Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has called for a stronger strategic partnership with the United Nations to address the state’s humanitarian, agricultural, and climate challenges.
Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, in a statement issued on Friday, said Alia appealed on Friday at the Government House in Makurdi during the official visit of the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.
According to the statement, Governor Alia stressed that Benue is prepared to convert its vulnerabilities into sustainable resilience through coordinated global support.
He underscored the need for collaboration rather than aid, noting that Benue’s future hinges on integrated efforts linking food security, climate resilience, and human dignity.
“What we seek is not charity, but collaboration. Not isolated projects, but integrated systems. Not temporary relief, but lasting transformation,” he said.
Describing Benue as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation,” the governor highlighted the state’s strategic role in national and regional food systems.
However, he noted that persistent farmer-herder conflicts, climate-related pressures, and a humanitarian crisis involving over 500,000 internally displaced persons continue to strain its capacity.
Since assuming office in 2023, Alia said his administration has implemented an integrated development agenda aimed at rebuilding institutions, restoring dignity, and unlocking economic opportunities.
He disclosed that in the education sector, over 375 public schools have been rehabilitated, 9,700 teachers recruited, and free education policies introduced alongside the establishment of new technical and higher institutions.
In healthcare, the administration has rehabilitated 104 rural health centres, revitalised the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and expanded maternal and child health services.
On infrastructure, the governor said ongoing road and transport projects are designed to connect rural communities with urban markets, boosting agricultural productivity.
He added that more than 10,000 youths have been trained in digital skills under the state’s ICT empowerment initiatives.
Alia emphasised that humanitarian response remains a core priority, particularly for conflict-affected communities, describing current interventions as “pathways from displacement to dignity.”
He also highlighted support measures for internally displaced persons, including shelter provision, farmland allocation, livelihood restoration, and post-crisis rebuilding efforts in affected areas such as Yelewata.
The Governor formally sought UN collaboration in five key areas: climate resilience and River Benue restoration, agro-industrial mechanisation, human capital development in education and health, community stabilisation and security, and the establishment of a Benue SDG Transition and Resilience Financing Facility.
Reaffirming the state’s ambition, Alia said Benue is ready to serve as a model for sub-national transformation in Nigeria and beyond.
“Benue is ready to lead, to partner and to deliver results that matter, not just for the Benue people, but as a model for Nigeria and the global community,” he said.
