In a move to bolster its economy, the Benue State Executive Council has given the green light for the establishment of a new Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy. This development is expected to diversify and strengthen the state’s economic landscape, according to Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo. Abo made this announcement while briefing journalists on the outcome of the 10th State Executive Council meeting, which took place at the Government House in Makurdi. He was accompanied by Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services.
During the two-day meeting, the council primarily focused on follow-up actions from previous sessions, with three key items taking center stage. One of the major discussions was the presentation of the report by the Agricultural Inputs Verification Committee. Following the presentation, a new committee was formed to draft a white paper that will serve as a guide for implementing the report’s recommendations. This move is a significant step towards improving the state’s agricultural sector and ensuring the effective use of resources.
Another crucial decision made by the council was the approval of consolidated medical salaries and clinical duty allowances for staff at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and other healthcare workers across the state. Commissioner Ortese shed more light on this development, highlighting the challenges posed by the increasing migration of health professionals, commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome.” This phenomenon has resulted in a critical shortage of manpower in the health sector, and the implementation of the consolidated salary structure aims to bridge this gap and retain medical personnel.
The creation of the new ministry and the approval of the consolidated medical salaries are significant steps towards addressing the economic and healthcare challenges faced by Benue State. These moves demonstrate the council’s commitment to diversifying the state’s economy and improving the welfare of its healthcare workers. As the state continues to navigate the complexities of economic development and healthcare, these decisions are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of its citizens and the overall growth of the state.
