Alia Courts Diaspora Investors, Says Benue on Path to Recovery
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of emerging investment opportunities, assuring that the state is making steady progress in rebuilding its economy and restoring stability.
The governor made the appeal during the second virtual town hall meeting with Benue indigenes abroad, an initiative designed to strengthen engagement between the state government and its diaspora community. He commended their continued interest in the state’s development, describing their contributions as critical to long-term growth.
Alia acknowledged the challenges his administration inherited, including widespread insecurity, economic setbacks, and weakened public institutions. However, he said targeted interventions have begun to yield results, particularly in improving safety across previously troubled areas.
According to him, incidents of violence, which once affected a large number of local government areas, have been significantly curtailed through coordinated efforts with federal security agencies and the deployment of modern surveillance tools. This, he noted, has encouraged displaced residents to gradually return to their communities.
The governor disclosed that ongoing support for resettlement efforts has attracted contributions from both public and private partners, helping to ease the humanitarian burden and accelerate recovery in affected areas.
In the social sector, Alia highlighted increased budgetary allocation to education and healthcare, aimed at rebuilding schools, upgrading medical facilities, and improving service delivery across the state.
On economic revitalization, he pointed to efforts to reactivate dormant industries, strengthen agricultural value chains, and promote local manufacturing. Initiatives in agro-processing and small-scale production, he said, are already creating jobs and boosting internally generated revenue.
He also outlined key infrastructure projects underway, including road construction in major urban centres and collaborations with the federal government on strategic developments. Housing initiatives for civil servants and new estate projects in Makurdi are also part of the administration’s plan to attract investors and stimulate growth.
Addressing concerns from participants, the governor admitted that rebuilding the state would take time, especially amid differing political views ahead of future elections. He, however, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and continuous improvement.
Alia urged diaspora stakeholders to remain engaged, contribute ideas, and invest in the state’s evolving opportunities, stressing that collective effort remains essential to building a more stable and prosperous Benue.
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