By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, on his 60th birthday, praising his leadership and contributions to the development of the state.
In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President described Alia’s political journey as “faith made manifest,” noting that his background as a Catholic priest has shaped his commitment to service, compassion, and integrity.
Alia, who was ordained in 1990 by Athanasius Atule Usuh of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese, was elected governor in 2023. Tinubu said his emergence reflected the trust and confidence the people of Benue reposed in his leadership, drawing parallels with the late Moses Orshio Adasu, another cleric who once governed the state.
The President commended the governor’s efforts at industrialising Benue, highlighting the establishment of tomato and fruit juice processing plants, breweries, nylon and polythene factories, as well as a large-scale bakery. He noted that these initiatives have created jobs and enhanced value addition in the state’s agricultural sector.
Tinubu also praised ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko, which he said have improved traffic flow and urban living conditions.
On education and healthcare, the President acknowledged the establishment of a university of agriculture, science and technology, alongside improvements at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
He further lauded Alia’s role in promoting peace and unity across the state, citing his reconciliation efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening cohesion among diverse groups and within the political landscape.
“Reverend Alia has demonstrated that when the pulpit comes to power, positive change is possible,” Tinubu stated, urging the governor to sustain his peace-building efforts, expand social welfare programmes, and continue infrastructure development.
The President joined the governor’s family, friends, and the people of Benue State in wishing him good health and many more years of service to the state and the nation.
