The Benue State Government has invested more over N93 billion in bonds to digitize the state’s economy.
Over the next ten years, the investment is anticipated to generate a projected revenue inflow of around N198 billion.
The investment, according to Governor Hyacinth Alia, will revolutionize the Benue economy. He made this announcement at the First Benue State Digital Security TownHall Meeting on Tuesday in Makurdi, which was hosted by the Ministry of Information and the office of his Special Advisers on Security.
The governor stated, “The state government has deployed about N93 billion in bonds to digitalize infrastructure in the state through the Benue Ditigal Infrastructure Company,” through the deputy, Dr. Sam Ode. The good news is that over the next ten years, we expect to bring in N198 billion in income annually.
“With this, the government won’t lose any revenue at all because all of the leaks where dishonest people tamper with revenue will be stopped. Security measures in hospitals are all becoming more digital.
“We are altering the State’s security architecture. We are trying to address the emergency of insecurity. The government takes the protection of people and property very seriously.
Records have already shown that the state’s security condition has improved. Governments are in communication with the people everywhere. The government also thinks that non-kinetic approaches should be used, unless absolutely essential. The platform for this TownHall gathering is this.
In order to combat insecurity, government must enlist the help of its constituents and provide information to security services.
“We should hold this town hall meeting on a quarterly basis to maintain ongoing engagement with those who are tasked with overseeing our security. Information management skills must be taught to keke riders, okada riders, and scrap managers—also referred to as Iron Condemn.
Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, stated that the purpose of the Town Hall gathering was to improve collaboration between the civilian population and conventional and nonconventional security organizations.
“We decided to convoke this Town Hall so that security agencies and civilians can be on the same page,” he stated. Security agencies and those who should be united in their fight against insecurity should work together in harmony.
Lt. Col. Alex Igbaya (retd.), Special Advisor for External Security and Liaison, attributed the state’s high crime rate to drug use, especially in areas where bandits had been wreaking havoc.
He remarked, “We should not be forced to protest because the governor is working hard to make life conducive for the people.” Those who are urging you to participate in the protest ought to invite their kids along. Children should be taught by their parents not to take part in the planned protest.
A number of organizations, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), warned the state’s youths to uphold their sense of honor and dignity and refrain from drug and cyber abuse.
Commercial motorbike riders, bus drivers, tricycle riders, scrap metal buyers and dealers, and youth organizations were among the attendees at the gathering.