By Sunday Iduh
The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has directed the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Bernard Unenge to allocate land to the Nigerian Navy to enable them establish a Naval Base in the state. He urged him to immediately process and allocate the land.
Governor Ortom gave the directive during an emergency State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held at the new Banquet Hall, Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
The emergency meeting was called to consider the 2023 budget estimates which was later approved, following its consideration by the EXCO.
He stated that his administration will continue to partner all Federal Government agencies in the state for the development of the state and assured the Nigerian Navy of support at all times. “The Benue State government will always give you the needed support to succeed,” he said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Unenge presented an award from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo to Governor Ortom as the “Friend of the Navy.”
Unenge had received the award on behalf of the Governor from the Chief of Naval Staff in appreciation of the governor’s support to the Nigerian Navy in the state.
The commissioner, who the Chief of Naval Staff was appreciative of for the previous allocation of land and presentation of title documents to them, however, conveyed the request for a piece of land to enable the Nigerian Navy establish a full Naval Base in the state since its land in Agasha, Guma Local Government Area has been converted into a shooting range by a sister security agency.