Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday inaugurated the state’s Economic and Policy Advisory Council. Addressing members of the council shortly before their inauguration, at Fr. Alia Hall, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Governor Alia urged them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the discharge of their new responsibility towards driving evidence-based governance and sustainable growth.
The Governor who described the selection of members of the council as a vote of confidence in their competence and experience, congratulated them on their appointment stating that, the constitution of this advisory council is his administration’s resolve to strengthen evidence-based governance, deepen strategic planning and speed up sustainable economic growth.
Governor Alia outlined high expectations for the body, which include offering objective, practical and forward-looking advice to help the government craft policies that create jobs, attract investment, boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), improve public services and expand opportunities for residents. He further urged members of the council to justify the confidence reposed in them through dedication.
Stressing the need for recommendations to be rooted in credible data, rigorous analysis as well as innovation, and delivered with professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and accountability, the Governor said, “Let your recommendations be guided by credible data, rigorous analysis, innovation and undivided commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State”.
While acknowledging challenges confronting the state, which he tagged as opportunities for transformation, Governor Alia sued for collaboration with stakeholders and creative solutions towards building a more diversified, competitive, and resilient economy.
Pointing out his administration’s focus on inclusive growth, fiscal discipline, private-sector development, food security, youth empowerment and sustainable development, Governor Alia therefore, pledged his administration’s support for the team, promising an enabling environment and careful consideration of its findings recommendations.
Responding on behalf of other members, the Team Lead, Mr. Nick Agule, thanked Governor Alia for finding them worthy of such a responsibility and assured that they will discharge their duties with unwavering commitment.
Other members of the Benue State Economic and Policy Advisory Council include: Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami – Co-Team Lead, Prof Naomi Onyeje Doki, Dr Andrew Ayabam, Dr Adukwu Emmanuel Ogbole, Mr Patrick Okigbo and Dr Fanen Ade.
Others are Mr Alex Tarka, Dr Jane Asagh, Mr Basil Jev, Dr Joseph Ogebe, Mr Emmanuel Makeri, Mr Micheal Oglegba and Mrs Theresa Nyitse as well as Prof Jerome Andohol who is also the team’s Secretary.
