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In a heartfelt address to the people of Benue State on Friday, May 29, 2026, marking his third anniversary in office, Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia reflected on the remarkable journey of his administration despite inheriting enormous challenges.
Governor Alia acknowledged that when his administration took over, the state was grappling with decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, weakened institutions, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence. However, he noted that through collective commitment, visible and measurable progress has been recorded in rebuilding the state.
The Governor emphasized that peace and security formed the foundation of his administration’s agenda. He disclosed that the state procured and handed over 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorbikes to security agencies, while establishing the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force “Anyam Nyor” to complement Operation Zenda in combating crime and restoring peace. He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support.
As a result of these efforts, many displaced persons are returning to their ancestral homes, with numbers in IDP camps gradually reducing.
On governance and public service, the administration has prioritized workers’ welfare with more consistent salary payments and pension reforms. In infrastructure, over 50 intra-city roads have been completed in Makurdi, more than 370 kilometres of rural roads constructed, and major drainage projects, including the 4-kilometre canal from Achusa through Idye to Wurukum, executed to tackle flooding. The “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative has illuminated major roads with solar-powered streetlights.
In education and health, the government has constructed and rehabilitated over 400 school structures, recruited 9,700 teachers, upgraded the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and established the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST) in Ighugh, among other initiatives.
Governor Alia expressed profound gratitude to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, security agencies, development partners, and the people of Benue State for their support, assuring them of his administration’s continued commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy and building a prosperous Benue State for future generations.
