The decision by the Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia to construct elevated roadways popularly called flyovers at Wurukum and High-Level roundabout areas of the State capital, Makurdi, once again, demonstrates the readiness of his government to improve the living condition of millions of Benue people.
Early in January this year, the Governor presided over the State Executive Council meeting which approved contracts for the construction of the two flyovers.
Already, the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development was thereafter directed to work out modalities for the award of the contracts for the two bridges, a development, that many believe will not only boost the State’s infrastructure but will create a free flow of traffic in the center of the capital of the food basket State.
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It is exciting to understand that Governor Alia has gotten the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for this huge road project, which is coming at a time when the Federal Government is moving to rehabilitate the Makurdi/Otukpo/Enugu expressway presently in very poor condition.
The intervention by the State, which coincides with the commitment of President Tinubu’s government is a true testament to Governor Alia’s inaugural promise of connecting Benue not only to Abuja but to the rest of the country.
Because Benue still struggles within a lean fiscal condition, having the support of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works, makes the project even more achievable.
The words of the Minister of Works Dave Umahi give further assurance. “The governor was with me in Abuja and he requested that we tell Mr. President that the roundabout is a huge conflict point, we even experienced it. We told Mr. President the message of the Governor and course, it’s a man he loves so much, he said, Minister go and do it, and that is why I am here,” he told reporters in Makurdi.
The State’s 2024 budget signed by the governor has indeed, been christened a budget of infrastructure, job creation, and poverty alleviation, a more assurance for the people. “With this budget, we are investing significantly in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure,” the Governor said during the signing ceremony in Makurdi.
After all, infrastructural development is the backbone of any thriving society as it lays the foundation for progress and economic growth.
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Governor Alia is on a trajectory to make a huge difference in a State that suffered severe infrastructure decay, not only in the State capital but across the 23 local government council areas. There are lofty expectations that the administration’s focused strides will reach many rural areas in help to impact the lives of citizens who are majorly peasant farmers.
In every ramification, from prompt payment of workers’ salary and gratuity, the Governor has displayed a willingness and sincerity of purpose in leadership. This could explain the recent award he received from one of the national dailies as governor of the year, wherein, he was praised for prioritizing the elimination of corruption, the promotion of education, road projects, and the revamping of transportation system in the State.
Alia therefore, urgently needs the support of every stakeholder to achieve the delivery of the dividend of democracy to the very people who voted him into power.
