By Amos Aar
BENUE State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday swore in 17 commissioners and assigned them ministries.
The 17 commissioners and their ministries include: Mrs. Joy Ahunde Luga for Ministry of Cooperatives, Urban & Rural Development; Barr. Oga Matthew Omale, Ministry of Power & Transport; Dr Ortese M. Yarmar, Ministry of Health & Human Services; Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, Ministry of Education & Knowledge Management; Hon. Ugwu Ameh Odoh, Ministry of Water Resources, Environment & Climate Change; Hon. Kwaghba Amande Katsina, Ministry of ICT & Digital Economy; Aboh Matthew Mnough, Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism; and Hon. Tiza Orya Imojime, Ministry of Works & Housing.
Others are Hon. Kunde Aondowase, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Disaster Management; Prof. Ogbaji Moses Ikape, Ministry of Agriculture; Barr. Martins T. Shaager, Ministry of Lands, Survey & Solid Minerals; Hon. Michael Oglegba, Ministry of Finance, Budget & Economic Planning; Mrs Anna Itodo, Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Welfare; Barr Fidelis Mnyim, Ministry of Justice & Public Order, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, Ministry of Youths, Sports & Creativity, Hon. Nick Eworo, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation; and Hon. Orpin Manasseh Alumo, Ministry of Commerce & Industries.
Governor Alia also inaugurated 23 advisers but they were not assigned portfolios until after a retreat which the governor said will be held in two days time.
He urged the newly sworn in commissioners and advisers to remember that the people of Benue placed great hope in their abilities and should work hard to justify the people’s confidence. The governor thanked the Benue State House of Assembly for their unwavering support for cutting short their break to expeditiously screen and confirm the commissioner nominees to ensure the continued smooth administrative governance of the state.