By Lubem Gena, Makurdi
The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, undertook a crucial on-the-spot assessment of the River Benue yesterday, signaling his ministry’s commitment to harnessing the state’s vast aquatic resources and improving the lives of riverine communities.
The assessment, facilitated by the Nigerian Navy, Benue state command, aimed to gather first-hand information on community activities and identify strategic locations for future development projects.
The Commissioner commenced his tour at the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) jetty, where he boarded a vessel to navigate a significant stretch of the river. The journey culminated at the riverine village of Gidan Pepa, a community in the zone C geo-political zone of Benue state whose livelihoods are intrinsically tied to the River Benue.
Upon arrival, Hon. Iyaghigba engaged in detailed interactions with various segments of the community, including community leaders, youth and women groups.
The Commissioner listened attentively to their concerns, challenges, and aspirations as laid out to him by the community gatekeeper, Comrade Ijowu Mark recognizing the vital role these groups play in the sustainable development of the river ecosystem.
He said in line with the framework of His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia administration, the community will surely be integrated into the scheme of affairs in order to lift them out of poverty by creating sustainable jobs for the teeming population.
In his address to the appreciative crowd, Hon. Iyaghigba commended the community members for their resilience despite the prevailing challenges often associated with riverine living, such as annual flooding and limited infrastructure.
“Your resilience is commendable, and I want to assure you that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under my leadership, is committed to translating the potential of this great river into tangible benefits for you. I assure you that I will brief our people’s Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia of all what I have seen and heard here and I want to assure you that he will bring succour to this community,” he stated.
He further assured the Gidan Pepa residents that the ministry will meticulously tailor programmes, projects, and actions to ensure they are impactful and address the specific needs of the riverine population.
The Commissioner stressed that the ministry’s initiatives would focus on sustainable practices that promote economic growth while safeguarding the environment.
The Commissioner emphasized that the field visit was a critical step in the ministry’s planning process.
“We cannot sit in the office and plan for people we haven’t seen or problems we haven’t witnessed. Getting this first-hand information is key to citing projects in areas where they will have the maximum positive impact,” Hon. Iyaghigba noted.
He said the ministry is interested in collaborating with other government agencies such as Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other stakeholders.
The presence and support of the Nigerian Navy who provided a manned gunboat for the trip during the assessment is a collaborative approach being adopted by the Benue State government in securing its waterways and implementing its blue economy agenda.
The assessment sets a positive tone for the new ministry, suggesting a proactive and community-focused approach to developing Benue’s marine resources for economic prosperity.
From Gidan Pepa, the team travelled to the naval jetty at Ethanol plant on Gboko road before landing at the old John Holt platform in Wadata. The trip lasted for over 2 -hours.
Below are some images during the trip.
