Benue experiencing renewed hope under my leadership — Alia at third anniversary

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has declared that the state is gradually regaining stability and confidence despite the difficulties his administration met on assumption of office in 2023.

Governor Alia made the remarks on Friday in Makurdi while addressing residents during activities marking his third anniversary in office, describing the journey so far as one driven by “courage, sacrifice, determination, and steady progress.”

According to the governor, his administration inherited major challenges ranging from insecurity and poor infrastructure to unpaid salaries, pension liabilities, weak institutions, and loss of public trust 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,” he said.

He stressed that his government remained focused on rebuilding the state and changing the existing narrative through deliberate policies and development projects.

Speaking on security efforts, Alia explained that his administration had continued to support security agencies with operational logistics to tackle criminal activities across Benue.

He disclosed that 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles had been provided to security operatives to enhance movement, particularly in remote areas.

The governor also revealed that the state established the Civil Protection Guards as well as the joint security outfit known as “Anyam Nyor” to strengthen security operations.

He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for backing the state in the fight against insecurity, noting that several internally displaced persons were beginning to return to their communities as peace gradually returns.

On workers’ welfare, the governor stated that salaries were now being paid more regularly due to prudent management of state resources and fiscal discipline. He added that pension reforms introduced by his administration were restoring hope to retirees.

“A motivated workforce remains the backbone of productivity and efficient service delivery,” he stated.

Highlighting infrastructure development, Alia said more than 50 intra-city roads had been completed while another 50 road projects were ongoing in different parts of the state. He also disclosed that about 370 kilometres of rural roads had been constructed.

The governor further noted that the Makurdi and Gboko interchanges had been completed, adding that construction work on the Otukpo interchange would soon begin.

He explained that his administration completed a four-kilometre drainage channel linking Achusa, Idye, and Wurukum in Makurdi to tackle flooding challenges within the capital city.

According to him, 30 modern drainage systems were also constructed across the state, while the “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative introduced solar-powered streetlights to improve security and boost economic activities at night.

In the education and health sectors, the governor said over 400 school buildings had either been renovated or newly constructed, while 9,700 teachers and more than 500 health workers had been employed.

He also pointed to the upgrade of facilities at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, describing the institution as a growing medical tourism destination.

Speaking on agriculture and industrial development, Alia disclosed that the state established a tractor assembling workshop which had already trained over 200 youths.

He added that work was progressing at the 250 million dollar National Food City Complex located in Otukpo Local Government Area, a project expected to create over 20,000 jobs after completion.

The governor further announced the establishment of the Food Basket Brewery and a Fruit Juice Processing Company aimed at stimulating industrial growth and increasing employment opportunities in the state.

On technology and digital development, Alia said more than 10,000 youths had received digital skills training, while about 40,000 civil servants were undergoing training in e-governance and ICT.

Reaffirming his administration’s 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 residents that his administration would continue to deliver democratic dividends and build a more prosperous Benue State.