Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia

Official Handle of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

This morning, I have the honor of unveiling our official campaign website and manifesto, titled "A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue."

I invite you all to visit https://t.co/SZDRKgwGLn to learn more and also get involved!

#ForAGreaterBenue

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Today, I return home from my international engagements, including participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, with renewed energy, fresh perspectives and stronger partnerships for the continued development of our dear Benue State.

On the global stage, I showcased the immense potential of Benue, engaged with investors, development partners and other stakeholders, and opened new doors of opportunity for our people.

Building a New Benue is a journey I am deeply intentional about, and I therefore call on our people, investors, development partners and every lover of sustainable development to join hands with us in building the Benue we all desire.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Today, as Nigeria marks her 66th Independence Anniversary, I join the good people of Benue State and all Nigerians at home and abroad in celebrating our great nation.

This anniversary is a solemn moment to reflect on our national journey so far, honour the sacrifices of those who came before us, and renew our collective commitment to the ideals of unity, peace, justice, freedom and shared prosperity.

For us in Benue, it is also an occasion to reaffirm our determination to build a state where every citizen has a place, a voice and an opportunity to thrive.

I profoundly appreciate the people of Benue State for their prayers, confidence and steadfast support. In the face of challenges, our strength remains our unity and our shared belief in a greater future for our people.

As we celebrate, I call on all Nigerians to continue to place the interest of our nation above every difference and to contribute, in whatever capacity, to the peace, stability and development of our dear country.

Together, with faith in God, commitment to our people and a shared sense of responsibility, we shall continue to build a stronger Benue and a greater Nigeria.

Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria. 🇳🇬

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

My engagements in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly were driven by one clear objective: to open more doors of opportunity for Benue and deepen partnerships that can translate into real development for our people.

UNGA81 provided an important platform to engage investors, development partners, global leaders and members of the African diaspora, while showcasing Benue’s enormous potential.

We are determined to move beyond exporting raw agricultural produce to processing, manufacturing and value addition. Our strength in agriculture must become the foundation for industries, jobs, stronger markets and greater prosperity.

The goal is to connect the farmer to the factory, the factory to the market, and the market to global opportunities.

I was deeply honoured to receive the African Leadership Award for Grassroots Development, which I accept on behalf of the hardworking people of Benue. It is a reminder that leadership must ultimately be measured by its impact on ordinary people.

I am also proud to have contributed to the broader African conversation on the continent’s rightful place in global decision-making, including greater African representation at the United Nations Security Council.

Benue has the people, resources and potential to compete globally. From New York to Makurdi, our mission remains the same: to build a New Benue where development reaches every community, opportunities expand, and every generation can look to the future with renewed hope and confidence.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

It is with a heart full of gratitude and humility that I receive the African Leadership Award for Grassroots Development at the 11th International Forum on African and Caribbean Leadership, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, USA.

This honour recognises our collective efforts to advance inclusive development, grassroots transformation and sustainable growth across Benue State.

I was honoured alongside distinguished African leaders and Presidents, including President Bassirou Faye of Senegal, Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis of The Bahamas, Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño of Belize, and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.

The event also recognised leading African Diaspora personalities under the Top 40 African Diaspora Leaders category.

I dedicate this award to the great people of Benue State for their support, prayers and commitment to our shared journey of building a New Benue for ourselves and generations to come.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Today, I join Nigerians across the country to celebrate Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Mother of the Nation, as she marks her 66th birthday.

Her Excellency has distinguished herself through compassion, humility and commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians, particularly women, children, youths, the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.

Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, she has championed impactful interventions in healthcare, education, economic empowerment, skills acquisition and social support, touching lives and restoring hope across communities.

In Benue State, we deeply appreciate her compassion and support for communities affected by insecurity and other difficult circumstances.

On behalf of the Government and good people of Benue State, I celebrate Her Excellency and wish her many more years of good health, wisdom, strength and fulfilment in service to our dear nation. Amen.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Today, I joined the Benue State Judiciary, members of the Bar and other stakeholders at the Benue State High Court Headquarters, Makurdi, for the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.

Since assuming office, we have granted the Judiciary full financial and administrative autonomy, resulting in significant investments in court infrastructure and the ongoing transformation of judicial facilities across the State.

