FIC Report (Benue State) – The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on the occasion of his two-year anniversary in office.
Speaking on Thursday, May 29th, 2025, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, on behalf of his family, the staff of BSEMA, the teeming population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Cameroonian refugees under the Agency’s care, commended Governor Alia for his dedication, purposeful leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Benue State.
Sir James acknowledged the significant progress made since the Governor assumed office on May 29th, 2023. He lauded the Governor’s people-focused and inclusive leadership, noting that in just two years, His Excellency has demonstrated a resolute commitment to building a new Benue anchored on prosperity, inclusivity, and development.
He praised the administration’s welfare-driven programmes, particularly those targeting workers, retirees, and vulnerable groups, stating that these initiatives have had a tangible and transformative impact on the lives of many Benue citizens.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Sir James commended the completion of major roads and streets in Makurdi and other towns, the ongoing construction of roads across Local Government Areas (LGAs), and the near-completion of underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko as testaments to the Governor’s modernisation agenda.
He further applauded Governor Alia’s passion for education and healthcare, citing key initiatives such as the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh; the cancer treatment centre at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH); and the provision of free medical services to IDPs, as reflective of his genuine concern for human capital development and public well-being.
Other notable achievements include water supply upgrades, the construction of the Idye Nenger drainage system, and the rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure in Wurukum, North Bank, and Federal Low-Cost areas—all pointing to the administration’s proactive approach to flood control and improved urban living.
The BSEMA boss also acknowledged the Governor’s strategic investments in industrialization and job creation, citing initiatives like the Food Basket Brewery, Benue Investment and Property Company, renovation of government buildings, the new Governor’s Office, the International Conference Centre, and the Benue Fashion Hub as steps toward building a self-reliant and robust economy.
On the humanitarian front, he commended the administration’s compassionate and responsive actions—ranging from the provision of relief and palliatives to victims of armed herder attacks, to sustained support for IDPs through food, shelter, healthcare, water, sanitation, and other essential services.
He also lauded Governor Alia’s efforts to restore security and dignity for IDPs, including protection from further attacks, educational support, and empowerment programmes to promote their integration into public life.
As the state marks this significant milestone, BSEMA reaffirms its commitment to implementing the Governor’s IDP-related policies, especially the rollout of Durable Solutions for the resettlement, rehabilitation, and economic reintegration of displaced communities.
Sir James appreciated the Governor’s support in enhancing BSEMA’s operational capacity through the provision of official and operational vehicles, the construction of the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, and the allocation of office space to key partners like UNHCR and IOM—initiatives that have significantly improved coordination and effectiveness in humanitarian response.
In conclusion, he prayed for renewed strength and wisdom for Governor Alia as he continues to lead with great success in the years ahead. Sir, Iorpuu prayed that Benue State continue to flourish under the transformational leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
for
Head of Centre
Federal information Centre Makurdi.
