Country Directors, Executive Directors, and Global Chief Executive Officers, along with representatives of prominent development organizations in Nigeria, gathered at the grand inauguration ceremony of the newly elected Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, PhD. The event, held at the prestigious IBB Square in Makurdi, signifies the Governor’s strong commitment to forging global partnerships to uplift Benue State to unprecedented heights.
In a historic moment, Governor Alia has embarked on a unique feat, being the first State governor in the history of Benue to commence his administration with such a resolute intention. His vision for a prosperous Benue is exemplified by this engagement with esteemed leaders and experts, including renowned advocates and activists such as Ene Obi of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Ufuoma Omo-Obi of Options Consultancy Services, UK Limited, Iorwa Apera of FHI360, Priscilla Achakpa of Women Empowerment Program, Lucky Palmer of Ipas, Dr. Patrick Adah of Pan-Africare, Dr. Victor Adejoh of Synergos Nigeria, and Alu Azege of Media, Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR). The gathering also included seasoned leaders of Benue State from the 3rd Sector organizations like NGOs: Michael Idah, Country Director of Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN),Renowned Gender specialist Ene Edeh, Leo-Angelo Viashima of Marie Stopes International Nigeria, Security Advisor, Reuben Odum; John Pilaku of GAIN, Vitalis Ortese, a renowned knowledge management and data expert, currently the Managing Director of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Ventures, and Godwin Aster, Country Director of Sasakawa Nigeria, a leading agricultural funding partner in Nigeria.
The gubernatorial inauguration witnessed an overwhelming turn out of people from different works of life affirming the immense support for Rev. Fr. Alia’s journey to the government house. As a humanitarian himself, the Governor pledged to address the diverse challenges confronting the people of Benue State, as outlined in his comprehensive 7-point agenda. This transformative agenda encompasses crucial aspects such as the security of lives and property, agriculture and rural development, commerce and industry, human capital and social development, infrastructure, and environment, as well as ICT and politico-economic governance. Governor Alia’s bold approach and unwavering commitment to these priorities set a new precedent for leadership in Benue State.
At an initial breakfast meeting with representatives of the Benue State Government, hosted at the behest of Governor Alia, the team of country leads expressed their enthusiasm to collaborate and attract further funding to bolster Benue’s development. Recognizing the significance of presenting Benue State positively to potential donors, the country leads stressed the necessity of unwavering political will, accountability and an enabling environment for partners operating within the state. The leaders recounted regrettable instances in the past where programs suffered setbacks, resulting in the citizens’ misfortune falling below the internationally recognized United Nations standards of living. These challenges encompass a broad range of human capital, social development and emergency response issues, compounded by widespread ignorance and limited access to basic amenities, in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
In response, Mr. Daniel Ashiekaa, Secretary of the transition committee, assured the team that Benue State welcomes all the support it can garner. He further said the new government is determined to uplift its people from the quagmire of negative indicators, and thus, this collaborative effort with development partner, local and international comes at a critical time. Governor Alia’s visionary leadership and ground-breaking initiatives promise a brighter future for Benue State, setting the stage for unprecedented progress and development.
