*Tinubu, Alia Will Return In 2027, APC Chieftain Says
By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Benue State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government for implementation of the Sustainable Integrated Productive Community (SIPC) programme.
A statement by Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, said the programme is aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and increasing its viability.
Iorpev stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia led a delegation to the Federal Ministry of Finance, where the Minister of State, Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, signed the documents on behalf of the Federal Government.
Governor Alia, Iorpev noted, provided 100 hectares of land across the state for the programme, adding that the programme aligns with his vision to make farming viable and attractive, and Benue State Africa’s agricultural hub.
When fully operational, Gov. Alia disclosed, “the SIPC would close up the housing deficit in the state, provide free farm seedlings and inputs for Benue farmers, facilitate conversion of produce to secondary products thus eradicating post harvest losses, make farming more viable and attractive thus increasing food security. The SIPC will also and very importantly, assist in resetting willing IDPs within the safe farming communities.”
Responding, Dr. Uzoka-Anite explained that “SIPC is a Federal Government project designed to provide better conditions for farmers to thrive, including solar-powered housing, seedlings, inputs like fertilizers and herbicides, and off-takers who convert produce to secondary products.”
She revealed that Benue and Niger states are the two pilot states for the programme.
The SIPC is domiciled with the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated which holds majority shares in the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund to fund investments.
In a related development, based on his assessment of what said Gov. Alia is accomplishing, s chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Dr. Mark Nyitse has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Alia will have smooth ride to victory in the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the conduct of the ward and local government congresses, Dr. Nyitse noted that he took time to monitor both exercises and had no cause to doubt the reelection of the President and the Governor.
Dr Nyitse expressed confidence that APC was getting stronger, even in villages, pointing out that it was glaring that Benue people were solidly behind the President and the Governor.
He insisted that the President and the Governor do not have to worry as power is with the people and the people,to him, were already with APC.
The university don expressed the belief that Tinubu and the Governor would continue to execute projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people, saying the latter would, in turn, render support through their votes.
According to him, President Tinubu has not deviated since assumption of office in 2023 and expressed strong belief that the President would remain committed to the yearnings of Nigerians so as to develop the country for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Nyitse appealed to all Benue people to give more support to Tinubu and Alia, saying their support would enable both remain more committed in attracting the dividends of democracy to the people, even those unborn.
“There is no opposition in Benue State. Majority of the people are with Governor Alia and they are fully supporting President Tinubu. The few people who are in opposition are insignificant even as they have no political value.
“With what is on ground, 2027 is a smooth ride to victory and nothing can stop it,” he said.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Uzoka-Anite (2nd left), Gov. Alia (2nd right) at the signing ceremony.
