By Benjamin Ngutsav
On Monday 7, 2022 Makurdi, the Benue State capital was besieged by the presence of the five Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who are today being referred to as the G-5 Governors.
Their visit to the Food Basket State was both to carry out political functions as well commission projects executed by one of their own, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
Governor Samuel Ortom himself has visited some of the state governors in the G-5 fold where he commissioned projects they have executed. For instance, Governor Ortom commissioned projects in Rivers and Oyo States respectively. And so, it is sufficient to say, it was a reciprocation of gesture from the other four Governors to also commission projects executed by Governor Ortom.
Since 2015 when Governor Ortom got into office, he has executed many projects in all sectors, providing infrastructure, building the economy and revamping the education system of the state.
As Governor Ortom runs to the finishing line of his second tenure, there are many projects to his name scattered across the state and the commissioning of a few was what took place in Makurdi.
There were five road projects and others electrification projects commissioned by the visiting Governors.
Governors Nyesom Wike, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Seyi Makinde cut tapes at the various projects.
The roads commissioned include, Tse- Poor Apir Road renamed Ayua Num road, Yaikyo- Tse Poor Road, now Chief Sule Abenga Road.
Others were George Akume-NKST Yina Road now to be known as Sen. JKN Waku road, AKaanga-Akaya-Lucy Aluor-Otukpo Road now named Nyesom Wike Road and Low Cost Housing Estate- Bambam Road, now to be known as Chief JC Obande road.
Meanwhile, electricity projects commissioned include 14km electrification project in Tse Poor-Mbanima substation and distribution.
Those Governors while commissioning those projects commended Governor Ortom and specifically made comments regarding those projects.
“If you don’t have roads to take your farm produce to the city, it makes no sense. So, for this road and electrification, you have made life simple and easier for the people and that is what good governance is all about. We want to say we are proud of you that you have made promises and today is a promise fulfilled,” Wike said.
For Oyo State Governor, Engr. Makinde beyond commending Governor Ortom, he said: “Anywhere road goes, development follows.”
Governor Ugwuanyi in his short speech before commissioning the JKN Waku Road described Governor Ortom “as a gift to Benue” stating that he has stood for his people.
Read Also: Apology: Ortom has shown humility in leadership, Say Middle-Belt Youths
In the words of the Enugu State Governor, Ugwuanyi after commissioning the road and electricity projects said, “Electricity is a strong enabler that drives economic development. Our expectation is that the people that live along this 14-kilometre that is covered by this project will be given impetus for greater economic growth.”
There is no gain saying that those projects commissioned will boost the economy of the beneficiaries by extension the economy of the State.
Ortom has done well and deserves to be commended.
