Tersoo Kula: Benue State's Growth Hinges on Development Efforts, Not Media Statements

Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary for Benue State's Governor, has stated that the progress occurring in the state under Governor Hyacinth Alia's leadership should be assessed through observable development projects and the quality of services offered, rather than solely relying on media communications.

Kula’s remarks were made in a press statement released on January 27, 2026, titled 'Benue Media Tour: Beyond the Lamentations of Naysayers (II)', after a recent media tour involving senior journalists throughout the state.

The release explained that this media tour 'was neither premeditated nor intended as an alternative to data-driven governance', instead seeking to promote transparency and allow independent media professionals an opportunity to directly witness various projects and interventions.

Kula emphasized that the opinions expressed by the visiting journalists were their own, reiterating that 'firsthand observation is a legitimate and traditional tool in journalism, which should complement empirical data but not replace it.'

In reference to critiques from the opposition, the press release characterized the position of the Benue State People’s Democratic Party as 'the saddest commentary ever', asserting that the Alia administration has consistently made project information, budgets, and sectoral interventions available through official channels including budget documents and public briefings.

Highlighting key areas of development, Kula's statement noted, 'Infrastructure projects, healthcare improvements, educational initiatives, and agricultural support programs are visibly implemented across the state and are open for validation by citizens, civil society groups, and the media.'

He listed numerous initiatives attributed to the administration, such as enhanced street lighting in Makurdi under the campaign 'Operation Lit Up Makurdi', the revitalization of primary schools alongside an infusion of over 9000 personnel, and upgrades at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, which has reportedly transformed into a medical tourism destination.

Further initiatives included the renovation of over a hundred primary healthcare centers, the establishment of a brewery and fruit juice production company, as well as the construction of inner-city roads in Makurdi. According to the statement, Governor Alia inaugurated the first phase of construction for 16 inner-city roads in Makurdi, all of which have been completed, while the second phase encompassing 25 roads has also been finished—efforts that were observed by the media delegation.

On environmental initiatives, Kula declared that flooding in certain areas of Makurdi was tackled successfully, noting that for the first time in 2025, the residents of Idye were not displaced by floodwaters due to significant ecological management interventions undertaken by the governor, with similar successes reported at Wurukum market.

The statement reiterated the necessity for development to be demonstrated, asserting: 'Development, in fact, must be visibly demonstrated, and as far as Alia’s administration is concerned, this demonstration is ongoing, concrete, and accessible.'

It also defended the government’s interaction with the media, stating, 'Communication regarding development is not undermined by engagement; conversely, it is reinforced when actual facts undergo public evaluation.'

Kula asserted that the administration is devoted to 'accountability, fiscal prudence, and continuous enhancement', welcoming 'constructive criticism and data-driven discussions'.

In conclusion, the press release affirmed: 'It should be noted that progress and advancement in Benue State is not merely announced through press statements; it is embodied in continuing innovations, improving service delivery, and the daily experiences of the populace.'

The statement concluded by emphasizing the government's commitment to transparency and readiness to be held accountable at any time.