Governor Hyacinth Alia has formally inaugurated the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Team, charging members to deploy their expertise in support of evidence-based governance and sustainable growth.
The inauguration took place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Fr. Alia Hall of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency. Those inaugurated include Mr Nick Agule as Team Lead, Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami as Co-Team Lead, 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 Micheal Oglegba, Mrs Theresa Nyitse, and Prof Jerome Andohol as Secretary.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor congratulated the appointees and described their selection as a vote of confidence in their competence and experience. He stated that the Advisory Team is central to his administration’s effort to strengthen strategic planning and accelerate economic progress across the state.
“The constitution of this Advisory Team is our administration’s resolve to strengthen evidence-based governance, deepen strategic planning and speed up sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Governor Alia urged members to justify the confidence placed in them by dedicating their knowledge to the advancement of Benue State. He outlined high expectations for the body, including the provision of objective, practical and forward-looking advice to help the government craft policies that create jobs, attract investment, boost internally generated revenue, improve public services and expand opportunities for residents.
He stressed that recommendations must be rooted in credible data, rigorous analysis and innovation, and delivered with professionalism, integrity, patriotism and accountability. “Let your recommendations be guided by credible data, rigorous analysis, innovation and undivided commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State,” he added.
While acknowledging the state’s challenges, the governor framed them as opportunities for transformation. He called for collaborative work with stakeholders and creative solutions to build a more diversified, competitive and resilient economy.
Governor Alia pledged his administration’s support for the team, promising an enabling environment and careful consideration of its findings. He also pointed to the government’s continuing focus on inclusive growth, fiscal discipline, private-sector development, food security, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
