The Executive Council of Benue State has approved the complete resettlement of the Yelewata community, with an official groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Thursday, January 22.
This initiative is part of the state government’s larger efforts to restore peace and stability following last year’s unrest in the area.
During a media briefing at Government House in Makurdi, Barr. Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), described the first EXCO meeting of 2026 as “robust,” emphasizing that it addressed crucial issues related to the socio-economic welfare and development of Benue residents.
Barr. Aber announced that the council had approved the commencement of the Yelewata resettlement scheme, which is funded by donations amounting to approximately N1.275 billion.
It comprises N1 billion donated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, via the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She mentioned that an oversight committee, under the leadership of her office, has been established to ensure careful management of the funds.
According to her, the first phase of the project includes 62 newly constructed two-bedroom residences with sanitary installations, facilitating the departure of displaced individuals from IDP camps and their return to stable housing.
She stated that the resettlement design is based on a United Nations template for reconstructing communities impacted by conflict and was developed following thorough engagement with local stakeholders.
The SSG noted that the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) component has already commenced, with solar-powered boreholes currently providing water in the settlement.
Regarding security, Hon. Peter Egbodo, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, noted that while the overall security situation in the state has seen improvements, the ongoing influx of herders into Benue poses a potential threat to the delicate peace.
He called on residents and traditional leaders to support security outfits with timely and reliable intelligence.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, provided updates on the health sector and addressed the ongoing industrial action by resident doctors and nurses.
He pointed out that although the nationwide strike has concluded, the Benue chapter continues to strike because of unpaid arrears related to the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed a quick response, and Dr. Ogwuche assured the public that any outstanding issues will be addressed.
In a separate briefing, Prof. Jerome Andohol, the Director-General of Budget and Economic Planning, revealed that the EXCO assessed the amended 2026 budget, which is now set at N695.1 billion following State Assembly revisions.
He verified that the spending breakdowns have received approval and that the government will conduct quarterly accountability sessions to monitor implementation.
In addition, Hon. Egbodo declared that Governor Alia has ordered regular media engagements, such as quarterly press briefings, to boost transparency, guarantee open governance, and keep the people of Benue updated on policy implementation and budget outcomes.
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