An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Benue State, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, has commended Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration for its development projects across the state. Ogenyi, who initially doubted Alia's capacity to govern, now believes the governor's interventions in various sectors have changed his perception. He made these remarks during an interview on Idoma Television's The Conversation. Ogenyi highlighted the governor's projects in Benue South Senatorial District, particularly in roads, water, healthcare, education, and industrial development.
Ogenyi revealed that he did not support Alia during the 2023 APC governorship primary due to doubts about his capacity. However, after two years in office, Ogenyi believes Alia has proved him wrong. One of the issues that changed Ogenyi's assessment was Alia's intervention in flood control. He recalled that previous administrations had struggled with flooding in Makurdi, but the Alia administration constructed drainage channels and redirected water into River Benue, preventing yearly floods. Ogenyi attributed this achievement to the governor's conscious efforts.
The APC chieftain listed several road projects in Benue South, demonstrating what he described as an even distribution of infrastructure across the state. These projects include a 42-kilometre road from Igumale to Agila, which is 80% complete, and the Obagaji–Okokolo–Agagbe road, which is approaching completion. Ogenyi also mentioned the Oju–Awajir road, which cuts across communities in the zone, and other roads approved by the state government. Additionally, the government has embarked on five-kilometre road projects in each of the nine local government areas of Benue South.
Ogenyi explained his statement that Benue would remember Alia for 100 years, citing the governor's provision of potable water to communities that previously had no access. He mentioned that the water projects would last for over 100 years, and the people would continue to remember the governor. Ogenyi also referenced road construction in communities that had become inaccessible during the rainy season. Residents had to push vehicles through mud before the state government's intervention, but the governor has solved this problem.
The APC chieftain highlighted the rehabilitation of the Otobi Waterworks, which received N1.57 billion in counterpart funding from the state government. This project facilitated the release of funds to address prolonged water shortages in Otukpo. Ogenyi also mentioned the Adoka Dam in Otukpo, which would help resupply water to Otukpo and surrounding communities. These water projects demonstrate the governor's commitment to providing essential services to the people.
Ogenyi listed primary healthcare development, education, and industrialization among the administration's interventions. He mentioned projects in local government areas, including Ogbadibo and Oju, and the rehabilitation and renovation of primary and secondary schools across the state. The administration has modernized schools, moved them away from dependence on chalkboards, and recruited about 10,000 teachers. Ogenyi also cited the establishment of industries, including a juice concentrate factory, a nail production factory, and a brewery.
Ogenyi acknowledged that some projects predated the Alia administration but emphasized that several major projects were conceived and initiated by Alia. These projects have transformed Benue into an industrialized state instead of a civil service state. Ogenyi concluded that the governor's achievements would be remembered for generations to come, citing the impact of his projects on the lives of the people.
Key points
- APC chieftain Okpokwu Ogenyi praises Governor Hyacinth Alia's development projects in Benue State.
- Ogenyi cites roads, water, healthcare, education, and industries as major achievements of the Alia administration.
- The governor's projects have transformed Benue into an industrialized state, according to Ogenyi.
