By Lubem Gena
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has donated four (4) speed boats and eight (8) engines to the state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to boost its operations and enhance waterway monitoring.
The presentation was made on behalf of the Governor by his Senior Special Assistant on Government House Maintenance, Mr. Charles Ugôh, who described the gesture as part of Governor Alia’s immediate support to the ministry in line with his administration’s commitment to strengthen the marine sector.
According to Mr. Ugôh, the items will serve as critical working tools to enable the ministry to deliver on its mandate of ensuring safety, economic activities, and proper supervision along Benue waterways.
In his words, “the boats are to add value to the activities of the ministry as well as help in monitoring activities in the Benue waterways.”
The equipment, which included 4 modern speed boats and 8 engines, was officially received by the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Denis Ter Iyaghigba, on behalf of the ministry.
Responding, Hon. Iyaghigba expressed deep appreciation to Governor Alia for what he described as a timely intervention and a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to developing the state’s marine and blue economy sector. He pledged that the ministry will put the assets to judicious use, ensuring they are deployed for both security and economic purposes.
“This donation is a clear indication that the Governor is also forward-looking in providing the necessary tools for performance. We will use these great assets (boats) and engines effectively to support monitoring, security, and economic activities across the Benue waterways,” the Commissioner said.
Our correspondent gathered that following the presentation, Hon. Iyaghigba immediately engineered plans to put the boats and engines into operation. Sources within the ministry disclosed that arrangements are underway to deploy the assets in riverine areas where their impact will be most felt.
Industry players believe that with these assets, the ministry will be better positioned to coordinate water transport, check illegal activities, and boost economic opportunities along the River Benue corridor.
View pictures during the event below:
