Gov Alia inaugurates 15-member economic advisory team in Benue

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated a 15-member Economic and Policy Advisory Team, tasking its members with providing expert guidance to support evidence-driven governance and accelerate sustainable economic development across the state.

A statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, identified Nick Agule as the Team Lead, while Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami will serve as Co-Team Lead. Other members include 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 Prof Jerome Andohol, who will function as Secretary.

During the inauguration in Makurdi, Governor Alia congratulated the appointees, saying their appointment reflected confidence in their wealth of experience, competence, and professional capabilities.

He noted that the advisory body would play a key role in shaping the administration’s development agenda through strategic planning and sound economic policy formulation.

“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 explained.

The governor encouraged members to live up to the confidence reposed in them by deploying their expertise to advance Benue State’s development objectives.

He said the team is expected to provide independent, practical, and future-oriented policy advice that will help the government stimulate job creation, attract investors, increase internally generated revenue, improve service delivery, and create more opportunities for citizens.

Governor Alia also stressed that the team’s recommendations should be guided by reliable data, thorough analysis, innovation, and a strong sense of responsibility.

According to the Governor, “Let credible data, rigorous analysis, innovation and undivided commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State guide your recommendations”.

While admitting that the state still faces several developmental challenges, Alia said those obstacles also present opportunities for meaningful reforms and economic transformation.

He urged the advisory team to engage relevant stakeholders and develop innovative strategies capable of building a stronger, more competitive, diversified, and resilient economy.

The governor assured the committee of his administration’s full support, promising to provide an enabling environment for its work and to give careful attention to its recommendations.

He reaffirmed that his government remains committed to inclusive economic growth, prudent fiscal management, private-sector expansion, food security, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.