Tinubu Celebrates Alia At 60, Praises Peace Efforts In Benue

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, on his 60th birthday, praising his peace-building efforts and developmental strides.

In a statement he signed to mark the governor’s birthday celebrated on 15th May, Tinubu described Alia’s political journey as “faith made manifest,” noting that his compassion, principled character and dedication to God and humanity had endeared him to the people of Benue State.

The President recalled that Alia was ordained a Catholic priest in 1990 by Bishop Athanasius Atule Usuh of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese before venturing into politics.

“It was no surprise that his people, whom he had long served faithfully in the vineyard of the Most High, elected him as their governor in 2023,” Tinubu stated.

The President commended the Benue governor for his efforts to industrialise the state and expand its road network.

According to him, Benue now has tomato and fruit juice factories, beer, nylon and polythene factories, as well as a large-scale bakery, which are providing jobs and adding value to agricultural products.

Tinubu also praised the underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko, saying the projects had eased traffic and improved urban life.

The President further noted that the Alia administration had established a university of agriculture, science and technology and invested in improving facilities at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

He particularly applauded the Governor’s peace-building initiatives and efforts to promote unity in the state and within his political family.

“I also commend the Reverend Father for ensuring peace and stability in Benue, and particularly for his peace-building initiatives and endeavours to foster unity among the people of the state and his political family,” Tinubu said.

The President added, “Reverend Alia has demonstrated that when the pulpit comes to power, positive change is possible.”

Tinubu encouraged the Governor to sustain and deepen his peace-building and security initiatives, expand welfare programmes and continue infrastructure development across the state.

He wished Alia many more years of good health and strength in service to Benue State and the nation.