By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.
Benue State Governor Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has inaugurated the state’s Economic and Policy Advisory Team, with a charge on them to use their expertise to drive evidence-based governance and sustainable growth.
Governor Alia performed the inauguration Ceremony on Wednesday at the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, Benue State Emergency Management Agency.
Standard Times Nigeria reports that those inaugurated were;
1. Mr Nick Agule – Team Lead
2. Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami – Co-Team Lead
3. Prof Naomi Onyeje Doki
4. Dr Andrew Ayabam
5. Dr Adukwu Emmanuel Ogbole
6. Mr Patrick Okigbo
7. Dr Fanen Ade
8. Mr Alex Tarka
9. Dr Jane Asagh
10. Mr Basil Jev
11. Dr Joseph Ogebe
12. Mr Emmanuel Makeri
13. Mr Micheal Oglegba
14. Mrs Theresa Nyitse
15. Prof Jerome Andohol – Secretary.
The governor congratulated the appointees and described their selection as a vote of confidence in their competence and experience.
He explained that the Advisory Team is central to his administration’s effort to strengthen strategic planning and speed up economic progress across the state.
“The constitution of this Advisory Team is our administration’s resolve to strengthen evidence-based governance, deepen strategic planning and speed up sustainable economic growth, he explained.
Alia urged members of the team to justify the confidence placed in them by dedicating their knowledge to the advancement of Benue State.
He further outlined high expectations for the body, which include that; members should offer objective, practical and forward-looking advice to help the government craft policies that create jobs, attract investment, boost internally generated revenue, improve public services and expand opportunities for residents.
He stressed that recommendations must be rooted in credible data, rigorous analysis and innovation, and delivered with professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and accountability.
He said, “Let your recommendations be guided by credible data, rigorous analysis, innovation and undivided commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State”.
While acknowledging the state’s challenges, the governor framed them as opportunities for transformation.
He called for collaborative work with stakeholders and creative solutions to build a more diversified, competitive, and resilient economy.
Governor Alia pledged his administration’s support for the team, promising an enabling environment and careful consideration of its findings.
He pointed out the government’s continuing focus on inclusive growth, fiscal discipline, private-sector development, food security, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
