Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved key appointments, created new government agencies, redeployed a commissioner and nominated a new commissioner for confirmation by the Benue State House of Assembly.
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved a series of strategic appointments, created new government agencies, redeployed a serving commissioner and forwarded a commissioner nominee to the Benue State House of Assembly for confirmation.
The decisions were announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula.
The appointments are part of ongoing efforts by the administration to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and enhance project implementation across the state.
New Agencies and Appointments
Governor Alia approved the establishment of the following agencies and appointed their chief executives:
Benue Road Maintenance Agency (BERMA)
General Manager: Engr. Thaddeus Terngu Tarzomon
The agency is expected to oversee the maintenance of state roads and improve road infrastructure across Benue.
North Central Development Commission (NCDC) – Benue State Office
State Coordinator: Dr. Ben Ebe
Dr. Ebe is a communication scholar, media executive and former board member of Radio Benue Corporation with more than three decades of experience in journalism, strategic communication, public administration and higher education.
He currently lectures postgraduate courses in Mass Communication at Benue State University and has published academic works on journalism and media practice.
Agency for Recreation and Parks
Executive Secretary: Mercy Turugh
Mercy Turugh is a community development professional with over 24 years of experience in youth empowerment, workforce development and community advocacy.
She is the Co-founder of Smart Staffing Group LLC and has led several initiatives in employment placement, career development and educational programmes.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – Benue State
State Coordinator: Samuel Terungwa Agwa
Agwa is a development expert and agribusiness professional with experience in humanitarian services, governance and international development.
He has previously worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Benue State Government and private-sector organisations involved in agricultural development.
Governor Constitutes Project Monitoring Team
Governor Alia also approved the inauguration of a Benue State Project Monitoring Team to supervise government projects across the state.
The committee is chaired by Engr. Dr. Feliox Atume, mni, with Engr. Mlumun Ikpaahindi serving as Secretary.
Other members include:
- Engr. Cephas Suswam
- Surveyor Bartholemew Feese
- Engr. Terna Ibi
- Engr. S. A. Baba
- Arch. Idu John Adakole
- Engr. Jijingi Emmanuel
According to the Governor, the committee will:
- Monitor the implementation of government projects;
- Ensure compliance with approved specifications, timelines and budgets;
- Conduct periodic inspections and submit reports to the Governor;
- Identify delays, substandard work and project deviations;
- Recommend corrective actions;
- Advise government on project costs and value for money; and
- Perform other assignments as may be directed.
Commissioner Redeployed
Governor Alia also approved the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. James Dwam, to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The government did not immediately announce a replacement for the Science and Technology Ministry.
New Commissioner Nominee
The Governor has forwarded the name of Hon. Ankwa Amo II to the Benue State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as a commissioner.
If confirmed by lawmakers, he will join the Benue State Executive Council.
Why It Matters
The appointments come as the Alia administration continues efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve infrastructure delivery, enhance agricultural development and accelerate project implementation across Benue State.
The establishment of the Project Monitoring Team is expected to improve accountability in government projects, while the new appointments are aimed at providing leadership for strategic agencies created to support development priorities.
What Happens Next
The newly appointed officials are expected to assume office following the completion of administrative procedures.
Meanwhile, the Benue State House of Assembly is expected to begin the screening process for the commissioner nominee in the coming days.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the implementation of the Governor's latest appointments.
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