Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Friday marked his third anniversary in office, highlighting major strides in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development.
In a statewide address to commemorate his third year in office, Alia said his administration came into power in 2023 with a mandate to restore peace, rebuild institutions, and reposition Benue State for growth despite what he described as severe challenges inherited from previous administrations.
He said the state was initially confronted with decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, weak institutions, insecurity, unemployment, and low public confidence in governance.
On security, the governor said his administration prioritised the protection of lives and property by supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment. He disclosed that 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles were procured and distributed to security operatives to improve mobility in hard-to-reach areas.
Alia also said the government established the Civil Protection Guards and a joint task force, “Anyam Nyor,” to support existing security operations, adding that these efforts had contributed to the gradual return of displaced persons to their communities.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal support in addressing insecurity in the state.
On workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had improved salary and pension payments through fiscal discipline and better resource management, noting that retirees were now receiving more consistent payments.
In infrastructure, Alia said over 50 intra-city roads had been completed, while more than 50 others were ongoing. He added that over 370 kilometres of rural roads had been constructed across the state.
He further listed the completion of interchanges in Gboko and Makurdi, ongoing work on the Wurukum flyover, and plans for an interchange in Otukpo. He also said major drainage projects had been executed to address flooding in Makurdi.
The governor said the “Light-Up Makurdi” project had provided solar-powered streetlights across major roads to improve security and economic activity.
In education, he said over 400 school structures had been built or rehabilitated, while 9,700 teachers were recruited to improve learning outcomes. In the health sector, he said over 500 workers had been employed and facilities upgraded at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
Alia also announced the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ihugh, and a new Faculty of Engineering and Architecture campus in Adikpo.
On agriculture and industry, he said reforms had been introduced to boost food production and attract investment, adding that a tractor assembly workshop had trained over 200 youths.
He disclosed that a $250 million Food City project in Otukpo was ongoing and expected to generate over 20,000 jobs when completed.
The governor also said his administration had established a brewery and a fruit juice processing company to support agro-industrial development.
On digital transformation, Alia said over 10,000 youths had been trained in digital skills, while 40,000 civil servants were undergoing ICT and e-governance training. He also said several digital platforms had been launched to modernise governance.
He said his administration remained committed to continued development, adding that “Benue is rising again” and that more projects would be delivered in the coming years.
