08/10/2025
ALIA INAUGURATES SPECIAL ADVISERS, BOARD CHAIRMEN, OTHERS, TASKS THEM ON DILIGENCE AND INTEGRITY
By Isaac Uzaan
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has inaugurated two Special Advisers, four Chairmen, and members of several boards, institutions, and statutory commissions in Benue State, charging them to uphold integrity, diligence, and commitment in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking during the ceremony which took place Wednesday at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia congratulated the appointees and urged them to take their responsibilities seriously, stressing that their actions and decisions would either make or mar the progress of the state.
“The men and women standing here today have been tested and trusted. They are known to us, and they have served this state in various capacities. The roles you are about to play are significant, they will either make or mar the state. Please take your assignments seriously because Benue needs hands like yours to fix what was once broken,” the Governor said.
Governor Alia emphasized that each appointee, by virtue of their position, was now serving a population of over seven million people and must, therefore, represent the collective aspirations of the citizens with transparency, humility, and accountability.
He reiterated his administration’s focus on good governance, economic development, and rebuilding the state’s institutions.
“Politicking must not come into the economy. We must promote governance. Let us change the way we think about the state, it’s not about Father Alia or any appointee, but about the seven million people of Benue,” he added.
Governor Alia further urged the new officials to cultivate a maintenance culture, revive the dignity of senior citizens, and work as a team to restore the state’s image as a “jewel” among Nigeria’s federating units.
He concluded by calling on the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them through their dedication to duty, while reminding them that Benue would celebrate its 50th anniversary next February — a milestone that requires renewed commitment from all.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, James Tor, newly sworn-in Special Adviser on Politics, Mobilization, and Special Duties, thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged total commitment, loyalty, and sincerity of purpose in carrying out their assignments.
“We totally aligned ourselves with the clear roadmap and vision of His Excellency for the rapid progress and development of Benue State. We shall work to justify the confidence reposed in us,” Tor said.
Those inaugurated include:
1. Special Advisers:
Linda Ene Agada – Special Adviser to the Governor on MSME and Microfinance.
James Tor – Special Adviser on Politics, Mobilization, and Special Duties.
2. Benue State Pension Commission:
Nicholas Mbajwa Zungwega – Chairman.
Members: Umaja A. Aloysius, Asen Sambe, the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Finance, Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Head of Service, and Director-General, Benue State Planning Commission.
3. Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC):
Chief Elizabeth Shuluwa – Chairman.
Members: Andrew Aondofa Chila, Donald Ashi Iortyom, John Ochonye Oyishoma, Commissioner for Trade and Industry, and Commissioner for Justice & Attorney General.
4. Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS):
Members: Ande Clement Shianti, Anyam Terzungwe Jeremiah, Elizabeth Onekele, representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Agriculture.
5. Moses Orshio Adasu University Teaching Hospital:
Professor Abraham Orkurga Malu – Chairman, Governing Council.
Dr. Stephen Hwande – Chief Medical Director.
Members: Dr. Terhemen Ingyomon, Dr. Emmanuel Orhemba Baki, Frank Adejor Audu, Representative of the Medical Profession, Provost, College of Health Sciences, Chairman, Medical Advisory Council, and Representative of the Vice Chancellor.
6. Public Procurement Commission:
Governor Hyacinth Alia – Chairman.
Aper Emmanuel Zava – Director General.
Members: Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, mni, and all Commissioners.
