Benue people will remember Gov Alia for 100 years — Okpokwu Ogenyi
Benue State APC Chieftain Hails Governor Alia’s Development Efforts
An All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Benue State, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, has expressed confidence that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s development initiatives will resonate positively with future generations of Benue residents.
In a recent interview on Idoma Television’s “The Conversation,” Ogenyi discussed various projects undertaken by the Alia administration, particularly those benefiting the Benue South Senatorial District. He highlighted the governor’s efforts in infrastructure, including roads, water supply, healthcare, education, and industrial development, which have reshaped his initial doubts about Alia’s capabilities.
Ogenyi admitted he did not support Alia during the APC’s 2023 governorship primaries, doubting his governance potential. However, he now believes the governor has effectively disproven his earlier skepticism.
“I did not initially believe in Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia’s capacity,” Ogenyi said. “I did not support him during the primary elections but chose to endorse him during the general election.”
He noted that Alia’s proactive approach to flood control significantly altered his perception. Ogenyi pointed out that previous administrations struggled with frequent flooding in Makurdi, whereas Alia’s government implemented infrastructure changes, including drainage channels that successfully redirected water flow away from vulnerable areas.
“Benue used to flood yearly,” Ogenyi observed, adding, “After the first year of Alia’s administration, there were no floods. The second and third years were also flood-free.”
Ogenyi underscored various road projects occurring throughout Benue South. He mentioned an ongoing 42-kilometer road construction from Igumale to Agila, which he claims is 80% complete, as well as the nearing completion of the Obagaji–Okokolo–Agagbe and Oju–Awajir roads.
The APC leader also emphasized the administration’s initiatives to construct roads in all nine local government areas within Benue South.
Furthermore, Ogenyi highlighted the governor’s efforts to ensure communities lacking potable water have access to it. “When a governor provides water to a place that has never seen it, that water will last for generations,” he said, asserting that the residents will remember Alia’s contributions.
He also noted the rehabilitation of the Otobi Waterworks, facilitated by a counterpart funding of N1.57 billion from the state government, aimed at addressing prolonged water shortages in Otukpo. The state government is also engaged in efforts to improve the Adoka Dam to enhance water supply for the area.
In addition to water and road projects, Ogenyi discussed the expansion of primary healthcare services and educational facilities across Zone C. He cited rehabilitation efforts in primary and secondary schools and the recruitment of approximately 10,000 teachers.
Ogenyi remarked on the transformation of Benue into an industrialized state, contrasting it with its previous identity as a civil service-led region. He cited multiple projects initiated under Alia’s leadership, including a dualization of the Makurdi Township Road, street lighting installations, and the establishment of manufacturing facilities for juice concentrate, nails, and brewing.
While acknowledging that some projects were inherited from prior administrations, Ogenyi emphasized the importance of completing and utilizing existing initiatives rather than allowing them to lie dormant.
“I believe if we want Benue to progress, we must support the government,” he said.
When posed with questions about the 2027 elections and why voters should continue to support Alia, Ogenyi pointed to the governor’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, and social programs.
“When a government is fulfilling its promises—like paying pensions and investing in vital infrastructure—it becomes naturally compelling for the people to mobilize for support,” he said.
