By Brenda Agba
The governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has sworn-in 17 commissioners as well as special advisers with a charge to discharge their duties with a sense of determination and resilience.
Addressing the commissioners during the swearing in ceremony which was held in the New Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, the governor explained that their appointment was a testament to their exceptional skills, proven capabilities and unwavering commitment to the service of Benue State noting that they have been trusted with a great responsibility and should therefore work towards reassuring the people of the state that their faith in them was not misplaced.
“As commissioners, you have been granted the authority and the means to create positive change, to champion progress and to uplift the lives of the people you serve. However, with such powers comes great responsibility as it is your duty to ensure that the interests of the people are at the heart of every decision you make”, he admonished.
“In few weeks from now, Key Performance Indicators (KPI) will be developed to measure each and every one of you in the discharge and performance of your duties. You will be periodically monitored and assessed to determine your suitability to continue to serve Benue people”, the governor disclosed.
While urging the commissioners to face the obstacles and challenges they may encounter in the discharge of their duties with courage, Alia charged them to quickly acquaint themselves with the ministries under their purview as that will go a long way to help them hit the ground running as according to him, they owe it to the people to channel their energy and dedication towards effecting positive change.
Governor Alia also called on the entire people of the state to embrace peace even as he cautioned those making inflammatory statements with the aim of creating divides among the people to desist from such acts, saying the time for politicking is over.
The commissioners sworn-in include Hon Mrs Joyce Ahunde Luga (Gboko)
Commissioner for Cooperatives, Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Barr. Omale Omale (Apa) Commissioner for Power and Transportation, Hon. Dr. Yanmar M. Ortese (Guma) Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan (Gwer-West) Commissioner For Education and Knowledge Management, Hon. Ugwu Odoh (Ogbadibo) Commissioner For Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Kwaghba Amande (Katsina-Ala)
Commissioner for ICT and Digital Economy, Matthew Aboh (Ukum)
Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism and Hon. Tiza Imojime (Buruku) Commissioner for Works and Housing.
Others are Hon. Aondowase Kunde (Konshisha) Commissioner For Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Prof. Jonah Ogbaji (Oju) Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr. Martin Shaager (Ushongo) Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Hon. Michael Oglegba (Otukpo), Commissioner of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Ann Itodo (Okpokwu) Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Barr. Fidelis Mnyim (Makurdi) Attorney General and Commissioner For Justice and Public Order, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange (Ushongo) Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity as well as Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo (Obi) Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation together with Hon. Alumo Orpin (Tarka), Commissioner for Commerce and Industry.
Meanwhile, the governor stated that the newly sworn in Special Advisers will be assigned portfolios in due course.
