The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Benue State Chapter and Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Justine Shaku, has restated his commitment to fighting insecurity and rebuilding the broken economy of the area.
He said this remains the central focus of his administration’s agenda and must be pursued without reservation.
Hon. Shaku made this known on Thursday at the Chairman’s residence in Katsina-Ala while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, who were on a tour of local government areas in the state.
“We shall fight insecurity and rebuild the broken economy. This is our cardinal administrative agenda,” he said.
The Chairman explained that, in pursuit of the agenda, his administration has made impact in key areas including security, education, health, and youth and women empowerment.
According to him, his administration has established three science and technical schools, one each in Tor-Donga, Township, and Gbor, aimed at equipping the younger generation to tackle unemployment and achieve self-reliance.
He noted that the schools, the first of their kind to be established by a local government in the state, have created employment for over 100 youths in the area.
Shaku further highlighted other achievements to include: the remodeling of the Chairman’s Residence, the Chairman’s Office, and the Legislative Council Chambers; the opening of a 20-kilometre road in Yooyo; the granting of tax holidays for farmers and traders; the declaration of free delivery services for pregnant women in all local government health facilities; the surgical operation of over 100 hernia patients; and free treatment for victims of accidents and bandit attacks.
Other areas, he said, include the remodeling of the Civil Defence, DSS, and Police Division offices, among others.
He added: “Food insecurity was another area that was devastating, so we initiated a programme tagged ‘Eat What You Produce and Produce What You Eat.’
“We refurbished four tractors, including one donated by the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese. We tilled the lands and donated them to farmers with farm inputs, and it boosted harvest in the area. This helped push down food prices.”
“Nine council wards out of 12 were under siege and the headquarters was severely attacked, but with the help of the Governor and security agents, we have been able to curb that. Only one council ward is still under siege now.”
“We have made significant impact, but we are not yet where we intend to be,” the Chairman stated.
He acknowledged the invaluable role journalists play in advancing democratic governance and promised to maintain partnership with them for the overall benefit of the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ, Benue State Chapter, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, said in an address that the visit was designed to interact, partner, and obtain firsthand information on the strides recorded by the Chairman in advancing democratic ideals, to enable accurate dissemination of information to the public.
The NUJ Chairman expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bonds for a stronger, enduring, and mutually beneficial partnership between the NUJ and Katsina-Ala Local Government in the collective interest of the state.
Comrade Ugber appealed for the ALGON Chairman’s support in reviving and facilitating the Local Government Accountability Press Briefing at the NUJ House, Makurdi, saying, “An informed public is a stronger public, while accountable leadership is strengthened by a credible and responsible media.”
He also requested an official vehicle for the office of the Chairman of the Council to enhance mobility and operational capacity.
Ugber expressed confidence that Hon. Shaku’s leadership would bring renewed unity, purposeful coordination, and stronger advocacy to the local government system in Benue State, and congratulated him on his election as ALGON Chairman, Benue State.
Members of the NUJ were later conducted round some of the completed and ongoing projects executed under Hon. Shaku before returning to Makurdi.
