By Our Reporter,The Nation

Copyright thenationonlineng

By Donald Kumun

In the unfolding story of Benue State, the year 2025 presents a defining moment—a period where the unity of our people, the clarity of our collective vision, and the depth of our commitment to one another has dramatically determined the destiny of our beloved state.

At the heart of this journey is the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whose bold reforms, transformative policies, and people-centered governance, have set the state on a path toward assured and shared prosperity. This is, indeed, a time to rally behind him, not merely as individuals pursuing personal gain, but as a people bound by a common purpose—the creation of a thriving Benue where every citizen enjoys dignity, security, and opportunity.

To achieve this, we must embrace the concept of mutual prosperity and galvanize collective support for the visionary leadership that is laying the foundation for sustainable development.

Mutual prosperity is a philosophy of shared growth, shared responsibility, and shared benefits. It recognizes that when a leader succeeds in creating an enabling environment for progress, the people reap the rewards; and when the people contribute their loyalty, cooperation, and unwavering support, governance becomes smoother, policies gain traction, and society advances at a faster pace.

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In essence, mutual prosperity means that the wellbeing of the leader and the led are interconnected. It is only in a few instances that a leader can deliver on his mandate without the trust and support of his people, and no people can achieve economic stability, peace, and social progress without effective leadership. This dynamic partnership between government and the governed is the only pathway to lasting transformation.

Governor Alia’s administration has embraced this principle wholeheartedly—channeling resources into projects that prioritize collective wellbeing rather than narrow interests. But for these efforts to achieve their maximum impact, the people of Benue must reciprocate by lending unalloyed support, unity, and loyalty to his vision.

Across history, great nations and prosperous societies, have always triumphed when they stood united in the face of adversity. Today, Benue State is confronted with challenges—from security threats to economic uncertainties, inherited infrastructural deficits, and the long-standing humanitarian burden of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). These are not ordinary times. But they are not insurmountable times either. With unity of purpose, we can overcome. The greatest danger to our collective progress is not the strength of our challenges, but the weakness of our solidarity. A divided people cannot confront a common enemy.

Governor Alia’s vision for a prosperous Benue, depends on the people coming together, setting aside political, ethnic, and ideological differences, and prioritizing the welfare of the state above all other primordial considerations. Partisan divides must give way to collective determination. Personal grievances must bow to the overarching goal of development. This is not the time for cynicism, sabotage, or distractions—it is a time to stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of the Benue dream.

When the governed give their total loyalty and sincere cooperation to their leader, several natural benefits accrue. A united citizenry reduces distractions, minimizes resistance to government policies, and creates an environment where strategic projects are executed seamlessly, which accelerates development. When the people work hand-in-hand with government, sharing intelligence and supporting security measures, communities become safer and investors gain confidence, which enhances security. A cohesive population strengthens the governor’s negotiating power at the national level, attracting federal presence, donor funding, and private sector partnerships, which leads to stronger representation.

When there is synergy between leadership and followership, growth is not only faster but also more inclusive, ensuring opportunities trickle down to rural communities, youth, and vulnerable groups. This brings about inclusive prosperity. Supporting Governor Alia is not about blind loyalty; it is about strategic partnership—a recognition that his success is our collective success.

It should be well noted that since assuming office, the Governor has demonstrated uncommon courage, vision, and dedication to reposition the State. His approach to governance is bold, deliberate, and result-oriented. A closer look at his achievements underscores why his leadership deserves our unwavering support.

Under the Governor, Benue State has witnessed unprecedented interventions in addressing insecurity. Through collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Navy, a Special Operations Base was established in Makurdi, enhancing rapid response to threats. His administration has also provided logistical support to security agencies and strengthened community-based policing to tackle herders’ attacks, banditry, and kidnapping. Other security commitment by the Governor, abound.

Governor Alia’s infrastructure revolution has transformed the landscape of the state. Strategic road projects are ongoing across Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, and other major towns, opening up rural communities and boosting commerce. Urban renewal initiatives are upgrading drainage systems, modernizing transport networks, and enhancing the overall livability of Benue’s cities.

Recognizing that no State prospers beyond the quality of its people, Governor Alia has prioritized education. His administration has constructed, and renovated both primary and secondary schools across the 23 local government areas of the State, supplied modern learning materials, and introduced teacher retraining programs, to improve learning outcomes. Scholarships and bursaries have also been extended to deserving students, demonstrating his commitment to empowering the next generation.

As the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Benue’s prosperity depends largely on agricultural transformation. Hence, Governor Alia has revitalized the sector through investments in mechanized farming, fertilizer subsidies, and rural extension services. Partnerships with private investors have opened new frontiers in rice, yam, and cassava value chains, creating jobs and boosting food security.

Working closely with the United Nations Habitat, Governor Alia has initiated sustainable plans to return thousands of IDPs to their ancestral homes with dignity. This compassionate approach not only restores livelihoods, but also heals the wounds of years of conflicts.

Determined to restore transparency, and efficiency, the Governor’s administration, has introduced digital systems for salary payments, eliminated ghost workers, and enforced accountability measures. These reforms have saved billions of naira and ensured that public resources directly benefit the people.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has laid the foundation for a new Benue—one that promises security, economic growth, and shared prosperity. But foundations, no matter how solid, must be built upon, which requires our collective willpower. To realize the full benefits of his reforms, Benue people must reject division and embrace solidarity, counter misinformation and focus on facts, support government policies, designed to uplift everyone, not just a few, and be active partners in implementing grassroots initiatives, and holding leaders accountable constructively. The truth is simple: no leader can succeed alone. When the led and the leader walk hand in hand, progress is inevitable. But when trust breaks down, development stalls, and prosperity slips away.

Benue State stands at the threshold of transformation. Governor Alia has demonstrated leadership anchored on vision, courage, and compassion. He has confronted the challenges of insecurity, invested in the people, revitalized the economy, and set the state on a trajectory toward greatness. But this promise of prosperity can only be fulfilled if we, the people, rise to the occasion.

By standing united, supporting our governor, and contributing meaningfully to his vision, we create a Benue where opportunity is abundant, security is assured, and dignity is restored. Now is not the time for division. Now is not the time for cynicism. Now is the time to support Governor Alia—because his success is our collective success, and his vision is the gateway to an assured prosperity.

• Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Makurdi the State Capital.