Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, said that additional 100 buses have been added to the fleet of the state transport company, Benue Links, to ease transportation challenges in the state.
Alia stated this at a reception for members of the Conference of Benue Journalists on Sunday in Makurdi.
He said: “In the area of transport, we have procured 100 buses for Benue Links to improve services and relieve the burden of transportation.
“I am focused on attracting new investments and resuscitating moribund companies in the state.”
The Governor appreciated members of the media group for promoting and projecting the image and interest of the state government nationally and internationally.
Alia added: “I have been informed of your efforts over the years on your modest contributions towards the actualisation of a better Benue.
“As you are aware, the challenges of development and transforming a state like Benue are daunting, especially at this time.
“Without disrupting the existing structures, I am genuinely committed to the transformation of Benue, harnessing the abundance of untapped natural resources and vibrant youthful population.”
On salaries and pension, Alia said the government has consistently paid salaries and pension on 25th of every month to make lives easy for the citizens.
The governor said that 100 percent payment of gratuities on retirement was another milestone in his administration.
He urged the media group to use their skills to counter fake news and propaganda aimed at sabotaging his administration.
He said: ““This is why I call on all of us from Benue to join hands with my administration and also invite our friends to support this effort to rebuild Benue.”
He called on members of the State Executive Council to take advantage of the presence of the group to project the activities of their various ministries.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power and Transportation, Omale Omale, said that the buses on ground have been branded with the state transport company’s logo.
Omale said: “They will be handed over to the management before the yuletide to ease transportation from Benue to any part of the country as well as the state.
“With this addition, we will have a total of about 800 vehicles in the fleet of the company to ease transportation.”
He said that with the additional buses, the governor has reviewed downward transportation fare on all routes within the state to make it affordable to all users.
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On his part, the President, Conference of Benue Journalists, Emmanuel Anule, commended the state government for all the projects embarked upon.
He urged the Governor to sustain the tempo and also not to waver in his prompt and timely payment of salaries to civil servants.
Anule urged Alia to intensify efforts in addressing security challenges in the state and the people displaced from their ancestral homes.
