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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Monday paid a working visit to the office of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Makurdi, where he was warmly received by the State Project Coordinator, Hon. Numbeve Stephen.
During the visit, the governor expressed strong satisfaction with the performance of the RAAMP team in the state, particularly praising Hon. Numbeve for the effective implementation of the World Bank-supported project. He singled out the ongoing Bikes Scheme initiative as a laudable effort aimed at improving rural mobility, boosting agricultural marketing, and empowering local farmers and traders.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Alia personally commissioned a fresh batch of motorcycles earmarked for distribution to beneficiaries across the state. The bikes, branded with the Benue State logo, are part of RAAMP’s broader intervention to enhance transportation in rural communities, ease the movement of farm produce to markets, and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, the governor described the project as a testament to his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation and rural development. He urged the coordinator and his team to maintain the tempo and ensure transparency in the distribution process so that the intended beneficiaries—mostly rural farmers and youths—are the ones who directly benefit.
Hon. Numbeve Stephen, on his part, thanked the governor for the visit and the confidence reposed in the RAAMP team. He assured that every motorcycle and other resources under the project will be deployed strictly according to guidelines, with proper documentation and community involvement.
The event was attended by top government officials, RAAMP staff, and some beneficiaries who could not hide their joy as the motorcycles were handed over.
The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) remains one of the flagship World Bank-assisted programs in Benue State, focused on rehabilitating rural roads, establishing agro-logistics hubs, and providing assets like motorcycles and tricycles to strengthen the agricultural value chain.
With this latest commendation and flag-off, residents are optimistic that more rural communities will soon feel the positive impact of the scheme. Congratulations to the people of Benue State on yet another milestone!
