By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Monday inaugurated 17 commissioners into his cabinet with a charge to uphold transparency, accountability, and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at Government House, Makurdi, the governor cautioned the new appointees against corruption and urged them to take their oath of office seriously.
“You were chosen because you are professionals who understand governance, transparency, and discipline. Our administration is people-oriented and not individual-oriented. Leave a huge mark, give your all, and be the best you can be for the state,” Alia said.
He further directed the commissioners to be ambassadors of the government by explaining projects and expenditures to the people, addressing insecurity, and ensuring effective grassroots presence.
Alia, however, warned them against neglecting their constituencies, stressing that those unwilling to engage the people should resign.
Of the 17 commissioners, eight were reappointed from the cabinet dissolved on July 30, 2025, while nine are new entrants.
The retained commissioners include Tiza Imojime (Works), Dr. Yanmar Ortese (Health and Human Resources), Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan (Education), Ugwu Odoh (Water Resources), Kwaghgba Amande (Digital Communications), Aondowase Kunde (Disaster Management), Michael Oglegba (Finance), and Alumo Orpin (Commerce and Industry).
