Shija Declares Benue State Too Blessed to Remain Poor
Prof. Terhemba Shija, the 2027 governorship candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State, has publicly stated that the region is "too blessed to be poor." The assertion was made through a statement issued by Shija’s media aide, Sam Adzegeh, which outlined the candidate's perspective on the state's economic potential and current agricultural challenges.
According to the statement, Shija emphasized that the foundational strength of Benue State's economy must be derived from agriculture. He argued that the state possesses significant natural resources that have not been fully leveraged to improve the livelihoods of its residents.
Agricultural Potential and Current Utilization Gaps
Shija expressed regret regarding the current level of land utilization by farmers in Benue State. He noted that state farmers are utilizing only approximately 36 percent of the vast arable land available to them. The candidate identified a specific structural limitation contributing to low productivity: a lack of dry-season irrigation infrastructure.
Due to this absence of irrigation, Shija stated that farmers are limited to harvesting only once per year. Despite these operational constraints, he pointed out that Benue State remains a leading producer of cassava, yams, soya beans, and citrus within the nation. Additionally, the state is identified as a significant grower of beniseed, rice, groundnuts, and melon.
Crop Diversity and Farming Methods
The candidate provided detailed figures regarding the variety of crops cultivated in the region. Shija said that Benue farmers grow over 20 different types of crops. The list of staple crops includes potatoes, ginger, cocoyam, pepper, millet, sorghum, tomatoes, groundnuts, and maize.
Beyond these staples, Shija noted the cultivation of tree crops such as oil palm, cashew, and mangoes. He described the demographic and methodological profile of the agricultural sector, stating that these crops are predominantly grown by peasant farmers.
Shija highlighted that these farmers operate on small plots of land. He specified that the farming methods employed are traditional, relying on "hoe-and-cutlass technology." Furthermore, he observed that these operations are conducted with limited capital, which constrains the ability of farmers to expand production or adopt more efficient practices.
Implications for Economic Strategy
The statement issued by Adzegeh frames Shija’s comments as a critique of current economic stagnation relative to available resources. By citing specific percentages and crop lists, the candidate aims to demonstrate that poverty in Benue is not due to a lack of natural endowment but rather underutilization.
Shija’s remarks position agriculture as the primary sector for economic recovery. The reference to the 36 percent utilization rate serves as a factual basis for his claim that the state has significant room for growth. The identification of specific crops, including both staple foods and cash crops like cashew and oil palm, suggests a broad-based agricultural strategy rather than a focus on a single commodity.
The candidate’s emphasis on peasant farmers and traditional methods underscores the scale of the challenge. By noting the reliance on manual tools and low capital, Shija implicitly points to the need for investment in technology and infrastructure, particularly irrigation, to move beyond the single-harvest annual cycle.
Political Context of the 2027 Election Cycle
As the designated candidate for the National Democratic Congress in Benue State for the 2027 gubernatorial elections, Shija’s statements are part of his campaign platform. The focus on agriculture aligns with common political strategies in rural-heavy states where farming is a primary livelihood.
The statement does not include responses from current state officials or opposing political parties regarding the accuracy of the 36 percent utilization figure or the characterization of the state as "poor." The information provided remains attributed solely to Shija and his media aide, Sam Adzegeh.
Shija’s claims regarding Benue’s status as a leading producer of cassava, yams, soya beans, and citrus are presented as facts within the context of his statement. The data on crop diversity, including over 20 different crops, is cited directly from his assessment of the state’s agricultural output.
The article reflects Shija’s view that the combination of abundant arable land, diverse crop potential, and strategic investment in irrigation could transform Benue State’s economy. The assertion that the state should not remain poor is a direct quote from the candidate, delivered via his media representative.