We have also prioritised the welfare of judicial officers and law officers through improved working conditions, official vehicles, vacation support, salary harmonisation and modern office facilities.

As part of this commitment, I was pleased to commission the Judicial Service Commission Complex, High Court Clinic, remodelled High Court Complex and asphalted internal roads within the High Court premises.

We have also commenced the construction of a modern, state-of-the-art Ministry of Justice Complex, which, upon completion, will provide our Law Officers with a world-class working environment equipped with modern facilities and technology.

I also called for stronger cooperation between the Executive and Judiciary, stressing that we are partners with a shared responsibility to protect the interests of our people and advance Benue’s development.

While raising concerns over excessive financial awards arising from garnishee proceedings against State and Local Government accounts, I urged all stakeholders to uphold integrity, fairness, professionalism and the rule of law.

I also appealed for the speedy determination of cases because justice delayed can become justice denied.

Together, we will continue to build a New Benue anchored on justice, accountability, progressive development and the rule of law.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Yesterday, I received with great humility the letter of nomination from The Sun Newspaper as the 2026 Sun Governor of the Year.

I am deeply honoured by this recognition, especially because it comes from one of Nigeria’s most respected media organisations. More importantly, I see it as recognition of the collective efforts of everyone working with us to build a New Benue.

Since assuming office, I have deliberately refused to allow the siren on my convoy to become the measure of my presence or importance. I have always believed that the work we do for our people should be our loudest siren.

Let the jobs we create be our siren. Let the roads we construct be our siren. Let the hospitals we strengthen and the schools and Primary Healthcare Centres we revive be our siren.

Let the industries we revive and establish, including Bensono, Taraku Mills and Food Basket Breweries, be our siren.

Let the improved welfare of our workers and pensioners be our siren. Let the opportunities we create for our young people be our siren.

And let the transformation we are bringing to communities across Benue be the siren that speaks for us beyond our borders.

I thank the management of The Sun Newspaper for finding our work worthy of this prestigious nomination.

For me, this is a call to do even more.

We remain committed to building a new Benue where development is visible, opportunities are real, and the people truly come first.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Today, we brought the Benue 2035 Economic Transformation, Capital Formation and Prosperity Summit to a close with a clear message: Benue has the potential, and now is the time to turn that potential into prosperity.

Over the past three days, we brought together government, the private sector, professors, investors, professionals, development partners, academics, young people and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions for transforming our economy.

Our goal is to build a $5 billion investment platform that will create jobs, expand opportunities, attract investments and make Benue more competitive.

We have also agreed on the need for a long-term development framework, including a proposed 30-year development plan, to ensure that our economic transformation is sustained beyond individual administrations.

We also signed the MoU for the implementation of the Benue 2035 Economic Transformation, Capital Formation and Prosperity Plan.

We will move from ideas to action, from plans to implementation, and from potential to prosperity.

As I said at the summit: “We have the political will to ensure that it works, and definitely it will work.”

I thank all participants, consultants, partners and stakeholders who contributed to this historic process.

A Greater Benue is possible. And we are building it together.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Yesterday, I engaged with a massive gathering of young people and support groups at the Youth Town Hall Interactive Engagement at IBB Square, Makurdi.

I shared the progress we have made so far, the opportunities we are creating, and our plans to empower more young people across Benue.

Our youths are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are important partners in building the Benue we desire today. Through skills development, education, entrepreneurship, technology, and other youth-focused programmes, we will continue to create opportunities for our young people to learn, grow, and succeed.

I urged them to remain focused, responsible, and committed to the progress of our dear State. I also encouraged them to be good ambassadors of Benue wherever they find themselves.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Yesterday, I inspected the ongoing construction of the new Governor’s Office Complex at the Government House, Makurdi.

This project is part of our deliberate effort to provide modern, functional and efficient facilities that will strengthen the administration of the State and improve service delivery to our people.

As a government, we are committed to building infrastructure that will serve not only the needs of today but also the generations that will come after us.

I was pleased with the progress of work and directed the contractors to maintain the highest standards and ensure timely completion.

We will continue to work with purpose, prudence and accountability to build a better and more prosperous Benue State for our people.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Yesterday, I had the honour of commissioning the new office complex of the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, in Government House, Makurdi.

The new facility will provide a good and conducive environment for the effective coordination, administration and implementation of programmes for women, children, families and vulnerable persons across the state.

