Benue: A Recognition of Governor Alia’s Years of Excellence
By Bridget Tikyaa
There has been some outpouring of awards from reputable organisations in recognition of two years of transformation in Benue. A transformation engineered by vision, commitment, discipline, and a complete dedication to the service of the people. The awards didn’t just role in for the Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, they were worked for, through a vision and policies that put Benue first, challenged the old order of doing things, and set a timeline for results.
It is impressive that the Governor has gotten unsolicited recognition from across the country and racked up some impressive achievements and awards which include the African Eagle Award as Best Governor in Socio-Economic Development Initiative 2025 presented during the Accolade Africa Growth Summit and Awards in the UK; the 2025 ATCON Digital Excellence Award for pioneering digital transformation and broadband expansion in Benue State; Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements; Advocate of the Masses and Human Rights Award received from Nigerian Union of Journalists; Democracy Governor of the Year Award by Leadership Scorecard; Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Leadership Award; and the recognition as being among 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy.
There was also recognition from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, Clean Nigeria, and even a Honourary Doctorate Degree from Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology, Sierra Leone.
Perhaps, the most cherished honour came from home, the Tiv Area Traditional Council, which conferred on Governor Hyacinth Alia the Chieftaincy title of Asortar U Tiv, meaning The Reformer of Tiv Nation, which gives him the honour of becoming a member of the inner Advisory Council of the Begha U Tiv.
These recognitions demonstrate Governor Alia’s impact on Benue State and Nigeria, showcasing his leadership and commitment to driving positive change. They were recognitions for the massive investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, human capital development, agriculture, digital inclusion, security, and other areas that made Benue State sour with pride among its peers.
In the area of infrastructure development, Governor Alia has overseen the construction of several roads and bridges, including 16 strategic roads within Makurdi metropolis, and the installation of streetlights to enhance urban infrastructure. The government is constructing a 500km road network, 78 culverts, and bridges, including the high-level Makurdi flyover to enhance connectivity and boost the state’s economy.
Governor Alia has given priority to education, with initiatives like paying NECO, WAEC, NABTEB examination fees for students in government-owned secondary schools, awarding scholarships to first-class graduates, and establishing a University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology. The governor has recruited 9,700 teachers and equipped schools with ICT centres to enhance digital literacy. He has also initiated ICT training for 10,000 youths in Benue State.
In the area of healthcare, he has upgraded healthcare facilities, including the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, which is having Cancer and Therapeutic Centres, opened the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital to reduce maternal mortality, employed 500 healthcare professionals, and is upgrading 98 Primary Healthcare Centres across 23 local government areas, among others. The governor has reintroduced the Medical Bond Scheme for medical students and is allocation 15% of the state’s budget to healthcare.
Agriculture, being the mainstay of the state’s economy, has received the desired support, including subsidized fertilizers, tractors, and other inputs. In the last cropping season, for instance, the governor procured 100 trucks of subsidised fertilizers, which were sold to farmers, and a number of tractors provided at affordable rates to promote mechanised agriculture.
Governor Alia has strengthened security collaboration, significantly reducing attacks in several communities. He has also strengthened the anti-open grazing law, reorganized Benue Civil Protection Guards, and improved security.
He has procured 100 buses for Benue Links, the state-owned transport company, created Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, established a digital infrastructure company, launch e-government platforms, and stablished the Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation Bureau, and the Benue State International Cooperation and Development Bureau to fully tap the full potential in those areas.
The clincher is the 10-Year Benue State Development Plan (BSDP) 2025-2034, focusing on security, agriculture, commerce, infrastructure, human capital, ICT, and governance. It is a vision captured succinctly to drive Benue’s growth and development.
Bridget Tikyaa Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communications Strategy
