By Matthew Ajai-kume
Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Benue State, for the forthcoming 2023 general election, Titus Uba has said teachers are critical stakeholders in the development of every country.
Uba, who lauded the role of teachers as selfless builders of the nation and the state in particular said teachers are critical stakeholders in development even as he assured that if elected, his administration would improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and also harness agricultural potentials to boost the state economy, to be able to sustain the regular payment of workers salaries, while providing critical infrastructure.
Uba made this known recently when he met with the state and local government leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), at his residence in Makurdi.
The PDP 2023 governorship candidate, who doubles as Speaker Benue State House of Assembly said: “As a trained engineer with vast experience in the private sector, Benue stands to benefit immensely from my stewardship, particularly in the areas of industrialization and investment.”
Uba, who underscored the importance of River Benue to the economy of the state, promised to make Benue the commercial nerve centre of the Middle Belt region by dredging the river and making it sailable, a development he said, would also curb the incessant cases of flooding in Makurdi metropolis.
He further said: “My administration would collaborate with NUT and other professionals to initiate policies and programmes to improve the standard of education in the State.”
In an address, Chairman, NUT, Benue State, Comrade Levi Akuma applauded Uba for interacting with them and pledged to work for his victory.
Comr. Akuma, who described Uba as a humane personality and the first 2023 gubernatorial candidate to recognize the union also commended Governor Samuel Ortom for promotion of teachers and minimum wage implementation.
Other speakers, including Sunday Ajeh, who spoke for NUT-Zone C caucus, Ukuma Daniel for G-14 and Patricia Gbuugar, who spoke on behalf of women, all commended Uba for identifying with the union and urged him to address their challenges, if given the mandate to govern the state.
In his vote of thanks, a PDP stakeholder in the state, Dr Cletus Tyokyaa appreciated the union for honouring the invitation of the speaker and promised to help convey their challenges to appropriate authorities for consideration, just as he solicited their support for Uba’s gubernatorial project.