Gov. Alia Commits to Benue’s Development

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia announced that his administration is dedicated to peace, development, and economic transformation of the state as he celebrated his third anniversary in office yesterday.

In a speech to the people of Benue, Governor Alia reflected on the progress his administration has made since taking office on May 29, 2023, noting that despite inheriting significant challenges, the government has achieved visible improvements in key sectors.

He recalled that the state entered his administration with poor infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, insecurity, unemployment, and a decline in public confidence in governance.

According to the governor, his government immediately set out to rebuild the state and restore hope among its residents.

Addressing security, Alia said the administration prioritised the protection of lives and property by providing strategic support to security agencies.

He disclosed that the government procured and distributed 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles to security personnel to enhance surveillance and access to difficult terrain.

The governor also noted the establishment of the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force codenamed “Anyam Nyor,” aimed at strengthening local security operations and complementing existing security structures across the state.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to combat insecurity in Benue, observing that the interventions were yielding results as displaced persons gradually returned home and the population in IDP camps declined.

On workers’ welfare, Alia said his administration restored regular salary payments and introduced pension reforms to improve retirees’ welfare.

Speaking on infrastructure, he said more than 50 intra‑city roads had been completed, with another 50 underway, and about 370 kilometres of rural roads were constructed to improve connectivity.

The governor also highlighted the completion of interchanges in Makurdi and Gboko, the ongoing Wurukum flyover project, and plans for another interchange in Otukpo.

He added that the government addressed flooding through major drainage projects, including a four‑kilometre canal from Achusa through Idye to Wurukum and the River Benue.

Under the “Project Light‑Up Makurdi” initiative, he said major roads and streets in the state capital were fitted with solar‑powered streetlights to enhance security and economic activities.

In education, the governor said over 400 school structures were rehabilitated or constructed, and 9,700 teachers were recruited to improve learning standards.

He also announced the recruitment of more than 500 health workers and the upgrade of facilities at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

The governor further highlighted the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST) in Ihugh, to promote innovation and technology‑driven development.

In agriculture, he said reforms and partnerships were introduced to boost food production, and over 200 youths were trained at a tractor assembly workshop.

He also announced the establishment of a 250‑million‑dollar National Food City Complex in Otukpo LGA, expected to create thousands of jobs.

On industrialisation, Alia said his administration established the Food Basket Brewery and a fruit juice processing company to drive economic growth.

He added that the Otobi Water Works was rehabilitated, restoring pipe‑borne water to Otobi, Otukpo, and neighbouring communities.

In digital transformation, the governor disclosed that over 10,000 youths were trained in digital skills, while 40,000 state and local government workers commenced training in e‑governance and ICT skills.

Alia acknowledged that challenges remain but insisted that Benue is witnessing renewed hope, improved confidence in governance, and gradual economic recovery.