Scores of women, youth, and vulnerable individuals in Benue State have benefited from the empowerment initiative of Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Five cars, 120 motorcycles, 120 sewing machines, 120 grinding machines, and 50 irrigation pumps were distributed at an event on September 20 in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
Prof. Utsev said the initiative aims to boost irrigation farming, transportation, and engagement of youth and women in commercial agriculture, promote gainful employment, and reduce youth restiveness.
He enumerated some completed projects by his ministry in the state to include a Dam in Otukpo, the major Makurdi irrigation project, a community road in Ugondo, and ongoing works on key irrigation and water projects in locations including Ugbema, Ameladu, Wannune, and Anchiha- Sokpo, Jingir – Kyume Road, as well as Mechanic Village Road in Makurdi.
Prof. Utsev thanked the people of Benue State for their support of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) administration and Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), urging them to do more in 2027.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr Jenkwe Moses (Vandeikya), Mrs Esther Rebert (Benue South), and Mrs Uyan Washima (Benue North East), expressed their gratitude to Prof. Utsev for the gesture.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful, who gathered at the event, endorsed PBAT for a second term. They also passed a vote of confidence in the SGF, Senator Akume, and the Minister, Prof. Utsev.
