Swears in seven Commissioners
By Terdue Atondu
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Friday swore in seven new commissioners, charging them to place the interest of the people above personal, political or sectional considerations.
The new commissioners were appointed to fill vacancies created by the resignation of some members of the Benue State Executive Council who stepped down to pursue various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Government House, Makurdi.
Addressing the newly inaugurated commissioners, Governor Alia reminded them that their appointment was a call to service and a solemn responsibility to the people of the state.
“The oath you have taken is not to serve yourselves, your friends or any particular interest group. You are taking an oath to serve the people of Benue State,” he said.
Alia said the people of Benue expect competence, integrity, fairness, accountability and diligence from members of his administration, adding that they also expect a government that listens to their concerns, understands their challenges and works tirelessly to improve their lives.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Chief Solomon Terver Iorpev, Mrs. Elizabeth Onma Ogenyi, Kuma Aii Yenge, Roy Ashirga Terna, Angwa Egbe Monday, Nick Eworo and Amo Ankwa II.
Also inaugurated were Comrade Godwin Anya, as a member of the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission, and members of the Board of Benue Television.
Congratulating the appointees on their confirmation and appointment, the governor said their emergence should not be viewed merely as an elevation to public office, but as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development, stability and prosperity of Benue State.
He said his administration was founded on the principles of renewed hope, responsible governance, development and service to the people, urging the new commissioners to see themselves as critical participants in achieving those objectives.
“Your ministries may differ in mandate, but our destination is one. Whether you are responsible for industries, sports, humanitarian affairs, science, works, information or any other sector, your work must ultimately contribute to the same objective: a stronger, more prosperous, peaceful and sustainable Benue State,” Alia said.
He urged the commissioners to operate as members of one administration rather than heads of isolated ministries, stressing the need for effective collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies.
According to him, government cannot function effectively when MDAs operate in silos, particularly because the challenges confronting citizens are interconnected and require coordinated solutions.
“I expect you to communicate, cooperate and share ideas. Where one ministry needs the support of another, provide it. Where responsibilities overlap, work together. Where a problem requires a collective solution, do not hesitate to bring your colleagues to the table,” he said.
The governor warned that the commissioners would face difficult decisions, competing demands, limited resources, public criticism and pressure from different sections of society, urging them to remain focused on the larger purpose of their assignments.
He advised them to seek wise counsel, study issues carefully, consult widely, act courageously and, above all, put the public interest first.
Alia assured the commissioners of his administration’s support, but said such support came with an expectation that they would give their best in serving the people.
He also charged them to remain accessible, visit communities, engage stakeholders and understand the realities confronting citizens instead of relying solely on official reports.
The governor further urged them to embrace innovation, technology, data and modern management practices to improve public service delivery.
“Our people deserve results. Give us results,” he stressed.
Alia said the true measure of their performance would not be the number of meetings they attended or speeches they delivered, but the tangible difference their ministries made in the lives of ordinary Benue people.
He reminded them that while public office was temporary, the legacies created through dedicated service could endure for generations.
“Be ministers of service, not merely holders of office. Be accessible without compromising authority. Be firm without being arrogant. Be compassionate without compromising standards. Be ambitious for Benue, but humble in your service to her people,” the governor charged.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated commissioners, Hon. Nick Eworo expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for giving them the opportunity to serve the state.
Eworo pledged the commissioners’ loyalty to the governor and assured him that they would work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Tarka Local Government Area, Hon. Raphael Yenge, told FirmNews shortly after the ceremony that he was confident in the calibre of personalities appointed into the State Executive Council.
Yenge particularly commended the appointment of Hon. Roy Ashirga Terna as commissioner representing Tarka, describing him as an experienced administrator, goal-getter and grassroots mobiliser capable of delivering on his mandate.
He called on the people of Benue, particularly residents of Tarka Local Government Area, to support the newly inaugurated commissioners and embrace teamwork to enable them succeed in their respective responsibilities.
Yenge said such collective support would contribute to the peace, progress and overall development of Benue State.
