Governor Alia vows to upgrade Oju COE, revive Igumale cement factory

The Benue state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has disclosed plans to upgrade the College of Education, Oju, into a standard higher institution as part of efforts to strengthen education and expand opportunities for youths.

Alia made the disclosure during a town hall meeting with the people of Oju/Obi Federal Constituency at the college auditorium as part of his state-wide Thank-You tour.

He also promised to complete the on-going Oju-Awajir Road project and undertake additional legacy projects to accelerate development in the area.

The governor also disclosed that plans were underway to revive the Igumale Cement Factory in Enone, saying experts had assessed the facility and rehabilitation work would soon commence.

He urged Benue farmers to embrace extensive farming, assuring them that investments in agro-industrial projects, including the Food Basket Brewery, Fruit Juice Company and revived Taraku Mills, would provide ready markets and reduce post-harvest losses.

On security, Alia reiterated that no part of Benue would be ceded for ranching, assuring residents that his administration would continue the fight against insecurity until lasting peace was restored.
At a separate town hall meeting with residents of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, the governor urged the people to maximise the agricultural and mineral resources in their communities to boost economic growth and improve livelihoods.

He said the state could no longer afford to be known mainly as a civil service state, urging farmers to increase production of cassava and soybean as the government worked to transform the state into an economic, commercial, and industrial hub.