FIC Report (Benue State) – The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has commended the Federal Government for its giant infrastructural and socio-economic development projects in the North-Central region.
Governor Alia, who was represented by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Benue State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Adamu, made this known during a Town Hall Meeting organized by the Federal Information Centre, Makurdi to assess the mid-term performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Delivering a keynote paper, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Sam Abbah, emphasized the importance of balancing opinions with facts, stressing that public communication must recognize differing viewpoints while presenting verifiable achievements.
Dr. Abbah identified nine critical audience groups shaping opinions on the Tinubu administration — from world powers and diaspora communities to ruling party stakeholders, business leaders, political opposition, the Nigerian masses, and victims of insecurity. He observed that each group interprets government performance from unique perspectives.
Federal Government’s Two-Year Achievements
The meeting highlighted key milestones of President Tinubu’s administration, including:
Sustaining uninterrupted academic sessions in universities.
Establishing NELFUND loans to support underprivileged students.
Approving eight new medical universities and investing in 8,000 new primary healthcare centres nationwide.
Creating six regional development commissions with nearly ₦4 trillion in funding.
Adding 1,500MW to the national grid within two years.
Ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and over 70 federal road projects, including the Sokoto–Badagri superhighway.
Advancing agro-processing zones and rural electrification for one million homes.
Recording a ₦18 trillion trade surplus, 3.4% GDP growth in 2024, and reducing budget deficit from 50% (2023) to 23% (2025).
Attracting $40 billion in new investments while clearing $7 billion foreign exchange backlogs.
North-Central Impact
For Benue, the Federal Government showcased the Buruku–Gboko–Wannune–Ugbema Integrated Water Supply Project as a flagship initiative. Neighboring Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger States also reported significant benefits from federal support in agriculture, student loans, and rural infrastructure.
Bringing Hope to the Grassroots
The presentation emphasized that while macroeconomic reforms have stabilized the national economy, ordinary Nigerians must feel tangible relief. It pointed to ongoing efforts in:
Reducing food production costs and guaranteeing minimum prices for farmers.
Expanding affordable transport through CNG buses and road upgrades.
Providing community relief via cash transfers, micro-credit, and women empowerment schemes.
Strengthening rural security for safe farming.
Expanding job creation in infrastructure and agro-processing.
Delivering cheaper energy through CNG gas, solar kits, and rural electrification.
Executing visible projects such as boreholes, schools, and health centres.
Benue’s Opportunity
The event also recalled President Tinubu’s and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s visits to Benue, where they pledged increased support for displaced persons, women, and farmers. Speakers urged Benue leaders to harness the Renewed Hope Agenda for deeper development.
Quoting from the keynote paper:
“Things are not perfect yet, but strong rays of hope are shining on us. With constructive cooperation, Benue can translate its federal potential into a bumper harvest.”
Call for Stronger Security
Participants at the Town Hall commended the administration for its bold developmental strides but urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity across the country.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
