Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has won the “Advocate of the Masses and Human Rights” award, at the 2024 Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards Night and Dinner, organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja.
The event was held at the African Hall of Barcelona Hotels International, Abuja, on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.
The union said Gov Alia’s resolve to prioritise the yearnings of the masses and his determination to fulfil his covenant with the people of Benue State attracts the award.
This is the second time the watchdog of the society has recognised the governor, and awarded him this year for his sterling leadership qualities and outstanding performance, as the Executive Governor of Benue State.
In March, Governor Alia had won the award of the “Governor of the Year 2023”, during the 16th edition of the Leadership Conference, organised by Leadership Newspapers.
The Governor was awarded alongside his Borno State counterpart, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum CON.
Gov Alia was accompanied to the ceremony by some major stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, the Deputy Speaker Mrs Lami Danladi and some principal officers of the House; House of Representatives Members, Hon. Solomon Wombo, Hon. Blessing Onuh, Hon. David Ogewu; Elders including Sen. (Chief) Barnabas Gemade, Gen. Lawrence Onoja rtd, Sen. Joseph Akaagerger, Amb. Prof. Stephen Ugba, Gen. India Garba rtd and the entire members of the Benue State executive council led by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Barr. Sam Ode.
Speaking on the sideline at the event, Chief Press to the governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, who congratulated the governor, noted that the award was well deserving, given what he has put on ground in the past eleven months in office.
According to him, the “Governor of the Year 2023” and the “Advocate of the Masses and Human Rights”, will spur the governor to protect his people as well as uplift the status of the state for the good of all in the state irrespective of one’s status
