OPEN PROPOSAL TO THE BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT

Development they say is a continuous process which also means that positive change and development go hand in hand. Development of course does not exist in a vacuum, it has to be initiated and achieved, be concrete and practical.
In Benue state where the River Benue journeys through the heart of Makurdi, the state capital and where the landmark is proudly stretched out and welcoming to both indigenes and visitors alike. We can say that the river is a blessing to the Benue people. Natural landmarks exist to be utilized for development's sake and for the common good of people where they are found. When this happens, development is said to have taken place. The river Benue can be put to many uses, aside from fishing in its waters and extracting Sandy Soil for building and construction.

Note the following propositions
- Make possible for small cargo ships to come in with and for goods or other merchandise. This will be possible after dredging the river to make enough sailing room. This will allow for massive trading opportunities between Benue and neighbouring states, in addition to solving the flooding problem that is confronting the State.

- Generating electricity is another. Here however, an artificial dam will have to be dug and constructed, the installation of equipments will follow. The river will be made to constantly feed the dam in order to generate enough electricity to supply Benue and perhaps the neighbouring states for a fee. This can also break the monopoly of power generation where Benue is concerned and put power consumption directly under the control of the state. More so, the revenue generated in the process of providing the state with light will then be forwarded into the state account to ease maintenance. And as long as the power plant is in a functional mode there will always be light. Constant electricity allows industries to be at their best productive capacities, so manufacturing industries will not hesitate to set up camps in the state. The question of raw materials has never been a problem hence the availability of Mangos, Oranges, Tomatoes, Cassava, Cashew, Soya beans and others in large quantities.

- Benue has always encountered the challenge of clean water. The river Benue can be used to solve this problem when it becomes the primary source of water. Here too, a water plant will have to be constructed and equip for purifying water, and the necessary pumps and pipes laid and linked to houses within town. The provision of clean pipe borne water is essential everywhere. Because of the non-availability of clean water, people have been forced to fall back on Boreholes for those who can afford it and Water Wells for water.

- In relation to Tourism, annual water sports/tournaments can be introduced in which all others states will be invited to take part in. At the end of which prices would be awarded.

No one hates the idea of development so long as it is impact-oriented and long-lasting. So if landmarks such as the river Benue or others provide opportunities, they should be utilized. It would be a big plus for state and country. The River Benue is such a landmark with promise and yet it has been there untapped for as long as anyone cares to remember.
The bulk of these projects can be achieved if the Benue State Government partners with other heavyweight companies or corporations within and outside the state. Thus, as citizens, we expect the government to deliver on such promising projects/initiatives.

God Bless Benue State

Ortese, Terna B. 

Posted via Blogaway