…Pledges support for sector growth
By Lubem Gena, Makurdi
There was great excitement on Tuesday as the Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, received members of the Benue State House of Assembly Committee on Marine and Blue Economy during a maiden courtesy and familiarisation visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi.
The ministry, which was created in June 2025 by the Executive Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is one of the new strategic initiatives aimed at diversifying the state’s economy, creating jobs, and harnessing Benue’s vast inland water resources for sustainable development.
Leading the delegation, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Shimawua Emmanuel, said the visit was to strengthen collaboration between the legislature and the newly established ministry.
He emphasized that the House was committed to providing the necessary legislative backing to enable the ministry achieve its mandate.
Other members of the delegation included Hon. Samuel Agada (Vice Chairman), Hon. Manger Manger, Hon. Blessed Onah, as well as Mr. David Ochapa, Secretary, and Mr. Vihishima Tersoo, Assistant Secretary.
In his remarks, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba commended the lawmakers for their visit, describing it as a clear demonstration of their commitment to the success of the Marine and Blue Economy sector in the state.
He assured them of the ministry’s readiness to operate transparently and in close collaboration with the Assembly Committee.
“We are determined to ensure that this ministry becomes a model of accountability and productivity. The support of the House Committee will be crucial in turning our blue economy vision into tangible results,” the Commissioner stated.
Responding, Hon. Emmanuel pledged that the committee would continue to engage constructively with the ministry, particularly in areas of policy development, budgetary oversight, and community participation.
The meeting also featured discussions on key areas such as riverine transport, aquaculture development, environmental protection, and youth empowerment through blue economy initiatives.
The visit ended with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to work together towards unlocking the vast marine and blue economy potentials of Benue State.
