By Isreal Adamu, Jos
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has officially endorsed Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for a second term following an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in the state. The endorsement was announced by the APC Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, in a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday.
The inspection, which took place on January 13, 2025, focused on several key projects being implemented by Alia’s administration, including the N1.6 billion waterworks project at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and the underpass projects in Makurdi and Gboko. The Forum also observed work on 16 roads within Makurdi and in surrounding local government areas, including the Manyam–Unongo Village–Adikpo and Tyowanye–Uga roads.
Despite facing opposition from political figures such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and his predecessor, Chief Samuel Ortom, Alia’s administration has received praise from the Forum for its development initiatives. The Forum emphasized that these projects, when completed, will improve the state’s economy and transform its image.
Alia’s urban renewal projects, including the underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko, are expected to reduce traffic congestion and attract investment, while the “Light-up Makurdi” solar-powered streetlight project is set to give the capital city a significant facelift.
The APC Forum also highlighted other economic initiatives, including the establishment of factories for polythene, nails, fashion, and ICT, along with expansion efforts by the Benue Investments and Property Company Limited. These projects are expected to create 300 direct and 400 indirect jobs.
Additionally, Alia’s administration has focused on agricultural development through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project, which includes the rehabilitation of key dams and the distribution of solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmers.
The North-Central APC Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, to protect Governor Alia, acknowledging his role as a valuable asset to the party. The Forum urges the national leadership of the party to support Alia and ensure that his efforts to transform Benue State are not hindered by political distractions.
