By Egena Sunday Ode
Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has beckoned on investors to make the state their destination, declaring that the lingering insecurity in the food basket state had become a thing of the past.
Assuring that the state is now safe and conducive for Investments, the governor said that his administration had taken decisive steps to address the security challenges, infrastructure deficit and the debt burden that had plagued the state for years.
According to the governor, Benue State had witnessed increase in both local and foreign investments in recent times as a result of the return of peace and his administration’s efforts towards creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Speaking during a meeting with journalists, Alia urged investors to take advantage of the opportunities that abound in the state, especially in the areas of agriculture, tourism and mineral resources and make the state a preferred investment destination.
Speaking further, Governor Alia disclosed that his administration had procured 100 new buses for the state owned transport company, Benue Links, to improve services and ease the burden of transportation following the removal of fuel subsidy in May.
He said that his government is also paying keen interest to people oriented projects while prioritising agriculture, human capital development, health and infrastructure upgrade among others in line with his administration’s 7-point agenda.
Other projects outlined by the governor included the establishment of modern ICT centre at the Benue State University, prompt payment of salaries and gratuities, construction of township roads, provision of health facilities, capacity building programmes, among others.
“There’s relative peace now in Benue for investors to come,… I am focused in attracting new investments and resuscitating moribund companies, i have flagged off operation “Enduring Peace III”, a military exercise by formations in the state to enhance unity and security.
“What is required at a time such as this is a resourceful and visionary leadership committed to leveraging on abundant talents coupled with managing the limited resources to reposition and transform the lives and livelihoods of the people which is the hallmark of my administration’s blueprint and 7-point agenda.
“Without disrupting the existing structures, I am genuinely committed to the transformation of Benue State, harnessing the abundance of untapped natural resources and vibrant youthful population and talents to actualise this Benue dream,” he said.
