Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has pledged to renovate the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Makurdi, settle the union’s ₦12 million accumulated dues to its national body, and donated a utility bus to ease the union’s operations.
The Governor made the commitments during the NUJ Benue State Council Congress held at the NUJ Secretariat, where he also flagged off the distribution of improved Tenera oil palm seedlings to journalists under the Benue Alia Palm Project.
Alia described the palm seedlings as “not ordinary gifts” but the foundation of a sustainable economy that would 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 further assured that the long-standing demand for weigh-in allowances would receive urgent attention once the new Commissioner for Information assumes office.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in road construction, water supply, electricity, schools, and healthcare, Alia stressed that true development must be sustainable and inclusive.
Welcoming the Governor, NUJ Benue State Council Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, commended the administration’s strides in infrastructure, security, and digital governance, describing the palm project as a “wealth-planting initiative” that empowers journalists while demonstrating the government’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,” Ugber stated.
He, however, appealed for more government support, including the renovation of the union’s dilapidated secretariat, provision of official vehicles, and approval of weigh-in allowances for journalists in government-owned establishments.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Agweye Agbenu, praised the initiative, noting that the planned six million hybrid palm trees would, in a few years, position Benue as a model for agricultural transformation.
“If fully harnessed, this project can reduce dependence on federal allocations and make agriculture a genuine pathway out of poverty. Other states will soon come to learn from Benue’s example,” Agbenu said.
