...promises to do more, vows to end insecurity in Benue

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has said that his administration has matched policy with action despite the political and security distractions the government has faced in the last two years.

Addressing the crowd that thronged the IBB Square Makurdi, to celebrate the second year anniversary of his administration, the Governor recounted the achievers of his administration in the last two years stressing that “the day is a moment of reflection, accountability and renewed commitment.

“It is a time to examine our journey so far, to celebrate our accomplishments, learn from our challenges,and reaffirm our resolve to building a strongerand more inclusive Benue.”

He noted that across all the 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs, “construction and rehabilitation of roads and public structures are ongoing. Our commitment to rural-urban integration is real and resolute.”

While reeling out the achievements of his administration in the various sectors of the state, the Governor said, “from day one, our administration prioritized infrastructural revolution as a catalyst for socio-economic development.

“We embarked on the remodeling and complete furnishing of the Benue State Secretariat, built over three decades ago, breathing new life into its purpose. We renovated and upgraded the State House of Assembly complex, ensuring it is equipped with modern facilities befitting of the legislative arm of government.

“In Makurdi and Gboko LGAs respectively, we are on the verge of completing two underpasses, which would be ready for commissioning soon. This is a demonstration to our vision of transforming Benue’s urban landscape. The revitalization of the Benue Printing and Publishing Company, publishers of the Voice Newspaper, also signals our intent to strengthen state-owned institutions.

“We have made historic investments in healthcare. The Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital now houses an ultra-modern cancer treatment centre, one of its kind in this region valued at over ₦20billion. This centre is set to curb medical tourism outside the region, and improve survival outcomes for our people.
“As the Food Basket of the Nation, Benue is primed to lead the way in food production. Over the last two years, we subsidized the prices of fertilizer, herbicidesand other farm inputs by 50 percent, making themmore accessible to our farmers. We introduced standard bag sizes to prevent exploitation. We also established seasonal farms for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), restoring their dignity through meaningful engagement.

“Education remains at the heart of our development agenda. For the first time in the history of Benue State, we have recruited over 9,000 qualified teachers through a transparent Computer-Based Testing (CBT) process. We approved a new ₦75,000 minimum wage for public school teachers and for all state civil servants, reflecting our respect for their essential role in public service.

“Infrastructural development in our schools includes the massive construction ofnew classrooms, libraries, sanitation facilities, and perimeter fences. Computer-based learning has been introduced in model schools like the UBEC Smart School in Makurdi with many more to follow. Our students have excelled in national and international competitions, a testimony to our renewed focus on quality education.

“We have constructed and renovated over 253 school structures, including modern storey buildings.This is coupled with the supply of over 13,347 units of classroom furniture, including facilities for Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE). We have commenced the state-wide distribution of whiteboards to phase out chalkboards permanently in Benue State.

“Our administration has also introduced transparent e-payment systems for teachers and civil servants generally, to block leakages and ensure financial accountability.We have invested in instructional materials, modern teaching aids, and the establishment of digital and non-digital libraries.

“We are nurturing the human capital needed to power this digital revolution. We have embarked on a state-wide training of 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools, data privacy, and essential digital skills to ensure a more responsive and tech-savvy workforce. Simultaneously, over 10,000 youth have already benefited from digital empowerment programs that prepare them for opportunities in the digital space. These initiatives are more than just milestones; they are the building blocks of a smarter, more inclusive, and economically resilient Benue State.

“Security remains our top priority. Although we inherited a fragile security situation, we have taken bold steps towards restoring safety of lives and property, as well as maintenance of law and order. The establishment of Operation Anyam Nyôr, a security outfit backed by legislation, has empowered law enforcement agencies to tackle insecurity head-on.

“Our civil service reform has saved the state over ₦1.2billion monthly by eliminating ghost workers and ghost schools. Salaries and pensions are now paid regularly before the 25th of every month without borrowing shishi. We recently cleared part of the outstanding September 2017 arrears and will continue to address pending obligations.

“In just two years, our administration has laid a transformative foundation for Benue State’s journey into the digital age. From the outset, we recognized that a robust digital economy is essential for sustainable development, job creation, and global competitiveness.

“As a result, we became the first administration in the history of Benue State to establish three landmark institutions dedicated to digital advancement: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC); and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA). These bodies are now at the forefront of driving digital policy, infrastructure development, and regulatory oversight to ensure the state’s seamless integration into the national and global digital ecosystem.

“We have matched policy with action by investing heavily in digital infrastructure and innovative systems that are already enhancing government efficiency and transparency.

“Yes, we have faced challenges, insecurity, political distractions and resource constraints; but we remain undeterred. Our resolve is unshaken. We call on all communities to unite for peace, for progress and for the great future of Benue.

“As we step into the next phase of our journey, beginning with next years and the last four years, the prospects for Benue are brighter than ever. We will consolidate our gains, deepen investment in infrastructure, agriculture and technology, and continue to support small businesses and artisans. We are poised to diversify our economy, tap into our vast mineral wealth and develop our people.We are committed to a Benue where every citizen can live with dignity and aspire without limits.”