COVID-19: Gov. Ortom extends measures by two weeks

Benue State Government is calling on the people of the state to tolerate the measures in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus pandemic in the state, even as it has announced a further extension of the partial lockdown by another two weeks.

Governor Samuel Ortom announced, after a meeting of the State Executive Council and the State COVID-19 Committee, that the measures were in the best interest of the populace.

He said it was apparent that economic recession was imminent, and advised the people to prepare for massive farming by utilizing every available space within their surrounding area.

The Governor announced the setting up of a strategic committee, headed by himself, to be chaired by deputy governor, and including exco members, to look at the entire agricultural value chain for maximum results. The committee will also include some technical experts.

Ortom also announced that the state’s 2020 budget has been reduced to N119 billion to reflect the current realities, and this would be communicated to the state assembly for necessary action. The government budgeted N195 billion for this fiscal year.