Prof. Utsev Urges Benue Residents to Stay Away from Hunger Protest

Makurdi, Benue State – Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has earnestly requested that the people of Benue State avoid participating in the upcoming nationwide hunger protest.

Speaking during a distribution event in Makurdi, where he handed out fertilizers and irrigation machines, Prof. Utsev underscored the federal government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring consistent farming throughout the year in Benue. He assured residents that President Bola Tinubu is fully aware of the nation’s difficulties and is actively working to address them to restore Nigeria to its former prominence.

“The fertilizers and irrigation machines, which are being provided free of charge, are designed to make agriculture more appealing and to encourage increased involvement from youths and women, enabling them to support themselves,” Prof. Utsev explained.

He highlighted ongoing federal initiatives aimed at boosting agriculture across Nigeria’s states and the Federal Capital Territory. Prof. Utsev noted that the state of emergency declared on food security underscores the commitment of all government levels—federal, state, and local—to ensure food accessibility for all Nigerians at no cost.

The minister also announced the construction of dams and water schemes nationwide, including in Benue, to support irrigated farming and provide clean water, particularly in rural areas. Prof. Utsev informed the public about several reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, such as the Student Loans program, a nationwide Mass Urban Housing Scheme, and the development of roads to aid farmers in transporting their produce to markets.

Work is also underway on the River Katsina-Ala crossing at Buruku, with the Federal Executive Council approving road construction projects linking Makurdi, Gboko, and Katsina-Ala. Additionally, efforts are being made to tackle insecurity in Benue and other regions.

Prof. Utsev urged the people of Benue to recognize and appreciate the significant support and attention the state has received under President Tinubu’s administration, including the appointment of Benue indigenes to key federal positions.

In support of the minister’s appeal, Terseer Ugbor, the House of Representatives member for Kwande Ushongo Federal Constituency, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s dedication to collaborating with President Tinubu’s administration to deliver democratic benefits. He cited recent achievements such as the new national minimum wage and the Student Loan scheme, which has already enrolled thousands of Nigerian students, as evidence of this commitment.

The minister’s appeal aims to encourage unity and focus on government-led solutions amid the nation’s economic challenges, rather than engaging in protests.