Team Lead of the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council, Mr. Nick Agule, has assured Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia that members of the council will deploy their vast professional experience to support the state’s economic transformation through objective, evidence-based policy advice and innovative solutions.
Agule gave the assurance while delivering his acceptance speech on behalf of members of the newly inaugurated council, describing their appointment as a call to service and a responsibility they would discharge with integrity, professionalism and undivided commitment to the public good. Governor Hyacinth Alia had on Wednesday inaugurated the 15-member Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council, charging the body to provide expert guidance that would strengthen evidence-based governance, deepen strategic planning and accelerate sustainable economic growth across the state.
Responding on behalf of the council, Agule thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the members, saying the appointment offered them an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the economic transformation of Benue State. He noted that while the council had no executive authority, its members were determined to make their expertise count by generating practical policy recommendations capable of supporting government in addressing developmental challenges and unlocking the state’s economic potential. “We are deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in us to serve as members of the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council. We accept this responsibility with a deep sense of duty, knowing that the expectations of the people of Benue are high,” he said.
Agule explained that the council’s mandate was to provide objective and evidence-driven advice that would help government formulate policies capable of promoting sustainable economic growth, attracting investments, creating jobs, increasing productivity and improving the welfare of the people. He pledged that members would work closely with government institutions, the organised private sector, development partners and local communities to ensure that the council’s recommendations reflect both professional expertise and the realities on the ground. According to him, the advisory council comprises accomplished professionals with nearly 500 years of combined experience across the public and private sectors, placing it in a strong position to provide strategic direction on economic and development issues. “Our team brings to the table nearly 500 years of combined cognate experience across virtually every sector of the economy, gained through distinguished service at the highest levels of both the public and private sectors,” Agule said.
In a move aimed at broadening public participation in governance, the Team Lead disclosed that the council intends to establish an open platform through which citizens would be able to submit ideas and recommendations for consideration. He said although members of the council possess extensive technical knowledge, they recognise that ordinary citizens also have valuable insights gained from everyday experiences that should influence government policies. “While our team brings together about 500 years of collective professional experience, we recognise that the people of Benue possess millions of years of collective lived experience. We therefore intend to open a public platform to harvest citizens’ ideas and translate the best of them into policy recommendations,” he stated.
Agule, however, cautioned members of the public against entertaining unrealistic expectations about the council’s responsibilities, stressing that it is an advisory institution without executive powers or financial authority. He clarified that the council neither controls government funds nor has the mandate to offer employment, urging citizens to judge its performance by the quality of ideas and policy recommendations it generates rather than by expectations outside its mandate. “We have no executive powers, no budget to dispense and no jobs to offer. We appreciate your congratulatory messages, but we ask that they come with the right expectations,” he added.
The Team Lead further appealed for patience and understanding, noting that many members of the council were transitioning from distinguished careers in the private sector into public service. He assured the people that the council would approach its assignment with humility, transparency and accountability while supporting Governor Alia’s vision of building a prosperous, competitive and inclusive Benue State. Agule expressed confidence that through collaboration, sound policy advice and active citizen participation, the council would contribute significantly to shaping policies capable of driving long-term economic growth, strengthening governance and improving the quality of life of the people of Benue State.
The Economic and Policy Advisory Council is chaired by Mr. Nick Agule as Team Lead, with Mrs. Carolyn Okoh Folami serving as Co-Team Lead, while Prof. Jerome Andohol is the Secretary. Other members are Prof. Naomi Onyeje Doki, Dr. Andrew Ayabam, Dr. Adukwu Emmanuel Ogbole, Mr. Patrick Okigbo, Dr. Fanen Ade, Mr. Alex Tarka, Dr. Jane Asagh, Mr. Basil Jev, Dr. Joseph Ogebe, Mr. Emmanuel Makeri, Mr. Michael Oglegba and Mrs. Theresa Nyitse, bringing together expertise from academia, public policy, finance, development practice and the private sector to support the state’s economic transformation agenda.
