Alia mobilises stakeholders for $5bn Benue investment drive

Benue state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Wednesday, challenged participants at the Benue 2035 Economic Transformation, Capital Formation and Prosperity Summit to develop practical strategies capable of moving the state from economic potential to sustainable prosperity.

The Benue prosperity summit targets the mobilisation of $5 billion investment platform to accelerate economic growth and prosperity in the state.

Alia said the state possessed the human and natural resources required to build an extraordinary economy, adding that “belief alone is not enough” because potential must be converted into investment, productive activities, jobs and improved quality of life.

The governor said his administration’s responsibility was to create an environment where farmers, businesses and families could thrive, with security, infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, investment and strong institutions serving as key foundations.

He urged participants to think boldly, challenge assumptions and develop solutions that could be implemented, insisting that the summit must not produce “another report that will end up on a shelf.”

Alia added that the areas for consideration included governance and execution, security and justice, capital formation, economic development, agriculture, infrastructure, human capital, technology and artificial intelligence, and productivity.

He said the areas were interconnected, noting that “agriculture cannot thrive without security” while investment could not flourish without confidence, infrastructure and reliable power.