Benue State governor, Reverend Father Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been honoured with the African Eagle Award for Best Governor in Socio-Economic Development Initiative 2025 at the just-concluded Accolade Africa Growth Summit and Awards (AAGSA) held in London, United Kingdom.

This was made known in a press statement signed by the Managing Director and chief executive officer of Accolade Dynamics Limited, Doofan Chizaram Tor.

The award, presented during the summit’s gala night, recognised Governor Alia’s visionary leadership, innovative governance, and commitment to humanitarian and inclusive growth in Benue State.

Represented at the event by his deputy, Samuel Ode, Governor Alia said the recognition would further motivate his administration to deliver impactful projects that enhance the welfare of citizens and attract investment into the state.

Benue State’s delegation to the summit also seized the opportunity to showcase the state’s rich agricultural potential and investment opportunities, positioning it as a credible destination for sustainable development and partnerships.

This year’s summit, themed “Developing Africa Through Investment and Recognition,” brought together political leaders, diplomats, investors, academics, and development partners from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas to deliberate on strategies for advancing Africa’s economic growth.

Key discussions revolved around two major topics: “Africans Financing Africa” and “Enhancing Regional Integration and Trade.”

Participants explored ways to strengthen intra-African trade and promote self-driven financing models for sustainable development.

The event also featured notable speakers, including H.E. Toga Gayewea McIntosh, former Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission; Matthew Anderso, Managing Director of TVET UK; Dr. Daniel Kawczynski, former UK parliamentarian; and other international experts in investment and innovation.

The statement also said the 2025 edition reaffirmed the forum’s role as a credible platform for fostering Africa’s sustainable growth through investment, innovation, and recognition.

“For Benue State, the Summit offered invaluable global visibility—reaffirming its status as “The Food Basket of the Nation” and highlighting its readiness for investment and partnership. The event’s success strengthens the narrative of a progressive, transparent, and investment-ready Africa, united by innovation and shared prosperity,” the statement added.

A communiqué issued at the end of the summit outlined practical steps for sustaining Africa’s growth momentum through collaboration, investment, and good governance.

Coralita Yard, 2nd Vice President of the Collectivity of Saint Martin (Barbados), also commended the organisers and extended an invitation to host AAGSA 2026 in Saint Martin.