Team Lead Sets Agenda for Benue Economic Advisory Council
By Armstrong Tseaa, Makurdi
Team Lead of the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council, Mr Nick Agule, has assured Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia that members of the newly inaugurated council will leverage their extensive professional experience to support the state’s economic transformation through objective, evidence-based policy advice and innovative solutions.
Agule gave the assurance while delivering his acceptance speech on behalf of the 15-member council following its inauguration by Governor Alia on Wednesday. He described the appointment as a call to service and pledged that members would discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the public good.
Governor Alia had inaugurated the council with a mandate to provide expert guidance aimed at strengthening evidence-based governance, enhancing strategic planning and accelerating sustainable economic growth across Benue State.
Responding on behalf of the council, Agule expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in the members, describing their appointment as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
“We are deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in us to serve as members of the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council. We accept this responsibility with a deep sense of duty, knowing that the expectations of the people of Benue are high,” he said.
Agule explained that although the council has no executive authority, it remains committed to producing practical, evidence-driven policy recommendations capable of addressing developmental challenges, stimulating economic growth and unlocking Benue’s vast economic potential.
He said the council’s mandate is to provide objective advice that will assist government in formulating policies that promote sustainable economic growth, attract investments, create employment opportunities, increase productivity and improve the welfare of citizens.
According to him, members will work closely with government institutions, the organised private sector, development partners and local communities to ensure that policy recommendations reflect both technical expertise and the realities experienced by the people.
Agule noted that the council brings together accomplished professionals with nearly 500 years of combined experience across virtually every sector of the economy.
“Our team brings to the table nearly 500 years of combined cognate experience across virtually every sector of the economy, gained through distinguished service at the highest levels of both the public and private sectors,” he stated.
In a move designed to deepen citizens’ participation in governance, the Team Lead announced plans to establish an open platform through which members of the public can submit ideas and recommendations for consideration by the council.
He stressed that while the council possesses extensive professional expertise, ordinary citizens also have invaluable knowledge gained through everyday experiences.
“While our team brings together about 500 years of collective professional experience, we recognise that the people of Benue possess millions of years of collective lived experience. We therefore intend to open a public platform to harvest citizens’ ideas and translate the best of them into policy recommendations,”
Agule said.
He, however, cautioned against unrealistic expectations regarding the council’s responsibilities, emphasising that it is strictly an advisory body without executive powers or financial authority.
“We have no executive powers, no budget to dispense and no jobs to offer. We appreciate your congratulatory messages, but we ask that they come with the right expectations,” he added.
Agule appealed to the people of Benue for patience and understanding as members transition from distinguished careers in the private sector into public service, assuring them that the council would carry out its assignment with humility, transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting Governor Alia’s vision of building a prosperous, competitive and inclusive Benue State through sound economic policies and strategic advice.
The Team Lead expressed confidence that through collaboration, independent policy advice and active citizen participation, the council would contribute significantly to strengthening governance, driving long-term economic growth and improving the quality of life of the people.
The Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council is headed by Mr Nick Agule as Team Lead, with Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami serving as Co-Team Lead and Prof. Jerome Andohol as Secretary.
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. Michael Oglegba and Mrs Theresa Nyitse.
The council brings together experts the from academia, public and private sectors to support Benue State’s economic transformation agenda.
