Governor Alia Unveils Ten-Year Development Blueprint for a Prosperous Benue
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has unveiled a transformative vision for the state, setting forth the Benue State Development Plan (BSDP) for 2025-2034. This comprehensive roadmap is aimed at unlocking the full potential of the state’s human and natural resources, ensuring a future of prosperity for all residents.
As the Food Basket of the Nation, Benue is rich in agricultural resources, arable land, and a hardworking populace. Despite these strengths, the state has faced socio-economic challenges, including infrastructure deficits, unemployment, and security concerns. Governor Alia’s BSDP offers a dynamic strategy to address these challenges and drive sustainable development across sectors.
The BSDP is structured around seven strategic pillars:
Pillar 1: Security of Lives and Property
Governor Alia prioritizes the safety and security of all citizens. With a focus on tackling communal conflicts, armed herder invasions, kidnapping, and banditry, he is committed to creating a secure environment that will enable Benue to thrive economically and socially.
Pillar 2: Agriculture and Rural Development
Capitalizing on Benue’s agricultural potential, Governor Alia envisions the state becoming an agro-industrial hub. His plan aims to modernize agriculture, enhancing food security, sovereignty, and boosting local economies.
Pillar 3: Commerce and Industry
Governor Alia plans to foster an enabling environment for businesses, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with the federal government to attract investments and improve the ease of doing business in the state.
Pillar 4: Infrastructure Development and Environment
Recognizing the importance of infrastructure for growth, Governor Alia is committed to addressing the state’s infrastructure deficit, focusing on sustainable development that will support long-term prosperity.
Pillar 5: Human Capital Development
This pillar focuses on investing in the people of Benue, promoting education, skills development, and equitable opportunities, while also prioritizing the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, youths, and people with disabilities.
Pillar 6: Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Governor Alia aims to position Benue as a digitally inclusive state, leveraging ICT to drive economic growth, improve the quality of life, and enhance government service delivery.
Pillar 7: Political and Economic Governance
A key element of the BSDP is the strengthening of governance through transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and efficient service delivery. Governor Alia’s vision is to ensure that Benue remains a model of effective governance in Nigeria.
The BSDP 2025-2034, carefully crafted by the Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, serves as a vital guide for policymakers, investors, and citizens working together to build a prosperous and resilient Benue.
