FIC Report (Benue State) – Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Monday, 1st September 2025, inaugurated 17 newly appointed commissioners, charging them to serve with loyalty, accountability, and close ties to their communities.
The inauguration, held at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, heads of parastatals, families, and associates of the appointees.
Governor Alia noted that the commissioners were carefully selected from across the state to strengthen his administration’s development agenda. With the government now in the second half of its first term, he stressed that the task ahead requires greater commitment, transparency, and discipline, adding that the appointees were chosen because of their proven capacity in governance.
The governor urged them to maintain strong links with their local communities, serve as spokespersons of government programs, and uphold confidentiality in state matters. He reminded them of their oath to protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to always place public interest above personal considerations.
Reiterating that his administration is people-centered and not driven by patronage politics, Governor Alia stated that his government is focused on policies that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens such as market women, children, workers, and pensioners, rather than the sharing of state resources for private gain.
Addressing recent speculations about his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, mni, the governor dismissed any suggestion of replacing him ahead of 2027, reaffirming his confidence in Ode as a dependable partner in governance. He described the deputy governor as a disciplined, knowledgeable, and people-oriented leader with the qualities needed to support effective administration.
Speaking on behalf of the new commissioners, Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba expressed gratitude to the governor for the trust reposed in them. He assured that the appointees are prepared to add value to the administration by working with diligence, creativity, and integrity, with the collective goal of repositioning their ministries to deliver tangible results that improve the lives of the people.
The newly inaugurated commissioners include: Dr. Ortese Yanmar, Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan, Michael Oglegba, Tiza Isaac Imojime, Alumo Orpin, Ugwu Odoh, Kunde Aondowase, Kwaghgba Amande, Joseph Ter Jir, James Dwem, Dr. Ornguga Yangien, Theresa Odachi Ikwue, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa, Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo, Dennis Iyaighgba, and Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche.
Signed:
Irene Iveren Onehi
Head of Center
Federal Information Center, Makurdi
