Alia Marks Three Years In Office, Highlights Security, Infrastructure, Education Achievements in Benue

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the state, restoring public confidence in governance, and delivering sustainable development as his government marked its third anniversary in office.

In a statewide address delivered on Friday to commemorate three years of his administration, Governor Alia said his government had made “visible and measurable progress” despite inheriting numerous challenges, including insecurity, decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, unemployment, and weakened institutions.

The governor stated that security remained the top priority of his administration, noting that no meaningful development could thrive without peace and stability. According to him, the state government procured and distributed 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles to security agencies to enhance their operational capacity across difficult terrains.

He further disclosed that the administration established the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force codenamed “Anyam Nyor” to complement Operation Zenda in combating criminality and terrorism across the state.

Governor Alia expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to address insecurity in Benue, adding that the interventions were already yielding results as displaced persons gradually return to their ancestral communities.

Speaking on workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration had prioritized prompt payment of salaries and reforms within the pension system to restore dignity to pensioners and improve productivity within the civil service.

On infrastructure, Governor Alia disclosed that over 50 intra-city roads had been completed, while more than 50 others were ongoing across the state. He added that no fewer than 370 kilometres of rural roads had also been constructed to improve connectivity and economic activities in rural communities.

The governor further highlighted the completion of two interchanges in Makurdi and Gboko, while revealing that work would soon commence on another interchange in Otukpo. He also referenced the ongoing construction of the Wurukum Flyover Bridge in Makurdi.

In addressing flooding challenges within the state capital, Governor Alia said his administration completed a four-kilometre drainage canal from Achusa through Idye to Wurukum and constructed over 30 modern drainage systems to contain floodwaters and reduce environmental hazards.

Under the “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative, he said major roads and streets in the state capital had been fitted with solar-powered streetlights to improve security and boost nighttime economic activities.

In the education sector, Governor Alia stated that over 400 structures, including storey buildings, had been rehabilitated or constructed in primary schools across the state, while 9,700 teachers were recruited to improve learning standards.

Similarly, he revealed that more than 500 health workers had been employed to strengthen healthcare delivery, alongside the upgrade of facilities and provision of modern equipment at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

The governor also announced the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST), Ihugh, describing it as a specialized institution designed to provide practical solutions in agriculture, science, and technology.

According to him, the administration also expanded the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University with the establishment of a Faculty of Engineering and Architecture campus in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area.

On agriculture, Governor Alia reiterated that Benue remained the “Food Basket of the Nation,” stressing that his administration had introduced reforms, annual farm support programmes, and investment partnerships aimed at boosting food production and agro-processing.

He disclosed that the government established a tractor assembling workshop where over 200 youths had already been trained in tractor assembly and maintenance.

The governor further revealed that the state attracted a 250 million dollar National Food City Complex located at Ogyoma-Akpa in Otukpo Local Government Area, which is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs upon completion.

In the industrial sector, he highlighted the establishment of the Food Basket Brewery, producers of Zeva Beer and other beverages, as well as a Fruit Juice Processing Company aimed at adding value to the state’s abundant citrus production.

Governor Alia also noted that the administration rehabilitated the Otobi Water Works, restoring pipe-borne water supply to Otobi, Otukpo, and surrounding communities after decades of neglect.

On digital transformation and youth empowerment, the governor disclosed that over 10,000 youths had been trained in digital skills, while some beneficiaries were sent abroad, particularly to Belarus, for advanced training opportunities.

He further stated that the government commenced ICT and e-governance training for 40,000 state and local government workers and launched several digital platforms, including the Electronic Document Management System (EDM), the Benue Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) Portal, and the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal.

Governor Alia acknowledged that challenges still remained but maintained that Benue was steadily regaining hope, stability, and public confidence.

“Benue is rising again. Hope has returned. Confidence in government is being restored. Our streets are becoming livelier, our institutions stronger, and our future brighter,” he stated.

The governor expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, security agencies, development partners, and residents of the state for their support and cooperation over the past three years.

He assured the people that his administration would continue to pursue policies and programmes aimed at deepening peace, unity, and development across the state.