•Alia
Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has announced the launch of a state-owned security outfit consisting of 10,000 youths before the end of May 2024. The outfit will complement existing security agencies in tackling the state’s security challenges, reports Daily Sun.
Governor Alia made the announcement during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held at Government House, Makurdi, yesterday, April 30, 2024.
He expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies’ efforts in securing the country and the state. He emphasised that the new security outfit will aid in securing Benue communities, enabling farmers to access their farmlands without fear.
The governor stated that his administration is procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles for the security outfit to access all areas of the state.
He explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was necessary to brief party members on the government’s plans to address the security challenges in the state.
He informed the stakeholders that some enemies of the state had invited unknown gunmen to destabilize Benue’s peace, but the government has pushed them back.
He assured that the government will continue to do so until all invaders are gone, enabling farmers to return to their farms and ensuring food security for the state.
However, he acknowledged that some local government areas, including Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, and Agatu, are still affected by the attacks. He emphasized that the state government will not rest until the state becomes much safer.
Regarding his administration’s achievements, the governor highlighted the construction of rural and urban roads, among other initiatives. He assured that he will continue to work towards making Benue a greater state.
He acknowledged the government’s impact in the health sector, including the recruitment of over 400 specialists and non-specialists staff at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. However, he emphasized plans to revamp both the primary and secondary healthcare systems across the state.
He also announced the reopening of the School of Nursing, with the government paying half of the tuition fees for Benue indigene students.
Additionally, he mentioned plans to reintroduce scholarship awards for students, encourage skills acquisition programs for youths, and promote the study of science-related courses.
He addressed concerns about his administration’s approach, stating that he will continue to do what is right for the overall good of the state. He expressed appreciation for the stakeholders’ and party leadership’s support and called on the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) to expedite the process for conducting local government elections in the state.
He affirmed that the party in the state remains united under the leadership of the acting state chairman, Hon. Benjamin Omakolo.
Earlier, Hon. Omakolo, the acting State Chairman of the APC in Benue, appreciated the governor’s support and leadership.
He affirmed that there is no disunity in the party under his watch and assured that he will continue to promote unity, fairness, and collaboration with party faithful and stakeholders ahead of the local government elections.
In their separate remarks, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Hon. Hinga Biem, Hon. Nelson Alapa, Scholastica Ben Sough, Adah Nath, Hon. Philip Achua, and Hon. Saater Tiseer, representing various zones and groups, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s developmental strides and passed a vote of confidence in him.
They urged him to continue his work for the benefit of Benue and its people.
Deputy Governor Barr Sam Ode, in his vote of thanks, declared his unwavering support for the Governor. He emphasized that even if there is any impeachment attempt, he will not be used to succeed the Governor. He assured the people of Zone C that the Alia administration has many good plans for the zone, urging them and all Benue people to continue supporting the government for further development.
