By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Director-General of the Benue State Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Aondoaseer Leo-Angelo Viashima, has declared that the nomination of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia by the Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper as the “Best Governor on International Cooperation and Development” for 2025 is not a surprise.
Viashima described the recognition as apt, a right decision in the right direction, and a round peg in a round hole.
The Director-General made this declaration on Monday at the BICD headquarters while fielding questions from the NewsDirect Benue State Correspondent regarding the Governor’s nomination by the national daily.
He highlighted the notable milestones achieved by the Governor within just two years of his administration that he believes qualify him for the nomination.
Specifically, Governor Alia is reportedly the first governor globally to have fully funded United Nations (UN) Volunteers, an initiative that has successfully put the state’s young population in the global limelight.
Furthermore, the state secured a massive $85 billion in funding from global partners in 2024, with over $35 million USD anticipated in 2025. This award is also based on the fact that Governor Alia is the first in Nigeria to establish the most successful Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, which Viashima affirmed is a “true model for development.”
Viashima concluded by acknowledging the unwavering commitment and support of the Benue populace.
He urged the masses, both at home and in the Diaspora, to redouble their support for the Governor to enable him to transform all sectors of the state economy for the overall good and development of Benue at large.
