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 accelerating sustainable economic development across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday at the Fr. Alia Hall of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) in Makurdi, Governor Alia described the appointments as a recognition of the members’ competence, integrity and wealth of experience.
He said the establishment of the advisory body reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening strategic planning, improving policy formulation and driving sustainable economic growth in Benue State.
“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 stated.
Governor Alia urged the newly inaugurated members to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing objective, practical and forward-looking policy advice that will support government efforts to create jobs, attract investments, increase internally generated revenue, improve public service delivery and expand economic opportunities for the people of Benue.
He emphasised that the team’s recommendations must be anchored on credible data, rigorous research and innovative thinking while upholding the highest standards of 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 charged.
The governor acknowledged the economic and developmental challenges confronting the state but expressed optimism that they present opportunities for meaningful transformation. He called on the advisory team to work closely with relevant stakeholders in developing creative solutions that will build a diversified, competitive and resilient economy.
Governor Alia also assured the team of his administration’s full support, promising to provide an enabling environment for its operations while giving due consideration to its recommendations.
He reiterated that his government remains committed to promoting inclusive economic growth, fiscal discipline, private-sector development, food security, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
The 15-member Economic and Policy Advisory Team is led by Mr Nick Agule, with Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami serving as co-team lead, while Prof. Jerome Andohol will serve as Secretary.
Other members are 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 and Mrs Theresa Nyitse.
The inauguration marks another step in the Alia administration’s efforts to strengthen policy coordination and harness expert knowledge to advance economic development and improve the welfare of the people of Benue State.
