Alia Launches 30-Year Development Plan for Benue State

On Friday, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia unveiled a 30-year development master plan designed to ensure the sustainability of ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects in the state. Speaking at a media event at the Government House in Makurdi, Alia emphasized that the plan aims to shield the state's development agenda from vested interests and resistance from those benefiting from the current system.

He noted that his administration has faced pushback from individuals questioning the value of infrastructure investments. Alia highlighted that Benue, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, had never had a comprehensive development master plan before.

He stated that his administration consulted residents to identify their development priorities, aiming to elevate the state from a "glorified village status" to a proper city status. Alia cited Lagos State as an example of how long-term planning can transcend individual administrations, recalling the transformation he has witnessed there over the years.