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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, has empowered youths, women and the vulnerable populations across Benue state.
The items of empowerment include five cars, 120 motorcycles, 120 sewing machines, 120 grinding machines, 150 irrigation pumps, and communication gadgets among others.
At the event which was held at the Makurdi residence of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, the Minister, said: “Today we are here, to empower our youths, women and vulnerable groups. The President has asked me to thank you for voting him in 2023, and the youths especially for absenting yourselves from the planned protests in the country.
Utsev said the empowerment is aimed to encourage youths and women to engage in commercial agriculture to boost irrigation farming in Benue so as to achieve food security in line with the renewed hope agenda.
The Minister noted that the items would boost transport business among youths, ensure that Benue youths and women are gainfully employed as well as reduce youth restiveness.
The Minister said: “We are constructing dams to boost irrigation farming and check River flooding at the banks of River Katsina Ala and the banks of River Benue.”
He also named the ongoing construction of water schemes across the country and in all the 23 local government areas in Benue State in order to end water scarcity in rural communities.
Utsev, who was the pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Wanune, said under the Department of Dam and Reservoir, the ministry has constructed several dams in the country to improve agriculture, provide water and boost hydropower.
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He said: “In Benue, we have constructed a dam in Otukpo, we are carrying out study and redesigning of Dura dam in Buruku LG, Ater dam in Tarka LG, Angbo dam and Lessel Dam in Ushongo, Amile Dam in Kwande and one in Naka for proper reconstruction.”
He also stated that the Federal Government would construct a major dam in Katsina Ala LGA for irrigation, water supply and hydropower generation.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the items for what they are meant for and continue to pray and support President Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the government of the Federation, Sen George Akume and himself to enable them make Nigeria great.
Utsev appreciated the President for his appointment and the SGF, Senator George Akume for his leadership of the APC in Benue and for facilitating what he is today.
He also advised eligible voters in Benue who do not have a voters card to take advantage of the ongoing voters registration to equip themselves not only to replicate but double what they did for the APC come 2027.
The Chairman of APC in Kwande Local Government, Hon. Tersoo Kenti, on behalf of LG party Chairmen, appreciated the leader of the party in Benue and North Central and SGF, Sen George Akume for his leadership and the Minister for organizing the empowerment of Benue people.
Kenti said: “This is to show that our party is on the ground in Benue. We appreciate the President for empowering the Minister to do this and we are assuring that come 2027, he will get the highest votes in Benue state.”
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, the State Chairman of Jamatu Nasir Islam, (JNI), Ahmed Baba, acknowledged what the present government is doing saying, “Nigeria is coming back to its glory, we are seeing transformation in the economic fortunes of the country and we call on the Benue people and Nigerians at large to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to do more for the country.”
The APC woman leader, Princess Nancy Tyorhee, appreciated the President and Minister for recognizing women and putting smiles on their faces through the empowerment. She stated that by 2027, Benue women would deliver President Tinubu 100 percent.
On his part, the Rector Federal Polytechnic, Wanune, Tyover Ashinya, acknowledged the gesture of the Minister describing it as noble and pledged to support him to do twice what he has done today.
Some of the beneficiaries, Mrs Rebecca Washima, Me Mkar Pepe, and Washima Zenda, all appreciated the minister for empowering them and pledged to use the materials for the purposes they were given.
