By Nicholas Dechi
Makurdi – Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, has encouraged Benue residents to embark on massive cultivation of cassava to benefit from its multipurpose usage.
Ortom said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Mr Tahav Agerzua and issued to newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi.
He gave the encouragement during a courtesy call on him by the Federation of Benue State Akpu Dealers, Transporters, Potters, Multipurpose Cooperatives Union Ltd.
The governor identified the multipurpose use of cassava for food and nonfood products, stressing that the demand for it continued to increase on a daily basis.
He charged the dealers to form viable cooperatives that could enable them access loans for the establishment of factories for the processing of cassava which he said could easily be exported.
Ortom commended the zeal and determination of the cassava dealers, stressing that his administration would give them the necessary support to achieve maximum result.
Earlier, the President of the union, Comrade Soso Ihyev, commended that state government for banning open grazing.
Ihyev said that cassava had been in short supply before the ranching law came into force.
He stated that cassava had an all year round market and could rake in huge revenue for government if given the desired attention.
The president pledged on behalf of his members to give their unalloyed and unflinching support to ensure that Ortom emerged victorious during the 2019 general elections. (NAN)