The Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Monday, August 18, gave directive for the renovation of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) House Makurdi.
Fr. Alia, who also donated a utility bus to the Benue State Council of NUJ, promised to settle the council’s accumulated Twelve Million Naira (N12,000,000.00) dues to the national Secretariat of NUJ.
The governor was at the NUJ House Makurdi where he flagged-off distribution of improved Tenera oil palm seedlings to journalists under the Benue Alia Palm Project (BAPP), dwsceibing it as a bold step towards building a sustainable economy for the state.
According to the governor, the seedlings are a foundation for an economy that will provide jobs, feed industries, and generate wealth for families.
“Today, I stand before you not just as a Governor but as a brother and partner to the media, to plant the seeds of a brighter Benue. Every palm tree you plant will grow to feed industries, employ our youth, and add prosperity to our state,” the governor said.
He, therefore, urged journalists to nurture the seedlings as they would nurture ideas through their pen and camera, stressing that their role as storytellers is vital in projecting the state’s progress.
“Together, we will rewrite the Benue story. The food basket of the nation will also become the industrial basket of Nigeria,” he stated.
Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, Benue State chair of NUJ, described the palm project as a “wealth-planting initiative” that not only empowers journalists but also underscores the Governor’s commitment to inclusive development.
“By giving us a stake in agriculture, you have empowered those whose duty it is to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable. This gesture is about wealth creation, food security, and diversification,” the chair said.
He also commended the governor for his strides in infrastructural development, security, digital governance, and welfare of the people.
