Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has told President Bola Tinubu about the security situation, the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), ongoing development projects, and the political climate in the state after the recent 50th anniversary celebrations.
Mr Alia shared this information on Monday after meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The governor said he visited partly to thank Mr Tinubu for attending the anniversary celebrations and to update him on the state's developments.
"The president visited the state just one week ago to witness Benue at 50 as an independent sub-national," Mr Alia said.
"We came to thank him for showing up at Benue at 50 and also to update him on the situation report of the entire state."
Mr Alia told the president that security has improved compared to previous months. But he noted that some concerns remain as displaced residents return to their communities during the farming season.
"Previously, we’ve had a lot of insecurity… so it’s calmed down. He needed to know the position of the IDPs now in the state," he said.
"This is a farming season for us. We are the food basket of the nation. If the IDPs are voluntarily going home, do we still have some anxieties out there? So the answer is yes."
The governor also talked about the political situation in the state after the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.
"There have been some agitations from the very APC faithful after the primaries, but I believe that it’s going to calm down," he said.
"Mr President is a democrat who understands this. He’s a grassroots person."
Mr Alia is confident that the APC will stay united as the 2027 general elections approach.
"As I won the election the first time, we’re going to double the numbers for him, and APC will continue to remain just one threshold, and we’re going to make it good for him and for the entire Benue State as well," he said.
The governor also updated the president on ongoing infrastructure and industrial projects in the state.
He mentioned that President Tinubu commissioned the Benue Food and Fruit Processing Company during the anniversary celebrations. A beer factory and a fruit juice factory are also waiting to be commissioned.
He added that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also commissioned 10 urban renewal roads during the anniversary events.
This meeting came days after Benue marked its 50th anniversary with many events. These included an interdenominational thanksgiving service celebrating the state’s Golden Jubilee, Mr Alia’s 60th birthday, and his three years in office.
Reflecting on the celebrations, the governor thanked residents for their support. He renewed his commitment to his administration’s agenda.
"Today was never just about me. It was about a people united by faith, resilience and hope for a better tomorrow," he said after the thanksgiving service.
"I am governor today because you placed your trust in me, and for that, I remain deeply grateful."
At the anniversary celebration in Makurdi, Mr Alia described the state’s first 50 years as laying the foundation for its identity. He said the next five decades will focus on industrialisation, security and economic growth.
"The first 50 years gave us our identity. The next 50 will define our greatness," he said.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