By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC)  Thursday distributed over 90 power tillers to 24 cooperative groups in Benue State as part of efforts to enhance agricultural productivity.

Speaking at the event in Makurdi, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for supporting initiatives that promote agricultural development and rural empowerment in the state.

Represented by the Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Mr. Daniel Ipilakyaa, the Managing Director acknowledged Benue as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” noting that the state’s agricultural potential could only be fully realized through deliberate investment in modern farming tools and techniques.

“It is in recognition of this need that the Commission has taken this important step to support our hardworking farmers through the provision of power tillers,” he said.

Yelwa explained that the intervention aligns with the Commission’s mandate to improve the socio-economic well-being of communities in hydroelectric power producing areas.

“We are committed not only to infrastructure development but also to empowering livelihoods, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable development,” he added.

He urged beneficiary cooperatives to ensure proper maintenance and collective use of the equipment.

“To the beneficiary cooperatives, these machines are entrusted to you for responsible and collective use. Proper maintenance and effective utilization will ensure that the benefits extend beyond individual farmers to entire communities,” he said.

Earlier in his remark, the State Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Lee Ahenjir, said the initiative was aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers across the state.

According to him, the machines would serve as shared assets for clusters of farmers, enabling them to cultivate larger areas and increase yields.

“This will stop the trend of some individuals holding on to the machines as if they are personal property,” Ahenjir said.

The Benue State Government also lauded the initiative, with the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Aber, represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Affairs, Cabinet Office, Mr. Akor Abiem, describing the intervention as a significant boost to the state’s agricultural sector.

She pledged continued collaboration with N-HYPPADEC to drive development in the state.

The Och’Agatu, Chief Godwin Onah, praised the Commission for its visible presence in rural communities, particularly in Agatu Local Government Area.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Terna Tersoo from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the Commission, noting that the equipment would ease the burden of manual farming.

“This will go a long way in reducing the stress of manual cultivation and also improve our yields,” he said.