The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the desilting of the River Benue to enhance agricultural productivity and commercial activities.
Prof. Farauta made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, to her office in Yola. The minister and his delegation were in the state for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program.
She emphasized the economic and agricultural significance of the river, noting that its restoration would improve revenue generation and support local and international trade.
“Both federal and state teams will agree that the Benue River has historically been a major source of sustenance for our people. We hope to restore the river’s past glory to benefit our communities once again,” she said.
The deputy governor commended the ACReSAL initiative for its alignment with Adamawa’s development goals. She acknowledged the challenges of environmental degradation and vandalism that have hindered progress but expressed optimism about the program’s impact.
“Our people have worked tirelessly to rebuild their livelihoods. We are grateful for this program, which supports our commitment to improving livelihoods and ensuring sustainable development,” she added.
She reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration to infrastructure development, education, health, and skill enhancement to equip Adamawa residents for future challenges.
Earlier, Dr. Abdullahi outlined the objectives of the ACReSAL program, stressing its role in addressing environmental degradation and improving livelihoods.
“Adamawa is rich in resources but has suffered environmental degradation. Through ACReSAL, we aim to restore degraded lands and introduce measures to improve livelihoods,” he stated.
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to good governance and improving citizens’ welfare, emphasizing the link between enhanced livelihoods and national peace and security.
