By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has launched the Benue Alia Palm Project with the distribution of improved palm seedlings to journalists in the North-Central State.
Performing the ceremony at the NUJ House in Makurdi, the state capital, Governor Alia, who noted his desire to partner with the media, said that the improved palm seedlings would enable the state to move from food basket of the nation to an industrial basket.
The Governor disclosed that investing in palm trees would make the state not to only feed the industries but also improve on the economy of the state.
He revealed that the state government would continue to develop the state through rehabilitation of roads, construction of new roads, provision of electricity, strengthening of health care services, among others, assuring that they would continue to sustain their efforts as development is not complete if it is not sustainable.
The Governor who provided an 18-seater bus to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) instantly at the event, also promised to renovate the NUJ House, clear the dues of the union and as well pay the weigh-in allowances for deserving journalists in the state’s employ.
In his remarks on the occasion, Permanent Secretary/ Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Pharmacist Ogaagbenu Elijah Agweye, noted that Gov. Alia was God-sent to move Benue people from poverty, adding that the palm trees would not only benefit the people but would help the entire country.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Benue State Council, NUJ, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber appreciated the Governor for the firm support to the union, pointing out too that the numerous projects executed by the Governor would have direct bearing on the lives of the people.
The Chairman acknowledged the importance of Benue Alia Palm Project, saying it was capable of transforming families and the society at large.
While pledging the unalloyed support of the union to the Governor, the Chairman appealed to Alia to renovate the NUJ House, clear the dues owed by the members of the union, provide a bus for the union and approve the payment of weigh-in allowances for deserving journalists.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Alia (4th left) and others holding palm seedlings at the event.
