In a bid to tackle the perennial flooding and check erosion in Benue State, the Federal Government on Thursday commissioned the Idye flood control dyke project at Nyiman Markurdi, the state’s capital.
Benue State has endured continuous flooding virtually every year, leaving damages to homes, farmlands, and properties with economic consequences in its wake.
The issue was addressed by the Federal Government through the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).
During the performance of the ceremony, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Geroge Akume who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, explained that it was part of the Federal Government’s effort that flooding and promotion of environmental conservation in Benue and other parts of Nigeria be addressed.
The aforementioned responsibility of the Federal Government was carried out through N-HYPPADEC on several flood control projects commissioned in Markurdi, Benue State, and Koton Karfe in Kogi State.
Akume said that the project was a shining example of what the government at all levels, agencies, private sector, and local communities can achieve when they come together with a shared purpose.
He also expressed hope that the project would not only protect the environment and infrastructure but safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals who called the areas home.
Senator Akume acknowledged the Benue State Government and its people for their support and successful execution of the project. He also called on the host communities to remain resilient and effective for future challenges to be tackled.
He appealed that the people of Benue state should remain committed in prayers and supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies and programs for more benefits to be derived.
The Governor of Benue State Father Hyacinth Alia who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Odeh, said the project was a beacon of hope and not just a necessity.
He thanked the Federal Government for its support and the steps taken for the flooding in Benue and other parts of the country to be addressed.
Goodwill was received from the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC and immediate past Chairman Of the Commission, Barr Terfa Ityav while the event was attended by Ochi’doma Agabaidu HRM John Elaigwu Odogbo and a representative of Tor Tiv.
Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was earlier received at the Agan toll gate by Benue State government delegation led by Secretary to the State Government Prof Joseph Alkali, Managing Director Benue River Basin Development Authority Egnr Mohammed Adra and drove to Benue State Government House Markurdi where he was received by the Deputy Governor Barr Sam Odeh before he proceeded to the venue of the event.
