Benue State is set to gain from the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria (SPIN), a federal government initiative supported by the World Bank.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this during a reception in his honor at Utse Akaa community in Buruku LGA. The project, backed by a $500 million World Bank loan, is designed to rehabilitate and upgrade dams nationwide to boost hydropower, expand irrigation farming, and improve water resources management.

Prof. Utsev highlighted that the benefits for Benue, particularly the host community of Mbagen, include increased hydropower capacity, job creation, and other developmental gains. A site along the River Katsina-Ala has already been selected for work, which is expected to commence soon.

He also announced that construction of the Dura Multipurpose Dam will begin shortly. The dam is intended to control perennial flooding around Ugbema–Gboko Road while generating additional hydropower for the national grid.

The minister further noted that reconstruction of the Ugbema–Ameladu–Gboko Water Project is progressing steadily. This major water scheme is designed to provide safe and sustainable water to Gboko, Buruku, Tarka, Ushongo, and parts of Katsina-Ala local government areas.

Prof. Utsev assured that he would use his political positions to attract more people-oriented projects to Mbagen, Buruku, and Benue State at large, including infrastructure development.

In attendance, Hon. Sekav Iortyom, representing Buruku Federal Constituency, commended the minister for consistently delivering on promises to his constituents. The Ter Buruku, HRH Chief Moses Hanior, praised Prof. Utsev for executing people-oriented projects and urged community unity to achieve further development.

Mr. Solomon Shimsenge, President-General of the Mbagen Development Association, appealed to the minister to facilitate the establishment of a Technical College in Mbagen, to equip youths with skills for personal and societal growth.