Governor Hyacinth Alia has stated that his administration has made notable progress across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and digital innovation, within its three years in office.
He made the remarks on Friday in Makurdi during an address marking the third anniversary of his administration in Benue State.
The governor explained that his government assumed office at a time when the state was facing several challenges such as deteriorating infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, insecurity, unemployment, and weakened public institutions.
He noted that restoring peace and security was immediately prioritised as the foundation for sustainable development.
According to him, the administration strengthened security operations through the procurement and distribution of 150 Hilux vehicles and over 600 motorcycles to relevant security agencies to enhance mobility and response to crime.
He added that new security structures, including the Civil Protection Guards and a joint task force known as “Anyam Nyor,” were established to support existing operations like Operation Zenda in tackling insecurity.
Alia commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal support in addressing security challenges, noting that displaced residents are gradually returning to their communities as peace improves in affected areas.
On workers’ welfare, the governor said his administration has improved salary payments through better financial management and discipline, while also sustaining reforms in the pension system to ensure regular payment to retirees.
In the area of infrastructure, he disclosed that more than 50 urban roads have been completed, with over 50 others currently under construction, while about 370 kilometres of rural roads have been constructed across the state.
He further stated that two major interchanges have been completed in Gboko and Makurdi, alongside the Wurukum flyover, while work is expected to commence on the Otukpo interchange.
To address flooding in the state capital, the government constructed a four-kilometre drainage channel stretching from Achusa through Idye to Wurukum, in addition to over 30 other drainage projects.
He also highlighted the “Project Light-Up Makurdi” initiative, under which solar-powered streetlights were installed across major roads to improve security and boost night-time economic activities.
In education, Alia said over 400 school facilities have been rehabilitated or newly built, while 9,700 teachers were recruited to improve learning outcomes.
In the health sector, more than 500 health workers were employed, and facilities at the Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, were upgraded to enhance service delivery and position the institution for medical tourism.
He also announced the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST), Ihugh, aimed at advancing agricultural innovation and technical education.
Additionally, a new Faculty of Engineering and Architecture was established under the Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University campus in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area.
On agriculture, the governor said reforms were introduced to improve food production, support farmers, and distribute farm inputs annually, while also creating a tractor-assembly facility where more than 200 youths have been trained in tractor assembly and maintenance.
He further disclosed that a $250 million National Food City Complex project in Ogyoma-Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs upon completion.
In the industrial sector, he noted the establishment of a large-scale Food Basket Brewery producing Zeva beer and other beverages, as well as a fruit juice processing company designed to add value to local agricultural produce.
He also revealed that the Otobi Water Works has been rehabilitated, restoring pipe-borne water supply to Otobi, Otukpo, and surrounding communities after several decades.
On digital development, Alia said over 10,000 youths have been trained in digital skills, with some beneficiaries sent abroad for advanced training, while about 40,000 civil servants are currently undergoing ICT and e-governance training.
He added that digital platforms such as the Electronic Document Management System, Benue Geographic Information Systems Portal, and the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal have been introduced to improve governance and innovation.
The governor assured residents that his administration remains committed to sustaining development, strengthening peace, and improving the welfare of citizens across the state.
He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms will continue to restore confidence in governance and promote long-term growth in Benue State.