Iorfa Akpen
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia took his Thank-You Tour to Oju and Obi yesterday, and he came with big promises for schools, roads and jobs.
Speaking to residents at the College of Education, Oju, the Benue State governor said the college will get a full upgrade and a new name to match higher standards. The goal, he said, is simple: give Benue youths more quality options close to home.
Roads were also on the list. Alia assured the Oju/Obi constituency that work on the Oju-Awajir Road will be finished, and that more legacy projects are coming to speed up development in the area.
He then turned to industry. The long-dormant Igumale Cement Factory in Enone is set for a comeback. According to the governor, experts have already inspected the plant and rehabilitation work will start soon.
Farming got a big push too. Alia urged Benue people to plant more, saying the government’s agro-industrial drive is designed to create buyers for what they grow. He pointed to the Food Basket Brewery, the Fruit Juice Company, the revived Taraku Mills and other investments as proof that a full farm-to-factory chain is taking shape. With those markets in place, he said, farmers will no longer have to sell at giveaway prices after harvest.
On security, the governor drew a hard line. No Benue land will be given out for ranching, he said. The land belongs to the people and will stay for farming and other legitimate uses. He added that the fight against insecurity continues until peace holds, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a new Army Division for Benue, with headquarters in Makurdi and troops deployed to key areas.
Alia also thanked the Igede people for backing his administration and President Tinubu, and asked them to keep the partnership going into 2027 so both governments can build on current gains.
Before the Town Hall, he met with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Oju/Obi. The rulers later honored him with the chieftaincy title “Ogakwu of Igede Land,” meaning “Strong Man of Igede,” in recognition of his leadership.
Local leaders welcomed the message. Oju LGA Chairman Hon. Ominyi Jackson Adah thanked the governor for his interventions and pledged continued support. Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity Hon. Nick Oworo praised progress in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and welfare over the last three years, and said the Igede people stand with Alia for re-election. Oju Constituency lawmaker and House Chief Whip Hon. Cyril Ikon also appreciated the Oju-Awajir Road and other projects.
In Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, the governor followed the same pattern: meetings with traditional and religious leaders, then a Town Hall with political leaders and stakeholders. Ado LGA Chairman Hon. Oche Sunday Oche commended legacy projects in the area and thanked Alia for appointing indigenes into government.
Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode listed key interventions across Benue South, including road construction and rehabilitation, agriculture and agro-processing investments, upgrades in health and education, and stronger security measures. He called it evidence of balanced development and urged residents to sustain their support.
APC State Chairman Hon. Dr. Benjamin Omale said Alia’s focus goes beyond buildings to people’s welfare. He thanked constituents for backing the party and the administration, and called for stronger grassroots mobilization ahead of 2027.
The tour wraps up today with stops in Apa/Agatu and Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituencies.
