News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Benue Development Foundation (BDF) has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Sen. George Akume for the massive execution of numerous federal projects in Benue state.
The group led by Morgan Adikwu, gave the commendation during a press conference in Makurdi on Friday.
Adikwu said the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commenced the construction of the Makurdi – Aliade – Otukpo – Enugu road, with a flyover to be constructed at the popular, busy Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi.
The group said approving and commencing the construction of the Wurukum roundabout flyover was a right step in the right direction as it would ease traffic for both residents and travellers who ply the route linking the North and Southern Nigeria.
They also also applauded the President for other ongoing projects in the state including the construction of a bridge across River Buruku and commissioning of the Benue Fashion Hub, and the installation of street lights in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
Adikwu who noted that the bridge project would end the perennial problem of boat mishap which has claimed several lives and property, added that the projects embarked upon by the federal government are contributing to the economic development of the state in no small measure.
The group who hailed President Tinubu for recently assenting to North Central Development Commission(NCDC) Bill 2024, and to the Bill establishing the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu Ojapo, Okpokwu LGA, Benue State, said such gestures were affirmation of his commitment to regional integration.
They noted that while the NCDC will strengthen the economy and infrastructural development of the North – Central geopolitical zone, the Federal College of Agricultural Technology, Opialu Ojapo will equip the people with latest innovation in agriculture, create employment and develop manpower for the agro sector.
They also expressed hope that with the NCDC, reconstruction of critical infrastructure in Benue State which has been ravaged by marauding Fulani herdsmen, ecological challenges and economic fortunes of Benue State and other North Central States would be revived.
BDF, which has membership from various political parties in the State, appreciated president Tinubu for appointing the leader of Benue politics, Sen. Dr. George Akume, as SGF and several other Benue indigenes in his administration saying Benue has never had it this good.
They applauded the SGF, Sen. Akume’s commitment and dedication to the development of Benue State and for always presenting the interest of Benue people to the president for necessary action.
They stated that the time for politics is over and called on all Benue people to support those in authority to succeed, particularly Sen. George Akume to enable him attract more federal presence to the state.
They also commended the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom for the unity and harmonious relationship between him and the SGF and for calling on others to support the SGF.
The group who also noted that killer herdsmen have resumed hostilities in Benue communities heightening insecurity and hampering development in the state, appealed to the state Governor, Rev Hyacinth Alia to close ranks and convey a Benue Stakeholders meeting on security across party lines to brainstorm and cross fertilize ideas to put an end to the incessant killings in the State.
