By: ARCHIBONG ESUENE
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has approved the construction of a strategic rural road alongside the establishment of a garri processing factory in Ohimini Local Government Area, in a move aimed at strengthening connectivity and expanding agro-industrial activities in the state.
The road project, which will link Ogobia, Ugbo-Oju, Onyagede and extends to the Ankpa boundary, is expected to improve access between communities and facilitate the movement of goods and services across the area.
The governor made the disclosure during a public event in Onyagede, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities through targeted infrastructure development.
According to him, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance economic opportunities at the grassroots and stimulate local productivity.
Apart from easing transportation challenges, the proposed road is projected to support commercial activities by improving market access for farmers and traders. Rural roads in agrarian communities often serve as critical links between production centres and urban markets, and their absence has historically limited the economic potential of such areas.
Complementing the road project is the planned establishment of a garri processing factory in Onyagede. The facility is expected to add value to cassava production, one of the dominant agricultural activities in the region, while also creating employment opportunities for residents.
Officials say the dual intervention, combining infrastructure with agro-processing, reflects a deliberate strategy to not only improve mobility but also deepen local value chains. By processing agricultural produce within the community, the government hopes to reduce post-harvest losses and increase income for farmers.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s wider development agenda, which has placed emphasis on rural infrastructure, agricultural transformation and small-scale industrialisation. In recent months, similar efforts have been directed at reviving local industries and promoting value-added production across the state.
Community leaders and stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting that improved road access and agro-processing facilities could significantly transform livelihoods in the area. For many people, the projects represent a long-awaited intervention capable of addressing both infrastructural deficits and limited economic opportunities.
As implementation begins, attention will likely focus on timely execution and the sustainability of the projects, key factors that will determine their long-term impact on the local economy.(NEW NIGERIAN)
