yarkwan, stated this on Friday when they paid a courtesy visit to Chief Ortom in his Makurdi residence.
Yarkwan who lauded the former Governor’s administration between 2015 and 2023 said the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Prohibition Law was one of his lasting legacies in office.
The coalition highlighted its ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at promoting public policy reforms, strengthening engagement between government and the private sector, and creating a more business-friendly environment in Benue State.
They commended Chief Ortom for what it described as bold and decisive leadership while in office, particularly in addressing the security challenges confronting the state.
Yarkwan said “Your Excellency, it is on record that you were the first governor to enact the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law. This was meant to eliminate herder–farmer conflicts and allow businesses to thrive.”
The group noted that the law played a critical role in protecting lives and creating a safer environment for economic activities across the state.
BENCOBPA further praised Chief Ortom for demonstrating humility and faith during the height of the security crisis in the state, while served as governor saying “On the security situation in the Benue Valley, you humbled yourself under God by dedicating Benue State to Him to be the defender of your people, a feat that only you could have done.”
The group also acknowledged Ortom’s business investments in Benue, describing him as a key stakeholder in the state’s economic development.
While praising him for lacating most of his businesses within the state with Benue indigenes as staff, BENCOBPA said they are spurred to see him as a great business stakeholder who should always be consulted as far as business activities in the state are concerned.
Responding, Chief Ortom, said his administration deliberately implemented policies aimed at strengthening the private sector and stimulating economic growth in the state. He noted that government recognized the critical role of businesses in driving development and therefore worked to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and investors.
Ortom explained that his administration partnered with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to improve access to credit for businesses in the state.
“Our administration waived its 5% counterpart interest component in the partnership arrangement with BOI, enabling even small and medium-scale enterprises in Benue State to access loans from the bank at a reduced interest rate of about five percent”, he stated.
The former governor further disclosed that his administration reduced the cost of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy by 50 percent to make it easier for prospective borrowers to use their landed property as collateral when seeking loans from financial institutions.
He emphasized that a major focus of his government was the development of the agricultural value chain, noting that agriculture remained the backbone of Benue’s economy and a key pathway to job creation and economic prosperity.
High point of the visit was the presentation of a plaque to Chief Ortom, conferring on him the award of “Strong Pillar of BENCOBPA”.
