Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has expressed optimism that the potential inherent in gold and 33 other solid mineral deposits in the state can be harnessed for its economic viability.
Ortom also said the natural potential can make Benue an economically self-reliant federating unit of Nigeria.
The governor’s remark was contained in the 2023 budget speech presented to the Benue State House of Assembly in Makurdi.
He said, “Benue State is estimated to be home to a sizable number of about 34 solid minerals found in Nigeria, with limestone, gold, baryte, salt among those already identified as commercially viable.
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“River Benue, which lends the state its name, is the second largest inland body of water in Nigeria. The potential exists to grow an agro-industrial economy that will make Benue an economically self-reliant federating unit of Nigeria.”
“Over 80 per cent of our estimated 6.77 million population is into farming. Over 95 per cent of the state’s 34,000sq km of land is arable and can grow almost all tropical crops.”
