By: Philip Mbakuuv Ankyhquwa.
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has said the state will in the nearest future not rely on oil revenue from the federations account.
Governor Ortom dropped this hint through his Deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu when he treated Bill and Melinda Gate's foundation to a cocktail party in the New Banquet Hall, Benue People's House.
He affirmed that Benue farmers are not just capable of feeding Nigeria but the whole world.
Ortom praised Bill and Melinda Gate's foundation for working for the benefits of the poor.
"The President of the world is Bill Gate and the First Lady of the world is Melinda Gate", Ortom insisted.
" This is because, it is one thing to have all the cash in the world and another to spray it to impact positively on the lives of the ordinary people. Bill and Melinda Gate's foundation is all over the world spreading wealth to the poor.
"One of such activities is what we are witnessing in Benue today. We have the singular honour to welcome in the state, the team leader of Bill and Melinda Gate's foundation.
" I am aware that your foundation has already started a Cassava Processing Industry in Benue.
The Governor further explained that, agriculture will have no meaning if the state do not key into the value chain.
"This administration has decided as a matter of policy to fund and promote agriculture in such a way that, we will truthfully be said to be FOOD BASKET OF THE NATION.
" Benue state in a short while from now will not have any business with oil revenue, Ortom concluded.
Responding on behalf of the team, the foundation's representative in Nigeria, Dr. Audu Gerima said the visit is to further deepen the partnership the foundation already has with the state. He stated that, Benue state is a pilot state for Bill and Melinda Gate's foundation intervention in agricultural value chain.
The guests were treated to Benue best dances and ditches.
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