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GOVERNOR ALIA ENDS BACKWARDNESS IN BENUE STATE

Published

2 years ago

May 29, 2024

Felicia Mammah N.

The Governor of Benue state, Rev. Dr. Hycient Iromen Alia may have proven wrong the saying that; “politics is a dirty game”. Just like the biblical saying that; “many were called but few are chosen”, Governor Alia has through his practical projects proven his sincerity of purpose to his generation and citizens that voted him into power.

Although he did not read political science but he is delivering expectedly through politics. A Man that has failed in political administration is that man without genuine mission, vision and selflessness. In less than 365 days of his tenure, he has re-designed and fixed the 23 dilapidated roads in his state that used to be death trap to his people. In a country where many have assumed that politics is a dirty game due to the failure and greed of political actors, seeing a forthright and dedicated leader seems like seeing an ocean in the desert.

Politics is one of the accredited courses studied in both state and federal universities, but its most preferred to impact political knowledge on people than involve people in practical politics where change can be effected with utmost credibility.
One would ask why parents will accept their children to study political science if the course is not relevant in life. Politics may be said to be a game of numbers with various technicalities to achieve success.

Interestingly, in the contemporary Nigerian setting, despite the risk in the struggle to win majority acceptance, only the courageous and determined hearts wear the crown. Politicians apply different measures to emerge victorious in elections only to make peace later, just like what happened in the Bible where Jacob who stole the blessing of his brother Cain eventually made peace for togetherness in the family. So, why will some politicians turn everlasting enemies because of party differences and anger of relinquishing power?

But for Fr. Alia, most part of his success has been his formidable team of like minds with globalized brains that can transform ideas into reality and actualization.
Benue state is among the minority states that aspire to liberate from mental slavery that has for many years left some of her brightest youth in drunken state and helplessness by past leaders who operated in oblivion of the condition of their subjects.

The governor’s easy access by his subjects, is a strategic device to the calmness in his environment including visible projects that everybody in the state has wished for long. The young priest has not only embarked on Capital Projects but has motivated contractors to complete the contracts awarded to them within the time limits. Some of the completed projects have however, started changing the face of the state as well as attracting investors including the World Bank.
Notwithstanding distractions of killings by misguided illiterate hooligans, Fr. Alia sees the tomorrow of youths in his state knowing that his vision for change, will surely bring back laughter in sorrowful minds.

It is also, worthy to note that in the history of governance in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has involved right thinking youths of substance in his administration. The appearances of these youths in their designated duties give hope for a better tomorrow for themselves. Benue State Governor in line with President Tinubu’s foresight, has formidable youths that wish to be in the Guinness book of success story, hence their penchant to work towards the ambition of their governor.

“Machine” as Fr. Alia is popularly called in his state coronets the energy seen in him that won him the acceptance of his people with the acronym, “YES FATHER”.
The attention of the Benue State governor has concentrated in his challenging projects; thus his reason for not having the interest of relaxing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) except to attend meetings for proper representation of his state. He has no doubt, turned his state to a visiting place of relaxation for the indigenes making the place home away from home. The governor has been occupied with tedious capital projects that other administrations did not consider developmental.

It’s worthy to therefore, note that the Gross Domestic product (GDP) of Benue state is N4. 27 trillion, yet the state governor has been very economical and willing to encourage business oriented investors that are sure of conducive environment that will boast their bilateral business agreements with the state. Among some notable and commendable capital projects that the governor has concluded efficiently are; the construction of North Bank and the International Road that have been fixed. Governor Alia has meanwhile, extended development of infrastructure to bridges in Gboko G.R.A and High Level areas. He has particularly embarked on reviewing both the state expenditure and Income to enable him ex-tray lack of infrastructural development from past administrators.

Most past administrators in their myopic state were alleged to have defrauded the state with many bank accounts without bearing in mind that the same bankers that aided their fraud are same bankers that will expose their dirty deals. But the governor in his own wisdom, saw the need to ascertain the appropriateness of utilization, interest charged on the loans collected and possible abuses of the state funds. Significant among the abuse projects is the Parris Club Refunds received by his state but was not properly accounted. Just as the Governor wishes to create avenues for employment; all the sectors are currently undergoing proper sanitization to search out ghost workers that will enhance transparent employment to deserving youths.

Fr. Alia was unanimously, voted into power e-mass by his people who on daily bases, express their confidence on him as well as look forward to their hopes being restored back. Grate regards with credit will always be given to Sen. George Akume who despite resolvable conflict between him and his son Fr. Alia remains supports to his success and that of the state. “Benue state is for Benue indigenes. Everybody in Benue State is a stake holder. The down fall of Governor Alia, is the down fall of all and the success of Governor Alia is the Success of all”.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

6 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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