Gov Alia Vows to Complete Awajir-Oju Road, Launches 2027 Re-election Group

In a significant political and developmental move in Benue South, Governor Hyacinth Alia has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to complete the construction of the Awajir-Oju road. Speaking on Saturday at a gathering in Oju, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode, emphasized that the critical infrastructure project remains a top priority in his quest to fulfill his campaign promises to the Igede people and the state at large.

The Governor made the declaration during the formal inauguration of the Alochu Political Support Group, an organization established to mobilize grassroots backing for the 2027 re-election bids of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alia himself. The launch served as a dual-purpose event, blending infrastructure updates with early political strategizing for the next electoral cycle.

To ensure that the needs of the local community are fully addressed, Governor Alia announced plans to host an upcoming town hall meeting with the residents of Oju. This forum is intended to foster direct dialogue, allowing the government to identify and incorporate additional community-driven projects into the state’s development plan. The Governor’s “direct-engagement” approach is seen by analysts as a key pillar of his governance style in the 2026 fiscal year.

A significant portion of the event was dedicated to honoring the philanthropic work of High Chief Francis Alochu Ikpobu, the founder of the Alochu Foundation. Governor Alia praised the High Chief as a “humble and compassionate leader” whose advocacy for the less privileged has left an indelible mark on Benue State. He thanked the businessman for his proactive step in forming the support group, describing it as a vital effort toward fostering societal development and political stability.

The paramount ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, Och’Idoma His Royal Majesty Dr. Eliagwu Odogbo, also lent his voice to the occasion, commending Chief Alochu’s long-standing charitable initiatives. The monarch urged the people of Benue South to remain united, stressing that solidarity is the only way to ensure the zone continues to benefit from state and federal dividends. His message of peace resonated with the diverse crowd of government officials and traditional elders in attendance.

Representing the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Benue State APC Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, expressed the party’s gratitude to Chief Alochu. He noted that the APC values such homegrown support systems that improve livelihoods while promoting the party’s “Renewed Hope” ideology at the grassroots level.

Reflecting on the history of his humanitarian work, Chief Francis Alochu revealed that his foundation was established in 2004 with a singular mission: to give back to society. He explained that the creation of the 2027 support group was a “strategic move” born out of gratitude for the leadership styles of both the President and the Governor. For him, the group is a vehicle to ensure that the current trajectory of progress in Benue and Nigeria is sustained beyond the current term.

The inauguration was a high-profile affair, attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Moses Atagher, alongside various commissioners and members of the Benue State House of Assembly. As the construction equipment continues to work on the Awajir-Oju road, the political machinery for 2027 appears to be equally active, signaling a busy year ahead for the Alia administration.