Governor Alia Inaugurates New Commissioners and Board Members in Benue State

Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has officially inaugurated a new Commission, along with two Special Advisers, four Board Chairpersons, and various members of statutory commissions and institutional boards across the state. The inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, marking a significant step in the administration’s efforts to actualize its Seven-Point Agenda.

Mr. Aper Zeva was appointed as the Director-General of the Commission, with Deputy Governor, Barrister Sam Ode, and all State Commissioners serving as members. Governor Alia urged the appointees to approach their new responsibilities with utmost dedication, emphasizing that their roles are pivotal to the success of his administration’s agenda. He cautioned that their performance could either enhance or hinder the state’s progress.

The newly inaugurated officials received congratulations from the governor, who offered prayers for divine guidance and success in their assignments. Responding on behalf of the appointees, Mr. James Tor, Special Adviser on Politics, Mobilisation, and Special Duties, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve. He assured the governor that they would align themselves with his vision and mission, pledging not to betray the confidence placed in them.

Among the newly sworn-in Special Advisers are Mrs. Linda Ene Agada, appointed as Special Adviser to the Governor on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Microfinance, and Mr. James Tor, who will serve as Special Adviser on Politics, Mobilisation, and Special Duties. At the Benue State Pension Commission, Mr. Nicholas Dzungwega was inaugurated as Chairman, joined by Mr. Umaja Aloysius, Mr. Asen Sambe with the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner for Finance, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Head of Service, and the Director-General of the Benue State Planning Commission as board members.

Governor Alia also swore in Chief Elizabeth Shuluuwa as Chairperson of the Governing Board of the Benue State Investment and Property Company (BIPC), alongside Mr. Andrew Chila, Mr. John Ochonye, Mr. Donald Ashi, and the Commissioners for Trade and Industry, Justice, and the Attorney General of the State. Members inaugurated into the Benue State Internal Revenue Service include Ande Clement, Anyam Terzungwe Jeremiah, and Elizabeth Onekele, along with designated representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Aquaculture.

Additionally, Professor Abraham Orkuga Malu was sworn in as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, with members including Dr. Stephen Hwande, Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terhemba Igomun, Dr. Emmanuel Baki, Mr. Frank Adejo, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, and the Vice-Chancellor of Father Adasu University, Makurdi. Meanwhile, Governor Alia will serve as Chairman of the Benue State Procurement Commission, with Mr. Aper Zeva appointed as a member.

This wave of appointments underscores Governor Alia’s commitment to building a robust team to drive his administration’s goals, signaling a new chapter of governance and development in Benue State.