Marking three years in office, Governor Alia says Benue is experiencing a resurgence of optimism during his tenure.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, marked his third anniversary in office on Friday, conveying a message of optimism and advancement, as he declared that the state is experiencing a resurgence, despite the numerous challenges that have plagued it since his administration took office in 2023.

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During his anniversary speech in Makurdi, Governor Alia reflected on the past three years, characterizing them as a period of courage, sacrifice, determination, and steady progress in rebuilding the state, which his administration had inherited along with enormous challenges, including insecurity, decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, weakened institutions, and declining public confidence in governance.

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Governor Alia stated that his assumption of office on this day three years ago was marked by a solemn promise to serve God and humanity, restore hope to the people, and reposition Benue State on the path of peace, growth, and prosperity, and his government remains committed to changing the narrative and rebuilding the state from its foundations.

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On the issue of security, the governor noted that his administration has consistently provided security agencies with logistics and operational assistance to combat criminality across the state, and has procured and distributed 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorbikes to security operatives to improve mobility, especially in difficult terrains often exploited by criminal elements.

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The governor also disclosed that his administration established the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force codenamed “Anyam Nyor” to complement existing security operations in the state, and commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting Benue in the fight against insecurity, which has led to the gradual return of many displaced persons to their ancestral homes as peace returns to affected communities.

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Speaking on workers’ welfare, Governor Alia said that salaries are now being paid more consistently due to prudent management of resources and fiscal discipline, and emphasized that pensioners who were once neglected are gradually regaining their dignity through sustained pension reforms and payments, as a motivated workforce remains the backbone of productivity and efficient service delivery.

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Highlighting achievements in infrastructure, Governor Alia revealed that his administration has completed over 50 intra-city roads, while another 50 road projects are ongoing across the state, and no fewer than 370 kilometres of rural roads have been constructed, alongside the completion of interchanges in Makurdi and Gboko, while work on the Otukpo interchange would soon commence.

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The governor further said that his administration completed a four-kilometre drainage canal from Achusa through Idye to Wurukum in Makurdi to address perennial flooding in the state capital, and 30 modern drainage systems have also been constructed, while the “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative has improved security and nighttime economic activities through the installation of solar-powered streetlights.

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In the education and healthcare sectors, Governor Alia said that over 400 school structures have been rehabilitated or constructed across the state, while 9,700 teachers and over 500 healthcare personnel have been recruited, and the upgrade of facilities at the Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, has positioned it as an emerging medical tourism centre.

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On agriculture and industrialization, the governor said that his administration established a tractor assembling workshop that has already trained over 200 youths, and construction is ongoing at the 250 million dollar National Food City Complex in Otukpo Local Government Area, which is expected to generate more than 20,000 jobs upon completion.

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He also announced the establishment of the Food Basket Brewery and a Fruit Juice Processing Company aimed at boosting industrial growth and creating employment opportunities, and over 10,000 youths have been trained in digital skills, while 40,000 civil servants are undergoing training on e-governance and ICT tools.

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Reaffirming his commitment to development, the governor said, “One thing is undeniable, Benue is rising again, hope has returned, and confidence in government is being restored,” and assured the people that his administration would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy and build a stronger and more prosperous Benue State.