By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
In a state with very few medium or heavy industries and a disproportionately high unemployment-to-available-jobs ratio, every little counts.
And so when Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia disclosed that there would be over 6000 job opportunities during the flag-off of a 90mw waste-to-energy project, the applause was resounding.
Technical Adviser to the State Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, in a statement, weekend, said the project was designed to generate electricity by converting municipal and industrial solid waste into power and valuable by-products.
The statement revealed that the project, which situated at Atumba village, Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, represents a modern, technology-driven solution to waste management challenges while simultaneously strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure.
“The project is structured as a partnership between Sectorlead Limited and the Benue State Government, and directly supports the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agenda of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration,” Iorpev stated.
The Governor, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, according to the statement, said the facility would transform waste streams into electricity, alternative fuels, bio-fertilizer, methane-based products, and recyclable materials, capable of delivering long-term environmental, industrial, and energy transformation for the state.
“The project will provide employment for over 6,000 people, bring international expertise and technical innovation into the state’s infrastructure development, improve energy reliability, reduce power deficits, stimulate investment in energy-dependent sectors, and improve public health outcomes,” he vowed.
Governor Alia called on the host community and the well-meaning sons and daughters of the state to own the project as it demonstrated his administration’s commitment to making the state open and ready for business.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Alia.
