By

Fely Mammah, Abuja

Before the emergence of His Excellency Rev. Dr. Fr. Hycient Alia as the number one citizen of Benue State, the state was seen as one of the poorest and most neglected in Nigeria—insignificant, disregarded, and dismissed as a place of little potential.

The citizens did not foresee a messiah who would liberate them from stagnation, nor a strong voice that would reclaim their fertile land—once proudly known as the Food Basket of the Nation. Yet, from the altar of mercy, God raised a lone voice—proof that Jesus Christ of Nazareth paid the ultimate price for the redemption of all.

Before the arrival of the distinguished “Yes Father”, the people of Benue lived in despair, yearning for compassion and opportunities from others. Their lack of direction deepened their misery and pushed them further into national obscurity.

But in His divine timing, God heard the cries of the less privileged. Just as Isaiah 62 declares, when the appointed time comes, God will make all things work together for good. That time came for the people of Benue when a man from the altar was called to the apex of leadership—Fr. Hycient Alia—sent to restore their dignity and rightful place in governance.

Against all odds, and even opposition from within his own clergy, Fr. Alia accepted the divine call—just as St. Matthew left his fishing nets to follow Christ. His journey into politics was not mere ambition but an ordination from birth—a continuation of the biblical tradition of leaders like Moses, Gideon, David, and Deborah, who rose to serve God’s purpose in their generation.

In his two years as governor, Fr. Alia’s leadership has mirrored the challenges and triumphs of these great figures. He faced herdsmen attacks, internal conspiracies, envy, and political godfatherism, yet what was meant for evil turned into good. Through resilience and divine favor, his administration has brought justice, stability, and development—ushering Benue into national and global recognition.

Today, Benue State stands among Nigeria’s success stories. Without borrowing, Governor Alia has shown that sincere leadership—with compassion and integrity—can secure a brighter tomorrow. Dubbed “Baba Projects” by admirers, he joins the ranks of transformative leaders like Nyesom Wike, Nasir El-Rufai, Babatunde Fashola, and the late Sam Mbakwe.

His commitment to progress mirrors that of Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader, President Thomas Sankara, who resisted external control and championed self-reliance. In the same spirit, Fr. Alia is ready to face challenges head-on for the sake of future generations.

As one of the first governors to deploy drones for monitoring IDP camps, he has exposed the realities of insecurity and called national attention to the threats of kidnapping and planned genocide. He champions education as the strongest foundation for progress, denouncing all forms of exploitation in schools.

Through the completion of abandoned projects, road dualization, the establishment of orange-processing factories, and revitalized agricultural initiatives, Benue is fast becoming a hub for business, tourism, and investment—drawing attention from international bodies including the United Nations, as well as dignitaries such as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Politically, Governor Alia’s open-hearted leadership has united many under the APC umbrella, emphasizing forgiveness and collective progress. A loyal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he remains a pillar of stability within the party. Attempts to sow division within the Benue APC ahead of the 2027 elections are therefore futile—Benue has moved beyond backwardness and mental slavery.

As the scripture in Numbers 23:23 declares:

“Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel. According to this time, it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel: What hath God wrought!”

Indeed, what God has wrought through Rev. Fr. Hycient Alia in Benue State is a testament to divine purpose, faith-driven leadership, and the unstoppable power of vision.