Alia Inaugurates 15-Member Economic Policy Advisory Team

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated the state’s Economic and Policy Advisory Team and charged them to use their expertise to drive evidence-based governance and sustainable growth.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, those inaugurated were Nick Agule as team lead and Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami as Co-team lead. Other members were Prof Naomi Onyeje Doki, Dr Andrew Ayabam, Dr Adukwu Emmanuel Ogbole, Mr Patrick Okigbo, Dr Fanen Ade, Mr Alex Tarka, Dr Jane Asagh, Mr Basil Jev, Dr Joseph Ogebe, Mr Emmanuel Makeri, Mr Micheal Oglegba, Mrs Theresa Nyitse and Prof Jerome Andohol as Secretary”

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in Makurdi, the Governor, Alia, congratulated the appointees and described their selection as a vote of confidence in their competence and experience.

He stated that the Advisory Team is central to his administration’s efforts to strengthen strategic planning and accelerate economic progress across the state.

“The constitution of this Advisory Team is our administration’s resolve to strengthen evidence-based governance, deepen strategic planning and speed up sustainable economic growth, he explained.

The Governor urged members to justify the confidence placed in them by dedicating their knowledge to advancing Benue State.

He further outlined high expectations for the body, including that members should offer objective, practical, and forward-looking advice to help the government craft policies that create jobs, attract investment, boost internally generated revenue, improve public services, and expand opportunities for residents.

He stressed recommendations must be rooted in credible data, rigorous analysis and innovation, and delivered with professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and accountability.

According to the Governor, “Let credible data, rigorous analysis, innovation and undivided commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State guide your recommendations”.

While acknowledging the state’s challenges, the Governor framed them as opportunities for transformation.

He called for collaborative work with stakeholders and creative solutions to build a more diversified, competitive, and resilient economy.

The Governor pledged his administration’s support for the team, promising an enabling environment and careful consideration of its findings.

Alia pointed out the government’s continuing focus on inclusive growth, fiscal discipline, private-sector development, food security, youth empowerment and sustainable development.