Benue State’s 2023 election of Governor Hyacinth Alia is widely considered a godsend for the people of the North Central State, especially in light of his unparalleled dedication to promoting social welfare, peace, and progress thus far.
A new wave of public trust, as well as a revitalized sense of hope and advancement throughout the state, have been established under his leadership.
Agriculture and food security are two of his most prominent sectors of governing. Benue State, sometimes referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” benefits from regulations that give farmers access to markets, better inputs, and automated machinery.
For example, the Governor’s administration has made it easier for both small-scale and commercial farmers to increase yield by facilitating the distribution of modern irrigation systems and farm implements, such as tractors of various brands and capacities, ranging from 25 horsepower to 95 horsepower, along with several complementary farm implements, such as combine harvesters, various types of threshers, planters/fertilizer applicators, excavators, and yam mounders. This affects thousands of people’s livelihoods by increasing the local food supply and creating jobs and revenue.
Governor Alia has shown imaginative leadership in the area of infrastructure development. The elementary school system, which has been virtually completely neglected up until now, receives special attention through extensive classroom and office building and renovation. The Igumale-Apa-Agila road, the Awajir-Mbaiase-Oju road, the Mbawuar-Mbause-Anhyula road, the Gbem-Hegha-Use-Ushongo road, the Vandeikya-Tse Mker-Koti-Adikpo road, and numerous other roads connecting rural communities to major towns are at varying stages of completion, cutting down on travel time and boosting trade.
In Makurdi, the state capital of the Food Basket State, the administration of Governor Alia is rapidly and meticulously rebuilding and enhancing important facilities. In order to facilitate mobility and lessen flooding problems, major inner-city roads have been built, renovated, drainage systems increased, and lamps erected throughout the state along practically all vital streets and important corridors. The city is now more functioning and secure thanks to these exceptional improvements.
Additionally, his administration has revitalized public utilities and social services, such as a few market places, schools, and healthcare facilities. Makurdi now has a cleaner, more orderly, and livable appearance appropriate for a contemporary state capital thanks to initiatives in urban sanitation, beautification, and the renovation of public buildings.
Living conditions have directly increased as a result of initiatives like solar-powered electrification of isolated settlements and state-wide improvements to healthcare services. Expanded primary healthcare facilities and newly furnished hospitals, for instance, guarantee that residents have improved access to healthcare services, lowering death rates and enhancing overall community health.
Security and peacebuilding have also been given top priority by Alia’s administration, especially in a state that has previously seen unprovoked attacks, invasions, and intercommunal strife. His government has established forums for settling disputes and fostering harmony through constant coordination with the nation’s security agencies, communication, mediation, and cooperation with local authorities. Citizens now feel comfortable in their homes and places of business because to the development, funding, and equipment of community policing projects.
His emphasis on empowering and educating young people is another blessing. Governor Alia has made it possible for young people to make significant contributions to society by offering bonds and scholarships, skill-building initiatives, and vocational training, such as the ICT training of over 10,000. For instance, many young people have benefited from agricultural training programs and technical education efforts. For instance, more than 900 young people have received training in the assembly and repair of tractors and other mechanized machines and equipment, giving them useful skills for independence.
Commence and Industry is not excluded because the state’s industrialization is in full swing, with factories producing orange juice, nails, water, bread, and breweries already taking off and yielding. These will soon increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and have already brought joy to the state’s youth.
Last but not least, openness, responsibility, and cooperation are key components of Governor Alia’s leadership style. In addition to reinstating discipline and order in the civil service and restoring the dignity of the Benue workers, his administration regularly involves stakeholders in decision-making to guarantee that policies represent the requirements of the populace. This uncommon inclusive strategy boosts confidence and fortifies the state’s democratic process.
As a result, many facets of Benue State life have been impacted by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, youth empowerment, and good governance. The Governor’s election in 2023 is a godsend because of his practical and people-focused policies, which promise Benue State residents better quality of life, social stability, and long-term progress.
Therefore, it is reasonable to say that the election of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia as governor by the Benue people was a wise decision. All around the state, his developmental footprints are already apparent. There is still a vision. Just as the Reverend Gentleman himself has continued to reverberate at public forums, the commendable steps highlighted are merely the tip of the iceberg. He will deliver more in the latter six years of his administration because he has his sights set on the goal post with an intense ambition.
Testimonies from the streets are what we rely on. Benue transcends all individuals. People are saying things. They made the decision, and they immediately feel proud of it. The Clarion call is for the people of Benue to continue praying for Governor Alia and his administration, as well as their God-sent blessing.
Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary.
