Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for the development of a comprehensive 30-year development plan designed to ensure continuity in governance and sustain the state’s development beyond successive administrations.
Alia made the call during a symposium organised as part of activities marking Benue State’s Golden Jubilee celebration. He said the state needs a long-term blueprint that would provide a clear direction for development irrespective of changes in political leadership.
The governor argued that development should not stop or change direction whenever a new administration assumes office. Instead, successive governments should build on existing policies and projects while working towards clearly defined long-term objectives.
According to Alia, the proposed 30-year plan should bring together ideas and development strategies from previous and current administrations into a single roadmap with measurable targets and timelines.
He said such a framework would enable Benue to plan beyond immediate political cycles and focus on sustainable economic growth, improved infrastructure and better living conditions for residents.
The governor also emphasised that development should not be limited to physical infrastructure. He identified education, leadership, civic responsibility, research, economic development and active citizen participation as important components of the state’s long-term future.
Alia called on political leaders, academics, professionals, development experts, media practitioners and other citizens to contribute ideas to the proposed plan.
He stressed that Benue’s future should be shaped by collective efforts rather than the decisions of government alone.
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The proposal comhttps://caliphatebroadcast.com/tinubu-engaging-global-partners-to-tackle-nigerias-insecurity-jimoh-ibrahim/es as Benue marks 50 years since its creation. The Golden Jubilee activities have provided an opportunity for the state to reflect on its achievements, challenges and future prospects.
A book titled Benue @50: A Journey of Resilience, Progress and Prospects was also unveiled during the symposium. The publication documents the state’s development journey over the past five decades and is intended to serve as a reference for future generations.
Alia said Benue must learn from its past while developing a shared vision capable of guiding the state into the future.
He also encouraged citizens to participate actively in governance by conducting research, offering constructive criticism and engaging government institutions.
The governor’s proposed master plan is expected to provide a framework for continuity in development and reforms, reducing the likelihood of policies being abandoned when administrations change.
Stakeholders have described long-term planning as important for a state seeking sustainable growth, particularly in areas such as agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.
Alia therefore urged all segments of Benue society to contribute to the process, stressing that the state’s long-term prosperity would depend on collective commitment and a shared development vision.