By Daniel Aondoaseer Zendesha 

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has sworn in seven newly appointed commissioners, charging them to serve with integrity, accountability and a firm commitment to the public interest.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, where the governor reminded the new appointees that their appointment was not simply an elevation to public office but a call to service.

Governor Alia said their new positions presented an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development and prosperity of Benue State.

He urged the commissioners to understand the weight of the responsibility they had assumed, stressing that the oath of office was not a mandate to serve themselves or any particular interest group, but the people of Benue State.

“Public office is temporary, but the legacies you create through your service can endure for generations,” the governor said.

Alia asks commissioners to listen to residents

The governor also challenged the new commissioners to remain accessible to the people and develop a direct understanding of the challenges confronting communities across the state.
He advised them to visit villages, interact with residents and listen to their concerns rather than relying solely on official reports.

According to Alia, direct engagement with citizens would help the commissioners better understand the realities on the ground and make decisions that respond to actual community needs.

The governor further called for stronger cooperation among ministries, particularly where their responsibilities intersect.
“I expect you to communicate, cooperate and share ideas. Where one ministry needs the support of another, provide it. Where responsibilities overlap, work together,” he said.

He assured the commissioners of his administration's support and cooperation, while urging them to work collectively towards building a Benue where good governance is experienced not only in government offices but also in the daily lives of citizens.

Seven commissioners take oath
The newly sworn-in commissioners are:
Hon. Kuma Aii Yenge
Hon. Roy Ashirga Terna
Hon. Angwa Egbe Monday
Hon. Elizabeth Onma Ogenyi
Hon. Solomon Iorpev
Hon. Nick Eworo
Hon. Ankwa Amo
Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo thanked Governor Alia for entrusting them with the responsibility of serving the people of Benue State.
Eworo pledged that the new commissioners would be diligent in the discharge of their duties and uphold fairness and accountability.

Other appointments inaugurated
The ceremony also featured the swearing-in of Hon. Godwin Anya as a member of the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission.
Governor Alia also inaugurated Rev. Fr. Patrick Tor Alumuku as Chairman of the Benue Television Board, alongside other members of the board.

The appointments add new members to key areas of the state administration and public institutions.
For Benue residents, however, the significance of the appointments will ultimately depend on how effectively the new officials translate their responsibilities into improved services and tangible results.

The governor's emphasis on integrity, accessibility, cooperation and public interest places clear expectations on the appointees as they begin their respective assignments.

The new commissioners will therefore be expected to move beyond the formalities of their inauguration and demonstrate, through their actions, how their ministries can contribute to addressing the needs and aspirations of people across Benue State.

The new appointees assume office as residents continue to demand effective governance across sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, security, employment and economic development.

Governor Alia's call for commissioners to engage directly with communities highlights the importance of connecting government policy with the everyday experiences of citizens.