Excellence Award And Alia’s Transformational Impact For Greater Benue

Just last week, Accolades Dynamics Limited bestowed an award of excellence for Governor Hyacinth Alia on his infrastructure revolution and impactful economic development of Benue State. To discerning minds, this is a recognition well deserved. A recognition of impact and commitment to turning the sordid history of Benue State, which was run aground by the immediate past administration of the state. In fact, the governor, on assumption of duty in 2023, described the situation in the state as very dire, but was quick to make a commitment: “My administration will not fail the Benue people. A lot of things went wrong in the State, but my government is here to rebuild and make it better for all.”

This he has been doing boldly, without doubt. So, when the Governor won the Accolade Yellow Ball award as the best Governor in Infrastructure and Economic Development, it was an apt recognition of a leader who has vowed to raise Benue from the doldrums, a leader whose commitment to greater Benue is etched on solid infrastructure, human capital development, entrepreneurship, industrial revival, agricultural and educational transformation, a vibrant healthcare system, among others.

Those who issued the award said, under the leadership of Hyacinth Alia, Benue State has witnessed a remarkable wave of infrastructural renewal aimed at reconnecting communities and stimulating economic growth.

The recognised has massive road construction and urban renewal projects across the state, the completion and ongoing construction of dozens of intra city roads in Makurdi and other major towns, as well as hundreds of kilometers of rural road networks, bridges, and drainage systems designed to mitigate flooding, improve transportation, trade, and access to essential services.

Justifying the award further, they stated that the Governor’s infrastructure drive has transformed public facilities and government institutions through the renovation of schools, public offices, and key state structures, pointing out projects such as the Makurdi and Gboko underpasses, modernization of the State Secretariat, and rehabilitation of critical public infrastructure that reflect his vision of giving Benue a modern and functional outlook.

In all these, they were right because Governor Alia’s administration has been quite busy with several major infrastructure projects in Benue State. Some notable ones include over 390km of roads under construction across the 23 Local Government Areas, with 16 township roads completed and 25 more underway in Makurdi. There is also the multi-billion Naira Cancer Centre being built at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and the Otobi Water works in Benue South Senatorial District, which has been completed.

In the education sector, the government is undertaking the renovation and construction of schools, including a new university at Ihugh in Vandeikya LGA, as well as the massive recruitment and training of teachers.

In the area of industrialisation, the governor has revitalised the Benue Brewery Limited, producers of Zeva Premier Beer, the Benue Fruit Company, and the Taraku oil mill.

In digital transformation, three key digital platforms have been introduced: Benue State Geographic Information System (BENGIS) Portal, Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), and Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal.

These projects and more aim to improve access to healthcare, education, and public utilities while boosting economic growth and mobility in the state.

Governor Alia’s administration has also been working on several other initiatives to boost Benue State’s economic development. In agriculture, the government has subsidized fertilizers, provided tractors at affordable rates, and launched initiatives to boost agricultural productivity, aiming to restore Benue’s national lead as an agro-industrial hub.

Security and job creation are at the heart of any development. These are being pursued relentlessly. The dire security situation in the state when the administration came in 2023 has now been confined to three out of seventeen local government areas facing existential threats from armed groups and terrorists. The government not only set up a 5,000-strong Benue Civil Protection Guards but also created jobs through youth empowerment programs.

No doubt, these projects have improved the quality of life for Benue citizens, drive economic growth, and position the state as a hub for innovation and investment.

Governor Alia’s infrastructure projects are transforming Benue State, bringing numerous benefits to local communities, enhancing mobility and access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, providing clean water to residents, enhancing access to education, and ensuring overall economic growth.

Indeed, these projects have not only improved infrastructure but also restored confidence among the grassroots, with local people praising the governor’s inclusive governance and visible development. Benue is indeed in a safe hand, marching to unprecedented greatness under the able leadership of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

– Bridget Tikyaa Is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media,  Publicity and Communications Strategy