“Truthfully, the Alia era may well be remembered as the period when Benue finally got it right; when integrity met leadership, and vision met action. This is Benue’s golden chance at greatness”.
BY TERSOO KULA
A peep into the political history of Benue State reveals that moments of true transformation have often been scarce and brief.
Decades past, Nigeria’s “Food Basket” State has struggled under the shackles of unrealized potentials; a state richly endowed with fertile land, valuable human and abundant natural resources, yet consistently ripped-off by poor leadership, corruption, and divisive politics.
However, the emergence of Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia as Governor in 2023 signalled a bold and complete departure from the old order. His ascension was not merely a political victory; it represented a moral reawakening and a yearning for genuine progress.
Right from his inauguration, Governor Alia made it clear that his administration would not toe the same path like the regimes before him. Having a solid background of the pulpit, with service, integrity, and discipline, he brought to governance a moral compass that had long been missing in Benue politics.
His campaign message of “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue” resonated deeply with a population tired of stagnation.
And since assuming office, the Governor has steadily demonstrated leadership that is driven by sincerity and focus, truly changing lives.
The Revolution in Governance
Alia’s approach to leadership has been anchored on prudence, accountability, and result-oriented service delivery. He has completely shut the doors against the usual retrogressive approaches where politics overshadowed development. His administration has redefined governance as a serious, people-centered enterprise.
He has cut through bureaucratic red tape, blocked leakages, and restructured government processes to ensure that every naira counts.
And one of the most commendable aspects of the Alia administration is its focus on infrastructure, across Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, Katsina-Ala, and other towns. His government has also opened up rural roads across the state, an indication that visible development is taking shape. Roads that had been abandoned for years are being rehabilitated; new bridges are under construction; and rural electrification projects are reaching previously neglected communities.
The governor’s commitment to infrastructure is not just about physical development; it is about connecting people, boosting commerce, and restoring the pride of a state once known for its agricultural prosperity.
Innovations in Education, Health, and Human Capital Development
Recognizing that no society can rise above the quality of its human capital, Governor Alia has made education and healthcare one of his top priorities.
Under his watch, schools, from primary, secondary and state owned tertiary institutions are being built, reconstructed and renovated; man power recruitment and training have resumed, and long-standing problems of unpaid salaries are being steadily addressed.
His administration has also revived the state’s scholarship board to support deserving students, particularly in science, technology, and agriculture, the key sectors that hold the promise of Benue’s renewal.
In the health sector, the administration has initiated and introduced reforms aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for all. Primary health centers are being revitalized and equipped, and new partnerships with donor agencies are consistently expanding immunization coverage, maternal health, and disease control programs. The state’s teaching hospital has already become a medical tourism hub. These efforts, though still evolving, are gradually restoring confidence in public health institutions.
Furthermore, Governor Alia understands that Benue’s greatest asset has always been its vast, fertile land that is suitable for all forms of agriculture.
This explains why his administration has launched an ambitious agricultural revival program that seeks to reposition the state as Nigeria’s leading agro-economy. Through farm mechanization schemes, improved seed distribution, access to credit, and partnership with private investors, the state is witnessing a renewed wave of agricultural productivity.
Beyond farming, the governor’s vision extends to agro-industrialization adding value to what the state produces. By promoting investment in food processing, storage, and export, the Alia administration is laying the foundation for job creation, rural empowerment, and sustainable economic growth.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable achievements of the Alia era is the restoration of confidence in leadership. For the first time in years, the people of Benue, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity feel a sense of belonging. He has demonstrated uncommon humility and inclusiveness, reaching out to traditional rulers, youth groups, and the civil society. His message is clear: development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and cooperation.
This unifying spirit has also reflected in his administration’s approach to security. By strengthening local security networks and collaborating closely with federal agencies, the government has made significant progress in tackling the menace of banditry and herder-farmer conflicts that once ravaged the state. Communities are gradually returning to normal life, and displaced persons are being resettled with dignity.
A Call to Collective Responsibility
The Alia era presents Benue with a historic opportunity; a golden chance to rise from years of underdevelopment and claim its rightful place among Nigeria’s most progressive states.
Nevertheless, this journey cannot be driven by the governor alone. It requires the collective effort of citizens, political stakeholders, and the private sector.
As he continues to build the foundations of a new Benue, the people must understand that greatness is never an accident; it is the product of shared vision, sacrifice, and hard work hence the need to complement his efforts through civic responsibility, patience, and cooperation.
Truthfully, the Alia era may well be remembered as the period when Benue finally got it right; when integrity met leadership, and vision met action. This is Benue’s golden chance at greatness. The people must seize it, cherish it, nurture it, and never let it slip away again.
…Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr, is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia.
