Benue State is set to benefit from the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria, SPIN, being implemented by the federal government.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, during a reception in his honour at Utse Akaa community in Buruku LGA of Benue State.
He said SPIN is a Federal Government and World Bank-sponsored project, supported by a loan facility of 500 million US dollars from the World Bank.
Prof Utsev explained that the project is aimed at rehabilitating and upgrading existing dams across the country to boost the nation’s hydropower, scale up irrigation farming, and improve water resources management systems.
He noted that the benefits of the project to Benue State, particularly the host community of Mbagen, include enhanced hydropower capacity, job creation, and other developmental advantages.
Prof Utsev added that a site along the banks of the River Katsina-Ala has already been selected, with work expected to commence soon.
He also announced that construction of the Dura Multipurpose Dam is set to begin shortly, highlighting that the dam is designed to control perennial flooding around Ugbema–Gboko Road and generate additional hydropower for the national grid.
Prof Utsev further stated that the reconstruction of the Ugbema–Ameladu–Gboko Water Project is progressing steadily, noting that the major water scheme is intended to supply safe and sustainable water to Gboko, Buruku, Tarka, Ushongo, and parts of Katsina-Ala local government areas.
He affirmed that he would utilise his political positions judiciously to attract numerous people-oriented projects to Mbagen, Buruku, and Benue State at large, including the provision of infrastructure.
Prof Utsev expressed appreciation to Sen. George Akume and urged the people to remain supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a remark, the member representing Buruku Federal Constituency of Benue State, Hon. Sekav Iortyom, attested that the minister has never disappointed his constituents in any of the political positions he has held.
The Ter Buruku, HRH Chief Moses Hanior, who also spoke at the occasion, expressed appreciation to Prof. Utsev for making Mbagen and Buruku proud through the people-oriented projects he has executed, urging his subjects to remain united to achieve further development.
On his part, the President-General of the Mbagen Development Association, Mr Solomon Shimsenge, appealed to Prof. Utsev to facilitate the establishment of a Technical College in Mbagen, where youths could acquire skills to benefit themselves and society.
