Benue govt to flag off Yelewata resettlement project January 22

The Benue State Executive Council has approved the commencement of the Yelewata community resettlement programme, with the official flag-off scheduled for Thursday, January 22.

The project forms part of the administration’s broader agenda to rebuild and stabilize communities affected by last year’s disturbances.

Briefing journalists at Government House, Makurdi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, described the first EXCO meeting of 2026 as “robust,” noting that it focused on key issues central to the welfare and development of the people.

Barr. Aber announced that the council endorsed the implementation of the Yelewata resettlement plan, funded through donations amounting to approximately ₦1.275 billion. Of this sum, ₦1 billion was donated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

She added that an oversight committee headed by her office has been constituted to ensure transparent management of the funds.

According to the SSG, the initial phase consists of 62 newly constructed two-bedroom units equipped with sanitary facilities, designed to help displaced families transition from IDP camps to safe, permanent housing.

She noted that the resettlement blueprint is modeled after a United Nations framework for rebuilding conflict-affected communities and was developed following wide consultations with stakeholders from Yelewata.

Aber also highlighted progress in the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) component, explaining that solar-powered boreholes are already providing water within the new settlement.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Peter Egbodo, speaking on security concerns, acknowledged that while the overall situation in the state has improved, the continued movement of herders into Benue poses a potential threat to the fragile peace. He urged residents and traditional rulers to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate intelligence.

On the health sector, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, addressed the ongoing industrial action by resident doctors and nurses.

Although the nationwide strike has ended, the Benue chapter remains on strike due to outstanding arrears tied to the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. He stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia has ordered immediate intervention to resolve the issue and reassured the public that the matter will soon be settled.

Also briefing the press, the Director-General of Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Jerome Andohol, said the council reviewed the amended 2026 budget, which now stands at ₦695.1 billion following revisions by the State Assembly.

He confirmed that the expenditure framework has been approved and that the government will conduct quarterly accountability sessions to monitor implementation.

Meanwhile, Hon. Egbodo revealed that Governor Alia has directed the expansion of government–media engagement, including quarterly press briefings, to promote transparency, enhance open governance, and keep citizens updated on policy execution and budget performance.