By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with security agencies to promote peace and address security challenges in the North-Central state.
Speaking at Government House, Makurdi, the state capital, on Monday while receiving a delegation from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College who were on a study tour, the governor, who expressed confidence in the efforts of his government, insisted that the collaboration would address most security challenges.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode, the governor described the visit as a significant national exercise which, he said, was aimed at promoting security consciousness and participatory governance.
Governor Alia appreciated the management of the College, under Air Vice Marshal A.O. Shogbanmu, for initiatives which he noted were strategic and meaningful to national security discourse and policy development.
The hovernor stressed that the contemporary security challenges require collective responsibility and cooperation of government institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders just as he also emphasized the commitment of his administration to programmes and policies capable of promoting peace, rural development, youth empowerment as well as strategic partnership with security agencies.
While acknowledging the security challenges in parts of the state, the governor re-emphasised that the collaboration with the military and other relevant stakeholders was being strengthened.
He believed that the outcome of the study tour would enrich national conversations on conflict resolutions and security management and encouraged the delegation to explore not only on the security challenges but also the state’s rich agricultural potentials and investment opportunities.
Team Coordinator of the Nigeria Army Tour 2026 to Benue/Chief Instructor, Echo Division, Department of Maritime and Warfare, Navy Capt. Aliu Usman, earlier in his speech, disclosed that the delegation was in the state to conduct environmental and security assessment as part of the College’s academic programme.
Usman, who represented the team leader, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, conveyed the appreciation of the management of the College to Benue State for being consistent in hosting the institution, explaining that the Armed Forces Command and Staff College was a tri-service institution saddled with the responsibility of not only training officers but also training of personnel from ministries, departments and agencies.
He noted that the delegation comprised of officers with different ranks even as some were from South Africa and Zimbabwe, reflecting international outlook of the institution, adding that Benue State was selected to be part of the seven states for the tour because of its strategic importance in national food security.
According to the Coordinator, participants had already commenced research on the study theme ‘Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity’, adding that most stakeholders including traditional rulers, community leaders, among others, would be engaged for the purpose.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Deputy Governor Sam Ode and Navy Capt. Usman during the meeting.
