Benue at 50: Alia pledges industrialisation, investment, unity

Governor Hyacinth Alia says his administration’s commitment to transform the state into an industrial and investment hub will usher in unprecedented prosperity for Benue State people in the next 50 years.

Alia made the pledge on Saturday in Makurdi during his address at the golden jubilee celebration of the creation of Benue State.

The governor described the anniversary as a celebration of hope, resilience, unity, and purposeful leadership, adding that it was an opportunity to reflect on the state’s journey and honour its heroes.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers of the state, particularly the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, for championing the struggle for minority rights and state creation.

He also acknowledged the role of the late General Murtala Mohammed in creating Benue State on February 3, 1976, as well as the pioneer military governor, Colonel Abdullahi Shelleng, and successive military and civilian administrations for contributing to the state’s development.

He also celebrated prominent Benue State sons and daughters who had distinguished themselves in politics, public service, the judiciary, security, academia, business, sports, and the creative industry.

He commended traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, development partners, and farmers for their contributions to peace, governance, and economic growth.

Alia acknowledged the challenges Benue had faced over the years, including insecurity, communal conflicts, displacement, flooding, and economic hardship, while paying tribute to those who lost their lives defending their communities.

He said: “Despite these trials, the Benue spirit remains unbroken. 

“We have always risen above adversity because hope has always triumphed over despair.”

The governor said his administration was restoring confidence in governance through fiscal discipline, institutional reforms, infrastructure development, improved healthcare, security, education, and agriculture amongst others.

According to him, Benue State is determined to move beyond its identity as the Food Basket of the nation by developing agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, technology, tourism, and innovation.

He said the state possessed more than 45 identified solid mineral deposits, including gold, lithium, limestone, barite, kaolin, lead, and zinc, with prospects for oil and gas development.

Alia said the government would create an enabling environment for responsible investment that would support value addition, industrialisation, job creation, and wealth retention within the state.

He envisioned a future where all the 23 local government areas would become centres of economic productivity, quality education, technological innovation, research, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

The governor also called on Benue indigenes in the diaspora to contribute to the state’s development through investments, technology transfer, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.

He urged residents to embrace unity, peace, justice, and collective responsibility, stressing that the state’s greatest strength lay in the resilience and industry of its people.

He said: “The first 50 years gave us our identity. 

“The next fifty must deliver unprecedented prosperity.”

Alia congratulated all Benue sons and daughters at home and abroad on the state’s golden jubilee and prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the state and the country.