Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday inaugurated a 15-member Economic and Policy Advisory Team charged with delivering evidence-based recommendations to accelerate economic development across Benue State.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Makurdi, Governor Alia described the appointments as “a vote of confidence” in the team’s competence and said the panel will play a central role in sharpening strategic planning and speeding sustainable growth.
“The constitution of this Advisory Team is our administration’s resolve to strengthen evidence-based governance, deepen strategic planning and speed up sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The Governor urged members to justify the trust placed in them by dedicating their expertise to the state’s advancement.
The team is to provide objective, practical and forward-looking advice aimed at job creation, attracting investment, increasing internally generated revenue, improving public services and expanding opportunities for residents, the governor said.
He added that recommendations must be grounded in credible data, rigorous analysis and innovation, and delivered with “professionalism, integrity, patriotism and accountability.”
Governor Alia acknowledged the State’s economic challenges but described them as opportunities for transformation, calling for collaboration with stakeholders and creative policy solutions to build a more diversified and resilient economy.
He pledged an “enabling environment” for the team and said the administration will give careful consideration to its findings while maintaining focus on inclusive growth, fiscal discipline, private-sector development, food security, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
Appointed members are: Mr. Nick Agule (team lead); Mrs. Carolyn Okoh Folami (co‑team lead); Prof. Naomi Onyeje Doki; Dr. Andrew Ayabam; Dr. Adukwu Emmanuel Ogbole; Mr. Patrick Okigbo; Dr. Fanen Ade; Mr. Alex Tarka; Dr. Jane Asagh; Mr. Basil Jev; Dr. Joseph Ogebe; Mr. Emmanuel Makeri; Mr. Micheal Oglegba; Mrs. Theresa Nyitse; and Professor Jerome Andohol (secretary).
