Prof Utsev Appeals to Benue People: Do Not Join Hunger Protest

Makurdi, Benue State – Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has urged the people of Benue State to refrain from participating in the planned nationwide hunger protest advocated by some Nigerians.

Speaking in Makurdi, where he distributed fertilizers and irrigation machines, Prof. Utsev emphasized the federal government’s commitment to ensuring bumper harvests and year-round agriculture in Benue. He assured that President Bola Tinubu is aware of the country’s challenges and is actively working to address them to restore Nigeria to greatness.

“The fertiliser and irrigation machines, given free of charge, are meant to make agriculture attractive and encourage more youths and women to venture into farming to sustain themselves,” Prof. Utsev stated.

Highlighting the federal government’s ongoing interventions, Prof. Utsev explained that efforts are being made to improve farming activities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He noted that with the declaration of a state of emergency on food security, federal, state, and local governments are working diligently to ensure every Nigerian has food.

The minister announced the construction of dams and water schemes nationwide, including in Benue, to support irrigated agriculture and provide clean and safe water, especially to rural communities.

He informed the people of Benue about several reforms introduced by President Tinubu’s administration, such as the Student Loans program, the Mass Urban Housing Scheme, and ongoing road construction projects to facilitate the transportation of farm produce to markets.

Additionally, Prof. Utsev mentioned that construction work on the River Katsina-Ala at Buruku crossing has commenced, and the Federal Executive Council has approved the construction of the Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina-Ala Road. He assured that efforts are being made to tackle insecurity in Benue and other parts of the country.

Prof. Utsev appealed to the people of Benue to recognize and appreciate the substantial support and attention the state has received under President Tinubu’s administration, including the appointment of many Benue indigenes to key federal positions.

Terseer Ugbor, the House of Representatives member representing Kwande Ushongo Federal Constituency, also spoke at the event. He affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to collaborating with President Tinubu’s administration to deliver the dividends of democracy. Ugbor highlighted the recent passage of a new national minimum wage and the Student Loan scheme, which has already enrolled thousands of Nigerian students, as examples of this collaboration.

The minister’s appeal comes at a critical time as the nation faces economic challenges, aiming to foster unity and focus on government-led solutions rather than protests.

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