From TERESE TUHWA, Makurdi
In keeping to his campaign promise to ease transportation of farm produce to urban centres, Governor Hyacinth Alia says his administration will soon embark on construction of rural roads in the state.
The governor disclosed this recently at Saint Gerald’s Majella Cathedral, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area when he was speaking during a requiem mass in honour of one of the first class chiefs in the state, (Tor Sankera 1), Chief Abu King Shuluwa who passed away recently.
According to the governor, the 16 township roads initially approved have reached advanced stage with some already completed while others will fully be completed by April.
“Construction of rural roads would soon commence fully to ease transportation challenges faced by the people, especially farmers, in conveying their farm produce to the markets”
He disclosed further that the Makurdi-Gboko, Yandev-Ugbema-Katsina Ala, Yandev-Buruku crossing point and Kastina Ala-Wukari highways, have been captured in the 2024 budget of the federal government. And pointed out that his administration would continue to press on the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to commence work on the road projects.
Governor Alia described late Chief Shuluwa, as a man of peace who made sacrifices and was able to impact many lives in different ways.
“He died with his boots on, canvassing for peace to reign and return to Sankera axis”
He called for careful and fair selection for replacement of first class and second class chiefs of the axis who passed on recently. He added that their choice would determine the success and development of the axis.
Governor Alia, who also warned against all illegal activities and security breaches in the axis, said he had promised to develop the state and make it conducive for the people and for ease of doing business, as such, he would not relent until his dream was achieved.
In his remark, the Tor Tiv, Prof James Iorzua Ayatse, called for unity and prayers for a better state.
Represented by Tor Kwande, Chief Ambrose Iortyer, Professor Ayatse urged Benue citizens to respect all authorities and ensure that love prevails. He emphasized the need for integrity, transparency and due process in order to ensure that the right leaders were chosen.
In his eulogy, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Reverend Isaac Dugu, called on traditional leaders and other stakeholders from other local governments to join hands with those in Sankera axis to end banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the area.
The Cleric, while regretting the death of the late Tor Sankera, Chief Abu King Shuluwa and that of Ter Katsina Ala, late Chief Fezanga Wombo, urged Tor Tiv king makers and Governor Alia to ensure that those who will be selected to fill the vacant stools of Ter Katsina-Ala and Tor Sankera, are people of proven integrity and fear of God.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the burial were former Governor Gabriel Suswam, former and serving senators from the state, traditional rulers, family members as well as other well-wishers within and outside the state.
