The Conference of Benue Journalists (CBJ) has commended Benue state governor Hyacinth Alia for initiating reforms in the state civil service, saying they have ushered in an era of effective e-governance system that promotes transparency, and accountability. 

In a statement signed by its Vice President Ewache Ajefu on December 1, CBJ urged Governor Alia to sustain the reforms “which are necessary to assist the government in directly addressing long-standing challenges that have hampered economic growth and development of the ‘Food Basket’ State.”

“We are aware that the establishment of the Directorate for Diaspora Linkages and Investments, which focuses on attracting investments and improving agricultural policies, and other steps for promoting an e-governance system in the State are already yielding positive results that are capable of improving lives.

“Benue people are presently happy with Governor Alia’s reforms in the Civil Service that have witnessed merit-based promotions, prompt payment of salaries and arrears, and contemporary administrative practices that prioritize professionalism on the job,” the group said. 

The group also called on Benue citizens to support the administration of Governor Alia as it pursues the implementation of e-governance by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the State to streamline operations and enhance effective service delivery. 

“The mandatory e-filling system, the establishment of key platforms like the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Service Management Enforcement Agency (BENDME) form the backbone for the State’s digital transformation agenda that will no doubt encourage international partnerships and foreign direct investments (FDI),” the statement said.

It described the Governor’s approval of N75,000 as new minimum wage for workers in the state “ as a pivotal step to uplift employees’ morale amid prevailing economic hardship across the country.”