It is no longer Benue people alone saying it; Lagos is as well now telling it. Yesterday, in faraway Lagos, Benue under Gov. Hyacinth Alia was counted among the best-governed states in Nigeria.
For the people of Benue, this was but a confirmation of what they already knew. Endorsing this administration by the masses has been clear in their support, their participation in governance, and their renewed confidence in the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration as it heads into reelection. The Sun Award has only given national recognition to that endorsement.
While he stood alongside five other governors in that defining moment, for Benue, the moment carried a more profound meaning.
Indeed, after years of being mentioned nationally only for the wrong reasons, Benue was being mentioned for good governance, reforms, and results.
The citation referenced concrete achievements of the administration, including employing 9,700 primary school teachers, establishing the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology in Vandeikya, the revival of moribund companies and the establishment of new factories through the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).
We consider this progress and award significant and timely, especially when viewed against the background of this administration. Recall that at inception, the state was burdened by salary arrears, dilapidated schools, abandoned projects and a large displaced population. Today, Benue is listed among the best-governed states in the country.
From the lowest point to the Governor of the Year list, that is the story of administering Gov. Alia, the story of prosperity for the state.
While receiving the award, the governor said he was truly honoured. He described it as a deep incentive to become more conscious of his responsibilities. Governor Alia noted the award is a call to do more for Benue.
In his closing remarks, the governor dedicated the award to the good people of the state. To the farmers, teachers, health workers, traders, youths and displaced people who have continued to support the policies of this administration and still believe that Benue will be whole again.
Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
