Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has sworn in six new Commissioners, charging them to prioritise service to the people, accountability, integrity and effective collaboration in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Governor Alia stated this while speaking at the swearing-in and inauguration of one member of the Benue State Assembly Commission.
He congratulated the new commissioners on their confirmation and appointment, describing their emergence as more than an elevation to public office but a solemn call to service and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development, stability and prosperity of the state.
The governor reminded the appointees that the oath of office they had taken was not to serve themselves, their friends or any particular interest group, but the entire people of Benue State.
According to him, “the people expect competence, integrity, fairness, accountability and diligence” from government officials, as well as a government that listens to their concerns, understands their challenges and works tirelessly to improve their lives.
Governor Alia said the administration was founded on the principles of renewed hope, responsible governance, development and service to the people, urging the new commissioners to become active participants in the realisation of that vision.
He stressed the need for collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies, noting that government could not function effectively when MDAs operated in isolation.
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“Whether you are responsible for industries, sports, humanitarian affairs, science, works, information or any other sector, your work must ultimately contribute to the same objective: a stronger, more prosperous, peaceful and sustainable Benue State,” he said.
The governor urged the commissioners to see themselves as members of one administration and one team, rather than heads of isolated ministries.
He called on them to communicate, cooperate and share ideas, particularly where responsibilities overlap or challenges require collective solutions.
Governor Alia also cautioned the new commissioners that they would encounter difficult decisions, competing demands, limited resources, criticism and pressure, urging them to remain focused and always place the public interest above personal considerations.
He assured them of his administration’s support and institutional direction but stressed that such support came with the expectation that they would give their best in serving the people of Benue.
The governor urged the commissioners to remain accessible, visit Communities, interact with the people, engage professionals and stakeholders, and acquaint themselves with realities on the ground rather than relying solely on official reports.
He also challenged them to embrace innovation, technology, data and modern management approaches to improve public service delivery.
“Our people deserve results. Give us results,” Alia said.
According to him, the true measure of their performance at the end of their tenure would not be the number of meetings attended or speeches delivered, but the tangible difference their ministries made in the lives of ordinary Benue people.
He reminded them that while public office was temporary, the legacies created through public service could endure for generations.
“Be ministers of service, not merely holders of office. Be accessible without compromising authority. Be firm without being arrogant. Be compassionate without compromising standards. Be ambitious for Benue, but humble in your service to her people,” he charged.
The governor expressed optimism that working collectively, the administration would build a Benue State where good governance would be reflected not only in government offices but also in the daily lives of the people.
The newly inaugurated commissioners are Hon. Chief Solomon Terver Iorpev; Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Onma Ogenyi; Hon. Kuma Aii Yenge; Hon. Roy Ashirga Terna; Hon. Angwa Egbe Monday; Hon. Nick Eworo; and Hon. Amo Ankwa.
