Alia works with NCDC to tackle insecurity

Benue State Governor, Rev. P. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Wednesday urged the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to work closely with his administration to address insecurity and promote development across the state.

Speaking at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, while hosting the board of directors and management of the Barr-led Commission. Cosmos Akighir and Dr Cyril Tseenyil, Governor Alia, stressed that his government’s main priority is to restore peace and resettle displaced people.

“We have done a lot to ensure peace in the state. We have drastically reduced the number of local governments badly infested with insecurity. There is already relative peace in other larger parts of the state.

“But security is like a monster, it cuts off the tail and another part of the body pops out,” he remarked.

The governor stressed that the ultimate goal is to return the displaced communities to their ancestral homes, stressing that the Benue people “deserve peace to continue to feed the nation”.

Besides security, Governor Alia highlighted that agriculture, employment and rural infrastructure are key sectors that require joint effort.

He underlined the importance of strengthening the agricultural value chain to meet growing demands and stressed that rural development was given priority in the state budget.

However, he recognized that years of neglect mean progress will take time, hence the need for NCDC support.

He also advised the Commission’s leadership to remain apolitical, warning that politicizing such a sensitive institution would undermine its mission.

The courtesy visit concluded with assurances of cooperation, as both sides recognized the importance of partnership in promoting sustainable development in Benue State.

Barr. Cosmos Akighir in his speech promised to work closely with the Benue State Government and others in the catchment area to deliver on the mandate of the Commission.