Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has called for sincere collaboration between the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) and the Benue State Government.
The governor made the call at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, today while hosting the board and management of the commission, led by Cosmos Akighir and Dr Cyril Tseenyil, who were in the state on a courtesy visit.
He said his administration’s priority is to ensure insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum and that people living in IDP camps are finally resettled.
He said, “We have done a lot to ensure we have peace in the state. We have drastically reduced the number of local governments that were gravely infested by insecurity.
“Already, there is relative peace in other larger parts of the state. But security is like a monster. Cut the tail, and another part of the body will spring up. Cut the hand, and you see another part of the body developing to cause havoc.
“Most importantly, we are resolute that our people must go back to their ancestral homes. The people of Benue State deserve peace to continue to feed the nation.”
Other areas in which he solicited collaboration include agriculture, employment and infrastructure in rural areas.
“The agriculture value chain must be on the front burner to create a response to the demands,” he stated.
“In our budget this year, we have prioritised rural development. But because these particular areas were neglected for a long time, no matter how much money you budget for this area, it will not be easy to have an immediate impact; hence the need for support from your commission,” he added.
A statement by his spokesman, Tersoo Kula, said Governor Alia called on the board and management of the NCDC to try their best to remain apolitical, adding that once politics is introduced into a very sensitive commission like theirs, the main aim is defeated.
Gov Alia seeks collaboration with North-Central Development Commission
