Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to adopting innovative and sustainable solutions in agriculture, transportation and renewable energy to accelerate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of the people.
The Governor’s position was stated against the backdrop of a proposed partnership between the Benue State Government and TLM Ltd aimed at deploying agricultural mechanisation solutions, energy-efficient transportation systems and renewable energy technologies across the state. The collaboration involves the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (BSADC), the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Benue Links, the Ministry of Transportation, Renewable Energy and Power, and TLM Ltd.
The proposal was presented on Tuesday at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi, during a meeting with the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode, mni, who also serves as Chairman of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency. Representing the Governor, Ode expressed the administration’s enthusiasm about the proposed partnership, describing it as timely and consistent with the government’s development agenda. He said the initiative had the potential to significantly strengthen agricultural production, reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and promote the adoption of clean energy solutions in the state.
Ode called for a coordinated approach involving BSADC, Benue Links, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and TLM Ltd to ensure effective implementation across the state. He designated the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BSADC, Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule, as the desk officer for the project, citing his expertise and broad experience. The Deputy Governor directed Akule to engage relevant ministries, agencies and companies by inviting them to a take-off meeting where the implementation framework and areas of collaboration would be further discussed. He also noted that the project would require the establishment of service centres, training facilities, relief stations and pilot schemes at strategic locations across the state.
Ode assured TLM Ltd of the state government’s support, stressing that the administration was prepared to facilitate the necessary engagements with relevant stakeholders towards the successful take-off of the initiative.
Earlier, the Managing Director of BSADC, Donald Aorkwagh Akule, provided an overview of the proposed project, explaining that it aligned with the recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Governors’ Forum for states to intensify agricultural production while pursuing measures to reduce transportation costs. Akule highlighted TLM Ltd’s experience and capacity, particularly its projects in Katsina State and other locations, noting that the company had demonstrated practical solutions in agricultural mechanisation and sustainable transportation.
The Managing Director of TLM Ltd, Mr. Leo Wei, expressed appreciation to the Benue State Government for the warm reception and presented the company’s capabilities and proposed solutions. Wei said the company’s electric vehicles were designed to provide efficient and environmentally friendly transportation, with some models capable of travelling up to 500 miles on a full charge. He explained that the vehicles were available in different capacities, ranging from nine-passenger models to buses capable of carrying up to 56 passengers, while specialised models could be deployed for agricultural purposes. According to him, TLM Ltd would provide the vehicles, technical training and service equipment required for the commencement of the project. He disclosed that the company had supplied 400 tractors to Katsina State, alongside training and capacity-building support, adding that TLM Ltd was eager to bring its expertise to Benue.
Also speaking, Mr. Tor-Solomon Abam emphasised the importance of agriculture and renewable energy in building a sustainable economy, stressing the need for Benue to leverage its agricultural potential while embracing emerging technologies.
The proposed partnership is expected to support Benue’s transition towards mechanised agriculture, cleaner transportation and renewable energy while creating opportunities for skills development, employment and increased economic activity across the state.