I commend the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, for this important achievement and for her continued commitment to promoting the welfare, empowerment and inclusion of women and other vulnerable members of our society.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Today, I opened the Benue 2035 Economic Transformation, Capital Formation & Prosperity Summit at the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, Makurdi.

I believe in Benue and in the strength, talent and determination of our people. We have what it takes to build a better and more prosperous State.

But potential alone is not enough. We must turn our opportunities into investment, jobs, businesses and better lives for our people.

I have challenged participants to develop a clear and practical plan for the economic transformation of Benue.

Our focus is on security, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, education, health, technology, job creation and good governance.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Today, Benue State hosted the North Central Regional Security Summit, organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, in partnership with the Benue State Government, at the New Banquet Hall, Makurdi.

The gathering brought together the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who represented His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Governors of Plateau and Nasarawa States; representatives of the Governors of Kogi, Niger and Kwara States, as well as the FCT Minister; alongside Ministers, National Assembly Members, senior government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, security and intelligence agencies, and other critical stakeholders from across the North Central.

With the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” the forum provided an important platform to confront the complex security challenges affecting our region, including banditry, terrorism, farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping, organised crime, violent extremism spillover, and other threats to the peace and prosperity of our communities.

As a frontline state, we know all too well the devastating consequences of insecurity. We have seen communities displaced, livelihoods disrupted, and the dreams of our people threatened by forces that seek to exploit our vulnerabilities.

But we also know that insecurity will not defeat us.

The North Central is blessed with enormous human, agricultural and mineral resources. Our farmers feed Nigeria. Our lands produce the food that sustains millions of families across the country. Our mineral resources contribute to national development. Our people constitute one of the greatest assets of the Nigerian federation.

The North Central is too strategically important to Nigeria for insecurity to be allowed to undermine its enormous potential.

Therefore, to secure the North Central is to secure Nigeria’s food security, economic prosperity and national stability.

This is why I have consistently advocated a collaborative approach to security. Government cannot do it alone. The military and other security agencies cannot do it alone. Communities cannot do it alone.

We must do it together.

Our traditional rulers and community leaders must be at the heart of this security architecture. They are closest to the people. They know their communities, understand their terrain, and often possess critical information that can prevent threats before they escalate.

We must therefore move beyond security strategies that exist only on paper. We must build a security architecture that reaches our villages, protects our farmers, strengthens intelligence sharing, secures our borders, and gives our young people opportunities that make them less vulnerable to recruitment by criminal elements.

I remain convinced that collaboration is not merely a choice; it is an imperative. The resolutions and outcomes of this engagement must translate into concrete actions that strengthen our security architecture and restore lasting peace across the North Central.

I commend the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for bringing this important conversation to the North Central.

I also appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and creating the conditions necessary for sustainable development and prosperity.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & WELFARE

• Inclusion of Otukpo youths in statewide digital skills training and empowerment programmes, equipping young people with relevant skills for the modern economy.

• Regularisation of the payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities, and arrears, strengthening the welfare of workers and retirees across the state, including those in Otukpo.

SECURITY & GOOD GOVERNANCE

We remain committed to protecting our people, their communities and ancestral lands. We will continue to work with the Federal Government and security agencies until lasting peace is restored across Benue.

I sincerely appreciate the great people of Otukpo and Ohimini, our traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders and all stakeholders for their warm reception, constructive engagement and continued support.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Yesterday, we concluded our statewide Town Hall Meeting with a visit to Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, where we engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.

The engagement provided an opportunity to listen to our people, account for our stewardship and reaffirm our commitment to balanced and sustainable development.

The interventions highlighted below represent a summary of some of our key achievements and ongoing projects in Otukpo and Ohimini. They are by no means exhaustive.

ROADS, URBAN RENEWAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Construction of the Otukpo Flyover has been awarded, with work set to commence any time soon, marking a major step towards improving traffic flow, connectivity and urban mobility in the town.

• Construction of major culverts and drainage structures, including interventions along Edikwu Road and Edikwu–Otada Road.

• Construction of critical culverts at River Angbeji, River Ohimini, River Utrokpa and River Oyikpokwu, among other locations in Ohimini.

• Approval and commencement of the construction of township roads in Otukpo, strengthening urban renewal and local transportation.

• Construction of a 12km access road to the National Food City Complex in Otukpo, opening up the project site and surrounding communities.

WATER & CLIMATE RESILIENCE

• Restoration and reticulation of the Otobi Water Works, restoring pipe-borne water supply to Otukpo, Otobi and neighbouring communities after decades of disruption.

• Provision of roof-top rainwater harvesting systems across numerous communities and public institutions in Otukpo and Ohimini.

These interventions are strengthening water security and building more resilient communities.

EDUCATION

We are investing in better learning environments and improved opportunities for our children through:

• Construction of a storey building at St. Francis’ Primary School, Otukpo, comprising classrooms, ECCDE facilities, a playroom, digital and non-digital libraries, offices and a store.

• Reconstruction and renovation of classrooms at Holy Rosary Primary School, Abache Adoka; LGEA Primary School Ejor-Akpa; LGEA Primary School Igblagidi; and MPS Otobi.

• Renovation of the perimeter fence and gatehouse at St. Francis’ Primary School, alongside provision of furniture and a solar-powered borehole.

• Construction of perimeter fencing and provision of furniture at LGEA Primary School Abakpa Onyagede, Ohimini, and renovation of classrooms at RCM Primary School Ajegbe.

HEALTHCARE

We are bringing functional healthcare closer to our people through the revitalisation of:

PHC Akpegede, PHC UPU, PHC Otobi, PHC Ondo and PHC Ipolo in Otukpo, and PHC Akunu, PHC Ehatokpe, PHC Ochobo and PHC Ogoli in Ohimini.

AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY

• Establishment of functional plant nurseries and greenhouses to support agricultural production and improve access to quality seedlings.

• Development of the National Food City Project in Otukpo, a major agro-industrial initiative involving over 30,000 hectares of mechanised farmland and agro-processing facilities for crops including rice, cassava, maize and soybeans.

• The National Food City Project is expected to create 15,000 direct and 50,000 indirect jobs, while providing markets for farmers and reducing post-harvest losses.

INDUSTRIALISATION & JOB CREATION

Our economic vision is to make Benue one of the financially and economically strongest states in Nigeria.

We are establishing and reviving industries that will create jobs, support farmers and strengthen the agricultural value chain, including:

• Food Basket Brewery
• Fruit Juice and Concentrate Factories
• Taraku Mills
• Revival of the Igumale Cement Factory
• Revival of the Otukpo Burnt Bricks Project

These investments will stimulate local businesses, create employment and provide sustainable markets for agricultural produce.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

We are building a New Benue where agriculture thrives, industries operate, schools function, healthcare is accessible, communities are connected and our people can live and work in peace.

I sincerely appreciate the people of Apa and Agatu, our traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders and all stakeholders for their warm reception and continued support.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Yesterday, we took our statewide Town Hall Meeting to Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, where we engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.

The engagement provided an opportunity to listen to our people, account for our stewardship and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive and balanced development.

The interventions highlighted below represent a summary of some of our key achievements and ongoing projects in Apa and Agatu. They are by no means exhaustive.

ROADS & RURAL CONNECTIVITY

• Construction of the 43.5km Obagaji–Okokolo–Agagbe Road, connecting Agatu and Gwer West and improving access for communities and agricultural activities.

• Continued investment in rural infrastructure to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and agricultural produce.

EDUCATION

• Reconstruction and renovation of four classrooms at Methodist Primary School, Ogbalu, Agatu, with provision of furniture.

• Reconstruction and renovation of three classrooms at RCM Primary School, Oweto, with provision of furniture.

• Reconstruction and renovation of classrooms, offices and stores at Islamiya Primary School, Alifeti, and RCM Primary School, Ekla-Oba, Apa, alongside provision of furniture.

HEALTHCARE

We are revitalising primary healthcare facilities to bring quality and accessible healthcare closer to our rural communities.

Key interventions include:

• PHC Enungba, Agatu
• PHC Ogbaulu, Agatu
• PHC Usha, Agatu
• PHC Iga Opaya, Apa
• PHC Otakpa, Apa
• PHC Igoro, Apa

WATER & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

• Provision of roof-top rainwater harvesting systems across 11 locations in Apa LGA, covering Ugbokpo, Igoro, Ikobi, Ofoke, Oba, Igah, Oiji, Edikwu Wards 1 and 2, Ojantele and Auke.

