From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia has condemned attempts by certain individuals, politicians and groups out to distort facts and hinder the progress of the state through misinformation and political distractions.
Governor Alia, who was reacting to criticisms that his administration is working with the federal government to implement Ruga in the state, described such insinuations as mischievous, arguing that the establishment of the Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control, BLDTDC, is a bold initiative by his administration to advance livestock development.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula on Thursday in Makurdi, maintained that significant steps have already been taken to set the state for this avowed commitment as contained in his administration’s blueprint and policy papers.
He stressed that government has itemsed 15 state-owned livestock facilities in various conditions of neglect and disrepair, including Ikyôgen Cattle Ranch and Resort, Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre in Raav, Small Ruminant Ranch in Ningev, Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project, BSCIP, in Yandev, and the Artificial Insemination Centre in Gaadi, among others to boost livestock production and economic advancement in the state.
He said his administration successfully hosted the maiden Benue State Livestock Summit in March in Makurdi, during which far-reaching resolutions and recommendations were proposed to strengthen the livestock sector, expressing optimism that the Benue State Development Plan, BSDP, 2025-2035 and the administration’s seven “SACHIIP” strategic pillars will provide clear policy directions, including the establishment of feed mills and hatcheries across the senatorial zones, as well as the development of cattle, sheep, and goat ranches.
The governor also revealed that to solidify Benue’s status as the Food Basket of the Nation, government is making strategic investments in livestock development through deliberate policies and practical actions in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, noting that the state is focusing on feed and fodder production, disease control, breed improvement, genetic enhancement, and capacity development.
The governor who reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to reviving and maximizing the potential of Benue’s livestock facilities and the full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Establishment of Ranches Law (2017),disclosed that Benue State has been selected by federal government to participate at a high- level livestock event at Denmark in April.
Governor Alia in the statement assured that his administration would always remain fully committed to collaborate with federal authorities and international partners to advance the livestock sector, aligning with the vision of past administrations dedicated to genuine development of the livestock sector.
He said Under the Benue Agricultural Revolution Programme (BARP), an agricultural think tank over 50 private and commercial livestock farms/facilities have been profiled for intervention in areas such as rehabilitation, production enhancement, and capacity building
with particular consideration given to piggery, poultry, and fishery production.
He disclosed that efforts are also underway to establish Benue as a Special Piggery Processing Zone, with the revamp of the Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project (BSCIP) receiving technical consideration as well,adding that the project is expected to reach full capacity, producing thousands of sows and piglets annually for farmers in Benue and beyond.
While inviting citizens, communities, investors, and partners to participate in the ongoing revival and expansion of the livestock sector by bringing proposals and investment ideas in line with the administration’s ease of doing business policies also revealed that the Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control has already begun activities aimed at addressing livestock insecurity, creating wealth, and employment generation.
He argued that livestock development in Benue plays a distant second position to crop production, and there must be deliberate government investment to up the ante for the overall good of all Benue citizens who shall own and drive the process, adding that to ensure inclusive participation,government intend to work closely with livestock industry players to facilitate detailed stakeholder engagements and town hall meetings from April 20- to the end of May to align policy actions with community and investor expectations.
