By Peter Duru, Makurdi 

Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for the formulation of a comprehensive 30-year development plan for Benue state, saying the state needs a long-term blueprint that would outlive successive administrations and guarantee sustainable growth. 

The Governor made the call on Thursday in Makurdi during a symposium held as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebration of Benue State. 

Speaking shortly after the unveiling of the book, “Benue @50: A Journey of Resilience, Progress and Prospects,” Alia praised the Central Planning Committee and contributors for documenting the state’s history and development over the past five decades. 

He described the publication as a landmark reference that preserves Benue’s story while providing a guide for future generations. 

The Governor stressed that the state must deliberately chart a new course for development by learning from its past and embracing a shared vision for the future. 

He said, “We need a comprehensive 30-year development plan that will transcend political parties and administrations, ensuring continuity in governance, sustainable growth and long-term prosperity for Benue State.” 

Alia urged political leaders, intellectuals, development experts and citizens to work together in producing a unified development framework by harmonising existing blueprints from previous and current administrations into a single roadmap with clear timelines and measurable targets. 

According to him, sustainable development goes beyond physical infrastructure and must also focus on leadership, education, civic responsibility and active citizen participation. 

He further encouraged residents to contribute meaningfully to governance through research, constructive criticism, public engagement and knowledge sharing.

“Benue’s future depends on the collective efforts of its people,” the governor said, challenging academics, professionals, media practitioners and community leaders to offer ideas capable of repositioning the state in education, commerce, politics and economic development. 

Earlier, Chairman of the symposium and former Benue state Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, described the gathering as the most significant event of the Golden Jubilee celebration. 

He said the symposium provided an opportunity for scholars and stakeholders to assess Benue’s history, achievements, challenges and future prospects. 

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Symposium Sub-Committee, Rev. Fr. Tageza Akpagher, said the event was designed to promote honest scholarly reflection on Benue’s past, present and future. 

According to him, the symposium would generate practical ideas to build a more united, prosperous and development-oriented Benue State. 

The symposium featured presentations of four scholarly papers by Professors John Agaba, Chris Orngu, Member George-Genyi and Patrick Ukase. The papers examined the creation and early development of Benue State, its trajectory in the Fourth Republic, issues of women, gender and inclusion, as well as the impact of military rule and lessons for future governance.