By Donald Kumun
There is no doubt that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has proven to be a transformative leader. This is clearly evident in the fact that he has continued to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to unlocking the vast development potential of the state. His administration’s initiatives have not only revitalised key sectors of the economy but also restructured grassroots governance to ensure that resources and opportunities reach the people at the community level. In this comprehensive article to mark the ONE HUNDRED DAYS in office of the 23 local government chairmen in the State, we explore the Governor’s strides in fostering development, his innovative approach to grassroots governance, and the critical role played by the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State Chapter, Hon. Maurice Orwough.
It must be noted that the Governor assumed office at a critical point in the history of Benue State. It was at a period when the state was engrossed in grappling with challenges such as insecurity, infrastructure deficits, non-payment of salaries and wages as well as economic stagnation. From the outset, he outlined a clear vision to address these issues and unlock the state’s immense potential in Agriculture, Commerce, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Education, and Humanitarian needs of the people among others, to ensure comprehensive industrialisation of Benue state.
Due to prudent management of resources and result-oriented leadership, the Alia Administration has made significant strides in addressing the state’s infrastructure challenges as evident in the rehabilitation of roads, bridges, industries, State Civil Service Secretariat, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and Benue Printing and Publishing Company Limited (BPPC), as well as the construction of a Mega Fashion Hub in Makurdi for the North central Zone of Nigeria. The on-going construction of Overhead bridges in Makurdi and Gboko, rural roads, and other public utilities to mention but a few, across the 23 local government areas of the state are further testaments of the Alia Administration’s determination to redefine purposeful governance at the grassroots.
Governor Alia’s leadership, anchored on inclusivity and collaboration, has engaged stakeholders in various sectors, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organisations, to ensure that development plans reflect the needs and aspirations of the people. Central to the Governor’s development strategy is the reorganisation of grassroots governance in recognition of the truism that sustainable development must begin at the local level where majority of citizens reside. Towards this end, the governor has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen local government administration and empower community leaders.
As a leader who fully understands the critical role of the local government system in grassroots development, the governor took the nation by surprise when he embarked on a remodelling mission to make them more vibrant. His efforts yielded positive results when it became clear that local governments in the state were far ahead of others in autonomous operations. The Supreme Court decision and subsequent Federal Government action on local government autonomy validated the strategies he had already deployed, proving that he is forward-thinking leader.
That Governor Alia has since appropriately devolved power, authority and resources to local governments is not in doubt. By ensuring that the local councils have financial autonomy, his administration has empowered them to address community-specific challenges effectively. This has resulted in improved service delivery in areas such as basic healthcare, education, and sanitation.
Recognising the importance of skilled leadership at the grassroots level, the Governor has introduced capacity-building programmes for local government officials. These programmes focus on financial management, project implementation, and conflict resolution, enabling officials to perform their duties more efficiently. This initiative has strengthened local government administration, resulting in improved service delivery at the grassroots.
The Governor has also established robust accountability mechanisms to promote transparency in local government administration, by introducing digital tools for monitoring and reporting, to reduce corruption and ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes. This, he has been doing with strict monitoring and implementation.
It must be noted that the Benue State ALGON Chairman, and Chairman of Guma Local Government Council, Hon. Maurice Orwough, has been a key partner in the Governor’s efforts to up the ante in grassroots development in the State. With a distinguished career in public service and a deep understanding of the challenges facing the local governments in Benue State, Hon. Maurice Orwough has provided visionary leadership and offered strategic pieces of advice.
As the state ALGON chairman and dedicated apostle of the Governor, Hon. Orwough was and remains a vocal supporter of the governor’s commitment to local government strategic reforms. And at the level of ALGON, he has properly passed down the governor’s vision, enabling the local governments to undertake development projects and address community needs more effectively.
He has played a pivotal role in ensuring that his colleagues are deeply involved in the task of addressing security challenges in local communities, by collaborating with traditional rulers, vigilante groups, and security agencies, for a safer environment for the inhabitants. These efforts have been particularly impactful in conflict-prone areas, where displaced persons are beginning to return to their homes.
The productive boss – subordinate relationship between Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and the ALGON Chairman which has advanced grassroots development is an example of what visionary leadership is all about. For instance, it has led to a significant reduction in security breaches at the grassroots and farmers can now return to their lands, while businesses are thriving in a more stable environment. Together, they have created a governance model that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and accountability. These efforts have not only improved the living condition of residents but also set a positive precedent for sustainable development in Nigeria.
By involving community leaders and residents in decision-making processes, especially at the local government level since the 23 local government Chairmen were elected and sworn in by the Governor, the administration has empowered communities to take ownership of development projects. This has fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility among citizens.
The young Alia Administration has set a new standard for leadership in Benue State, through his visionary policies and collaborative approach, to unlock the state’s development potential and reorganised grassroots governance, to ensure that every citizen benefits from the dividends of democracy.
It is worth emphasising that the ALGON Chairman’s role, has been instrumental in achieving these milestones. His dedication to promoting local government autonomy, enhancing security, and advocating for federal support, has complemented the governor’s efforts, creating a synergy that drives sustainable development.
As the 23 local government Chairmen in the State, mark their 100-Days in office on January 17, 2025, the local government administration under the Governor’s relentless supervision no doubt, have recorded tremendous achievements, to reckon with.
Together, they represent a beacon of hope for Benue State, demonstrating that with effective leadership and collective action, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome. Their legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of leaders to prioritise the welfare of the people and build a brighter future for all and sundry.
