By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Mzough U Tiv UK (MUTUK), a foremost Tiv diaspora organisation, has lauded the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on his 60th birthday praising his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and security since taking office in 2023.

In a tribute to the governor the UK-based group described Alia as a visionary leader whose life has been dedicated to faith, service and humanity.

The group noted that Governor Alia’s rise “from the seminary to the priesthood, from academia to the highest office in Benue State” reflected courage, humility and commitment to public service.

According to MUTUK, the governor inherited enormous challenges, including unpaid salaries and pensions, poor infrastructure and insecurity, but had shown determination in addressing them.

“Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Alia has brought to governance a vision that is as bold as it is compassionate,” the statement said.

It added: “He inherited a state burdened by unpaid salaries, pension arrears, deteriorating infrastructure and a deeply unsettled security environment. Yet, from day one, he chose not to make excuses, but to make progress.”

The organisation commended the administration for restoring the dignity of workers and retirees through payment of outstanding entitlements and for embarking on road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state.

It also praised ongoing rural electrification efforts and the collaboration with the Federal Government on the Makurdi-Enugu Road project.

In the education sector, MUTUK said the state government had increased support for schools and paid examination fees for students in public secondary schools sitting for WAEC, NECO and NABTEB examinations.

The statement further highlighted developments in tertiary education, including the continued expansion of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, and plans for the new University of Agriculture, Science and Technology at Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area, LGA.

On healthcare, the group noted that Primary Healthcare Centres were being upgraded across the state, while mechanised farming initiatives and the Benue State Youth Empowerment Scheme were helping to revitalise agriculture.

MUTUK particularly praised Governor Alia’s proposed international airport project along the Makurdi-Gboko Road, describing it as a bold economic initiative with long-term benefits for the state.

“In a statement of extraordinary ambition, Governor Alia is advancing plans for a new international airport, complete with international, domestic and cargo terminals, as well as an Export and Import Processing Zone,” the group stated.

The organisation also acknowledged the security challenges confronting the state but commended the government’s efforts through Operation Anyam Nyor, Civil Protection Guards and collaboration with federal security agencies.

“Despite these difficulties, your administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability,” the statement added.

MUTUK said Tiv people in the diaspora were proud of the governor’s leadership and prayed for God to grant him wisdom, strength and good health.