Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has called on farmers across Benue State to expand their cultivation, assuring them that the revival of Taraku Mills and other agro-allied industries will create a reliable market for agricultural produce and reduce losses caused by post-harvest glut.
The governor made the call on Wednesday during his statewide Thank-You Tour while addressing stakeholders of the Gwer East/Gwer West and Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituencies. He said his administration was deliberately reviving moribund industries to strengthen agriculture, promote value addition and create greater economic opportunities for the people of Benue.
Alia disclosed that Taraku Mills in Gwer East had been revived and was currently undergoing test-running ahead of full commercial production. He commended residents of the area for protecting the factory’s machines and equipment from vandalism, describing their support as vital to the successful restoration of the industry.
According to him, the return of Taraku Mills, alongside other agro-processing companies being revived by the state government, would guarantee farmers a sustainable market for their produce and prevent them from selling at unprofitable prices during harvest seasons.
Beyond agriculture, the governor highlighted achievements of his administration in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and welfare, promising that more people-oriented projects would be delivered across Gwer, Makurdi and Guma. On infrastructure, he assured communities that concerns surrounding the Makurdi–Naka Road, Aya–Mbalom Road and other priority roads would receive government attention as part of the administration’s development agenda.
In education, Alia announced that following the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers, preparations were underway for additional recruitment into both primary and secondary schools to improve learning and strengthen the education sector.
The governor also restated his commitment to protecting Benue lands for farming, declaring that no part of the state would be surrendered for ranching. He said the government would continue its fight against insecurity until lasting peace was restored across the state. He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with its headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations to enhance security.
During the town hall meetings, stakeholders from both constituencies praised the governor’s developmental strides and pledged continued support for his administration and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
