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Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia
By Ben Atonko
For this month of May, it is double celebration for the Benue State governor-elect, Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Twin celebrations one may say.
He will on May 15 celebrate his birthday and 14 days after on May 29, his assumption of office as the Governor of Benue State.
A birthday planning committee has already sent an open invitation to the public for a Thanksgiving Mass/Birthday Celebration slated for Monday May 15 at St Thomas Catholic Church, Anum, opposite the Benue State University (BSU) First Gate in Makurdi. Time is 9:00am. A reception follows the church activity at a place called City Bay Event Centre, Makurdi.
Similarly, a lot of preparations for the celebration of Fr. Alia’s entry into Government House Makurdi are already underway.
Few days ago the governor-elect inaugurated committees with divergent roles to see to the sublime and eventful ceremony on his taking over the reins of power in Benue State on May 29.
The status and number of people on the committees are clear indication that May 29 will be historic in Benue State.
Since news of Fr. Alia’s birthday broke, there have been showers of goodwill even as many have been praying for his good health, happiness and success in the task ahead of him. His has been described as a marvellous birth.
It will be a humongous crowd on the birthday as many would love to be part of the celebration with the priest. Vast throngs will be there just like they have been in his abode since he was declared winner of the March 18 governorship election in Makurdi.
The decision to hold the Thanksgiving Mass at St Thomas Catholic Church, Anum is quite interesting and instructive for it is there that his pastoral work left in its trail a monument to behold. Those in the know say the church lacked a decent structure. It was Fr. Alia who out of lean resources laboured to put up that building that has become St Thomas, Anum today.
Yes, it is such a whacking merriment. Yet there lies a gargantuan task ahead. Huge task because so much is expected from the new administration.
The governor-elect was spotted few days ago inspecting renovation works on the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat in Makurdi. In his sartorial splendor, he walked briskly and smartly, taking a good look at the party building. He directed the contractor(s) to expedite works and exit in time.
This is apparently what is needed. At this time when public projects have been turned into conduits for siphoning public funds, the only way is for the Chief Executive who approves contracts to be on the alert, visiting sites themselves to see what contractors are doing.
His Excellency has started well. In this manner, it will never be business as usual. Anyone given a job must show commitment and do the job according to specifications and deliver in time. My advice now is that the procurement and contract award system that leads to delays in payment and abandonment of project sites must be avoided.
Many a time, a contract is not awarded to the right person/company and not properly funded so the contractor abandons projects half way. When they are asked to resume work years after, they bring forth additional costs claiming prices of goods and services have risen.
The new government should ensure that only reputable contractors are given jobs and once a project is started, funding is continual for it to be completed on schedule. Contracts are not to be used to reward party honchos. Cases of projects lacking funds should not be heard of under Fr Alia-led administration in Benue State. It is better not to start a project at all than to start and leave it uncompleted. Such an act is primitive, wasteful, irresponsible, outrageous and ungodly.
As the governor-elect celebrates, may the numerous vulnerable Benue State people who have no ceremonial clothes or do not have the means to attend the feasts also find a way to be part of the celebrations. It should not be only for the politicians or those who can wriggle through the narrow and constricted path to the arena. Not just for the fair-weather friends! The vulnerable should as well partake in this celebratory banquet. It should be for all.
Finally, I would like to say happy birthday to the philosopher king. More garlands for him. May he live long and accomplish all he has set out for himself and the fatherland.
Atonko is the author of Bleeding Roads.
