By NICHOLAS DECHI

The Benue Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, has said that the state government has acquired a vast expanse of land to establish an export and import processing zone.

Ikyaan made the disclosure on Thursday in Makurdi when he received the Kwande Journalists Forum (KJF) on a courtesy visit.

The commissioner said that Gov. Hyacinth Alia was desirous of executing projects that would add value to the state economy.

?Therefore, the government has earmarked a vast portion of land along Makurdi-Gboko Road for the establishment of an import and export processing zone.

?The zone is to have an airport with three terminals, namely cargo, domestic and international wings, where agricultural products in the state can be exported directly to international markets,? he said.

Ikyaan also disclosed that there was more hope for the state civil servants, as Alia had concluded plans to build 500 units of houses to address their housing needs.

He stated that already, the estate developer engaged for the service had arrived in the state, and significant steps were being taken towards the realization of the initiative.

He further said that the Alia administration was sincerely and genuinely committed to finding lasting solutions to issues of land.

According to him, the governor plans to revive the Land Use Act Committee that would help in resolving land disputes.

The commissioner explained that the committee would be mandated to look at issues critically and proffer sustainable solutions that could add greater value to the state.

He said the appointment of Mr. Akaha Sule, a Kwande son, as his media aide was in line with his belief in the oneness in Christ, which both of them shared.

Ikyaan appealed to journalists as watchdogs of the society to give their colleague and the entire administration of Alia the needed support to succeed.

The commissioner described the visit as an invitation to collaborate, partner and team up to better the lots of the society and urged them to be free to reach him on any issue that would help advance the society.

He commended them for their willingness to partner with the ministry for the betterment of society and noted that the visit will forge greater synergy and collaboration to advance the goodness of society.

Earlier, the Chairman of the forum, Mr. Henry Ibya, congratulated the Commissioner for his reappointment into the state cabinet.

Ibya noted that it was in recognition of the commissioner?s outstanding qualities that earned him the confidence of the governor.

The chairman said that the commissioner had demonstrated capacity and trust in his previous positions, first in the Church as a Shepherd, as Director General of the Alia/Ode Campaign Organization and Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management.

He thanked the commissioner for choosing one of their own, Sule, as his media aide, which had made it inevitable for them to join hands in ensuring he succeeded in his current responsibility.

He expressed confidence in the ability of Sule to do his job creditably. (NAN)

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