By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Chief Solomon Iorpev, the Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, has rated Governor Hyacinth Alia highly for what he described as major achievements in education, infrastructure, healthcare and economic development since taking office as the sixth elected governor of Benue State.
In a press statement issued on Friday, Iorpev said Governor Alia has prioritised education, recognising it as the foundation for sustainable development. He noted that the administration has introduced policies aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education across the state.
According to him, the governor’s efforts include establishing the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology at Ihyugh in Vandeikya and opening a new Benue State University campus in Adikpo, which houses the Faculty of Technology. He added that the governor declared a state of emergency on primary education, directing that modern storey buildings be integrated into public school infrastructure.
Iorpev further disclosed that the governor approved the recruitment of 9,000 teachers to address staffing gaps and introduced computer-based learning to enhance basic education. These interventions, he said, contributed to Governor Alia’s recognition as 2024 Governor of the Year.
On healthcare, the technical adviser said the commissioning of the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital has helped reduce maternal and child mortality rates. He also highlighted the revamping of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and the upgrade of health facilities across the state.
He praised the administration for establishing a cancer centre** and a pharmaceutical hub to ensure steady access to essential medicines. He added that the employment of more than 500 new healthcare workers has strengthened service delivery across the sector.
Speaking on infrastructure, Iorpev stated that the administration has constructed over 390 kilometres of roads in different parts of the state. He said the two underpasses built in Makurdi and Gboko have reduced traffic congestion and improved safety, while another underpass project has been awarded for Otukpo.
Iorpev also noted that Governor Alia has intensified rural development efforts, implementing policies designed to support local communities. He said the administration has empowered women and youths to enhance economic productivity and self-reliance.
On workers’ welfare, he stated that the government has ensured prompt payment of salaries and pensions, while implementing a N75,000 minimum wage for public servants. He described these actions as evidence of the governor’s commitment to the wellbeing of the state’s workforce.
The adviser concluded that the governor’s performance reflects a deliberate and focused approach to governance aimed at accelerating the socio-economic development of Benue State.
