Makurdi: Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has advocated for the establishment of a long-term development master plan modelled after Lagos’ successful blueprint to ensure sustainable development within the state. Alia emphasized the need for this strategic approach during a media interaction with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team, led by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the team visited Benue to evaluate both completed and ongoing Federal and state infrastructure projects across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas. President Bola Tinubu, during his tenure as Lagos’ governor from 1999 to 2007, developed a long-term development strategy that has guided Lagos’ transformation for decades.
Governor Alia highlighted that Benue required a comprehensive plan to guide future administrations, similar to the model that has successfully steered Lagos over the past 25 years. He pointed out that the absence of such a plan had hindered continuity and slowed development in Benue.
Alia explained the importance of coordinated long-term planning due to Benue’s vast geographical size and significant population. He noted that his administration had implemented reforms to break the cycle of repetitive approaches that failed to meet residents’ development needs.
Acknowledging potential resistance to reforms, Alia asserted his commitment to changes that could yield tangible improvements. He mentioned that reforms had facilitated infrastructure expansion, enhanced primary healthcare and education, and ensured consistent payment of salaries and pensions.
Governor Alia also highlighted the removal of school fees for pupils from Basic One to Basic Nine in public schools, viewing it as an investment in human capital. He pointed out improvements in healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of local treatment facilities.
The governor highlighted the significance of road projects for connecting farms to markets, thereby boosting economic activity. He attributed the administration’s project execution capabilities to prudent financial management and noted that increased federal allocations had provided additional resources post-fuel subsidy removal.
Alia discussed efforts to enhance internally generated revenue, citing Benue’s economic potential in agriculture, oil and gas, and solid minerals. He revealed that Benue has 43 commercially viable solid mineral deposits and is working to develop its oil and gas sector.
The governor described the state’s relationship with the Federal Government as ‘superb,’ which has facilitated greater attention and opportunities, including a planned security summit. Alia concluded by stressing the necessity of a comprehensive master plan to maintain development gains beyond his tenure.