The Benue State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the resettlement of Yelewata, with construction works scheduled to be officially flagged off on Thursday, January 22, as part of efforts to restore normalcy following last year’s crisis in the area.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Government House, Makurdi, after the first EXCO meeting of 2026. She described the meeting as robust, noting that it addressed critical issues affecting the welfare and development of the people of Benue State.
Barr. Aber revealed that EXCO sanctioned the commencement of the Yelewata resettlement project, which is being funded through donations totaling about ₦1.275 billion. This includes a ₦1 billion donation from the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative. She added that a committee chaired by the SSG has been constituted to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of the funds.
According to her, the first phase of the project will involve the construction of 62 two-bedroom housing units with complete sanitary facilities, enabling displaced persons to relocate from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps back to permanent homes. She explained that the project adopts a United Nations model for conflict-affected areas and was developed following extensive consultations with the affected communities.
The SSG further stated that the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) component of the resettlement plan is already in place, with solar-powered boreholes providing running water for residents.
On security, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Peter Egbodo, said security has improved across the state but warned that the influx of herders could pose a threat to sustained peace. He urged citizens and community leaders to promptly provide credible information to security agencies.
Briefing journalists on the health sector, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, spoke on the ongoing strike by resident doctors and nurses in the state. He explained that although the national strike has been called off, the Benue chapter remains on strike over arrears arising from the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Scale. Dr. Ogwuche assured that Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed an urgent resolution of the issues, promising that all outstanding concerns would be addressed.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Jerome Andohol, disclosed that EXCO reviewed the 2026 budget, now standing at ₦695.1 billion following adjustments by the State Assembly. He said detailed allocations have been approved and that quarterly accountability briefings will be conducted to monitor budget performance.
Also speaking, Hon. Egbodo announced that Governor Alia has directed regular media engagements, including quarterly briefings, to promote transparency and keep citizens informed on governance activities and budget implementation across the state.
