Alia unveils 30-year master plan to sustain Benue devt, reforms

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has unveiled a 30-year master plan to sustain the state's development and reforms amidst government changes. The plan aims to protect ongoing infrastructure projects from vested interests and resistance from those benefiting from the existing system. Alia explained that reforms often face pushback from those who enjoy the status quo, but emphasized that the Earth's rotation would not be affected by the planned developments.

He defended the administration's infrastructure drive, explaining that roads may not directly benefit residents, but they indirectly contribute to economic growth by facilitating access to markets and supporting agricultural activities. Benue State, celebrating its 50th anniversary, had never had a development master plan before, according to Alia.

His administration conducted consultations with residents to determine their development priorities, aiming to foster a more inclusive growth trajectory. The governor cited Lagos State's long-term planning as an example of how such strategies can outlive individual administrations. Alia stressed that the plan would enable successive administrations to build upon completed projects rather than starting from scratch.

He highlighted the revived Taraku Mills factory and the Oju-Awajir road as examples of ongoing investments being protected through planning, community participation, and private-sector partnerships. Alia acknowledged resistance to change and underperformance as major challenges, emphasizing the need for reforms to overcome a lack of resources, innovative ideas, and implemented projects.