By Terseer Mnzuulgha
The maxim that says, “the history of great cities are always rewritten and influenced by great men” brings to mind the actions and decisions of several past leaders that were part of human socio-economic development over centuries. Nigeria as the home to about 200 million Nigerians has 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with each state having its unique history. One of such state is Benue State which was created 50 years ago on the 3rd of February 1976, by the Nigerian military administration of Late General Murtala Muhammed as Head of State, Benue state, christened as “the Food Basket of the nation” was named after the River Benue, which is a significant geographical feature of the country. Over the last five decades the state has witnessed development and growth under various leaders both civil and military. At present the Incumbent Governor, Reverend Father Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia who assumed office on the 29th of May 2023 has made giant strides in repositioning the state. After 50 years, some of these developmental achievements have never been witnessed by the people thereby eliciting positive reactions. In an address to the people of the state on the occasion, Governor Hyacinth Alia reflected on the trying Journey of the state so far with daunting challenges such as economic pressures, insecurity, natural and man-made challenges.
However through all of this, the Governor said if Benue has taught Nigeria anything, it is that, “WE BEND, BUT WE DONOT BREAK” Through hardship, farmers in the state worked their fields, through pain, workers stayed committed.
Through uncertainty, youths continued to dream.
And through it all, Benue endured, the Governor opined. After 50 years, some of these developmental achievements have never been witnessed by the people thereby eliciting positive reactions. In the address to the people of the state on the occasion, Governor Alia on his state wide address specially saluted the efforts of every past Governor of Benue-Military or Civilian, living or dead, for their various roles in contributing to the development of the state; Major General Abdullahi Shelleng, Group Captain Adebayo Lawal, Governor Aper Aku, Brigadier General John Atom Kpera, Air Commodore Jonah David Jang, Colonel Yohanna Madaki , Colonel Ishaya Bakut, Colonel Idris Garba, Lieutenant Colonel Fidelis Makka, Reverend Father Moses Adasu Orshio, Group Catain Joshua Obademi, Colonel Aminu Isa Kontagora, Colonel Domnic Oneya, Senator George Akume, Senator Gabriel Suswam and Governor Samuel Ortorm. In view of the efforts of the state’s past leaders to enhance prosperity and growth, Governor Alia had also carried out interventionist achievements in various sectors. In the Agriculture sector which remains the mainstay of the state’s economy, the Governor Alia administration has invested in mechanization with the provision of equipment to farmers, subsidized Inputs by providing subsidized fertilizers and improved seeds to farmers, provision of Empowerment Programs to empower women and youth in agriculture and partnerships with International Agencies like the World Bank on projects like ACReSAL to address climate change and improve agricultural resilience.
In the health sector, Governor Alia has made tremendous achievements, notably rejuvenating the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and upgrading healthcare facilities across the state. This is part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the citizens have access to quality healthcare and improving healthcare delivery services statewide. The commissioning of the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital has reduced maternal mortality rates and provides prompt and high-quality healthcare services to women and children under the age of five. In the area of infrastructure development, Governor Alia has successfully constructed several roads within the Makurdi metropolis, alongside underpass projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety. The State under Governor Alia has also renovated several government buildings and infrastructural facilities. In the area of education, the State under Governor Alia initiated a commendable policy to pay the examination fees for all students in public secondary schools in the state sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) examinations. This gesture has been widely acclaimed in the state and is viewed by many as both revolutionary and a hallmark of visionary leadership. The Governor aslo awarded scholarships to no fewer than 44 first-class graduates of Benue State University to support their further studies. Furthermore, he established a University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology at Ihugh in Vandeikya and opened a Benue State University campus at Adikpo (Faculty of Technology), among other significant accomplishments. As a man of the cloth, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia’s approach to security matters has been unique with several efforts to appeal for peaceful co-existence and unity in the state. However to thread a tangible approach to the matter, the state also launched and empowered the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) code named “Anyam-Nyor” with 5,000 highly trained officers, men and women. In addition to the effort, Governor Alia, during the official launch of the security network donated 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 Special combatant motorcycles to security agencies in Benue state. Without mincing words, Benue State under Governor Alia has continued to make giant strides in various sectors.
As the Governor marks three years in office later this year, and the state 50 years of existence today, it marks a watershed moment of continued unprecedented development as Governor Alia declared that the next chapter of Benue will be defined by; Stronger institutions, a resilient economy, peaceful and secured communities, educated and empowered citizens, a leadership that listens, learns, and acts to the people’s desire. This he said would be hinged on the trust of the people built on transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility; a situation which most progressives in the state and beyond would desire to continue for 8 years. A period of excellence, abundance, growth and progress. A period of a will of togetherness to reposition Benue, a period to work to secure the future, where the labour of the state’s heroes past will continue to guide it’s leaders in strength, peace and unity under the administration of the people-centered Governor, Reverend Father Dr Iormem Hyacinth Alia.
*Mnzuulgha is the Director-General of Radio Benue, and wrote in from Makurdi
