Alia initiates collaboration efforts during FCT visit

In a proactive move to secure sustainable partnerships and foster development in Benue State, the administration under the dynamic leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has embarked on a series of visits to pivotal international organizations. These visits aim to cultivate collaborations that will drive growth, prosperity, and progress for the people of Benue State.

During a one-day mission, Governor Alia engaged in crucial discussions with representatives from prominent international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the World Bank, and the African Development Bank, all hosted in the capital city of Abuja.

Among the key engagements were fruitful meetings with the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Matthias Schmale, and the UN Volunteers Country Director, Veronica Obiuwevbi. The discussions set the foundation for broad participation by Benue’s citizens in the UN Volunteer Programme, a move aimed at providing valuable exposure and equipping them with essential skills to tackle the state’s challenges. The collaboration is expected to elevate Benue’s global standing and increase its impact on a broader scale.

The UN has expressed a keen interest in continued dialogue with Benue State’s International Cooperation and Developments Units team to establish a comprehensive cooperation framework. This partnership aims to enhance the humanitarian narrative in Benue and drive positive change, demonstrating the commitment of the UN to collaborate closely with Governor Alia.

Furthermore, substantive discussions at the World Bank centered on conducting a Development Needs Assessment involving all stakeholders to ascertain the requirements for Benue’s progress. This assessment, led by Fuad, a senior urban development specialist and the Spatial Planning Community of Practice Leader at the World Bank, seeks to bring prosperity across various sectors within the state.

Governor Alia also engaged with key stakeholders at the African Development Bank, fostering actionable next steps aimed at empowering the people of Benue and enhancing excellence in governance.

Accompanying Governor Alia were the Director-General of Benue State’s International Cooperation and Developments Coordinating Unit, Mr. Aondoaseer Leonard-Angelo Viashima, and Professor Jerome Andohol, the Acting Director-General of the Benue State Planning Commission.

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia reaffirms his unwavering commitment to advancing the welfare and progress of the people of Benue State through strategic partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.