The head of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Joseph Kwaghgba, accompanied the state's Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, on a site visit to Akpagher village to evaluate land offered by the Mbatiav community to the state government as part of efforts to advance agricultural development.
The gifted property is earmarked for building a pair of storage warehouses enclosed by a security fence. This project, spearheaded by Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, seeks to improve the safekeeping and longevity of harvested crops.
Joining Dr. Ashaver were Engr. Nathan Dwem, who heads the ministry's engineering unit; Mr. Umela Emmanuel, director of agricultural services; and Hon. Aondo Aba Aondo, a former majority leader and twice-serving council secretary in Ukum Local Government Area.
Mbatiav Development Association President Comr. Gbakaa Joseph greeted the delegation alongside traditional leaders HRH Zaki Azenda Yaji (Tyoor Mbanku) and Ortar Zaki Simon Tyotule (representing Tyoor Mbadim). They voiced appreciation for the government's program. The Mbatiav community includes three clans: Mbadim, Mbaanku, and Mba-Avar Akaa.
Governor Alia stated that the planned warehouses would support local agribusiness through secure storage for farming supplies and post-harvest goods. He urged area farmers to organize into cooperatives to better qualify for state support programs.
The group also inspected the rundown Agro Service Center in Akpagher, located in Gboko Local Government Area. Locals noted that the facility had been disposed of under the previous administration, and the current government plans to restore and reopen it to aid regional farming progress.
Residents praised the governor's selection of Dr. Ashaver as agriculture commissioner, highlighting his proven track record and dedication. In a gesture of cooperation, Mbatiav's two traditional rulers committed to collaborating and offering more land to further the state's farm-related infrastructure goals.
