By Adnan Mukhtar
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Governor Hyacinth Iornem Alia of Benue State has, within the past twenty-one months in office, made significant strides, especially in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, humanitarian services, women and youth empowerment, as well as security among other critical sectors.
Governor Alia, who assumed the mantle of leadership as the elected Governor of Benue State on 29th May 2023, had made it clear to the citizens of the state his intention to accord priority attention to these areas and many others, aiming to improve the well-being of the citizens, especially the less privileged, in addition to uplifting their socio-economic status.
Governor Alia deserves to be celebrated by all well-meaning people of Benue State for his unwavering commitment to improving the living standard of the people, especially at the grassroots level, with the aim of taking the state to greater heights. A recent visit to the state reveals that Governor Alia has transformed Benue State, as evidenced by numerous achievements recorded across various sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the economy.
In the area of infrastructure development, Governor Alia has successfully constructed several roads within the Makurdi metropolis, alongside underpass projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety. He has also renovated several government buildings and infrastructure across the state.
Governor Alia’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to transforming Benue State and improving the lives of its citizens. These achievements are a testament to the governor’s vision and leadership.
First and foremost, he believes education is the bedrock of any meaningful development, which is why he has prioritized rejuvenating the sector to ensure the provision of quality education from primary or basic levels up to tertiary levels.
Additionally, the Governor has initiated a commendable policy to pay the examination fees for all students in government-approved public secondary schools in the state sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) examinations. This gesture has been widely acclaimed in the state and is viewed by many as both revolutionary and a hallmark of visionary leadership.
The Governor was reported to have donated computers to the Benue State University Computer-Based Test (CBT) center to enhance learning. He awarded scholarships to no fewer than 44 first-class graduates of Benue State University to support their further studies. Furthermore, he established a University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology at Ihugh in Vandeikya and opened a Benue State University campus at Adikpo (Faculty of Technology), among other significant accomplishments.
In the health sector, Governor Alia has made tremendous achievements, notably rejuvenating the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and upgrading healthcare facilities across the state. This is part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the citizens have access to quality healthcare and improving healthcare delivery services statewide. The opening of the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital has reduced maternal mortality rates and provides prompt and high-quality healthcare services to women and children under the age of five.
The reconstruction and modernization of the Benue State House of Assembly Complex, with modern facilities, and the initiation and completion of the remodeling of the Benue State House of Assembly Clinic, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to ensure quality healthcare for officials and staff, also deserve mention.
The construction of strategic roads within the Makurdi metropolis, Gboko, and other parts of the state, along with the construction of flyovers and underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko local governments, and the installation of streetlights, are commendable projects. These initiatives will significantly ease the movement of people, goods, and services, facilitating and enhancing economic development in the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s key interventions in the tertiary education sector and the implementation of policies to improve education standards in the state have continued to receive priority attention since he assumed office.
Women and youth empowerment is another sector where Governor Alia has excelled, enabling numerous women and youth to become self-reliant and contribute to the economic growth and development of both the state and Nigeria at large.
Since taking office, Governor Alia has focused on grassroots development, implementing policies tailored to meet the needs of the state’s residents without favoritism. Despite his identity as a Christian and a Reverend Father, he has garnered the respect and support of the Muslim community by ensuring equal treatment for all religions.
His commendable leadership and numerous accomplishments were recognized when Leadership Newspaper awarded him the title of “Governor of the Year” on March 5, 2024.
Additionally, the peace and stability currently experienced throughout Benue State can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of security agencies, which have been significantly bolstered by Governor Alia’s untiring support.
Without mincing words, I can confidently say that Governor Alia is a remarkable success and a unique gift to the people of Benue State during this critical moment.
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