Gov. Alia’s Tour: Feeling the pulse after one year of bold steps
By Bridget Tyam
It was a resounding successful tour, a face to face meeting with the people of Benue State who defied all permutations on March 18, 2023 to massively entrust the future of the state to Reverend Father Hyacinth Iornem Alia.
A year after taking over the reins as Governor, the Reverend has crisscrossed the state to say thank you for the overwhelming trust in his ability to lead Benue State to the promised land, open the endless possibilities and opportunities for the people to explore and advance their social and economic status, and drive the state to corporate sustainability.
The tour of all the local government areas was also an opportunity for the governor to intimate the citizens of what his administration has done, what it is doing and where the governor will want the state to be in the next three years. It was also a massive opportunity for the people of Benue to tell the governor of their priorities in terms of infrastructure, economic and social needs, so as to align it with the government’s programmes and policies.
The tour across Benue State, connecting with the very people who have been impactful to his political journey, has left indelible marks in the hearts of the people and showcased the governor’s commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and servant leadership.
In the course of the tour the governor engaged with various groups, including traditional rulers, youth organizations, market women, and other stakeholders, putting their needs at the forefront, thus setting high standard for political leaders and raising the bar in servant leadership, a refreshing departure from the traditional approach to governance in the country.
The governor’s willingness to listen and learn from his constituents has also fostered a sense of ownership and inclusivity, because by involving the people in the decision-making process, he has created a platform for constructive feedback and collaboration. This approach will continue to enhance governance and improve the well-being of the people.
Governor Alia’s administration has already blazed the trail in the provision of infrastructure, investment in education and healthcare, and citizens’ well-being, thereby inspiring a sense of hope and optimism for the future.
Alia’s message in the course of the tour revolved around development, self-reliance, skills acquisition, economic prosperity, peacebuilding and peaceful co-existence, and putting Benue first.
Thus, from Katsina Ala to Vandeikya, Zaki Biam to Gwer, Gboko to Ogbadigbo, the governor’s message remained within the precinct of opening rural communities, supporting farmers, protecting citizens and providing life-long skills to young people in the state.
In Katsina Ala, the governor acceded to the request of the people by agreeing to construct the road from Head bridge to Hausa Quarters, the one connecting Chito and Vaase Road, and the one from Yam Market to Iwar Ior and Y Junction.
In Kwande, the governor said a tertiary institution will be provided in addition to tarring all the roads in Adikpo and construction of Adikpo-Mbape- Shangev-ya Road linking Cross River. Similarly, Alia has promised to upgrade the Vandeikya-Orkofa, Tyam Junction to Ter Kunav office road, linking old Post Office.
Other notable roads in the area promised by the governor were the Tse Agberagba-Tyough Gbanya-Aselagi, Atser Kyausu-Tumba Shangbom Abena-Shimin-Anza street, the road from Branch Atser to Korinya City to Wuese through Tse Agberagba to Gungur linking Awajir, and Tor Mkar-Tsue Daka Mbaakpur to Awajir road.
There are also the Tsar Township and Abwa Dagba roads, Anongu Gbagbongon Tse Shande road to Adikpo, Tyogbenda -Jingir-Uga, Tyowanye-Tomanyiin-Anshav, and Mkovur-Anvambe-Tse Adingi roads.
Other major projects in the offing are the revamping of Mbatie Agricultural Training Centre, Buruku, reconstruction of JS Tarka Stadium, construction of Ateku-Ikpenger-Akpagher road, and the renovation of the Tiv Traditional Council Chambers.
Another pledge made by Governor Alia was to reconstruct the JS Tarkaa Foundation and ensure the return of all Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, to their ancestral homes.
The promises did not end there, the governor has also pledged to revamp the Taraku Oil Mills to generate employment and boost the economy, construct the Aondona-Ikpayongo road, that of Aliade-Obarike-Ito, and renovate Government Girls College Aliade to provide conducive environment for teaching and learning.
For the people of Gwer East and Gwer West, Governor Alia promised them commissionership slots within a week, and the construction of Oju-Awajir Road, while for the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadigbo, the governor pledged to give priority to the construction of roads linking the three Local Government Areas, and in Apa and Agatu the road from Obagaji to Okokolo and Agagbe will be constructed. This is in addition to an underpass in Otukpo, the rehabilitation of Otukpo burnt-bricks company and the reticulation of potable water in Otobi.
As the governor returns to Makurdi to fully face the business of governance, Senator Barnabas Gemade is drumming support him. In the words of Gemade, Governor Alia, a man of peace, has been forthright, focused and determined to deliver on his campaign promises, as such the people of Benue should continue to support him to lead the state to greatness.