By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The All Progressives Congress, APC, says Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership style of transparency, purposeful and people-first approach to governance has positively impacted all the sectors of the state in the first 20 months of his administration.

The Caretaker Chairman of the APC in Benue State, Chief Benjamin Omale who made the assertion in a statement while assessing the government in Benue state noted that the administration came with a clear focus on development, accountability, and the welfare of the people.

The Chairman noted the payment of backlog of salaries owed workers in the state and the regular payment of the entitlements of pensioners as a feat that separates the administration from others. “No doubt Governor Alia is redefining governance and setting a new standard for transformative leadership.

According to him, the prioritization of the construction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public facilities as well as the launch of empowerment initiatives for youth, women, and small businesses to create jobs and encourage entrepreneurship helped turn the state’s economy around.

He also commended the Governor’s huge investments in the healthcare sector
saying “the clearance of arrears for staff at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, and the construction of a Cancer Treatment Center exemplified his commitment to quality healthcare. These efforts are not only improving services but also boosting morale among healthcare professionals.”

The Chairman identified security and law enforcement as another area the administration had also done well particularly with the recent launch of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, BSCPG, and “Operation Anyam Nyor,” a joint security task force, equipped with vehicles, motorcycles, and modern gadgets to tackle insecurity in the state.

He observed that “Governor Alia’s prudent management of resources has received accolades from organizations like BudgIT, with Benue State rising to 9th place on the States Fiscal Transparency League Table. The Debt Management Office (DMO) also reported a significant reduction in the state’s external debt under his administration, showcasing fiscal discipline and accountability.

“The administration is also tackling unemployment head-on. The recent initiatives includes the ongoing recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, the training of over 10,000 youths in ICT in partnership with Google, and the establishment of new industries under the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), which are projected to generate thousands of jobs among others.

“Governor Alia’s policies are designed to uplift every segment of the society. And his administration’s 2025 budget of N550 billion focuses on Human Capital Development, Food Security, and Digital Economy.”

The Chairman maintained that “the Governor’s focus on sustainability and long-term planning is evident in the recent launch of the Benue State 10-Year Development Plan. His government is laying a foundation for future generations by prioritizing education, healthcare, and economic growth.

“As he rightly stated during the launch, ‘we are not only working towards making our state a hub of industrial and economic activities; we are also determined to realize a Benue that sustainably breathes the air of premium quality healthcare services agreeing with global best practices.’

Omale stated that “the people of Benue are rallying behind him, confident in his ability to deliver on his promises. And we have no doubt that his leadership is not just a beacon of hope for Benue State but a model for purposeful governance in Nigeria.”