By SN24.com 
By Nicholas Dechi.
The former President of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr Charles Ibe, has charged the Benue Government to harness its vast agricultural and livestock potential to augment the federal monthly allocations.
Ibe said this as a Guest Speaker at the 2026 World Veterinary Day Investiture of new officials of the Benue Chapter of the NVMA and awards ceremony held on Wednesday in Makurdi.
He said that the state was sitting on untapped wealth staked in agriculture and its by-products.
He said that to break away from over-dependence on federal allocation, it must harness its vast agricultural and livestock potential.
According to him, Benue possesses all the resources required to build a thriving economy capable of placing the state among globally competitive agricultural hubs.
Ibe added that the state is endowed with world-class produce, including soybeans, sorghum, millet, and cassava which he described as the best in the world.
“Benue’s soybean oil stands out for its health benefits, particularly its low cholesterol content.
“Livestock development remains a critical pathway to economic growth while the foundation of any viable livestock economy lies in strong veterinary services,” he said.
The former NVMA president further urged the state to leverage its strategic border with Cameroon to boost trade and expand its economic opportunities.
He recommended the adoption of sniffer dogs as a modern strategy to combat crime, noting that such methods had proven effective in developed countries.
He explained that trained dogs could help security agencies detect hidden weapons and track criminal elements.
Ibe also highlighted innovations from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), which he said had developed crop varieties with longer shelf life.
He advised farmers to adopt the crop varieties to reduce reliance on harmful chemical preservatives during storage.
He decried the widespread use of chemicals in grain preservation across Nigeria, warning that such practices pose serious health risks to consumers.
The veterinary doctor called on stakeholders to take urgent and collective action to reposition Benue and Nigeria for sustainable economic growth.
He added that the state has the capacity to become a leading force in agriculture and food security if its resources are properly harnessed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)