News Editor
-
…As Heifer International Commences Activities in Benu
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural innovation by the launch of the Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps Initiative.
The groundbreaking project, implemented in collaboration with Heifer International Nigeria, marks a major step in empowering smallholder farmers with sustainable technology for year-round farming and increased productivity.
The event, which also signified the commencement of Heifer International’s activities in Benue State, was midwifed by the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD) and also culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Benue State Government and Heifer International.
The MoU was signed by the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Moses Ogbaji, and Heifer International Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr Lekan Tobe formalizing the partnership aimed at transforming agriculture in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the state, Prof. Moses Ogbaji described the collaboration with Heifer International as a strategic milestone in advancing Governor Alia’s agricultural revolution agenda.
He said the solar-powered irrigation pumps would provide farmers with a sustainable solution to overcome the challenges of erratic rainfall and high costs of traditional irrigation methods.
He noted Governor Alia’s policies prioritize agricultural modernization as a critical driver of economic growth, rural development, and food security saying his administration has committed to leveraging technology and global partnerships to position Benue State as a model for sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.
The Country Director, Lekan Tobe noted that the organization’s mission aligns seamlessly with the governor’s vision of empowering farmers, increasing resilience, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
While he enthused that Heifer International Nigeria is renowned for its expertise in sustainable farming solutions, Tobe expressed enthusiasm about commencing operations in Benue State.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD) highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach in driving development initiatives in the state emphasizing formalizing commitments between partners and the state government through MoUs, serves as a foundation for impactful developmenal outcomes.
He pledged that the Bureau will continue to play it’s role in creating an enabling environment for development partners to thrive in Benue State.
Matching words with action and in fulfilment of the terms of the MoU, the state government, through the Bureau, availed Heifer International with an office space to facilitate its operations within the state.
The launch featured live demonstrations of the solar-powered irrigation pumps, interactive sessions with farmers, and an overview of how this initiative will be scaled across rural areas in Benue. Farmers in attendance lauded the initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance productivity and transform their livelihoods.
With this historic launch and the signing of the MoU, Governor Hyacinth Alia has cemented Benue State’s reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation. The partnership with Heifer International represents a significant step forward in achieving sustainable food security and rural development across the state.
