Iorfa Akpen
Benue has got a new boardroom of brains, and Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia wants them to work.
On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the governor officially swore in the state’s Economic and Policy Advisory Team at Fr. Alia Hall inside the Benue State Emergency Management Agency. The message was simple: use your brains, use the data, and make life better for people in Benue.
15 people are on the team, led by Mr Nick Agule as Team Lead, with Mrs Carolyn Okoh Folami as Co-Team Lead. Prof Jerome Andohol will serve as Secretary.
The rest of the lineup:
Prof Naomi Onyeje Doki, Dr Andrew Ayabam, Dr Adukwu Emmanuel Ogbole, Mr Patrick Okigbo, Dr Fanen Ade, Mr Alex Tarka, Dr Jane Asagh, Mr Basil Jev, Dr Joseph Ogebe, Mr Emmanuel Makeri, Mr Micheal Oglegba, and Mrs Theresa Nyitse.
He called their appointment a vote of confidence, not a title for the CV.
“The idea behind this team is to move away from guesswork,” the governor said. “We want governance that’s built on evidence, planning that’s strategic, and growth that actually lasts.”
He told them to bring advice that is practical, forward-looking, and honest. The brief is big: help design policies that create jobs, pull in investment, grow the state’s revenue, fix public services, and open more opportunities for residents.
He was direct about how they should work: base recommendations on credible data, do the hard analysis, think creatively, and deliver with professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
“Let your recommendations be guided by credible data, rigorous analysis, innovation and undivided commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State,” he charged.
Alia didn’t pretend the challenges aren’t there. He framed them as the starting point for change instead. He wants the team to collaborate with communities, the private sector, and other stakeholders to build an economy that is more diversified, more competitive, and tougher to shake.
The administration, he added, will back them with space to work and will actually read what they submit. The focus areas remain the same: inclusive growth, fiscal discipline, private-sector support, food security, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
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