Benue witnessing renewed hope under my administration — Alia

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Friday marked his third anniversary in office with a message of hope and progress, declaring that “Benue is rising again” despite the challenges confronting the state since his administration assumed office in 2023.

Addressing the people of the state during his anniversary speech in Makurdi, Governor Alia reflected on what he described as three years of “courage, sacrifice, determination, and steady progress” in rebuilding Benue State.

He said his administration inherited enormous challenges, including insecurity, decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, weakened institutions, and declining public confidence in governance.

“Today marks exactly three years since I took the oath of office as your Executive Governor, with a solemn promise to serve God and humanity, restore hope to our people, and reposition Benue State on the path of peace, growth, and prosperity,” the governor stated. He added that his government remained committed to changing the narrative and rebuilding the state from its foundations.

On security, the governor said his administration had consistently supported security agencies with logistics and operational assistance to combat criminality across the state noting that the government procured and distributed 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorbikes to security operatives to improve mobility, especially in difficult terrains often exploited by criminal elements.

Governor Alia also disclosed that his administration established the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force codenamed “Anyam Nyor” to complement existing security operations in the state.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Benue in the fight against insecurity, noting that many displaced persons were gradually returning to their ancestral homes as peace returns to affected communities.

Speaking on workers’ welfare, the governor said salaries were now being paid more consistently due to prudent management of resources and fiscal discipline, emphasizing that pensioners who were once neglected were gradually regaining their dignity through sustained pension reforms and payments. “A motivated workforce remains the backbone of productivity and efficient service delivery,” he said.

Highlighting achievements in infrastructure, Governor Alia revealed that his administration had completed over 50 intra-city roads, while another 50 road projects were ongoing across the state. He added that no fewer than 370 kilometres of rural roads had been constructed, alongside the completion of interchanges in Makurdi and Gboko, while work on the Otukpo interchange would soon commence.

The governor further said his administration completed a four-kilometre drainage canal from Achusa through Idye to Wurukum in Makurdi to address perennial flooding in the state capital, stressing that 30 modern drainage systems had also been constructed, while the “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative had improved security and nighttime economic activities through installation of solar-powered streetlights.

In the education and healthcare sectors, Governor Alia said over 400 school structures had been rehabilitated or constructed across the state, while 9,700 teachers and over 500 healthcare personnel had been recruited. He also highlighted the upgrade of facilities at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, describing it as an emerging medical tourism centre.

On agriculture and industrialization, the governor said his administration established a tractor assembling workshop that had already trained over 200 youths, while construction was ongoing at the 250 million dollar National Food City Complex in Otukpo Local Government Area.

He added that the project was expected to generate more than 20,000 jobs upon completion. He also announced the establishment of the Food Basket Brewery and a Fruit Juice Processing Company aimed at boosting industrial growth and creating employment opportunities. Governor Alia further disclosed that over 10,000 youths had been trained in digital skills, while 40,000 civil servants were undergoing training on e-governance and ICT tools.

Reaffirming his commitment to development, the governor said, “One thing is undeniable, Benue is rising again. Hope has returned. Confidence in government is being restored.” He assured the people that his administration would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy and build a stronger and more prosperous Benue State.

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