The Benue State Government is set to resuscitate Ber Agbum Farm in Mbaivende, Ushongo Local Government Area, as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity, attract investment and create employment opportunities.

Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia disclosed this on Sunday 25th October 2026, during a thanksgiving Mass at St. Agatha’s Parish, Wajir, Lobi-Kartyo, Ushongo LGA, held in honour of Reverend Father Gabriel Ngbea following his appointment to the Federal Character Commission in Abuja, with responsibility covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States. The occasion also featured a fundraising appeal for a church building project.

The Governor revealed that foreign investors had already expressed interest in the proposed revival of the farm, expressing optimism that the process would be concluded soon.

Governor Alia noted that his administration had, within three and a half years, revived or established seven factories with direct economic benefits to the people, reaffirming his commitment to restoring Benue’s productive capacity and expanding opportunities for residents.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Alia urged political actors to avoid bitterness and divisive tendencies, advocating issue-based campaigns focused on policies and programmes capable of returning the state to its former glory.

He also highlighted the representation of Ushongo LGA in his administration, noting that several indigenes had been appointed to key positions, including Chief Press Secretary, Personal Secretary, Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, and member of the Assembly Service Commission, among others.

The Governor urged Reverend Father Ngbea to use his new position at the federal level to facilitate employment opportunities for qualified Benue indigenes. Earlier, the Tor Kwande, Chief Ambrose Iortyer, appealed to the state government to address the deplorable condition of roads in his domain, while also calling for the revival of Ber Agbum Farm and Ikyongen Cattle Ranch.

The Tor Jechira, Chief Edward Ujege, called on the people to support Governor Alia’s administration to enable it to deliver on its development agenda.In his homily, Reverend Father Linus Hwaabo urged the congregation to embrace peace and unity, stressing that harmonious relationships among the people would attract God’s blessings.

The celebrant, Reverend Father Gabriel Ngbea, expressed gratitude to the people of Mbaivende for the honour bestowed on him and pledged to use his new position to facilitate employment opportunities for the people of the state. Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, also urged the people of Mbaivende to support Governor Alia and his administration.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ushongo Local Government Area, Timothy Adzu, pledged the people’s total support for Governor Alia in the 2027 general elections.

Kehe Hon

Information Officer

Government House Makurdi