Kunav Appointees Endorse Alia For Second Term, Hail Infrastructure, Education Reforms

The League of Kunav Appointees has endorsed Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for a second term in office.

The appointees passed a vote of confidence in his administration and commended what they described as remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education, industrialisation, workers’ welfare, and rural development.

The League’s spokesperson, Rev. Solomon Semaka, said the Governor provided purposeful leadership and laid a solid foundation for sustainable development through reforms that have positively impacted the lives of Benue residents.

Semaka cited ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Makurdi underpass and flyover, the expansion of intra-city roads, improved drainage systems, the installation of streetlights, and urban renewal initiatives, saying they had enhanced the state’s attractiveness for investment.

In a statement issued to journalists after a press conference in Makurdi, the state capital, Semaka praised the administration’s commitment to prompt payment of salaries and pensions, noting that the regular payments had restored confidence among civil servants and retirees and boosted commercial activities across the state.

In education, the League commended reforms implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), including monthly grants to schools, the rehabilitation of educational facilities, the establishment of e-libraries, the distribution of motorcycles to schools, and the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers to improve learning outcomes and create employment opportunities.

The group also applauded the revival of Taraku Mills, describing it as a major step towards restoring industrial activities in the state. It also hailed the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), led by Dr Raymond Asemakaha, for establishing bread, water, fruit juice, and nail production factories, as well as transport hire-purchase schemes, aimed at creating jobs and reducing the cost of essential goods.

According to the League, youth empowerment programmes, including the Benue Fashion Hub and digital, technical, and vocational skills-acquisition initiatives, have equipped thousands of young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills.

It further lauded the acquisition of over 100 buses for Benue Links, the implementation of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), which includes over 512 kilometres of rural roads, bridges, and culverts, and the introduction of over 2,000 electric motorcycles to improve rural transportation.

The League described the establishment of a state university campus in Ihugh as another milestone that would expand access to higher education and stimulate economic growth.

While acknowledging security challenges in the state, the appointees said Governor Alia had adopted dialogue and other strategic measures that had improved peace in several communities.