From Scholastica Onyeka Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, have sworn in newly confirmed commissioners in the state with a charge on them to commit themselves to serve the people of with utmost dedication, trust, and loyalty.
Speaking at the event, Governor Alia who noted that the swearing in marks a crucial milestone in the governance of the state, appreciated the Benue State House of Assembly for their unwavering support for cutting short their break to expeditiously screen and confirm the commissioner nominees to ensure the continued smooth administrative governance of the state.
He congratulated the commissioners their confirmation saying “Your appointment as commissioners is a testament to your exceptional skills, proven capabilities, and unwavering commitment to the service of Benue State.
“You have been entrusted with a great responsibility, and it is now your duty to reassure the people of Benue that their faith in you is not misplaced.”
He said ” this appointment is not merely a title or a position of power. It is a sacred contract, forged between each one of you and the citizens of this state. The people of Benue have placed their trust in you, placing the welfare of their communities, their aspirations, and their hopes in your hands. It is imperative that you honor this trust, for it forms the foundation upon which our great state stands.”
He urged them to create positive change, to champion progress, and to uplift the lives of the people saying it is their duty to ensure that the interests of the people are at the heart of every decision they make.
“You must listen to their grievances, understand their needs, and work tirelessly towards meeting their expectations.”
He said key performance indicators (KPI) will be developed to measure them in the discharge and performance of their duties which will determine their suitability to continue to serve the Benue People.
He therefore, advised the commissioners, to utilize this opportunity to quickly acquaint themselves with the various ministries under their purview by taking briefs and familiarizing themselves with the tasks at hand adding that they owe it to the people to channel their energy and dedication towards effecting positive change.
He admonished them to commit themselves to unity, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to enable them join in building a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive Benue state.
Speaking on behalf of the new Commissioners, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan the thanked the Governor for finding them worthy of the appointment and pledged their unwavering support and loyalty to the government and people of the state.
The commissioners and their portfolios include, Mr Tiza Imojime Works and Housing, Barr Omale Omale, Power and Transport, Mrs Joy Luga, Cooperative, Urban and Rural Development, Dr Yanmar Ortese, Health and Human Services, Rev. Dr Frederick Ikyaan, Education and Knowledge Management, Mr Ugwu Odoh, Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, and Mr Kwaghba Amande ICT and Digital Economy.
Others are Mr Mathew Aboh, Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Aondowase Kunde, Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Prof Moses Ogbaji, Agriculture, Barr Martin Shaager, Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr Michael Oglegba Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Ann Itodo, Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr Fidelis Mnyim, Attorney General, commissioner of Justice and Public Order, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange, Youths, Sport and Creativity, Mr Alumo Orpin, Commence and Industry and Mr Nick Eworo for Science, Technology and Innovation.