Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has stated that he was elected into office to provide good governance to the people, not just to a few individuals who consider themselves bigwigs in the state.
The Governor made this statement while briefing state house correspondents shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, 19 September, 2024 in Abuja.
Alia, who said he was at the State House to brief the President on the affairs of Benue State, especially the security and ecological situation in the state, added that the poor masses are the backbone of democracy, who elected him to serve them, not those who see themselves as power brokers in the state.
The clergyman-turned-politician further revealed that his government is focusing on empowering the people of Benue State, particularly the youths.
The Governor noted that over 10,000 youths are being trained in digital skills, while some youths are being sponsored by the state government to China for skills acquisition.
“I serve the people. I don’t know who the bigwigs are. We must be in this seat with our consciences, and this is why I take the masses seriously. Being a servant leader makes the magic work. I have been out there; I know where it hurts them most. They should take it easy on themselves and the poor masses.
“We have sent a few youths to China to acquire skills to ensure that our young people are empowered and gain power. We do not have any reason to have food insecurity. We were slowed down by the insecurity that affected some LGAs, but we have picked up. We are hiring 9,700 trained, educated teachers next week into our education sector,” Governor Alia disclosed.
Speaking on the security situation in Benue State, he said relative peace is being enjoyed across all 23 local government areas, though there are a few skirmishes in three local governments.
The Governor also denied allegations that he is imposing candidates on the electorate ahead of the 5 October, 2024 Local Government Elections in the state.
