Prof. Moti Proffers Recipes For Development Of Benue State As Club De Pals Holds Annual Event

A University don and Professor of Public Sector management and governance, Prof. Ukertor Gabriel Moti, has advocated for development of a strong partnership between the government, private sector and the people as key to growing the economy of Benue state.

Prof. Moti canvassed this on Saturday at the annual reunion and awards ceremony of Club De Pals, Abuja, while delivering a paper on “The Benue Economy: The situation, and how to grow it”.

The high point of the event was the unveiling and launch of the proposed Club House Design and presentation of awards to: Mr. Terfa Julius Agor (Excellence in public service); Kangeh Anengeh Cephas (Excellence in community service); Mr. Emmanuel Aondoakaa (Excellence in public service); Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of water resources and sanitation (Excellence in public service and leadership); Engr. Theophilus Terkura Ukaa (Professional excellence in engineering); Chief Felix Tsedoo Akiga, JP (Excellence in business and entrepreneurship); Chief Dr. Mathias Byuan (Excellence in community service, leadership and philanthropy); Dr. Jimmy Terhemen Ajim (Excellence in public and community service); Surv. Hon. John Timbee Tondu (Excellence in community and public service) and ESV. Godwin Ityoachimin (Excellence in public and community service).

One of the awards recipients

Prof. Moti who was the guest speaker at the ceremony, observed that it is unfortunate that investments, innovation, policy and finance which all play a central role in defining the economic growth model of the 21st century are lacking in Benue state.

Prof. Moti who is the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies and Director, Abuja Centre for European Studies (ACES), Department of Public Administration, University of Abuja-Nigeria, maintained that the economy of Benue state could be put on the part of growth if government works hard towards the reduction of the current challenges confronting the state.

He enumerated the challenges including: insecurity, multidimensional poverty, lack of discipline spending and dependence on monthly Federation Accounts Allocation (FAAC).

Apart from addressing the above challenges, Prof. Moti further canvassed that the government should “Increased internal and external security across the state; reduce the high reliance on federal statutory allocation by increasing transparency and accountability in the generation and management of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“Remove the distorted agricultural value chain by focusing on processing, agribusiness and industrial establishments. To rebuild the Benue economy would require deliberately bringing in the private sector to develop an agriculture-driven economy through agro-processing and small and medium-level manufacturing.

“Improve Infrastructure: The government must prioritize investing in infrastructure development by rehabilitating roads, improving water supply, and expanding telecommunication networks, building of railways to conveyance of heavy duty haulage and provide affordable but efficient travel alternatives etc providing entrepreneurs with a conducive environment for business operations and growth.

“Grant Tax Incentives: Creating a favourable tax regime for entrepreneurs, such as tax breaks, exemptions, and simplified tax procedures, can encourage business expansion, increase government revenues in the long run, and promote job and wealth creation.

“Enhance Electricity Supply: The government should collaborate with private investors to improve electricity generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, enabling reliable and affordable power supply to businesses.

“These I believe would assist Benue rebuild its economy. But it is not going to be easy. Our business people must also be willing to go into joint ventures. Civil society organisations like Club De Pals must understand that the state is ours and we will always go back there. Invest in any little venture and grow the Benue economy.”

Earlier, in a welcome remark, the President of the Club De Pals, Pal Richard Nduul, emphasized the need for members to foster friendly relationship existing among them in diaspora to the state.

He revealed that among other positive programs the club has in the pipeline, is a proposed building of a secretariat and club House to further boost togetherness.

According to him, “This will be a Tiv House and a home to every Tiv Son and daughter. The intension is that whenever you pack your bags with the aim of coming to Abuja, just remember Club De Pal House where Tiv people meet.” He appealed for support for the building of the house.

On his part, the chairman of the planning committee of the annual reunion and awards ceremony, Pal Randy Iortyer expressed gratitude to all in attendance.