By Brenda Agba
The Benue State Government has declared a state of emergency on infrastructure in the state.
This was part of resolutions reached at the end of the State Executive Council (Exco) Meeting held Wednesday at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi and presided over by the State Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode.
Benue State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Hon. Tiza Imojime, made this known Thursday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of deliberations held during the meeting.
According to the commissioner,council also expressed regret over the recent church building collapse at the North Bank area of Makurdi town, which claimed the life of a pastor, leaving other church members with injuries.
He disclosed that Exco also directed some relevant ministries including Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals; Works and Housing as well as Water Resources and Environment to carry out an integrity test on the collapsed church building with the aim of ascertaining the cause of the incident to enable government make an informed decision.
“The Benue State Government is set to pull down all illegal structures as well as those that do not meet the required standard including the ones erected on water ways”, Tiza explained.
Speaking further, the commissioner said the state government, has through the State Ministry of Youths, Sports and Creativity, also created an online link to collect data of every Benue youth which will aid proper planning as well as address their issues and immediate concerns.
“Apart from the online link, forms have also been made available for people who may not have access to the internet.
“I urge all Benue youths to take advantage of this exercise as it is geared towards fashioning out ways to tackle unemployment.
“Council also called on Benue people to embrace agriculture as the Alia led administration is already taking steps to create an enabling environment that will make agricultural activities easier,” Tiza stated.
“Apart from the ongoing construction of 16 number roads within Makurdi metropolis, the state government is poised to rehabilitate some of the already existing roads that have outlived their life span,” the commissioner assured.
