Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has advised residents to embrace farming instead of depending on occasional government palliatives.

He gave the charge yesterday in Makurdi during the second phase of the distribution of the Federal Government’s palliatives for the state.

Represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Emmanuel Chenge, the governor lauded President Bola Tinubu for extending the federal goodwill to Benue people, however, noting that farming remains a more dignified means out of lack than dependence on palliatives, which he said “is not sustainable.”

Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, while flagging off the exercise, apologised for the delay.

He explained that the delay was to ensure guarantee that the palliatives got to the right persons.

Iorpuu said the distribution would be staggered between Wednesday and Saturday to the various groups earmarked to benefit.

He disclosed that 23,000 bags of rice and 24,000 bags of maize were to be distributed.