Tinubu launches rural water initiatives in Benue

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated 15 motorized boreholes in Benue to tackle the issue of clean drinking water in the state. These boreholes, funded by the National Lottery Trust Fund, were officially unveiled during the ceremony at Wannue in the Tarka Local Government Area. Representing the President was Mr. Zaphaniah Jisalo, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

The President highlighted that the Trust Fund had financed a total of 19 motorized boreholes, with 15 strategically placed in the Tarka and Gboko Local Government Areas of Benue. Expressing appreciation for the swift delivery of these projects nationwide, he commended the Trust Fund’s management for their efforts.

Emphasizing the significance of these water and sanitation projects, he remarked, “These noble projects in water and sanitation will undoubtedly bring access to clean portable water closer to the beneficiaries, curb the spread of diseases, and improve the health of the benefiting communities.”

Addressing the broader potential of the National Lottery Fund, he underscored its dual role as a wealth generator and a catalyst for economic growth. The President announced the government’s commitment to fortifying lottery legislation, recognizing the transformative impact lotteries have had on societies globally.

He stated, “Over the years across jurisdictions, wealth generated from the lottery has been used to transform societies through the provision of infrastructural and socio-economic development across the world.” With a population exceeding 200 million people, Nigeria holds substantial promise in harnessing the lottery/gaming industry for revenue generation and economic development. The President assured that the government would take every possible measure to revitalize this industry, recognizing its vast potential for contributing significant revenues to the nation.