Feature: Rethinking Nigeria’s Benue State’s Agricultural Heartbeat: A Journey of Renewal and Promise

Nigeria

On a bright August morning in Mede, Mbangur kindred, Mbadede council ward of Vandeikya Local Government Area, the air was thick with optimism and renewed hope. The dusty path leading to the moribund Agriculture and Rural Development Centre, long abandoned and silent, was once again filled with the sounds of eager voices and bustling feet. 

The centre, which had symbolized years of neglect, was now the focal point of a grand vision to revive the spirit of farming and rural life in Benue State.

At the heart of this transformation is the shared determination of many—farmers who have tilled the land for generations, local leaders who understand the struggles of their communities, and government officials committed to restoring prosperity through agriculture. Among those leading the charge is Dr. Solomon Akperekpe, MD/CEO of Aspam Integrated Farms. Standing alongside him were other passionate advocates such as H.E. Amb. Desmond Akavor and Prof. Steve Torkuma Ugbah, whose presence signified a united front dedicated to the cause.

For decades, the moribund Agriculture Centre had been a beacon of support for farmers across Vandeikya LGA. Back in the 1980s, it was one of many “Agric Houses” spread throughout Benue, providing essential inputs like fertilizers, tractors, and herbicides at subsidized rates. These centres were lifelines to farmers, helping them increase production and improve livelihoods. But over time, insufficient maintenance and lack of government attention led these centres to decay, leaving farmers without vital support.

Hon. Dennis Guda Terkura, Executive Chairman of Vandeikya LGA, recalls the tough times. “The centre used to be alive with activity. Farmers would come in droves to secure help for their farms,” he said. “Its closure was not just a physical loss; it was a blow to the hope and progress of our people.”

Today, that hope is rekindling. The Benue State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has breathed new life into these centres, rebranding them as Agriculture and Rural Development Centres. But this is not just cosmetic change—these centres are being reimagined with an expanded mandate. Beyond supplying inputs, they will serve as off-takers for produce, linking farmers directly with markets and buyers. This shift aims to stimulate local economies while assuring food security and sustainability.

Among the farmers welcoming this change is Mama Patricia, a widow and mother of five who has been farming cassava and yams for nearly 30 years. With limited means, she struggled to afford fertilizers and access markets for her crops. “For years, I had to sell my produce at low prices because I had no one to support me,” she shared. “Now, with this new Centre reopening, I feel like I have a partner who believes in me and my work.”

Young farmers too are stepping forward with renewed enthusiasm. Terzunwe, a university graduate who returned to his family farm, once considered leaving for the city due to lack of opportunities. “Seeing the government invest in agriculture gives me hope that I can build a future right here at home,” he explained. “I want to innovate and change how we farm in Benue, and I am ready to learn and grow.”

This initiative is more than just a project; it is a lifeline that promises to create multiple direct and indirect jobs across the state—transforming rural communities and empowering youths to participate actively in the economy. The synergy between government leadership, federal partners, and local stakeholders is setting the stage for Benue to become a beacon of agricultural productivity, feeding not just its people but the entire nation.

Governor Alia’s administration has shown unwavering commitment to this cause. His vision aligns with the national Renewed Hope Agenda, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on food sufficiency, youth empowerment, and rural development as pillars for Nigeria’s growth.

The visit to the moribund Agriculture and Rural Development Centre was a defining moment, not just for officials but for the communities it will serve. Dr. Akperekpe, visibly moved by the warm reception and palpable excitement, said, “When I look at the faces of these farmers—their hope, their determination—I am reminded why this work matters. It is about people’s livelihoods, their dignity, and their future.”

Indeed, the story of Benue’s agricultural revival is ultimately a story about people—their dreams, resilience, and courage. It is about Mama Patricia tending her fields with renewed strength; Terzunwe inspired to innovate and lead; and countless other farmers who now see a future brighter than the past.

As these centres reawaken across Benue, they serve as pillars of growth, opportunity, and collective prosperity. It is a hopeful reminder that with visionary leadership, community partnership, and relentless dedication, even places long forgotten can bloom again.

Together, Benue is planting the seeds of hope—seeds that promise not only a farm’s harvest but a harvest of dignity, pride, and progress for generations yet to come.