‎The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to upgrade the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) in Mbatie, Buruku Local Government Area, into a higher institution for the training of agricultural extension workers.
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‎He disclosed this while addressing traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders in Buruku during his ongoing town hall and statewide thank-you tour of the 11 federal constituencies in Benue State.
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‎He said the proposed institution would strengthen agricultural extension services by producing skilled personnel capable of embracing modern farming knowledge, government policies and agricultural innovations to farmers, particularly those in rural communities.

Governor Alia explained that competent extension workers were critical to improving farm productivity, as they would help farmers adopt better production methods, make effective use of agricultural inputs and gain access to relevant technical knowledge.
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‎To fast track the initiative, Governor Alia directed the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kuma Aii Iyenge, and that of Education, Dr. Margaret Ijaguwa Adamu, to immediately commence the necessary processes for the upgrade and ensure that the project was completed within the shortest possible time.
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‎The Governor also urged Benue residents, particularly those in Buruku, to expand their participation in agriculture, stressing that the sector has the potential to create jobs, increase household incomes and strengthen the state’s economy.
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In a welcome remarks earlier, the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Council, Hon. Raymond Zege Aondoakura, commended the Governor’s interventions in the area, and appealed to the state government to establish a science secondary school in the local government.
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‎Also in their separate remarks, the Ter Buruku, His Royal Highness Moses Hanior, the Mue Ter Mbanyam, Tivfa Addingi, and District Head of Mbakyongu, Chief Nikwagh Toryough, all acknowledged the governor’s achievements in the area, with a call for stronger cooperation between the Jechira and Jemgbagh blocs for unity and development.

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