By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has identified Covid-19 pandemic, Insecurity as the major causes of economic meltdown in Nigeria during the out gone year.
Ortom who made the assertion in his felicitation message to the people of Benue and other Nigerians on the occasion of 2021 new year celebration, stated that the year 2020 came with numerous
Challenges such as Covid-19 pandemic, increase in insecurity.
“Despite numerous challenges facing the nation, praise and glory must be given to God for His grace and protection”, he said.
The Governor noted that the progress made by the state government despite the difficult
Period, gives assurance that it remains on course to realize the vision of an economically self reliant and prosperous federating unit of Nigeria, which is anchored on the fear of God.
He maintained that the economic pressures and fiscal constraint of the out gone year that prompted the 2020 downward budget revision have necessitated the adoption of new measures by government at all levels to reduce high rate of unemployment and property, insecurity, youths restiveness among others.
Continuing, Ortom said arising from the Youths summit which recently held in the state, his administration has introduced programs aimed at giving young people opportunity to maximize their potentials in entrepreneurship, particularly in agricultural value chain to add value to themselves and the state in general.
He applauded the committee on covid-19 led by the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu and those who served diligently in the frontline and the back end to contain the pandemic, noting that their selfless efforts have resulted in the successes achieved in the area mentioned.
The Governor lauded the people of the state for their support which has helped the present administration to record achievements in various sectors of the economy including health, education and rural development among other projects.
