Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has expressed the desire of his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the state for the benefit of the people of the State.
This was as he outlined key achievements and ongoing efforts across critical sectors of the State.
Governor Alia, who spoke at the 2nd Virtual Townhall Engagement with the Benue diaspora community, organized by the State Directorate for Diaspora Linkages and Investments, appreciated participants from across the globe for dedicating time to engage with developments back home.
At the meeting which was hosted by its Director General of the Directorate for Diaspora Linkages, Prof. Abraham T. Girgir, Governor Alia noted that his administration inherited a state that was burdened with dysfunctional institutions, a weakened economy, and widespread insecurity affecting many local government areas.
At the meeting which started at about 10:30pm on Saturday and ended Sunday at about 2:45am, Governor said that deliberate steps were taken to stabilize governance and chart a new course for development.
He said that insecurity occasioned mostly by incessant attacks and killing of the natives by armed herdsmen and terrorists which previously affected about 17 local government areas, has been significantly reduced to a few remaining hotspots. Alia attributed the progress to sustained collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies, despite challenges posed by porous borders with neighboring states and international boundaries.
He also said that the deployment of technology-driven security measures is enhancing ongoing operations.
While addressing the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), Governor Alia revealed that over 600 persons were displaced at the peak of the crisis in December 2025.
The Governor however, said that many of the IDPs have commenced returning voluntarily to their communities, while government continues to ensure safe and complete resettlement.
He acknowledged support from the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as well as contributions from institutions such as UBA, the DSS, and the Nasarawa State Government, with total interventions amounting to ₦1.27 billion.
In the education sector, Governor Alia stated that more than 22 percent of the 2026 state’s budget has been allocated to revitalization efforts with specific focus at primary and secondary schools that suffered years of neglect, adding that the healthcare system is also undergoing serious upgrade following a period of decline.
Highlighting economic initiatives, Alia stressed the efforts being made to revive key industries such as Taraku Mills, while sustaining Benue’s leadership in soybean production. He listed several operational factories, including juice, bread, water, and beverage production facilities, designed to stimulate local manufacturing and retain economic value within the state.
On infrastructure, Governor Alia detailed completed and ongoing road projects across the state to include major township roads in Makurdi and Gboko, as well as inter-local government road networks aimed at improving connectivity.
He also noted federal collaboration on major infrastructure such as the Wurukum overhead bridge.
The Governor also disclosed plans to support civil servants through a federal housing scheme, alongside the development of a “Renewed Hope Estate” in Makurdi to attract investors and diaspora participation.
Responding to questions from participants including Mwuese Vershima, Dr. Emmanuel Ejembi, Dr. Aver Yakubu, and Rev. Ralph Okworie, the Governor acknowledged the complexities of governance and differing public opinions, particularly as the 2027 political season approaches.
Alia stressed that rebuilding the state is a gradual process, likening it to the healing of “an old wound” that requires time to fully take effect, even as he reaffirmed his openness to ideas and continuous learning, thus urged members of the diaspora to remain actively engaged in the state’s development.
Governor Alia concluded by emphasizing unity as a driving force for progress, noting that collective effort remains essential to building a stronger and more prosperous Benue State.
