Makurdi: The fiscal reforms of President Bola Tinubu are set to secure Benue votes for him in the 2027 general election. Benue Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, announced this on Thursday, emphasizing that the reforms have bolstered revenues and accelerated transformative development across the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ode reaffirmed Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to deliver one million votes for Tinubu’s reelection in 2027. Ode shared this commitment while leading the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team on an inspection of ongoing federal and state projects in Benue. The team was led by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Ode stated that the governor’s promise of one million votes reflects the state government’s confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the positive impact of his economic reforms. He emphasized his role as deputy governor to galvanize the State Executive Council, political stakeholders, and the people of Benue to fulfill Alia’s promise.
He highlighted that Tinubu’s policies have strengthened fiscal federalism by channeling more resources to sub-national governments for infrastructure, social services, and economic development. He noted that governors who are prudent and accountable now have the opportunity to turn increased allocations into projects that directly benefit their citizens.
Ode praised Governor Alia for managing public resources with prudence, discipline, and transparency, resulting in numerous infrastructure and economic projects that are transforming communities and boosting public confidence. He argued that Benue residents could clearly see the benefits of Tinubu’s reforms through projects delivered by the Alia administration, fostering natural political support for the President.
Addressing questions about increased allocations, Ode pointed out that the benefits to states extended beyond the removal of fuel subsidies and reflected Tinubu’s broader commitment to democratic governance. He recalled Tinubu’s achievements as Governor of Lagos State, describing him as a leader driven by patriotism and the welfare of the people.
The deputy governor showcased ongoing projects, such as the dualisation from the Wurukum Overhead Bridge to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Estate, as examples of Benue’s landmark infrastructure initiatives. He explained that the dual carriageway stretches about 20 kilometers in one direction, with a bridge under construction to complete the strategic corridor connecting key parts of Makurdi.
He detailed various infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, aimed at enhancing security, agriculture, transportation, and economic productivity. He identified ongoing rural road projects like the Obagaji-Okokoro-Agagbe, Awajir (Achohor)-Oju, Zaki-Biam-Afia-Gbeji, and Igumale-Agila roads, which will improve access to farming communities and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to markets.
Ode also highlighted the revival of Food Basket Breweries Nigeria Limited, noting that the company had resumed production under Alia’s leadership after more than three decades of inactivity. The brewery now produces premium lager beer, malt beverages, and other products, creating jobs and stimulating economic activities within the state.
He pointed to the establishment of a fruit concentrate factory, which will add value to Benue’s agricultural produce and support industrialization. He disclosed ongoing extensive rural road projects aimed at easing the movement of farm produce from villages to markets, thereby boosting food production and farmers’ incomes.
During a brewery inspection, Plant Manager Mr. Adoje Emmanuel stated that the facility produces Zeva Beer, Zeva Malt, and other beverages, with plans to expand its product range to eight or nine stock-keeping units by year-end. He mentioned that the brewery sources sorghum and other raw materials from local farmers through an out-grower scheme managed by the Benue Investment and Property Company and the Ministry of Agriculture. Emmanuel added that the factory employs over 1,000 direct and indirect workers and plans to introduce additional product lines before the end of the year.