Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy, deepening peace and unity, and building a prosperous state for future generations.
The governor made the pledge on Thursday in a statewide address to commemorate the third anniversary of his administration, which came into office on May 29, 2023.
Reflecting on the past three years, Alia said his government inherited a state grappling with decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in governance.
According to him, despite the challenges, his administration has recorded “visible and measurable progress” across critical sectors including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, industrialization, and digital transformation.
On security, the governor disclosed that the administration procured and distributed 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles to security agencies to enhance operations across difficult terrains. He also highlighted the establishment of the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force code-named “Anyam Nyor” to complement existing security structures.
Alia commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to tackle insecurity in the state, noting that many displaced persons were gradually returning to their ancestral homes as peace returns to affected communities.
The governor also emphasized his administration’s focus on workers’ welfare, stating that salaries are now paid more consistently while pension reforms have restored dignity to retirees.
In infrastructure development, he said the government completed over 50 intra-city roads, with another 50 under construction, alongside over 370 kilometres of rural roads. He further listed the completion of interchanges in Gboko and Makurdi, as well as the ongoing flyover project at Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi.
Alia noted that flood control measures, including the construction of a four-kilometre drainage canal from Achusa through Idye to Wurukum and over 30 modern drainage systems, have significantly reduced flooding in Makurdi metropolis.
Under the “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative, the administration installed solar-powered streetlights across major roads and streets in the state capital to improve security and economic activities.
In the education sector, the governor said over 400 structures in primary schools had been rehabilitated or constructed, while 9,700 teachers were recruited to improve learning outcomes.
He added that more than 500 health workers had been employed, while facilities at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi had been upgraded with modern medical equipment.
The governor also highlighted the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, and the creation of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Campus in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area.
Speaking on agriculture, Alia said the state had established a tractor assembly workshop where over 200 youths had been trained. He further revealed that the government attracted a 250 million dollar National Food City Complex in Otukpo Local Government Area, projected to create more than 20,000 jobs upon completion.
On industrial development, the governor said the administration had established the Food Basket Brewery, producers of Zeva Beer and other beverages, alongside a Fruit Juice Processing Company aimed at boosting value addition in the citrus sector.
Alia also highlighted achievements in water supply, particularly the rehabilitation of the Otobi Water Works, which restored pipe-borne water to Otobi, Otukpo, and neighbouring communities after decades of neglect.
In the area of digital transformation, he disclosed that over 10,000 youths had been trained in digital skills, while some beneficiaries were sent abroad for advanced training opportunities. He added that 40,000 civil servants were undergoing training in e-governance and ICT skills.
The governor thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, security agencies, development partners, party faithful, and residents of the state for supporting his administration over the past three years.
“While challenges still remain, one thing is undeniable: Benue is rising again. Hope has returned. Confidence in government is being restored,” he stated.
Alia assured the people that his administration would not relent in pursuing policies and projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens and repositioning Benue State for greater prosperity.
