Governor Hyacinth Alia has hosted senior media executives from across the country and reaffirmed his commitment to do more for Benue State, following feedback on projects executed by his administration.
The media executives were led by the special adviser to the resident on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and included the president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba, alongside other members of the presidential media team.
Others present were the president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) Danlami Nmodu, the guild’s deputy president Olumide Iyanda, senior vice chairman and editor-in-chief of Leadership Newspapers Azubuike Ishiekwene, managing director and editor-in-chief of Daily Independent Steve Omanufeme and managing director and editor-in-chief of The Sun Publishing Limited Onuoha Ukeh.
The journalists toured Benue State for two days to see projects executed by the Alia administration. The visit ended with a town hall meeting at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, attended by stakeholders including women groups, youth groups, trade unions, religious leaders, traditional leaders and civil society organisations.
During the tour and interactions, the media executives expressed surprise at the level of transformation across the state, noting a contrast between their observations on the ground and some prevailing narratives.
Representatives of various groups at the town hall also shared testimonies on how the administration’s interventions were affecting lives and communities.
Responding, Governor Alia said he was encouraged by the feedback and testimonies, which he described as humbling. He pledged to do more and assured that his administration remained committed to inclusive and people-focused development for the benefit of all residents of Benue State.
