Part 3 (Focus-The MIN development agenda)
By Donald Kumun
Just like the triumphant entry of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, the Thank You Tour train of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has received all the accolades that befits his visit to the Masev, Ihyarev and Nongov (MIN) axis. This has gone a long way in serving as a herbinger of better days ahead of the bloc.
The tour which comes at a critical time in the existence of Benue state also ushers the MIN axis into the threshold of creating ties, addressing issues of local concern, recalibrating the economic relevance of the region and refocusing its energies into productive ventures.
Just like what is witnessed in other areas visited in the immediate past days, this visit underscores the Governor’s commitment to grassroots engagement, transparent governance, and the development of all regions within the state. The visit also highlighted several key benefits and governance derivative lessons.
Governor Alia’s visit to this critical axis, which encompasses various ethnic groups within Benue State, was a testament to his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance. By meeting directly with community leaders and residents, the Governor demonstrated a hands-on approach, ensuring that the voices of these communities are heard and their needs promptly addressed.
During his tour, Governor Alia identified and tackled several pressing issues facing the axis, such as infrastructure deficits, healthcare challenges, industrialisation and agricultural concerns. His administration’s focus on these areas promises to stimulate local development and improve the standard of living for residents while.lifting greater majority out of poverty. The governor’s commitment to upgrading rural infrastructure, such as roads and schools, and enhancing healthcare facilities, has undoubtedly brought an assurance of a positive impact on the socio-economic landscape of the MIN communities.
The quick take aways and direct benefits that have accrued to this geo-political bloc of the state include the announcement of steps already taken to revive the Taraku Oil Mills Limited and reposition it to take care of the post harvest losses been witness in Benue state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia equally announced during the visit on Friday at St. Francis Primary School Aliade while addressing the intimidating crowd of Gwer East and Gwer west, that the Taraku mills company when revived would address the issue of unemployment and boast the economy of the state.
Infrastructure wise, the Governor announced advanced plans that will see to the construction of Ikpayongu-Aondoana road and many others in the axis.
As if that wasn’t deeply appreciated by the locals, the Governor moved a step further to promise to reposition the School for Special Children; renovation of the structures at Government Girls College Aliade and acknowledged the contribution and support of President Bola Tinubu which he noted wes responsible for the array of monumental track records of achievements recorded within his one year in office.
Elders statesman and Chairman APC Elders Forum, Senator Barnabas Gemade said all the elders in Benue have agreed to support Governor Alia because of the great work he is already doing (and plans to do) for the people of Benue and promised to ensure that nobody comes out to hustle for the governorship position against the incumbent.
Acting Chairman of the All progressives Congress (APC) Benue state chapter, Mr Benjamin Omakolo while receiving the two thousand nine hundred people led by Iorwuese Nor and Linus Ashidi who decamped from other political parties to APC commended the people of Gwer for the bold step they have taken just as the Commissioner for Education and knowledge Management, Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan stated that Governor Alia has a long standing relationship with the people of Gwer East and Gwer west. He adduced evidence to buttress that such is evidenced in his appointment as then Director General of the Alia/Ode Campaign Organisation during the electioneering period. And his subsequent appointment to the Executive Council of the state.
In a separate comments, member representing Gwer East in the state House of Assembly, Mr Elias Audu and Prof. Eugene Aleigba said God has brought Governor Alia to change the perception of the people about politics even as they argued that with Governor Alia, people have began to trust politicians.
Caretaker committee Chairman for Gwer East Mrs Comfort Agbo who spoke on behalf of her counterpart from Gwer west Mr Henry Agba said they were happy to receive the Governor because of the way he was delivering Dividend of democracy to the people and thanked the Governor for the opportunity given to them to serve in that capacity.
While speaking earlier in Makurdi, the Reverend gentleman announced the plans to carry out comprehensive renovation of IBB square Makurdi and make it to have an international standard.
The Governor maintained that the Makurdi/Guma constituency, upon the completion of the underpass at High-Level in Makurdi he would consider the construction of other major Roads within Makurdi and Guma stating that there was more projects his administration was going to unfold for the benefit of Benue people and sued for unity of purpose amongst the prominent sons and daughters of Benue so as to attract more development to the state.
During the interaction with the traditional institution under the auspices of Lobi Traditional council at the Tor Lobi private residence in Makurdi, Governor Alia promised to construct a befitting palaces for all the six first class and second class chiefs in the state and also assured them of his resolved to improve on their welfare. This is part of deliberate efforts to bring about the desired confidence and commitment to delivering on the assigned roles.
Speaking at the IBB square Chairman elders Forum Senator Barnabas Gemade said they were united in the support of Governor Alia because of his achievements within one year in office while Barrister Emmanuel Jime represented by Mr Richard Asema said the Governor’s efforts in security has started yielding positive results.
Consequently, in recognition of the neglect and other disadvantages suffered by the Ihyarev people in particular during the past administration, Governor Alia takes a step further to placate them with one more commissioner for Gwer-East, and another for Gwer-West local governments by next week.
Mention must be made to the fact that due to conscious efforts, most of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who hitherto could not go back to their ancestral homes as a result of the herdsmen crises, have gone back with a lot of farming activities ongoing in those communities. This information is per the chairman of the local government, Hon. Simon Unongu.
Meanwhile, the State acting Chairman of the APC Mr Benjamin Omakolo received over five thousand members of other political parties who decamped into the APC during which he commended Governor Alia for the transparent and accountability exhibited in handling the affairs of the state resources even as he assured the decampees equal opportunities in the Party.
Prominent sons of the area such as, State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barrister Fidelis Mnyim opined that Governor Alia achievements within one year surpassed other previous administration four years achievements with a promised not to disappoint the Governor and good people of Benue state.
By this tour, bonds of relationship between the indigenes of the area have been cemented by the Governor. Another angle not to be overlooked is the elements of prosperity it has served as better days are lurking around the corner.
Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to Governor on Print Media and writes from the ‘Thank You Tour’
