Get Guardian on GoogleBenue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has won The Sun Newspaper’s 2026 Governor of the Year award, following recognition of his administration’s performance in the state.
Alia received the award on Friday at the 24th edition of The Sun Awards held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, according to a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
Kula said the award reflected national recognition of the administration’s achievements and the support Alia enjoyed among residents of the state.
“Endorsing this administration by the masses has been clear in their support, their participation in governance, and their renewed confidence in the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration as it heads into re-election,” the statement reads.
“The Sun Award has only given national recognition to that endorsement.”
He said Alia was among six governors recognised at the ceremony, adding that the award was significant for Benue, which he said had previously attracted national attention for negative reasons.
“Indeed, after years of being mentioned nationally only for the wrong reasons, Benue was being mentioned for good governance, reforms, and results,” he said.
According to Kula, the award citation highlighted the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers, the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Vandeikya and the revival of moribund companies.
He added that the citation also recognised the establishment of new factories through the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).
Kula said the recognition was significant given the challenges the administration inherited, including salary arrears, dilapidated schools, abandoned projects and a large population of displaced persons.
“From the lowest point to the Governor of the Year list, that is the story of administering Gov. Alia, the story of prosperity for the state,” he added.
While receiving the award, Alia expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an incentive to work harder and fulfil his responsibilities.
He dedicated the award to the people of Benue, including farmers, teachers, health workers, traders, youths and displaced persons, whom he said had continued to support his administration’s policies and believe in the state’s recovery.
