Journalists get improved tenera oil palm seedlings from Alia as he pledges support for NUJ
2 min read
By David Adanu
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has presented improved Tenera oil palm seedlings to journalists in the state under the Benue Alia Palm Project.
A statement issued by Kehe Hon, Information Officer, quoted the Governor as describing the initiative as a sustainable economic intervention that will create jobs, boost industrial growth, and strengthen household incomes.
The event took place during the Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, held at the NUJ House, Makurdi, the State capital.
Governor Alia, while speaking at the event, reiterated his administration’s commitment to laying solid foundations for Benue’s development through infrastructural renewal, access to clean water, improved electricity, modernized schools, and stronger health facilities. He emphasized that sustainable growth requires long-term investment in agriculture.
According to him, “These seedlings are not just gifts. They are the foundation of an economy that will feed industries, create jobs for our youth, and generate wealth for our families. Every palm tree planted today is a seed of prosperity for tomorrow.”
The Governor announced several interventions for the NUJ, which included the settlement of the Union’s outstanding ₦12 million dues to its national body, renovation of the NUJ House in Makurdi, with provision of a utility bus to ease the union’s mobility challenges, and also the consideration of weigh-in allowances for journalists in government-owned media organizations.
He further urged journalists to uphold truth and objectivity in their reportage, stressing that while constructive criticism is welcome, it should always point to solutions.
Governor Alia concluded by reaffirming his administration’s vision of transforming Benue from the “food basket of the nation” into the “industrial basket of Nigeria,” assuring that his government remains open to partnership with the media in shaping the state’s success story.
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, expressed gratitude to the Governor for empowering journalists with palm seedlings, describing the initiative as a bold step in wealth creation, food security, and agricultural diversification.
Ugber also applauded the administration’s infrastructural renewal, digital governance reforms, and efforts to restore security and dignity to displaced persons.
He, however, appealed for further support in renovating the NUJ House, provision of official vehicles, and approval of weigh-in allowances.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Agweye Agbenu, lauded the project as a sustainable path to economic independence, noting that the planned planting of six million hybrid palm trees will, in the near future, position Benue as a leading hub for palm oil production.
“This project has the potential to reduce dependence on federal allocations and lift thousands out of poverty. In years to come, other states will come to Benue to learn from this model,” Agbenu stated.
