FIC Report (Benue State) – Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated a Steering Committee to oversee the affairs of the Benue State Social Investment Programme Agency (B-SIPA), urging members to serve with trust, diligence, and dedication.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber Esq., emphasized that committee members were carefully selected based on the crucial roles their ministries, agencies, and departments play in implementing the Social Investment Programme.
The governor reiterated that the inauguration of the Steering Committee aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, aimed at improving the welfare of the poor and underprivileged. He assured that the programme would significantly impact the lives of Benue citizens, bringing much-needed support directly to their communities.
In her welcome address, the Director General and State Coordinator of B-SIPA, Hon. Mrs. Doris Erdoo Iyo, expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting her with the leadership of the agency. She highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that Benue is among the first states in Nigeria to replicate the scheme.
“Recognizing the impact of the programme over the years and the need for continuity, the National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA) was established by an Act of Parliament in 2023. It is worth noting that His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, is one of the first governors in Nigeria to implement a state-level version through the establishment of B-SIPA,” Hon. Iyo stated.
Members of the Inaugurated Steering Committee:
- Secretary to the State Government
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Justice and Public Order
- Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management
- Ministry of Youth and Sports
- Ministry of Women Affairs
- Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
- Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
- Bureau for Education Quality Assurance
- National Orientation Agency, Benue State
- Benue State Police Command
- Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Benue State Command
- Directorate of State Services (DSS)
- Benue State Council of Chiefs
- Director General/State Coordinator, B-SIPA
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For: Head of Centre, Makurdi
