Dear Governor Alia,
Happy New Year and I hope this meets you well. it is imperative to reassess your priorities and strategies to ensure they align with the needs and aspirations of the people.
Your recent attacks on fellow politicians have raised concerns among the populace, who expect more from their leader. It is ridiculous to continue using Benue people to play political games. It is time to stay focus.
The 2025 budget of over 500 billion naira presents an opportunity to make meaningful investments in critical sectors that will drive economic growth and development.
However, promoting ZEVA, a local brew alone, as a symbol of Benue's cultural heritage, is seen by many as a mere political gimmick that contributes minimally to the state's economic development.
This approach is reminiscent of past governments, which have relied on handouts and populist policies rather than meaningful investments in critical sectors.
For instance, previous administrations have (indirectly) promoted negatives narratives like "Ya Kwagh, Ma Kwagh, Kpaa Kwagh" and supported robust restaurants and beer parlors as their strategies which have yielded little in terms of tangible progress. I hope you are not encouraging the "Ma Kwagh".
To truly transform Benue State, it is essential to define the state's development strategy in accordance with its natural blessings. Here are some key areas that require attention:
1. Agriculture: Invest heavily in this sector to revolutionize agriculture in the state. Allocating more of the budget to this sector could yield significant results within one to two years. Focus on providing modern farming equipment, training farmers on best practices, and establishing irrigation systems to ensure all-year-round farming. It is not bad to ensure that local farmers with large farm lands are given modern farming equipment.
2. Industrialization: Establish industries that process and manufacture goods from Benue's natural resources, such as fruit companies that transform oranges, tomatoes, and mangoes, etc. into finished products. This will not only create jobs but also stimulate economic growth and development.
3. Infrastructure Development: Focus on building good roads, market roads, and other critical infrastructure to facilitate trade, commerce, and economic development. Ensure that rural areas are connected to urban centers through good roads, enabling farmers to transport their produce to markets.
4. Workers' Welfare: Prioritize workers' welfare, ensuring they are well-paid, motivated, and productive. Implement a transparent and efficient payment system, provide training and development opportunities, and ensure a safe working environment. Pensioners and others like the disabled persons should be boosted as well.
5. Taxes and Accountability: Implement a transparent and efficient tax system, coupled with robust accountability mechanisms to ensure resources are utilized effectively and efficiently. Ensure that taxes collected are used to fund projects that benefit the people, rather than lining the pockets of corrupt officials.
Also, Makurdi alone is not Benue. Every development has to also cover every other part of the state, especially the bigger market areas.
By prioritizing these areas, you can set Benue State on a path towards sustainable economic growth, development, and prosperity. It is time to rethink your approach and focus on the needs of the people, rather than pursuing short-term political gains.
Governor Alia, it is essential to surround yourself with advisors who have the best interests of Benue State at heart, rather than being carried away by praise singers who may be misleading you. The people of Benue deserve better, and it is your responsibility as their leader to deliver.
As you navigate the complexities of governance, remember that the people of Benue are watching, and history will judge your tenure based on the impact you make on their lives. It is not too late to change course and prioritize the long-term needs of the people rather than urgent short term glory seeking achievements many around you are pursuing. It's not rocket science to even have an airport in Benue State within four years if you truly want to do it.
We urge you to take a step back, reassess your priorities, and focus on making a meaningful difference in the lives of Benue people. The 2025 budget presents an opportunity to make a bold statement about your commitment to the people.
Do not let this opportunity slip away. The people of Benue are counting on you.
I'm Agena Robert Ande.