By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.

Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured the people of Benue State of his administration resolve to sustain the masses oriented Leadership and promise to redouble his efforts towards serving the people as he clocks 60 years.

Governor Alia also disclosed that his administration is ready to accommodate constructive criticism with the aim of correcting the grey areas.

Alia made the disclosure on Thursday during a symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), at the Fr. Alia Ultra-Modern Conference Hall, at the headquarters of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Makurdi, as part of activities marking his 60th birthday anniversary celebration.

Represented by Sam Ode mni, the Deputy governor, eluogise journalists for their unwavering commitment to news gathering and dissemination for organising an event of this kind to celebrate the workaholic Governor who has changed the narrative of governance in the State as witnessed by the speedy transformation of the State in all sectors within three, describing the media as “the agenda setters”.

He explained that the role of journalists in sustaining democracy could not be overemphasized, urging practitioners to embrace constructive criticism rather than destructive narratives.According to him, criticism must be anchored on facts and aimed at strengthening governance and society.

Alia acknowledged the unwavering support of Benue people to his administration, resilience and endurance amid insecurity and economic hardship, assuring that there was hope ahead for the state.
“At 60.

“I am more convinced that the greatest asset of Benue State is the people,” he said, adding that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of citizens despite prevailing challenges.” Alia stressed.

The governor further explained that governance requires patience and sacrifice, stressing that although he was not perfect, he remained committed to improving service delivery across the state.

Speaking further in his personal capacity, Deputy Governor Sam Ode described Governor Alia as a prudent and transparent leader who spends public funds “as if every kobo belongs to Benue State.”

Ode also appreciated the governor for maintaining what he described as a harmonious working relationship with him as deputy governor, enabling him to contribute meaningfully to governance.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the NUJ Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, said the symposium was organised not merely to celebrate Governor Alia’s age but to evaluate his leadership and achievements in office.

Ugber said the gathering brought together intellectuals, political stakeholders, academics and journalists to assess the governor’s stewardship and developmental strides over the past three years.
“This symposium transcends celebration. It is a platform for reflection, accountability and evaluation of leadership,” he stated.

The NUJ chairman said the union had objectively observed the administration and concluded that the level of development recorded under Governor Alia within three years surpassed what many administrations collectively achieved over several years.

He maintained that the union remained an independent professional body guided by ethics and constitutional responsibility, stressing that the commendation of the governor was based on “verifiable realities and undeniable facts.”

Ugber, however, appealed to the governor to intervene in the renovation of the NUJ Secretariat, which he said had deteriorated further with the onset of the rainy season.

He also appealed for assistance in offsetting over N15 million indebtedness owed by the council, including dues and salaries of secretariat staff, while calling for the restoration of the NUJ Benue State Council to the official government protocol list.

Declaring the symposium open, Secretary to the Benue State Government and Chairman of the occasion, Deaconess Deborah Aber,Esq., extolled the virtues of Governor Alia, describing him as a leader whose life continues to inspire hope and confidence among the people.
She prayed God to grant the governor good health and wisdom to continue serving humanity.

Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, presented an abridged profile of Governor Alia, tracing his journey from the Catholic priesthood to politics.

He noted that the governor, born on May 15, 1966, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, studied at St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos, before proceeding to Fordham University, New York, and Duquesne University, Pennsylvania, United States, where he obtained postgraduate degrees in Religious Education, Biomedical Ethics and a doctorate degree.

Iorpev added that before venturing into politics, Alia had garnered international experience in educational management and healthcare administration.

In a paper titled “Leadership Capacity and Human Development of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia,” Prof. Chris Orngu of the History Department, Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, said Governor Alia’s transition from priesthood to politics was a continuation of his service to humanity.

He highlighted achievements of the administration in the education sector, including the establishment of the University of Agriculture, Ihugh.

Similarly, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr James Iorpuu, in his presentation titled “Transformational Agenda of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia,” described the governor as a man of integrity, discipline and compassion.

Iorpuu lauded the administration’s interventions in the areas of economy, infrastructure, agriculture and security, saying they had restored hope among the people of the state.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Lands and Solid Minerals, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, who moderated the two presentations, said leadership remained central to development and transformation in every society. He lamented that despite abundant resources, many societies remained trapped in poverty because of poor leadership. According to him, the symposium provided an opportunity for participants to witness Governor Alia’s transformational leadership style.

Presenting a paper on the governor’s priesthood journey, Prof. Fr. Vitalis Towel said Catholic priests are public servants whose responsibilities include promoting transparency, accountability and service to humanity. He stated that Governor Alia had demonstrated those values in governance over the last two years, though he acknowledged that the administration, like others before it, had faced criticisms and challenges, particularly on insecurity and political tensions.

On infrastructure development, Director General of the Bureau for Special Projects in the Office of the Governor, Prof. Gabriel Akpen, outlined ongoing projects under the administration and said implementation of the state’s strategic development plan was progressing steadily.

Akpen said more infrastructural projects were in the pipeline and urged citizens to continue supporting the administration.

In a vote of thanks, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Moses Atagher, commended the NUJ for organising of the symposium for honouring the governor. He also appreciated the resource persons and guests for their contributions, noting that activities marking Governor Alia’s 60th birthday celebration would continue until Sunday, May 17, 2026.