By

Felly Mammah

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has etched his name in Nigeria’s history as the first state governor to deploy drone surveillance technology to monitor communities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

The groundbreaking initiative, unveiled through the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), is in partnership with Benur Digital Infrastructure Company PLC and is designed to provide real-time visual updates from affected areas.

According to BSEMA Executive Secretary James Iorpuu, the technology will not only enhance monitoring of displaced persons but also improve emergency response and transparency. The governor has made the platform open to the public and the media to curb misinformation and ensure accountability.

Governor Alia, fondly called “Yes Father” for his grassroots connection and pastoral background, has in just two years put Benue on the global map for innovative governance. Known for his training in clinical psychology, he has combined empathy with strategic thinking to address the state’s challenges.

Alongside the drone project, Governor Alia has approved compensation for property owners affected by the construction of the Wurukun Flyover in Makurdi. He also secured Federal Government approval for the dualisation of the Lafia–Makurdi–Ninth Mile Road and an additional flyover at Wurukun Roundabout.

The infrastructure projects, to be executed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Works, the Benue State Ministry of Works, the Benue Urban Development Board, and China Harbour Engineering Company, are expected to expand urban areas, improve city planning, and ease traffic congestion through alternative route diversions during construction.

Governor Alia’s administration, observers note, is setting a precedent for integrating digital technology into governance while prioritising infrastructure development and humanitarian welfare.