By Veronica Iorwua
In the heart of Nigeria's Benue State, a profound transformation is taking place under the leadership of a visionary Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia. Emerging from a period marred by bad governance and financial turmoil, Governor Alia's ascent to power was hailed as a divine intervention, rekindling hope for its citizens. This Divine Mandate, as it has come to be known, promised a fresh start, an end to the struggles of unpaid salaries, and a new era of prosperity.
The journey began with widespread optimism, as Benue State welcomed a leader determined to rewrite the script of governance. Workers and pensioners, who had endured months of suffering, pinned their hopes on this Reverend Gentleman to rescue them from their predicament. Governor Alia did not disappoint; he hit the ground running, introducing a new order and ending the era of "business as usual."
One glance at his cabinet appointments revealed a commitment to change. Gone were the days of recycling officials; instead, Governor Alia handpicked individuals with competence, character, and capacity. It was akin to pouring fresh wine into new wineskins, and the impact was immediate.
Appointment of key officials, such as the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and Chief of Staff (CoS), were awarded to fresh hands, indicating a clear departure from the status quo.
The trend extended to commissioners, advisers, and special assistants who were appointed and sworn – in last week, and Governor Alia ensured diverse interests were fully represented.
A greater change in governance was crystal clear, and commendations poured in. Governor Alia's commitment to appointing the right people for the right roles garnered praise. Notably, the youth had their fair share of representation, highlighting his belief that they are leaders of today, not just tomorrow.
Governor Alia's vision is crystal clear: to rebuild Benue better than before. Acknowledging the enormity of the task, he remains resolute in his mission to usher in an era of progress and prosperity. The governor's focus is on taking the state from the depths of misery to the summit of economic growth and development.
In a short span, Governor Alia achieved what seemed impossible for years. Prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities provided relief to the state's civil servants and pensioners. Simultaneously, infrastructural projects like the renovation of the Benue State House of Assembly complex and the construction of sixteen roads in Makurdi transformed the physical landscape.
Governor Alia's commitment to reviving the Benue Links Transport Company, along with distributing over one hundred trucks of fertilizer to farmers, showcased his dedication to agricultural revitalization.
Furthermore, the recruitment and training of ten thousand youths and grants for over five thousand women aimed at empowering the state's residents.
Under Governor Alia's leadership, Benue is poised for a renaissance. The promise of a better future is no longer a distant dream but a palpable reality. With every step forward, the people of Benue State are regaining their lost hope, and soon, the echoes of celebration will reverberate throughout the region. Governor Alia's Divine Mandate is transforming Benue State into the prosperous, vibrant state its citizens have long yearned for.
VERONICA IORWUA is an ardent supporter of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen's government from Makurdi.
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