By Our Correspondent In Makurdi
The Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Benue, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, disclosed that the state government had acquired vast land to establish import and export processing zone.
Ikyaan made the disclosure when he received Kwande Journalists Forum (KJF) in a courtesy visit on him on Thursday in Makurdi.
According to him, Gov. Hyacinth Alia, was desirous of executing projects that would add value to the economic space of the State.
"Therefore, the government has earmarked a vast portion of land along Makurdi--Gboko road for the establishment of import and export processing zone.
"The zone is to have an airport with three terminals namely cargo, domestic and international wings, where agricultural products in the state can be exported directly to international markets," Ikyaan said.
He also disclosed that there was more hope for the state civil servants as Alia had concluded plans to build 500 units of houses to address their housing needs.
He stated that already, the estate developer engaged for the service had arrived the state and significant steps were being taken towards the realization of the initiative.
He further said that the Alia administration was sincerely and genuinely committed to finding lasting solutions to issues of land and had plans to revive the Land Use Act Committee that would help in resolving land disputes.
He explained that the committee would be mandated to look at issues critically and proffer sustainable solutions that could add greater value to the state.
He said the appointment of Mr Akaha Sule, a Kwande son as his Media Aide was in line with his belief in the oneness in Christ, which both of them shared.
He appealed to journalists as watchdogs of the society to give their colleague and the entire administration of Alia the needed support to enable them succeed.
He described the visit as an invitation to collaborate, partner and team up to better the lots of the society and urged them to be free to reach him on any issue that would help advance the society.
He commended them for their willingness to partner with the ministry for the betterment of society and noted that the visit will forge greater synergy and collaboration to advance the goodness of society.
Earlier, the Chairman of the forum, Mr Henry Ibya, congratulated the Commissioner for his reappointment into the state cabinet, noting that it was in recognition of the commissioner's outstanding qualities that earned him the confidence of the governor.
Ibya said that the commissioner had demonstrated capacity and trust in his previous positions, first in the Church as a Shepherd, as Director General of Alia/Ode Campaign Organisation and Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management.
He thanked the commissioner for choosing one of their own, Sule as his media aide, which had become inevitable for them to join hands in ensuring he succeeded in his current responsibility.
He expressed confidence in the ability of Sule to do his job creditably.
