04/02/2026
Benue @ 50
From 1979 to 1983, under the Aper Aku administration, we had Benue Brewery Limited, Benue Bottling Company, Benro Packaging Company, Lobi Bank, Ber-Agbum Fish Farm, Ikogen Cattle Ranch, Taraku Mills, Benue International Hotel (Sheraton Hotel), Makurdi International Market, Benue Cement Company, Otukpo Burnt Bricks, and many more. The majority of these companies are now moribund.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, the state has faced some challenges. While past leaders gave their ‘best,’ we have witnessed high rate of insecurity orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen terrorists, communal clashes, cultism, economic underdevelopment, mismanagement of public funds, decline in education and health sectors, among others.
If credit must be given, apart from the killings by these terrorists, which have now gained international attention forcing our security agencies to buckle up, we are beginning to see Benue take a different turn in terms of development under Gov Alia. Within just two years of assuming office, we have witnessed the construction of township and rural roads, including underpasses and flyovers in Makurdi and Gboko, easing traffic and boosting connectivity.
Gov Alia has cleared salary arrears inherited from the previous administration and has ensured prompt monthly payment of salaries and pensions. His administration increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from around ₦700 million to over ₦2 billion monthly through digital revenue systems.
He has rehabilitated hundreds of schools, provision of furniture, water facilities, and modern learning environments. He has hired over 9,000 teachers to reduce staff shortages. He has expanded Benue State University with new faculties and campuses, and established the University of Agriculture, Science & Technology. His administration has revamped Benue State University Teaching Hospital and revived agricultural agencies to support fertilizer distribution at subsidized rates.
Under the Alia’s administration, BIPC has been transformed from a poorly performing, loss-making organization into a strategic engine for economic growth. Benue Links has also seen major recovery and expansion. The administration resuscitated Benue Links by procuring 100 new buses after it was near collapse, and transport fares have been reduced to make travel more affordable across major routes compared with private operators.
Gov Alia has involved youth in key leadership positions within his administration, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.
We are not where we want to be yet, but we have made a positive shift despite the challenges confronting us. Let us not just celebrate 50, let us reflect and ask ourselves truthfully: is Benue better off now or worse off than it was 10 years ago?
Like Aku, like Alia, I see a pattern, one that will be remembered in many years to come when we are celebrating Benue @ 100.
