Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, is famously known as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” But for some time now, the state has faced several issues that have slowed down its development and made it harder for people to see its full potential.

Things started to change when Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia became governor in 2023. He’s not a regular politician—he’s a Catholic priest who stepped into politics with a sincere goal of serving the people. His message was simple and clear: to fix past mistakes and move Benue forward with new energy and purpose.

Fr. Alia’s style of leadership combines his religious values with practical governance. He sees his position as an extension of his duty to serve others. His plan, titled “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue,” focuses on key areas like security, roads, schools, hospitals, farming, youth programs, and the economy.

He has already started fixing broken infrastructure. Roads that were in bad condition are being repaired. Towns and villages that were once hard to reach are now seeing new roads and improved access. Major work is happening in places like Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo, along with the building of underpasses and rural roads.

But his work goes beyond just building roads. Fr. Alia is also investing in people. He has restarted hiring of teachers, nurses, and other workers after a long pause. Schools and hospitals are getting better because he believes everyone deserves good education and health services, no matter their background.

Benue has always had great potential in farming, but it hasn’t been fully used. Governor Alia is changing this by introducing modern tools and equipment, organizing farmers into groups, and setting up irrigation and storage systems. These efforts are helping the economy grow from the ground up.

He is also thinking long-term by partnering with development agencies, the federal government, and private companies. Under his leadership, Benue is not just waiting for help—it’s taking action to shape its own future. He’s also making government spending more transparent and making sure salaries and pensions are paid on time.

One of the biggest problems Benue has faced is insecurity from farmer-herder clashes and attacks by armed groups. Many people lost their homes and loved ones. Governor Alia has taken this seriously. He’s working with community leaders, police, and security agencies to bring peace back to the state.

He also visits displaced people—not just with relief materials, but with prayers and promises of real solutions. He’s focused on helping people rebuild their lives and live in peace again.

Governor Alia leads with humility. He’s close to the people and listens to them. His background as a priest helps him stay honest, kind, and focused on service, not personal gain. Despite political challenges, he remains calm and committed to his work.

But he can’t do it alone. For Benue to continue improving, the people must work together, stay patient, and avoid the old ways of selfish politics. If everyone supports him, the state can finally achieve lasting progress and a better future.