The Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party in Benue, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan, has promised to transform the state in four years, if elected into office in 2019.
Ikyaan stated this on Wednesday in Makurdi during his public declaration.
He said: “A single tenure of four years is sufficient to propel Benue to an enviable height. After all, the first civilian governor of the state, late Aper Aku did four years and left indelible marks on the state.
“Also, the second civilian governor of the state, late Moses Adasu did less than four years. His influence was undeniable.
“I invite you to join hands with us in restoring the dignity, sense of purpose and significance as the state that holds a central position in the affairs of our country.
“Together, we hope to make the assets that will be entrusted to us more valuable by deploying our cultural leadership values of hard work, beneficence, justice truthfulness and harm avoidance to give our people and nation a sense of hope.”
He stated that if elected, his administration would partner with tertiary institutions in the state especially the University of Agriculture, Makurdi for the purpose of sponsoring researches that would be related to the state’s needs.
Ikyaan said: “We will also develop preservatives to cater for the excess harvest of crops as a result of bumper harvests.
“Based on the Federal Government’s stand on diversifying the economy given the fallen price of oil and the fact that Benue is regarded as the food basket of the nation.
“If given the mandate we will consolidate and compliment the efforts of the federal government by reintroducing and making functional extension workers in the state.
“They will be saddled with the responsibility of training farmers on new methods of farming and the best practices.
“Mechanised and hand held farm implements will be supplied to farmers to enhance their farming activities.”