…promises security overhaul, economic revival

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

A retired naval officer, Commander Henry Ojowu (retd), has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Benue State, unveiling an agenda centered on security reform, economic revitalization and institutional restructuring.

Ojowu who made the declaration in Makurdi giving details of his professional and academic background and qualifications said his goal was to reposition Benue as a leading state in socio-economic advancement.

“My motivation is to transform Benue into the most attractive state in the federation in terms of socio-economic development,” he stated.

Although he commended previous administrations for their efforts, he maintained that the state’s development had fallen short of expectations.

“The impact of governance has not been significantly felt, making Benue one of the least developed states in the federation,” he asserted.

Ojowu distanced his aspiration from zoning politics, insisting that competence should determine leadership. “My aspiration is not hinged on zoning but purely on merit and capacity, which I stand for,” he declared.

As part of his security blueprint, the retired Commander proposed the establishment of a Grassroots Defence Brigade (GRDB) to tackle insecurity at the community level  stressing that the state security vote would be transparently deployed. “It will not serve as a governor’s welfare fund but will be used to restore peace in our communities,” he said.

On human capital development, Ojowu pledged prompt payment of salaries and pensions, introduction of a 13th-month salary for workers, and free healthcare for vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women and children.

He further promised priority funding for education and declared that Fridays would be designated as Farmers’ Day to encourage civil servants to engage in agriculture.

In the area of economic development, Ojowu outlined plans to introduce mechanized farming, improved palm seedlings and large-scale plantations, as well as revival of Taraku Mills and establish rice, yam flour and garri processing mills across the state.

He also proposed the construction of rural roads linking local government headquarters, rehabilitation of general hospitals and primary healthcare centres, and the creation of a Benue State Electricity Generation and Distribution Company to harness renewable energy sources.

“The LGAs shall enjoy full financial autonomy; there will be no interference from the state,” he assured, pledging a governance structure that integrates traditional institutions and security agencies in policy formulation.