President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated 15 motorised boreholes in Benue to address the problem of potable drinking water in the state.

The President, while inaugurating the projects at Wannue, Tarka Local Government Area, said the boreholes were funded by the National Lottery Trust Fund.

He was represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Zaphaniah Jisalo.

He said that a total of 19 motorised boreholes were constructed by the Trust Fund, adding that 15 of them were located in Tarka and Gboko Local Government Areas of Benue.

“Let me commend the management of the Trust Fund for successfully delivering 19 motorized boreholes across the nation within the shortest possible time.

“These noble projects in water and sanitation will no doubt bring access to clean portable water closer to the beneficiaries, curb the spread of diseases, and improve the health of the benefiting communities,“ he said.

He said National Lottery Fund has huge potential both as a wealth generator and its impact on the growth of the economy, and therefore the Federal Government will strengthen the lottery legislation.

“Over the years across jurisdictions, wealth generated from lottery has been used to transform societies through the provision of infrastructural, and socio-economic development across the world.

“Given the potential of the lottery/gaming business, one can easily appreciate the enormous prospect that it holds for a country like Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people.

“Accordingly, the government will do everything humanly possible to revitalise this industry that holds great promise for Nigeria in raising enormous revenues,” he added.