Benue State is experiencing a revival under his watch, Governor Hyacinth Alia asserted during the third anniversary of his administration. Speaking at a gathering in Makurdi on Friday, he described his tenure as a journey marked by bold decisions, sacrifice, and measurable progress.
Alia acknowledged the daunting challenges inherited upon assuming office in 2023, including widespread insecurity, crumbling infrastructure, unpaid salaries, pension arrears, weakened institutions, and eroded public trust. He noted that his government has worked tirelessly to reverse these setbacks.
The governor outlined significant strides in security, revealing that 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles have been deployed to support security agencies, especially in remote areas. He also highlighted the creation of the Civil Protection Guards and a joint security initiative called “Anyam Nyor” to bolster crime-fighting efforts. Alia thanked President Bola Tinubu for federal support, adding that many internally displaced persons are gradually returning to their communities.
On fiscal management, Alia said regular salary payments have been restored through prudent resource management and fiscal discipline. Pension reforms, he added, are restoring hope among retirees. “A motivated workforce is essential for productivity and efficient service,” he stated.
Infrastructure development has been a key focus, with over 50 intra-city roads completed and another 50 under construction. The governor also reported that about 370 kilometers of rural roads have been built, and the Makurdi and Gboko interchanges are finished, with the Otukpo interchange set to begin soon. A four-kilometer drainage channel alleviating flooding in Makurdi, along with 30 modern drainage systems statewide, were completed. The “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative has installed solar streetlights to enhance security and nighttime economic activity.
In education and health, Alia announced that more than 400 school buildings were renovated or newly constructed, and over 9,700 teachers and 500 health workers were employed. Upgrades at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi are transforming it into a medical tourism destination.
Agricultural and industrial initiatives include a tractor assembly workshop that has trained over 200 youths. The $250 million National Food City Complex in Otukpo is progressing and expected to create more than 20,000 jobs. Additionally, the Food Basket Brewery and a fruit juice processing company have been established to spur industrial growth.
For technology and digital development, over 10,000 youths received digital skills training, and about 40,000 civil servants are undergoing training in e-governance and ICT. “One thing is undeniable—Benue is rising again. Hope has returned, and confidence in government is being restored,” Alia concluded, vowing to continue delivering democratic dividends.