When on May 29, 2023 Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia was sworn in as the Governor of Benue State, he made a solemn pledge to provide the required leadership to tackle the appalling situation of the state in all areas of development, from security to infrastructure, welfare of civil servants and pensioners, the collapsed government owned industries, agriculture, health care and education, among others. Addressing insecurity, returning displaced persons home, Industrialization through agriculture and massive rural development, creating opportunities through a revitalized commerce and industry space, building the capabilities of the people through human capital and social development, infrastructure to support economic growth, and enabling digital transformation and the skills needed through investment in information and communications technology, ICT.
His vision, so far, has been driven through
participatory, consensus-driven, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, efficient, equitable, and inclusive governance and adherence to the rule of law.
Thus, when on Friday, 29th August, 2025, the Governor Alia and his media team, led by the Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, unveiled his comprehensive scorecard before the media, it was more of a celebration of two years of excellence, an impactful legacy that has positively touched lives, transformed institutions and pulled Benue State from the brinks of total collapse it was in before he assumed duty.
The media team led by veteran journalist and presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, was in the state to appraise first hand, the fruits of Governor Alia’s labour, and to lent credence to the narrative of development, currently unfolding in Benue State.
The achievements paraded were not mere abstract figures or promises, but concrete and impactful projects that are transforming the Benue landscape and positively touching the lives of the people. From massive roads construction and rehabilitation, to significant strides in Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, ICT, Industrialization, humanitarian sector, land administration and others, the scorecard was a testament to a focused and deliberate approach to governance. It showed a government that understands the fundamental needs of its people and is working tirelessly to address them.
For Governor Alia, the visit by the Onanuga-led media team was a welcome development, as it will help to counter the misinformation being peddled by political jobbers, who are clearly uneasy by the giant strides recorded by the administration in two years and put to shame their years of wastefulness that had dragged Benue State aground before the coming of his administration.
He made a solemn pledge to complete more legacy projects before the end of his first term in office. A pledge that attests to the fact that the next two years will be purposeful, and the government will push all boundaries to leave a lasting positive impact on the state.
The governor harped on the importance of partnership with the Federal Government and development partners to drive more development and deliver more legacy projects in line with his administration’s commitment, which has been built on a foundation of strategic planning, and a clear vision.
As aptly captured by the governor, the key catalyst for these achievements is the robust and cordial relationship between Benue and the federal government. This synergy has proven to be a significant advantage to the state, as it has been unlocking opportunities and resources that might otherwise have been inaccessible. It’s a clear example of how inter-governmental collaboration can accelerate development and bring about meaningful change for the populace.
This positive relationship has transformed the dynamics of governance in the state. By aligning with the federal agenda for progress, the Benue State Government has been able to leverage support and expertise, leading to a more efficient and impactful implementation of its policies and projects. It is a strategic partnership that prioritizes the welfare of the people above every other consideration. Governor Alia and his administration have demonstrated its capacity for effective leadership and its unwavering commitment to progress.
Impressed by the development strides in the last two years, Onanuga said rallying around the Governor, is not just a call for political support, but a collective push for the continued delivery of the dividends of democracy that have already begun to transform the state.
He expressed profound satisfaction with the tangible progress on the ground, insisting that the visit served as a crucial fact-finding mission that directly counter the often-malicious and unfounded claims made by political detractors, about the Governor’s administration.
This is indeed the triumph of reality over rhetoric, a stark rebuke to those who have sought to undermine the governor’s efforts through a campaign of misinformation and reckless narratives.
The Presidential Spokesman media team visit is a powerful validation of the governor’s true leadership and a clear signal that the federal government recognizes and appreciates the genuine development taking place in Benue State. It effectively neutralizes the baseless criticisms by the detractors.
– Bridget Tikyaa is the principal special assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communication Strategy
