Governor Samuel Ortom has officially commissioned the N6.5 billion Benue State Geographic Information Service Centre (BENGIS centre). This in an effort to get a $2.5 million World Bank Grant for state developmental projects.
Governor Ortom spoke at the commissioning ceremony conducted by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike at the Makurdi offices of the Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Solid Minerals, Governor Ortom gave a speech.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike noted that Governor Ortom’s decision to commission projects in the final months of his term as governor demonstrates his love and dedication to the state’s residents.
Remarks on the BENGIS centre  project
He said, “Implementing this project demonstrates your administration’s dedication to, love for, and interest in the growth of Benue state. You can see a government that is willing to work. A government that has about five months left in office is still dedicated to complete a very significant project.”
Earlier, Governor Ortom advised the people of the state who own properties in Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to ensure the certification of their properties within six months or face punitive measures.
He said, “The land digitization initiative has considerably enhanced urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental management. And encouraged private investment since the beginning of the BENGIS centre  project.
We have attained the International Best Practice in Land Administration in the state with the commissioning of this historic project. Additionally, I am hopeful that this project will draw the $2.5m grant from the World Bank through the SFTAS program. This will be applied to programs for state development.
“I urge on the good people of Benue state to embrace and key into this project. Which does not belong to the state government alone. But is a project designed to favorably influence public interest, as we assemble here today to witness the inauguration of the BENGIS Service Centre,” he continued.
