Gov. Alia Inaugurates Benue Economic and Policy Advisory Team, Tasks Members on Sustainable Growth
MAKURDI, Benue State — Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated the state's Economic and Policy Advisory Team, charging its members to deploy their expertise in advancing evidence-based governance and driving sustainable economic growth across the state.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Fr. Alia Hall of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) headquarters in Makurdi.
Speaking at the event, Governor Alia described the appointment of the advisory team as a vote of confidence in the competence, experience, and integrity of its members, noting that the body would play a strategic role in shaping government policies and accelerating development.
> "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," the governor said.
Advisory Team Members
The governor inaugurated the following members:
Mr. Nick Agule – Team Lead
Mrs. Carolyn Okoh Folami – Co-Team Lead
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. Michael Oglegba
Mrs. Theresa Nyitse
Prof. Jerome Andohol – Secretary
Focus on Economic Transformation
Governor Alia urged the team to provide objective, practical, and forward-looking policy recommendations capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, increasing internally generated revenue (IGR), improving public service delivery, and expanding economic opportunities for residents.
He emphasized that all recommendations should be based on credible data, sound research, innovation, professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and accountability.
> "Let your recommendations be guided by credible data, rigorous analysis, innovation and undivided commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State," he said.
The governor acknowledged the economic and developmental challenges facing the state but maintained that they present opportunities for meaningful transformation through strategic planning and collaboration.
He encouraged members to work closely with government institutions, the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders to build a diversified, competitive, and resilient economy.
Governor Alia assured the advisory team of his administration's full support, promising an enabling environment for the body to function effectively and guaranteeing that its recommendations would receive serious consideration.
He reiterated that his administration remains committed to inclusive economic growth, fiscal discipline, private sector development, food security, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
The inauguration of the advisory team forms part of the Benue State Government's broader efforts to strengthen policy formulation and improve governance through expert-driven decision-making.
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