By Mohammed Bello Doka
Makurdi — For the first time since its creation in 1976, Benue State is witnessing the construction of a major legacy project that could transform its capital city and redefine urban infrastructure across the state.
Abuja Network News can confirm — after viewing a video posted by the Governor Alia Media Centre and receiving on-the-ground verification from its correspondents in Makurdi — that the administration of Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is executing the historic Makurdi Interchange-Underpass, the first of its kind in Benue State.
Popularly referred to as the "Food Basket of the Nation," Benue has long been celebrated for its agricultural wealth. Yet, for nearly five decades, its capital city lacked modern road infrastructure capable of supporting its expanding urban and economic growth — until now.
The Makurdi Interchange-Underpass is being constructed as part of Governor Alia’s sweeping development agenda aimed at revitalizing the state. Since assuming office in May 2023, the cleric-turned-governor has embarked on a mission to modernize Benue’s landscape under the banner of the #RebuildBenue movement. This interchange-underpass project has quickly emerged as the centerpiece of that agenda, designed to decongest traffic in the state capital, enhance safety, reduce travel time, and boost access to commercial and residential districts.
The project is already being hailed as a milestone in Benue’s infrastructural development. Its impact, according to local residents and analysts, is not just physical but symbolic — a reflection of Governor Alia’s commitment to futuristic and transformative governance.
Residents have begun voicing their approval as the construction progresses. Mr. Titus, a long-time resident of Makurdi, praised the vision behind the project, stating: “The governor is trying his best to see that he brings Benue State at par with other states. When he came to power, he has been trying to see what project he will do to the state that will be outstanding and futuristic. So if you look at this project, you will see that the governor is succeeding in that — and in the next three decades, it will reach fruition.”
Another resident, Vivian, expressed her excitement over the development. “I love what Governor Alia is doing and I'm happy to see this development. I am therefore calling on the people of Benue State to support the government of Governor Alia. Together, we can make Benue great.”
Indeed, the slogan “Yes Father!” — a reference to Alia’s priestly background — has gained momentum and is trending across communities in Benue, capturing the public’s renewed hope in leadership and infrastructure-driven governance.
Governor Alia’s leadership style has been described as quiet but effective, with visible results that are quickly reshaping the narrative of governance in the state. The Makurdi Interchange-Underpass is more than a construction project — it is a signal of a new era for Benue State, one where vision meets action and results speak louder than politics.
With work on the interchange progressing steadily, expectations are high that it will set a new benchmark for infrastructural development in the North-Central region. More importantly, it is poised to reposition Benue as not only an agricultural powerhouse but also a modern urban hub with the capacity to attract investors and provide better living conditions for its citizens.
Abuja Network News will continue to monitor and report on the progress of this groundbreaking development.
For more information check Governor Alia Media Centre on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16N5UMmNaN/?mibextid=qi2Omg
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