Gov. Alia Signs 2025 Budget, Launches 10-year Devt Plan
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has signed the state’s 2025 budget of N550.11 billion into law.
The budget of ‘Human Capital Development, Food Security, and the Digital Economy’ was passed by the Benue State House of Assembly during Monday’s plenary presided by the Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula said Alia assented to the bill on Monday.
According to him, the governor also launched three key initiatives to drive growth and health outcomes in the state.
The initiatives are the state 10-year Development Plan, the Nutrition Policy, and the State Social Protection Policy.
Alia said the initiatives will be pivotal to his efforts to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.
”The signing into law of the 2025 budget, the formal launch of the 10-year development plan and these critical policies, mark the beginning of a new chapter in our state’s story.
“We are laying the groundwork for a future where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, to live in dignity, and to contribute to the growth of our State.
“Our work is not finished today; it is just the beginning. Together, we will build a brighter, more resilient future for ourselves and for generations to come,” he said.
On the budget, the governor said it contains framework for expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare services, and fostering lifelong learning.
He assured that the government was committed to equipping every citizen, both young and old, with the knowledge, skills, and resources to thrive in life.
Alia said the desire to promote digital economy was born out of the reality that it will lead the global focus in no distant future.
“This budget allocates significant resources to the digital transformation of our economy, while investing in digital infrastructure, internet access, and innovation hubs, to foster an environment where entrepreneurs and businesses can flourish, digital literacy enhanced, jobs created, and openings for new opportunities,” he stated.
On the Nutritional Policy, the governor said it addresses the growing challenges of malnutrition, obesity, and diet-related diseases.
He explained that the intention was to ensure that Benue citizens, especially children, have access to nutritious, affordable, and safe foods.
Alia also explained why the government launched the Social Protection Policy, saying it is designed to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of the society.
He added that under the policy, financial assistance, healthcare, education, and job training opportunities will be provided to those in dire need.
The governor said that the initiatives were testament to the resolve of his administration to protect every citizen, regardless of their circumstances.
Alia appreciated the state House of Assembly for passing the Appropriation bill into law, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for facilitating the two critical policies.
He said the collective efforts will bring about positive changes and lasting prosperity in the state.
