By Hassan Zaggi
In an effort to uplift Benue state and its people from the quagmire of negative indicators in all facets, the Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has vowed to collaborate with both local and international Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and development partners.
Speaking through the Secretary of the Transition Committee, Mr. Daniel Ashiekaa, at a breakfast meeting, the governor assured the team of partners and CSOs that Benue State welcomes all the support it can garner from all groups and individuals across the globe.
According to him, his government is determined to uplift residents of Benue from the suffering and pains they have passed through over the years.
The Governor noted that he is coming with initiatives that will position the state for unprecedented progress and development in the shortest possible time.
As a humanitarian himself, the Governor pledged to address the diverse challenges confronting the people of Benue State, as outlined in his comprehensive 7-point agenda.
This transformative agenda encompasses crucial aspects such as the security of lives and property, agriculture and rural development, commerce and industry, human capital and social development, infrastructure, and environment, as well as ICT and politico-economic governance.
Speaking, the Country Leads of CSOs and other partners at the meeting stressed the need for strong political will, accountability and an enabling environment for partners operating within the state.
The leaders recounted regrettable instances in the past where programs suffered setbacks, resulting in the citizens’ misfortune falling below the internationally recognized United Nations (UN) standards of living.
These challenges encompass a broad range of human capital, social development and emergency response issues, compounded by widespread ignorance and limited access to basic amenities, in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Esteemed CSO leaders, development partners and experts, including renowned advocates and activists that attended the meeting include Ene Obi of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Ufuoma Omo-Obi of Options Consultancy Services, UK Limited, Iorwa Apera of FHI360, Priscilla Achakpa of Women Empowerment Program, Lucky Palmer of Ipas, Dr. Patrick Adah of Pan-Africare, Dr. Victor Adejoh of Synergos Nigeria, and Alu Azege of Media, Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR).
Also present at the gathering include Michael Idah, Country Director of Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), renowned gender specialist Ene Edeh, Leo-Angelo Viashima of Marie Stopes International Nigeria, Security Advisor, Reuben Odum; John Pilaku of GAIN, Vitalis Ortese, a renowned knowledge management and data expert, currently the Managing Director of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Ventures, and Godwin Aster, Country Director of Sasakawa Nigeria, a leading agricultural funding partner in Nigeria.
