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The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, brought renewed energy and substantial support to the biannual conference of the NKST Moral Instruction Movement (MIM) as he visited the massive gathering at Amaafu in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on an august day filled with spiritual fervor and celebration.
Addressing over 100,000 participants drawn from 76 classes worldwide, Governor Alia, dressed in the official MIM regalia signifying his title as Ishuwen i NKST (Support of NKST Worldwide), reaffirmed his deep-rooted commitment to the church that played a pivotal role in his personal and political journey. He proudly declared that the MIM movement was instrumental to his emergence as governor in 2023 and confidently stated that his re-election in 2027 is already a “done deal,” assuring the faithful of an even more successful outing ahead.
In a demonstration of tangible support, the Governor donated an 18-seater bus, 2,000 bags of rice, and N10 million naira in cash to enhance the welfare of campers. Going further, he ordered the immediate sinking of five motorized boreholes across the camp and launched the construction of permanent tent structures to replace the existing temporary ones, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs for the vast gathering.
The Governor poured encomiums on the NKST family for its enduring culture of instilling moral discipline and producing intellectually vibrant citizens. He expressed profound admiration for participants’ performances, particularly in Bible recitation categories, singling out Melchizedeck Fanen Tim, who memorized an astonishing 4,413 verses, and Mama Esther Gir, who recited over 2,000 verses in the aged category. To celebrate such excellence, cash prizes of N200,000, N150,000, and N100,000 were awarded to the top three across five categories, while those placing fourth to tenth received N50,000 each as consolation.
Church leaders reciprocated the goodwill warmly. MIM Director Rev. Agema Jime highlighted Governor Alia’s consistent support that predates his political career and prayed for continued divine guidance. NKST Worldwide President Rev. N.A. Adure expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Governor’s efforts in ensuring campers’ welfare and specially commended key officials, including Katsina-Ala LGC Executive Chairman Hon. Justin Shaku and several commissioners, for their tireless contributions.
The climax of the visit came when Rev. Adure conferred a Special Award of Honour on Governor Alia, officially designating him as the Grand Patron and Chief Supporter of MIM, cementing his place as a pillar of the movement.
The event underscored the enduring synergy between faith, governance, and community development in Benue State, with Governor Alia’s actions reinforcing his administration’s focus on spiritual upliftment alongside physical infrastructure for the people.
