The management of The Sun newspapers has nominated Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia as The Sun Governor of the Year for 2026. The letter of nomination was presented to the governor on Thursday at Government House, Makurdi, by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Onuoha Ukeh.
Governor Alia expressed happiness that the recognition had extended beyond the borders of Benue State, describing it as a prestigious honour from one of the country’s credible media organisations. He noted that since assuming office he has deliberately refused to use sirens on his convoy, preferring instead that the projects and interventions he is delivering serve as his true signal of leadership.
He stated that job-creation efforts, road construction, the companies being established and other achievements recorded during his tenure should stand as his siren rather than the noise of official processions.
In presenting the nomination, Onuoha Ukeh said the choice was based on merit, citing the governor’s programmes that are accelerating development across the state. He highlighted the transformation of Makurdi, the state capital, interventions in the health sector that have positioned the Benue State University Teaching Hospital as a medical tourism centre, and the unprecedented attention given to Primary Healthcare Centres throughout Benue.
Ukeh also pointed to the establishment of the Food Basket Breweries and the Bensono fruit juice factory as legacy projects that will outlast the current administration. He added that only a leader with a clear vision of the state he wishes to leave behind would revive ailing industries such as Taraku Mills, something Governor Alia has undertaken.
He further noted that the newspaper had tracked developments in the state, particularly in road infrastructure, the welfare of the workforce and care for senior citizens who had previously been neglected. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 13 November 2026 at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
