From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has asked all residents of Makurdi metropolis in the state capital, to desist from farming in front of their houses but to plant flowers to beautify their homes.
The Governor restated this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.
Governor Alia has recently noted that such farms not only defaced the beauty of the state capital but were also used as hideouts for criminal elements in the state.
He had also urged residents to plant trees and flowers to give the town a facelift.
Speaking in the statement, the Governor said apart from the fact that flowers brighten and beautify the environment with their range of colours which is exactly what his administration is out to achieve, flowers also have a calming effect on the mind and can help to create a peaceful and relaxing environment.
He, again, warned those who refused to heed his earlier orders, and are still using empty plots of land and the frontage of their houses to cultivate crops within Makurdi metropolis, to clear such farms immediately before the government will help clear it for them.
The Governor said his government is set to beautify the state capital and therefore, those who are using any portion of land within Makurdi town, including spaces within and around offices, road and street set-backs and the university environment to farm are directed to desist immediately.
According to the Governor, those who have properly fenced their plots may be excused to farm only within the fenced portion(s).
He warned that any person caught farming on any portion of land in the state capital, will be made to answer certain questions.