In compliance with the directive of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Benue State Urban Development Board has commenced the removal of unauthorized billboards and signages in Makurdi metropolis.

The exercise, led by the General Manager of the Board, Town Planner Ternongo Elias Mede, follows the state government's urban renewal drive aimed at sanitizing the capital city and creating an aesthetically pleasing environment for residents.

According to the Board, the operation is to enforce compliance after owners of billboards and signages were earlier directed to make appropriate payments and obtain approvals before installation.

In the course of the operation, the enforcement team also cautioned traders displaying their wares on pedestrian walkways to vacate immediately. The Board noted that walkways are exclusively for pedestrian movement and that trading on them poses safety risks and obstructs free movement.

Areas covered during the exercise include Gboko Road, George Akume Way, Ankpa Quarters Road, the Federal Medical Centre axis, and Naka Road.

Speaking on the development, Mede appealed to residents to support the administration's vision of building a Benue State that can compete favourably with other states in terms of global standards and urban aesthetics.

He stated that the exercise, which commenced this week, will be continuous and is geared towards restoring order, civility, and beauty to the state capital.

The Board further warned defaulters to desist from flouting the law and to comply fully with government regulations on signage and outdoor advertisement

Teresa Aladi Akelikwunu

Information Officer

Benue State Urban Development Board