The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed his commitment to agricultural transformation through the launch of the Green Palm Revolution, a bold initiative designed to make oil palm cultivation a cornerstone of Benue’s economic development. As part of this vision, the Governor has set a clear and ambitious target to plant at least one million oil palm trees across the state every year.
This move builds on the foundation laid in the previous year, during which the government distributed 2,000 oil palm seedlings to each of the 23 Local Government Areas in the state. That effort was intended to introduce communities to the economic and environmental value of oil palm and to stimulate local participation in agro-based wealth creation. Now, with the full launch of the Green Palm Revolution, the Governor is scaling up the initiative from a modest beginning to a comprehensive, statewide strategy.
Governor Alia has directed that oil palm be planted in every ward in the state. He is encouraging all his appointees, elected officials, and stakeholders to guide and support their respective wards to fully embrace oil palm cultivation. The Governor’s goal is not only to plant trees, but to cultivate a culture of sustainability and economic self-reliance among the people of Benue State.
In alignment with this vision, the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Investment has taken the lead by initiating the planting of 1,000 oil palm trees in each of the 13 council wards of his home local government, Buruku. This amounts to 13,000 oil palm trees being planted under his supervision, serving as a practical demonstration of how government officials are expected to lead the charge in their respective communities.
While last year’s efforts laid the groundwork, the current push under Governor Alia’s leadership is focused on mass participation, community ownership, and sustainable impact. The planting of one million oil palm trees each year is not only a developmental target but also a strategic shift toward positioning Benue as a key player in Nigeria’s oil palm economy.
Governor Alia’s message is clear—every ward, every household, and every leader must take part in this agricultural revolution. By working together and staying committed to this vision, Benue State can look forward to a future of increased productivity, economic opportunity, and environmental renewal.
