Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to upgrade the Agricultural Training Centre in Mbatie, Buruku Local Government Area, into a higher institution of learning for the training of agricultural extension workers.
Governor Alia, who announced this on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, while addressing traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders in Buruku during the ongoing Town Hall and statewide thank-you tour of the 11 federal constituencies in Benue State, said the proposed institution would strengthen agricultural extension services by producing skilled personnel capable of embracing modern farming knowledge, government policies and agricultural innovations to farmers, particularly those in rural communities.
He said that competent extension workers were critical to improving farm productivity, as they would help farmers adopt better production methods, make effective use of agricultural inputs and gain access to relevant technical knowledge.
As a means of fast tracking the initiative, Governor Alia directed the Commissioner for Works, Mr Kuma Aii Iyenge, and that of Education, Dr. Margaret Ijaguwa Adamu, to commence the necessary processes for the upgrade and ensure that the project is completed within the shortest possible time.
Governor Alia urged Benue residents, particularly those in Buruku, to expand their participation in agriculture, stressing that the sector has the potential to create jobs, increase household incomes and strengthen the state’s economy.
Earlier is his welcome address, the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Council, Hon. Raymond Zege Aondoakura, commended Governor Alia’s interventions in the area and appealed to the state government to establish a science secondary school in the local government.
Also in their separate remarks, the Ter Buruku, His Royal Highness Moses Hanior, the Mue Ter Mbanyam, Tivfa Addingi, and District Head of Mbakyongu, Chief Nikwagh Toryough, acknowledged Governor Alia’s achievements in the area, with a call for stronger cooperation between the Jechira and Jemgbagh blocs for unity and development.
