Ortom commends Benue workers over fight against COVID-19

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to observe the Wor Day, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom appreciated workers of the state for their commitment, understanding and cooperation particularly in the fight against COVID-19.

Ortom said the workers demonstrated uncommon determination and professionalism in all sectors to support the state government in taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

He specially commended workers who are on essential duties for putting in extra hours daily to ensure that Benue did not have additional COVID-19 cases after the index case.

No amount of reward can adequately compensate the workers for their sacrifice to the state, he said, urging them to sustain that level of patriotism.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, restated the resolve of his administration to ensure that the welfare of workers, especially salaries and pensions, remained its priority.

The governor, however, explained that Benue, like other states of the federation, had no option than to revise the 2020 Budget from N189 billion to N119 billion, in response to the impending global economic crisis, which is estimated to contract the country’s economy by 3.4 per cent, a situation that will have adverse impact on the states.

As a result, Ortom said his administration embarked on a number of measures to boost agriculture and increase food production. One of such steps is the recent sale of 50 tractors to Benue farmers at 60 per cent rebate.

He maintained that as part of measures to mitigate the effect of the looming recession, his administration resolved to take advantage of the state’s rich agricultural potential, by not only producing food for consumption but also for commercial purposes.

This, the governor pointed out, was what led to the setting up of the Agriculture Value Chain, Review and Development Cooperation Committee, with him as chairman.