The media as the fourth estate of the realm has a unique role in every society. Tracking governance, demanding accountability, putting the interest of the people first, and most importantly upholding the truth, setting agenda and keeping the public informed.
So, when a cream of Nigeria’s foremost media executives expressed surprise at the level of transformation being witnessed across Benue State, it behoves on even the naysayers to listen, reappraise their agitation and succumb. Facts don’t lie. When transformation is visible, impactful and changing the landscape and its people, the best any rational human should do is to support such impactful actions and projects that have been positively touching the lives of the generality of the people. In this case, the people of Benue State.
Members of the Governor’s Media Team, including the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Peter Egbodo; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Tersoo Kula; and the Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, explained that the media tour was organised to dispel misinformation, promote transparency and allow Nigerians to independently assess the administration’s performance.
The media executives drawn from across the country, on Friday, 23rd January 2026, undertook extensive inspection tour of key projects executed by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia within its first two and a half years in office. Their verdict is refreshing, and an encouragement to the Governor who has put Benue First, and is undertaking comprehensive turnaround of the state through massive infrastructure projects, social services, and people-centered initiatives that have touched lives and moved the state from the locust years of the past, when governance was akin to continuous retrogression.
The media delegation, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, visited several flagship projects spanning health, infrastructure, education, manufacturing and urban renewal.
The tour commenced at the Food Basket Brewery, producers of Zeva Beer, where the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, guided the team through the beer production process.
At the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, the media executives inspected critical facilities including the Radiology Unit, VIP SMART Clinic, Water Works, Cancer Treatment Centre and the Pharmacological Complex, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Other locations visited include the BIPC Fruit Juice Factory at the Industrial Layout, Benue Printing and Publishing Company, the High Level Underpass, Benue Fashion Hub, the LGEA Primary School along KM 2 Gboko Road, as well as several township roads constructed by the current administration.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga commended Governor Alia for what he described as impressive infrastructural strides and visible development across sectors, noting that the projects reflect purposeful leadership and effective governance.
– Bridget Tikyaa Is The Principal Special Assistant To The Governor On Media Publicity And Communications Strategy
