The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has pledged to establish a ₦2 billion scholarship scheme for indigent students of Benue origin if elected governor.
Aondoakaa made the pledge on Monday while speaking with journalists in Makurdi, where he outlined key elements of his development agenda for the state.
He said the proposed scheme would provide financial assistance to qualified Benue students in tertiary institutions, ensuring that no student is forced to abandon higher education because of financial difficulties.
According to him, beneficiaries would be required to repay only reasonable amounts after graduation and upon securing employment.
Aondoakaa said the scholarship programme would form part of a broader youth empowerment and human capital development strategy aimed at equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to the state’s economic growth.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a significant intervention that has expanded access to higher education.
He said his proposed student support programme would be modelled on the NELFUND framework, with modifications to address the specific needs of Benue students.
The PDP candidate also pledged to prioritise rural development and infrastructural renewal, particularly in communities he said had suffered years of neglect despite their contribution to the state’s economy.
Aondoakaa expressed concern over what he described as the weakening of the local government system despite the Supreme Court’s pronouncement affirming local government autonomy.
He argued that the situation had limited the ability of local government chairmen to initiate and execute meaningful development projects in their communities.
According to him, the decline in rural infrastructure, particularly roads, has also contributed to security challenges by making it difficult for security agencies to respond promptly to threats in remote areas.
He therefore promised to grant full autonomy to local governments under his administration, saying this would decentralise governance and improve service delivery in healthcare, education, agriculture and rural development.
Aondoakaa further criticised what he described as an uneven distribution of development projects across the state, particularly the concentration of projects in Makurdi and other urban centres.
He pledged that his administration would ensure a more equitable distribution of infrastructure and development projects across the state’s local government areas, with emphasis on projects that have a direct impact on residents.
On land and ranching, the PDP candidate faulted the current administration for what he described as a failure to take a clear position on the issue of earmarking Benue land for public ranching.
He maintained that while every Nigerian has a constitutional right to freedom of movement and to engage in lawful economic activities, such activities must be conducted within the framework of existing laws.
Aondoakaa also criticised what he described as the inaccessibility of the present administration and promised to operate an open-door government that would encourage citizens to participate actively in governance.
He said his vision for Benue would be anchored on security, quality education, agricultural revival, improved healthcare, rural development and inclusive governance.
According to him, the ultimate objective would be to restore Benue’s development trajectory and create greater economic and social opportunities for residents across the state.
