Alia Approves Key Appointments, Creates New Agencies, Redeploys Commissioner
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has approved a fresh round of strategic appointments, created new government agencies, constituted a State Project Monitoring Team, redeployed a commissioner, and forwarded a new commissioner nominee to the Benue State House of Assembly.
The appointments, announced on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, are aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing effective implementation of government policies and projects across the state.
Among the newly created agencies is the Benue Road Maintenance Agency, with Engr. Thaddeus Terngu Tarzomon appointed as its General Manager. The agency is expected to oversee the maintenance and rehabilitation of road infrastructure across the state.
Governor Alia also approved the appointment of Dr. Ben Ebe as the Benue State Coordinator of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). A seasoned communications expert, media executive, and academic, Dr. Ebe brings over three decades of experience in journalism, strategic communications, public administration, research, and higher education. He currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Zeyani Associated Media and has previously served on the Board of the Radio Benue Corporation.
For the newly established Agency for Recreation and Parks, Mercy Turugh was appointed Executive Secretary. A community development and workforce professional with more than 24 years of experience, she has built a distinguished career in youth empowerment, career development, workforce training, and community advocacy through her leadership at Smart Staffing Group LLC.
The Governor further approved the appointment of Samuel Terungwa Agwa as the State Coordinator of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Agwa is an experienced development practitioner and agribusiness expert whose career spans humanitarian services, international development, governance, research, and public policy, having worked with organizations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Benue State Government.
Governor Alia also inaugurated the Benue State Project Monitoring Team to strengthen oversight and ensure quality execution of government projects. The committee is chaired by Engr. Dr. Feliox Atume, mni, while Engr. Mlumun Ikpaahindi serves as Secretary. Other members include Engr. Cephas Suswam, Surveyor Bartholomew Feese, Engr. Terna Ibi, Engr. S. A. Baba, Arch. Idu John Adakole, and Engr. Jijingi Emmanuel.
According to the statement, the team will oversee and monitor government projects across all sectors, ensure compliance with approved specifications, timelines, and budgets, conduct periodic inspections, identify delays or substandard work, recommend corrective measures, advise the government on project costs and value-for-money considerations, and perform any additional responsibilities assigned by the Governor.
In another development, Governor Alia approved the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. James Dwam, to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The Governor also forwarded the name of Hon. Ankwa Amo II to the Benue State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as a commissioner.
The appointments and administrative changes take immediate effect and are expected to further strengthen the Alia administration's commitment to efficient governance, accountability, and sustainable development in Benue State.
