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Senior media executives from across Nigeria have voiced their astonishment at the remarkable progress witnessed in Benue State during a recent tour led by Governor Hyacinth Alia. The delegation, headed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, included notable figures such as Eze Anaba, President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers; Azubuike Ishiekwene, Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP Newspapers; Steve Omanufeme, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Daily Independent Newspapers; and Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Publishing Limited, along with members of the presidential media team.
Over two days, the group toured various sites to gain firsthand information on projects executed by the governor, culminating in a town hall meeting at the New Banquet Hall in Government House, Makurdi. The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including women’s groups, youth organizations, trade unions, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations.
During the interactions, the media executives highlighted a clear contrast between their on-the-ground observations and some prevailing narratives about the state. They expressed surprise at the level of transformation, particularly in areas like industrialization, healthcare, and education. For instance, the tour included inspections of the Food Basket Brewery (ZEVA Beer), the Benue State Teaching Hospital, Benue Links transport services, and the Benue State Juice Factory (Benva), showcasing tangible advancements in state-owned enterprises and public health facilities.
Representatives from various groups shared testimonies on how the Alia administration’s calculated interventions have positively impacted lives and communities, from infrastructure upgrades to social programs that foster inclusive growth.
Governor Alia, responding to the feedback, stated he was genuinely encouraged by the testimonies from the people, describing them as humbling. He pledged to do more, assuring that his administration remains committed to delivering inclusive and people-focused development for the benefit of all residents of Benue State.
In the education sector, the governor has overseen the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, the renovation and construction of more than 300 primary schools equipped with modern facilities, and the building of multi-story structures in schools—a first in the state’s history—with a target of 1,000 such buildings. These efforts have shifted the narrative from children learning under trees to a renewed interest in education among citizens.
The visit underscores the administration’s emphasis on transparency and collaboration, bridging perceptions with reality and signaling a continued push for sustainable development in Benue.
