Former commissioner wants investments in agro-allied industries to boost economy

MAKURDI – The former commissioner for Environment in Benue, Dr Eugene Aliegba, said for meaningful economic growth to be achieved, the state should invest in agro-allied industries.

Aliegba said this on Saturday in Makurdi, at a news conference to announce his disengagement from the services of Benue State to pursue his governorship ambition in 2015.

He said investments into the sector would create job opportunities and reduce crimes in the state.

Aliegba said if given the opportunity to serve the state at higher level, he would encourage foreign investments into agriculture especially in the fields of processing.

He also said efforts would be made to provide micro loans to entrepreneurs to boost small scale industries.

Aliegba, an associate Professor of Political Science, said he had acquired enough experience both as an academician and as a politician to proffer solutions to issues confronting the state.

He criticised the persistent attacks on farmers by herdsmen and said those attacking Tiv farmers were not Fulani herdsmen but mercenaries whose mission was beyond grazing.

“These attacks are from mercenaries whose main aim is beyond grazing; right now we do not know why they are invading our lands.”

He, however, appealed to farmers and local communities not to take the laws into their hands by counter attacks which could lead to total breakdown of law and order.

Aliegba advised them to report strange movements of people and cattle in their communities to the law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.

The former commissioner said the state had constructed enough drains to tackle the problems of over flowing of the River Benue and warned residents to desist from building on waterways.(NAN)