RE-ENGAGEMENT OF DISENGAGED LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF

As part of our commitment to inclusive governance and human capital development, I have approved the re-engagement of Local Government Council staff who were disengaged in 2011, following a screening exercise to establish the status of the affected workers.

I have also requested the names of four persons each from Apa and Agatu LGAs for immediate engagement in the state government.

This administration remains committed to creating opportunities, strengthening local governance and improving the welfare of our people.

INDUSTRIALISATION & JOB CREATION

Our goal is to make Benue one of the financially and economically strongest states in Nigeria.

Since assuming office, our administration has established over five factories, while taking decisive steps to revive existing industries, including:

• Revival of the Igumale Cement Factory, with technical experts already assessing the long-abandoned facility ahead of rehabilitation.

• Revival of Taraku Mills, currently undergoing test-running ahead of full operations.

• Development of the Food Basket Brewery.

• Development of a Fruit Juice and Concentrate Factories and other agro-processing investments.

These investments will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, provide sustainable markets for farmers and strengthen Benue’s agricultural value chain.

I have therefore urged our people to farm extensively, assuring them that the industries we are building will create markets for their produce and help end the era of selling agricultural products at giveaway prices.

SECURITY

I reiterated that no part of Benue will be given to anybody for ranching. Our land belongs to our people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate uses.

We will continue the fight against insecurity until lasting peace is restored.

I also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with its headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations in the state.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

I have therefore urged our people to farm extensively, because the industries we are building will create markets for their produce and help end the era of selling agricultural products at giveaway prices.

SECURITY & DEVELOPMENT

The security of our people remains a priority.

We will continue to work with the Federal Government and security agencies to protect our communities, our farms and our livelihoods and restore lasting peace across Benue.

I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT for his support for the strengthening of security architecture in Benue, including the establishment of an Army Division with headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations.

I sincerely appreciate the great people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo, our traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders, government officials and all stakeholders for their warm reception, constructive engagement and continued support.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Yesterday, we took our statewide Town Hall Meeting to Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, where we engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.

The engagement provided an opportunity to listen to our people, account for our stewardship and reaffirm our commitment to balanced and sustainable development across the constituency.

The interventions highlighted below represent a summary of some of our key achievements and ongoing projects in Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo. They are by no means exhaustive.

ROADS & RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

• Rehabilitation and construction of the 31.36km Igumale-Agila Road, opening up communities and strengthening economic activities in Ado and its environs.

• Construction of major box culverts and drainage structures at Ogbudu, River Egila, River Enuwe, River Etem, Ofufulo, Okpa and other locations.

• Construction of a triple-cell culvert across River Umabe at Ai-Chebe Ogblega, Eke, Okpokwu.

These interventions are improving rural connectivity and facilitating the movement of people and agricultural produce.

EDUCATION

Our administration is investing in safer and more conducive learning environments across the three LGAs.

Key interventions include:

• Construction of UBE-standard classroom blocks, offices, stores and improved toilet facilities at LGEA Primary School Adochi Utonkon, Ado.

• Reconstruction and renovation of classrooms at LGEA Primary School Okpozi Ulayi and LGEA Primary School Utonkon.

• Construction of new classroom infrastructure at LGEA Primary School Ipole Oko, Ogbadibo.

• Rehabilitation of schools including LGEA Primary School Ipole-Ai-Odu and RCM Primary School Ekere Owukpa.

• Reconstruction and renovation of classrooms at LGEA Primary Schools Effa Ugbokolo, Idiri Okpoga and Ojoga-Ichama, Okpokwu.

• Construction of a new UBE-standard classroom block and provision of a solar-powered borehole at LGEA Primary School Olengbecho, Okpokwu.

• Provision of furniture and dual desks across beneficiary schools.

HEALTHCARE

We are also bringing healthcare closer to our people through the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities.

In Ado, we are revitalising:

• PHC Agila
• PHC Udebo-Ojenyo
• PHC Ekile

In Ogbadibo:

• PHC Ukporo
• PHC Odoba
• PHC Olachagbaha
• PHC Eke-Akpa

In Okpokwu:

• PHC Otobi-Amejo
• PHC Okpoga
• PHC Ikomuja

These interventions are aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery and ensuring that our people can access essential medical services closer to home.

