The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to rebuild the state, outlining achievements and ongoing reforms across key sectors, including security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor’s spokesperson, in a statement issued on Sunday, said Alia made this known during the second virtual town hall meeting with the Benue diaspora community, organized by the Benue State Directorate for Diaspora Linkages and Investments.
The session, hosted by the agency’s Director-General, Abraham T. Girgir, attracted participants from across the globe.
The meeting, which began late Saturday night and ended in the early hours of Sunday, provided a platform for the governor to reflect on nearly three years in office.
He noted that his administration inherited a state grappling with weak institutions, economic challenges, and widespread insecurity across several local government areas.
On security, the governor said incidents of attacks and killings, previously affecting about 17 local government areas, have been reduced to a few hotspots.
He attributed the improvement to sustained collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies, alongside the deployment of technology-driven measures, despite challenges posed by porous borders.
Addressing the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), Alia disclosed that over 600 persons were displaced at the height of the crisis as of December 2025.
He added that many have begun returning to their communities, while the government continues efforts to ensure their safe and complete resettlement.
He acknowledged support from Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as well as contributions from institutions such as United Bank for Africa, the Department of State Services, and the Nasarawa State Government, noting that total interventions amounted to N1.27 billion.
In the education sector, the governor revealed that over 22 per cent of the 2026 state budget has been allocated to revitalizing schools, particularly at the primary and secondary levels.
He added that the healthcare system is also undergoing significant improvements after years of decline.
On economic development, Alia highlighted efforts to revive key industries such as Taraku Mills and sustain the state’s leadership in soybean production.
He also pointed to operational factories producing juice, bread, water, and other beverages as part of initiatives to boost local manufacturing and retain economic value within the state.
The governor further outlined ongoing and completed infrastructure projects, including township roads in Makurdi and Gboko, and inter-local government road networks aimed at improving connectivity. He also noted collaboration with the Federal Government on major projects such as the Wurukum overhead bridge.
He disclosed plans to support civil servants through a federal housing scheme and the development of a “Renewed Hope Estate” in Makurdi to attract investors and diaspora participation.
Responding to questions from participants, the governor acknowledged the complexities of governance, particularly as the 2027 political season approaches. He described the rebuilding process as gradual, likening it to the healing of “an old wound.”
Alia reaffirmed his openness to new ideas and urged members of the diaspora to remain actively involved in the state’s development, stressing that unity and collective effort are essential to building a more prosperous Benue State.
