Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia says his administration has recorded significant achievements in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and digital transformation within three years in office.

Mr Alia stated this on Friday in Makurdi during his address to mark his third anniversary as the governor of Benue.

The governor said his administration inherited enormous challenges, including decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, insecurity, unemployment and weakened public institutions.

According to him, his government immediately prioritised peace and security as the foundation for meaningful development across the state.

He disclosed that the administration procured and distributed 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles to security agencies to strengthen operations against criminality and terrorism.

The governor added that the establishment of the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force code-named “Anyam Nyor” had complemented the existing Operation Zenda in combating insecurity.

Mr Alia appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state in its fight against insecurity, noting that many displaced persons were gradually returning to their ancestral homes as peace returned to affected communities.

On workers’ welfare, the governor said salaries were now being paid more consistently through prudent resource management and fiscal discipline.

He added that previously neglected pensioners were also benefiting from sustained payment efforts and reforms within the pension system.

Speaking on infrastructure, Mr Alia said the administration had completed more than 50 intra-city roads, while over 50 others were under construction.

He further stated that no fewer than 370 kilometres of rural roads had been constructed across the state.

According to him, the government also completed two interchanges in Gboko and Makurdi and facilitated the construction of the Wurukum flyover in Makurdi, while work would soon commence on the Otukpo interchange.

The governor said the administration had also tackled perennial flooding in Makurdi by constructing a four-kilometre drainage canal from Achusa through Idye to Wurukum, as well as over 30 additional drainage systems.

He noted that the “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative had improved security and boosted commercial activities through the installation of solar-powered streetlights across major roads and streets in the capital city.

In the education sector, Mr Alia said that over 400 school structures had been rehabilitated or constructed, while 9,700 teachers had been recruited to improve learning outcomes.

He also disclosed that more than 500 personnel had been employed in the health sector to strengthen healthcare delivery.

The governor said that infrastructure and medical equipment had been upgraded at the Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, positioning it as an emerging medical tourism centre.

Mr Alia further announced the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST), Ihugh, aimed at promoting agriculture, science and technology-driven solutions.

He said the administration also expanded the Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University by establishing a faculty of engineering and architecture campus in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area.

On agriculture, the governor said the administration had introduced reforms and partnerships to boost food production and support farmers with annual farm inputs.

He revealed that the state had established a tractor-assembling workshop where over 200 youths had already been trained in tractor assembly and maintenance.

Mr Alia also disclosed that the government attracted a $250 million national food city complex at Ogyoma-Akpa in the Otukpo Local Government Area, expected to generate more than 20,000 jobs upon completion.

In the industrial sector, the governor said his administration established the multi-billion-naira Food Basket Brewery, producers of Zeva beer and other beverages, alongside a fruit juice processing company to add value to local citrus production.

He also highlighted the rehabilitation of the Otobi Water Works, which restored pipe-borne water supply to Otobi, Otukpo and neighbouring communities after more than 40 years.

On digital transformation, Mr Alia said over 10,000 youths had been trained in digital skills, while some youths were sent abroad, particularly to Belarus, for advanced training opportunities.

He added that 40,000 state and local government civil servants were currently undergoing training on e-governance and ICT skills.

The governor said his administration also launched several digital platforms, including the electronic document management system, the Benue Geographic Information Systems Portal and the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal.

Mr Alia assured the people that his administration would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy, deepen peace and unity, and build a prosperous Benue State for future generations.

“Benue is rising again. Hope has returned. Confidence in government is being restored,” he said. 

(NAN)