What Bauhaus Global Investment Nigeria Limited has done for Benue Links (Nig.) Ltd. is akin to what a PDP-led government in Benue State once upon a time did to Wantaregh Paul Unongo (of blessed memory) in the early days of the 4th Republic.
That government unleashed militants on Kwande. The militants went there, entered Unongo village, and desecrated the resting place of Wantaregh Paul Unongo’s parents, Unongo Kwaghngise and his wife, the “daughter of Kukwa.”
In the later days of the immediate past, the Government of Benue State, led by Chief Samuel Ortom, advertised Benue Links for sale. Those who reached that decision claimed the company was a liability to the state. To save the state from liability or further liability, the option was to sell off the company.
One man said no. He went to court. When Fr. Hyacinth Alia took over as governor in May 2023, he appointed the man as Acting General Manager of the company. The man is Mr. Alexander Fanafa.
Mr. Fanafa came with a magic wand, demonstrating that his appointment to the office was not in error. Perhaps that is why the governor would later confirm his appointment as the substantive general manager.
Under Mr. Fanafa’s watch, Benue Links has bounced back to full operations, including logistics services and the opening of the hitherto closed routes. A company that was almost an eyesore, a shadow of its old self, and was put up in the market for sale is now a beehive of activities.
The governor injected 100 buses into the company’s fleet to improve efficiency and enhance operations. The company’s premises have been asphalted and paved in all sections to prevent mud and pools of water that existed prior to Mr. Fanafa’s appointment as General Manager.
The Company is no longer the Benue Links that was advertised for sale. It has regained its position as the transport giant, moderating the cost of transportation and easing the transportation of goods and services.
Then comes Bauhaus.
Given the quality of its infrastructure projects in the state, Bauhaus is doing a great job. But its good work should not diminish the good work others are also doing.
When it rains these days, both intending travellers and those arriving from outside the city centre are faced with the sad reality of having to walk through mud to board or walk out of the park upon alighting in Makurdi. Why? Negligence by Bauhaus.
Bauhaus can do better. Let the company fix the road outside Benue Links, at least with concrete, as a temporary measure to prevent mud from washing into Benue Links Park whenever it rains. The construction firm’s inconvenience to travellers using Benue Links is unprecedented. It is worse that Makurdi is in for the peak of rainfall.
August break is over. It’s September, the month of heavy rain. May Bauhaus save travellers on Benue Links from this mould.
