FIC Report (Benue State) – Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Friday 10th April 2026 called for deeper strategic collaboration with the United Nations to tackle the state’s humanitarian, agricultural, and climate challenges, emphasizing that his administration is committed to transforming existing vulnerabilities into sustainable resilience.
Governor Alia made this appeal at the Government House in Makurdi during the official visit of the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed. He stressed that Benue’s future depends on coordinated global action that integrates food security, climate resilience, and human dignity.
“What we seek is not charity, but collaboration. Not isolated projects, but integrated systems. Not temporary relief, but lasting transformation,” the governor stated.
Describing Benue as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation,” Alia noted that the state plays a pivotal role in Nigeria and West Africa’s food systems.
However, he observed that this potential continues to be threatened by farmer-herder conflicts, climate-related challenges, and a humanitarian crisis involving over 500,000 internally displaced persons.
Since assuming office in 2023, the governor said his administration has pursued an integrated development agenda aimed at rebuilding institutions, restoring dignity, and unlocking economic opportunities across critical sectors.
“We are not waiting for change; we are building structures that enable change,” he added.
Highlighting achievements in the education sector, Governor Alia disclosed that over 375 public schools have been rehabilitated, 9,700 teachers recruited at the basic education level, and free education policies implemented.
He also noted the establishment of new technical and higher institutions.
In the health sector, he pointed to the rehabilitation of 104 rural health centres, the revitalization of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and the expansion of maternal and child healthcare services.
On infrastructure, the governor explained that ongoing road and transport projects are strategically designed to link rural and urban economies, thereby boosting agricultural productivity. He added that more than 10,000 youths have been trained in digital skills through the state’s ICT empowerment programmes.
Governor Alia reaffirmed that humanitarian response remains central to his administration’s priorities, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
“These are not just interventions; they are pathways from displacement to dignity,” he said.
He further highlighted the state’s ongoing support for internally displaced persons, including the provision of shelter, allocation of farmlands, livelihood restoration initiatives, and post-crisis rebuilding efforts in Yelewata.
The governor also formally requested United Nations collaboration in five key areas: climate resilience and River Benue restoration; agro-industrial mechanization; human capital development in education and health; community stabilization and security; and the establishment of a Benue SDG Transition and Resilience Financing Facility.
Reaffirming Benue’s ambition to emerge as a model of sub-national transformation, Governor Alia stated: “Benue is ready to lead, to partner, and to deliver results that matter—not only for its people but as a model for Nigeria and the global community.”
Veronica Azemba
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
