MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Stakeholders and community leaders across Ushongo Local Government Area (LGA) have formally declared their backing for Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration—tagged by political observers as the “Ushongo Accord”—was reached during a thanksgiving reception held at Kartyo-Lobi in honour of Rev. Fr. Prof. Gabriel Ngbea, a Federal Commissioner from the area.
The announcement marks a significant political realignment in Ushongo, which previously served as the home base for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 governorship election. Despite those political roots, community figures highlighted a series of key infrastructural, administrative, and employment developments as the foundation for their decision.
Key Infrastructure Projects Underway
Leaders in the local government cited several major ongoing civil engineering projects implemented under the current administration:
- Gbem–Ushongo Town Road: Construction is advancing on the 16-kilometer road stretching from Gbem through Hegha, Igbor, and Mbayegh to Ushongo Town. Community representatives noted the project’s strategic role in transporting local produce—including citrus and cassava—to regional markets.
- Lessel Township Road: In Lessel, the administrative headquarters of Ushongo, local authorities flagged off a 3-kilometer asphalt township project executed with state government support.
- River Lessel Crossing: Approval and mobilization for a four-cell box culvert at River Lessel aimed at improving commercial access between Mbagba and Ihugh.
Strategic Political Appointments
The accord emphasized recent political appointments awarded to key figures from Ushongo LGA within the state cabinet and public institution boards:
- Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba: Appointed Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy—marking the first cabinet commissioner from Mbagba since the creation of Benue State.
- Dr. Samuel Yuwa: Serving as Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy Coordination and Cabinet Matters.
- Prof. Terkura Tarnande: Director General of the Benue Civil Service Institute.
- Sir Tersoo Kula: Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
- Prof. Member George-Genyi: Appointed Council Chairman of the College of Education, Oju, and Vice Chancellor (Administration) at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi.
Public Sector Recruitment Drive
Addressing socio-economic impacts, community members highlighted local inclusion in ongoing state recruitment exercises. Recent recruitment cycles across state agencies—including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), and the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC)—have yielded direct public service employment across key households in Mbayegh and Mbagwaza.
Agricultural Revival Plans
In addition to existing civil works, the administration announced plans to resuscitate the Ber Agbum Farm in Mbaivende. Government representatives noted that preliminary discussions with external investors are underway to revitalize the commercial farm, aimed at boosting local employment and agricultural productivity.
Addressing attendees, representatives confirmed that the community intends to build upon the 31,000 votes delivered for the administration during the 2023 elections as momentum builds toward the 2027 ballot.
