RismadarVoice Reporters
May 29, 2026
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, says the state is gradually regaining stability and public confidence as his administration marks three years in office.
Speaking in Makurdi during activities commemorating his third anniversary, Alia described his tenure so far as one defined by “courage, sacrifice, determination, and steady progress,” despite the challenges inherited in 2023.
He said his administration met widespread insecurity, unpaid salaries and pensions, weak institutions, and declining trust in governance, but insisted that deliberate reforms were helping to reverse the situation.
“Today marks exactly three years since I took the oath of office… to restore hope to our people and reposition Benue State on the path of peace, growth, and prosperity,” he said.
On security, the governor said his administration had strengthened operations by providing logistics support to security agencies, including 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles to improve mobility in hard-to-reach areas.
He also noted the creation of the Civil Protection Guards and the joint security outfit “Anyam Nyor,” saying these initiatives have contributed to improved security and the gradual return of displaced persons to their communities.
Alia commended President Bola Tinubu for federal support in tackling insecurity in the state.
On workers’ welfare, he said salary and pension payments had become more regular under his administration, attributing the improvement to fiscal discipline and better resource management.
The governor also outlined progress in infrastructure, including the completion of more than 50 intra-city roads, ongoing road projects across the state, and about 370 kilometres of rural road construction.
He added that major drainage projects and the “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative were improving flood control, safety, and nighttime economic activity.
In education and healthcare, Alia said over 400 school projects had been executed, while thousands of teachers and health workers had been recruited. He also highlighted upgrades at the state’s teaching hospital aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
On economic development, he disclosed the establishment of industrial and agricultural initiatives such as a tractor assembly workshop, a food processing complex, a brewery, and a fruit juice plant, all expected to create thousands of jobs.
He further revealed that thousands of youths had received digital skills training, alongside ongoing ICT capacity-building for civil servants.
“Benue is rising again. Hope has returned. Confidence in government is being restored,” the governor said, reaffirming his commitment to continued development across the state.
