By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has assured of renewed commitment to the people and his desire to develop the state as he celebrates 60 years.
Speaking on Thursday during a symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the Fr. Alia Ultra-Modern Conference Hall, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) headquarters, Makurdi, to commemorate his 60th birth anniversary, the governor calliled on journalists to sustain constructive criticism rooted in facts and public interest.
Governor Alia, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, lauded journalists for organising the event in his honour and described the media as “the compendium of public opinion.”
The role of journalists in the sustenance of democracy, the governor noted, could not be over-emphasized but appealed to practitioners to embrace constructive criticism rather than destructive narratives.
Alia, who insisted that criticisms must be anchored on facts and aimed at strengthening governance and society, commended Benue people for their resilience and endurance amid insecurity and economic hardship, but assured that there was hope ahead for the state.
The governor said that “at 60, I am more convinced that the greatest asset of Benue State is the people” and assured that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of citizens despite prevailing challenges.
He told the people that governance requires patience and sacrifice, revealing, however, that he was not perfect but would remain committed to improving service delivery across the state.
Speaking in his personal capacity as Deputy Governor, Dr. Ode described Gov. Alia as a prudent and transparent leader who has remained judicious in all his expenditures.
Chairman of the NUJ Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, earlier in his welcome remarks,msaid the symposium was organised not merely to celebrate Gov. Alia’s age but to evaluate his leadership and achievements in office.
Comrade Ugber said the union had objectively observed the administration and concluded that the level of development recorded under his leadership in the last three years surpassed what many administrations collectively achieved over several years.
He appealed to the governor to intervene in the renovation of the NUJ Secretariat, which he said had been promised even as the building was deteriorating further with the onset of the rainy season.
He also appealed for assistance in offsetting the over N15 million indebtedness owed by the council, including dues and salaries of secretariat staff and reminded the governor to restore the NUJ Benue State Council on the government protocol list.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG)and chairman of the occasion, Deaconess Deborah Aber, while declaring the event open, extolled the virtues of Gov. Alia, describing him as a leader whose life continues to inspire hope and confidence among the people.
He prayed God Almighty to grant the governor good health and wisdom to continue serving humanity.
Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, while presenting an abridged profile of Gov. Alia, traced his journey from Catholic priesthood to politics.
Before venturing into politics, Iorpev noted, Alia had garnered international experience in educational management and healthcare administration.
In a related development, Alia’s predecessor in office, ex-Gov. Samuel Ortom has hailed the governor on his birth anniversary.
Chief Ortom, whose message was signed by his Media Adviser, Dr. Terver Akase, described Alia’s attainment of the diamond age as a milestone worthy of gratitude to God Almighty for His abiding grace, protection and blessings over the years.
According to Ortom, attaining the age of 60 in good health and in the service of the people was a rare privilege and a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
“Life at 60 represents a season of wisdom, reflection and greater responsibility to humanity. It is a phase where experience and leadership are expected to positively impact society even more.”
He prayed God to grant Gov. Alia many more years of sound health, strength and wisdom.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Alia.
