From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, said they can proudly walk with their shoulders high, following what they described as a sterling leadership offered by their leader and Governor of the state, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.
Our correspondent reports that recently, some residents and political pundits have criticized the governor for not dishing out developments commiserate with the allocations accruing to the state from the Federal Government.
But in defence of the governor and the APC leadership in Benue State, the caretaker Chairman of APC in the state, Benjamin Omale, said since his inauguration as the sixth executive Governor of Benue State on May 29, 2023, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has emerged as a beacon of hope, progress, and visionary leadership who has a clear focus on development, accountability, and the welfare of the people.
According to him, Governor Alia has redefined governance, setting a new standard for transformative leadership in the state.
Recall that before his tenure, Benue workers were owed salaries arrears running into 34 months and over 90 months for state and Local Government staff respectively.
Omale observed that the Governor is clearing the salary arrears and bringing relief to workers. He said “Governor Alia made history by clearing salary arrears dating back to 2017, a feat that many considered impossible. Thousands of workers and their families have experienced financial relief, restoring their dignity and faith in government.
“This bold move underscores his commitment to workers’ welfare and demonstrates his resolve to address systemic challenges.”
The party leader said Governor Alia has continued to offer compassionate and transparent leadership. “Known for his servant-leader approach, Governor Alia leads with humility, compassion, and transparency. His administration exemplifies good governance, prioritising the needs of the people over personal or political gains. This leadership style has resonated with citizens, fostering unity and trust in his vision for a better Benue.”
He further said that Alia’s leadership style has resulted in huge infrastructural Development in Benue State, adding that Governor Alia has prioritised the construction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public facilities and the efforts have improved connectivity, enhanced access to essential services, and spurred economic activities across rural and urban areas.
Following his passion for economic empowerment, the administration of Governor Alia has launched initiatives to empower youth, women, and small businesses while programmes like the establishment of the Benue Multi-Purpose ICT and Fashion Hub and the revitalisation of state enterprises are creating jobs and promoting entrepreneurship, the APC chairman insisted.
According to him, the governor’s investment in healthcare is transformative, beginning with the clearance of salary arrears of staff at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) and the construction of a cancer treatment center at BSUTH which exemplifies his commitment to quality healthcare, saying “these efforts are not only improving services but also boosting morale among healthcare professionals.”
While acknowledging the critical role of security in development, Omale observed that Governor Alia launch of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG) and “Operation Anyam Nyor,” a joint security task force as well as equipping them with vehicles, motorcycles, and modern gadgets, are addressing the state’s long-standing security challenges.
“Governor Alia’s prudent management of resources has received accolades from organisations like BudgIT, with Benue State rising to 9th place on the States Fiscal Transparency League Table. The Debt Management Office (DMO) also reported a significant reduction in the state’s external debt under his administration, showcasing fiscal discipline and accountability,” he added.
Speaking on Alia’s efforts at driving development through strategic policies, he said the governor’s policies are designed to uplift every segment of society. “His administration’s 2025 budget of N550 billion focuses on Human Capital Development, Food Security, and Digital Economy. And the key components include establishing innovation hubs and expanding internet access, supporting farmers with subsidized inputs and promoting climate-smart agriculture through programmes like ACReSAL and creating safety nets for vulnerable citizens through financial assistance, education, and job training,” he said.
The APC caretaker chairman said Governor Hyacinth Alia’s purposeful and visionary leadership is changing the narrative in Benue State as his administration’s achievements in just over a year are proof that with determination, transparency, and a people-first approach, sustainable development is achievable.