Hyacinth Alia

Hyacinth Iormem Alia (born May 15, 1966) is a Nigerian Catholic cleric and politician currently serving as the Governor of Benue State. A prominent figure in both religious and political spheres, he is known for his transition from a long career as a Catholic priest to a political leader, leveraging his public recognition to achieve electoral success.Early Life and Education Hyacinth Alia was born on May 15, 1966, in Mbangur, Mbadede, in the Vandeikya local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Katsina Alia. His early education began at St. Francis Primary School in Agidi, Mbatiav, Gboko local government area, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. In 1983, he enrolled at St. James Minor Seminary, Makurdi. He continued his religious studies at St. Augustine's Major Seminary, Jos, where he earned a diploma in Religious Studies in 1987 and a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Theology in 1990. Father Alia later pursued advanced education in the United States, obtaining a Master’s degree in Biomedical Ethics from Duquesne University, Pennsylvania, in 2004, followed by a Doctorate in the same field in 2005.Career Progression and Major Achievements Hyacinth Alia was ordained as a Catholic priest, a role he fulfilled for decades before entering politics. He became widely known across Nigeria for his work and charismatic appeal, often referred to as "Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia." His career trajectory shifted significantly with his entry into politics. He contested and was successfully elected as the Governor of Benue State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). **Key Political Milestones and Current Status:** * **Assumption of Office:** Hyacinth Alia assumed office as the 19th Executive Governor of Benue State on May 29, 2023, succeeding Samuel Ortom. * **Digital Economy Focus:** As Governor, he has prioritized Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Digital Economy as core drivers for human capital development and economic growth in Benue State. This focus has led to achievements such as implementing the Benue State Government Electronic Document Management System across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and establishing a paperless Executive Council Management System. * **Development Initiatives:** His administration has embarked on various interventions across key sectors, including infrastructure development, urban renewal (such as clearing the Makurdi slaughterhouse area for commercial development), and educational reform, earning him a vote of confidence from various socio-cultural groups in the state. * **Party Leadership:** Governor Alia registered as the number one member of the APC in Benue State during the nationwide e-registration and revalidation exercise, demonstrating his leadership within the party chapter.Alia continues to serve as the incumbent Governor of Benue State, focused on implementing his policy blueprints for progressive governance and economic transformation in the state.