WATER, ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

• Provision of solar-powered motorised boreholes at key locations in Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.

• Provision of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in Otukpa, Owukpa and Orokam

• Water and environmental interventions designed to improve access to safe water and strengthen community resilience.

AGRICULTURE, INDUSTRIALISATION & JOB CREATION

Our goal is to make Benue one of the financially and economically strongest states in Nigeria.

Since assuming office, our administration has established more than five factories, while taking decisive steps to revive existing industries, including:

• Revival of the Igumale Cement Factory in Ado LGA. Technical experts have assessed the long-abandoned facility, with rehabilitation efforts being pursued to return it to full-scale production.

• Revival of Taraku Mills, which is currently undergoing test-running ahead of full operations.

• Establishment of the Food Basket Brewery, producers of Zeva Premium Beer, Zeva Malt, and Oyi Bitters.

• Development of a Fruit Juice and Concentrate Factory and other agro-processing investments.

These investments will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, provide sustainable markets for farmers and strengthen Benue’s agricultural value chain.

[Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia @HyacinthAlia]

Yesterday, we took our statewide Town Hall Meeting to Zone C, beginning with Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, where we engaged traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders.

The engagement provided an opportunity to listen to our people, account for our stewardship and reaffirm our commitment to balanced and sustainable development.

The interventions highlighted below represent a summary of some of our key achievements and ongoing projects in Oju and Obi. They are by no means exhaustive.

ROADS, RURAL ACCESS & INFRASTRUCTURE

• Rehabilitation and construction of the 52km Awajir–Oju Road, opening up communities across Konshisha and Oju.

• Construction of major box culverts and drainage structures at River Ukpabe, River Okiledu and Owowo Stream to improve rural connectivity and the movement of agricultural produce.

EDUCATION

• Construction of UBE-standard three-classroom blocks, offices, stores and improved toilet facilities at LGEA Primary School Adiko, Obi.

• Similar classroom infrastructure at LGEA Primary School Ahuma Orihi Ito, Obi.

• Construction and rehabilitation of classrooms at LGEA Primary Schools Agidegbe Ainu, Ezza Anwu, Obohu and Ohu­hu-Owo in Oju.

• Provision of dual desks and other furniture across beneficiary schools in Oju and Obi.

• The upgrade of the College of Education, Oju, into a more standard institution, with a new nomenclature, is underway to expand opportunities for our young people and strengthen teacher education.

These interventions are part of our broader investment in quality education and improved learning environments.

HEALTHCARE

We are revitalising primary healthcare facilities across the constituency, including:

• PHC Obijago, Obi
• CHC Adum East, Obi
• PHC Ameka, Obi
• PHC Itakpa, Obi
• PHC Akwuda, Oju
• PHC Obussa, Oju
• PHC Ojokwe, Oju
• PHC Ihigile, Oju

The objective is to bring functional healthcare closer to our people and strengthen access to essential medical services in rural communities.

AGRICULTURE & INDUSTRIALISATION

Our vision is to build a functional agricultural value chain where farmers produce, process and earn better from their harvests.

I have therefore urged our people to farm extensively, assuring farmers that the emerging agro-industrial sector will provide sustainable markets for their produce and help eliminate the era of selling at giveaway prices.

I also encouraged our people in the area to take advantage of the following initiatives across the state:

• Revival of the Igumale Cement Factory in Enone, with technical experts already assessing the facility ahead of rehabilitation.

• Development of the Food Basket Brewery.

• Development of Fruit Juice and Concentrate factories and other agro-processing investments.

• Revival of Taraku Mills, which is undergoing test-running ahead of full operations.

These investments will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, provide markets for agricultural produce and reduce post-harvest losses.

SECURITY & DEVELOPMENT

We remain committed to securing our communities and protecting the ancestral land of our people.

No part of Benue land will be ceded to anybody for ranching. Our land belongs to our people and must remain available for farming and other legitimate uses.

I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division in Benue, with headquarters in Makurdi and deployments across strategic locations. We will continue working with the Federal Government and security agencies until lasting peace is restored.

The traditional rulers also honoured me with the chieftaincy title “Ogakwu of Igede Land,” meaning “Strong Man of Igede,” in recognition of our leadership and development efforts.

I sincerely appreciate the people of Oju and Obi, our traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders and all stakeholders for their warm reception and continued support.