Honouration ceremony and Unveiling Programme by Benue Mobilizers for Good Governance (Alia Group)

Date: 16th August, 2025
Venue: Green Belt Auditorium, Makurdi

The Benue Mobilizers for Good Governance (Alia Group), in its continued quest to promote participatory democracy and celebrate excellence in leadership, successfully hosted a historic programme on Saturday, 16th August, 2025 at the prestigious Green Belt Auditorium, Makurdi. The event was marked by the honouration of elected members, presentation of ward structures, and the unveiling of the official “Alia T-shirt”, a symbolic insignia of solidarity, unity, and renewed commitment to the developmental strides of the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State.

The programme attracted eminent personalities across political, academic, professional, and social circles. It served not only as a platform to celebrate exceptional leadership but also as a rallying point for galvanizing grassroots support towards the governor’s re-election bid in 2027.

Honouration of Distinguished Leaders
In recognition of their unwavering contributions to governance, development, and societal transformation, the following government officials and dignitaries were honoured with Excellence in Leadership Awards:
His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia – Executive Governor of Benue State, celebrated for his visionary leadership and transformational agenda that is redefining governance in Benue State.

Hon. Benjamin Omale – APC Chairman, Benue State.
Hon. Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi
Mr. Steven Cephas Numbever
Hon. Prof. Cephas Tushima
Dr. Raymond Asemakaha
Hon. Atsenda Ishwa
Dr. Sir James Iorpuu
Hon. Terseer Mzunga
Hon. Dorathy Mato
Hon. Godwin Malu
Dr. Steven Terungwa Hwande
Engr. Tereseer Ninga – Managing Director, Lower Benue Development Authority.
Prof. Iornumbe Joseph Usar
Hon. Dr. Dennis Akura – Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance and Economic Strategy.
Comr. Alexander Fannafan
Hon. Francis Ngustwen
Hon. Joseph Kefi
Hon. Simon Tyoakaa
Hon. Tersoo David Ukechi
Hon. Tiza Imojime
Local Government Awardees
At the grassroots level, the following Local Government leaders were also decorated for their steadfast service and loyalty:
Hon. Rapheal yenge – Executive Chairman, Tarkaa LGA.
Hon. Joseph Teryima Nande
Hon. Mrs. Vera Uwuwa
Mr. Abdullahi Sadiq
Mr. Monday Ochai
Hon. Owoicho Okoh
Hon. Victor Adoga

These awards symbolized the recognition of dedicated service and the strong alignment of leadership at both state and local government levels with the progressive vision of Governor Alia’s administration.

Speeches and Goodwill Messages
Address by the Chairman, Board of Trustees – Comr. John Shima
Comr. John Shima, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, eloquently noted that Benue State is witnessing total transformation under Governor Alia, with visible achievements in infrastructure, education, social welfare, and governance reforms.

He affirmed that the group will remain at the forefront of canvassing for the governor’s re-election in 2027. According to him, “The Alia dream is a Benue dream, and the Benue dream is one of progress, unity, and shared prosperity.”

Remarks by the Matron – Mrs. Susan Achiaga
Mrs. Susan Achiaga, Matron of the group, described the governor’s developmental strides within such a short time as “unprecedented”, affirming that the only way to sustain this momentum is through his re-election. She called on citizens across political, religious, and ethnic divides to unite behind the governor’s second-term ambition.

Address by Engr. Tereseer Ninga – MD, Lower Benue Development Authority
Engr. Ninga praised Governor Alia for not disappointing the people of Benue. He stressed that “re-election is non-negotiable”, as the state stands to benefit more from the governor’s continuity in office.

Remarks by Hon. Rapheal Yenge – Chairman, Tarkaa LGA
In his goodwill message, Hon. Iyenge emphasized that the group was formed to spread the message of re-election, commending the governor for recognizing and appointing members of the group into various positions of trust.
Address by Dr. Dennis Akura – Special Adviser to the Governor
Dr. Akura charged all members of the group, especially those holding elective offices, to remain proactive by reaching out to grassroots supporters, ensuring that the developmental achievements of the present administration are communicated effectively across communities.

Recognition of Media Excellence – Award to Mr. Terseer Nzuurga
The Director-General of Radio Benue Incorporation, Mr. Terseer Nzuurga, was presented with the “Beacon of Modern Media Innovation Award”, in recognition of his pioneering role in transforming Radio Benue into a modern media hub. His reforms have enhanced information dissemination, amplified government programmes, and given the people of Benue an authentic voice in national discourse.

Unveiling of the Alia T-Shirt
The colourful highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the Alia T-shirt, a unifying symbol of identity and solidarity for the group. The T-shirt, adorned with the governor’s image and inscribed with messages of hope and transformation, represents loyalty, grassroots mobilisation, and a renewed drive towards 2027.

Support for the 2027 Re-Election Bid
The occasion resounded with unanimous support for the 2027 re-election of Governor Hyacinth Alia. Speaker after speaker hailed his visionary, exemplary, and people-centred leadership style, affirming that the future of Benue is safest in his hands. The programme concluded with a collective pledge by the Benue Mobilizers for Good Governance to remain the vanguard of mobilization across all wards and local governments in the state.
Conclusively, honouration ceremony and unveiling programme organized by the Benue Mobilizers for Good Governance was not only a moment of celebration but also a clarion call for unity, service, and continuity in leadership.

With the resounding endorsement of Governor Alia’s re-election bid and the presentation of awards to distinguished leaders, the event underscored the deep commitment of Benue people to transformation, peace, and progress under his stewardship.

Indeed, the Green Belt Auditorium on 16th August, 2025, will be remembered as the day the torch of 2027 electoral victory was lit with renewed vigour, illuminating the path for a brighter Benue.