…Charges members to use their expertise to the benefit of the State
Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 inaugurated the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Team, with a charge to the members to use their expertise to drive evidence-based governance and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony which held at the Fr. Alia Hall, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, the governor described their selection as a vote of confidence in their competence and experience.
Alia emphasised that the Advisory Team is central to his administration’s effort to strengthen strategic planning and speed up economic progress across the state.
He said; “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”.
Members of the team that were inaugurated include; Mr Nick Agule – Team Lead, Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami – Co-Team Lead, Prof Naomi Onyeje Doki, Dr Andrew Ayabam, Dr Adukwu Emmanuel Ogbole, Mr Patrick Okigbo and Mr Micheal Oglegba .
Others include; Dr Fanen Ade, Mr Alex Tarka, Dr Jane Asagh, Mr Basil Jev, Dr Joseph Ogebe, Mr Emmanuel Makeri, and Mrs Theresa Nyitse, while Prof Jerome Andohol will serve as Secretary of the team.
Governor Alia urged the inaugurated members of the team to justify the confidence reposed in them by dedicating their knowledge to the advancement of Benue State.
He further outlined high expectations for the body, which include that; members should offer 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.
Alia stressed that recommendations must be rooted in credible data, rigorous analysis and innovation, and delivered with professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and accountability.
He said; “Let your recommendations be guided by credible data, rigorous analysis, innovation and undivided commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State”.
While acknowledging the state’s challenges, Governor Alia noted that they are opportunities for transformation and therefore called for collaborative work with stakeholders and creative solutions to build a more diversified, competitive, and resilient economy.
A statement by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, stated that Rev Fr Alia pledged his administration’s support for the team, promising an enabling environment and careful consideration of its findings.
The Governor pointed out the government’s continuing focus on inclusive growth, fiscal discipline, private-sector development, food security, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
