Rev. Fr. Hyancinth Lormen Alia
Benue State | Governor
Benue State | Governor
Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is the Governor of Benue State, sworn in on May 29, 2023, and is the second Catholic priest in Nigeria’s history to serve as a state governor. Born on May 14/15, 1966, in Mbangur, Vandeikya LGA, he holds advanced degrees in Religious Education (Fordham University) and Biomedical Ethics (Duquesne University).
Ordained in 1990, he served in various parishes in Nigeria and the U.S. and directed Pastoral Services at Catholic Health Services in Florida. He entered politics in 2022 and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Alia’s administration follows a “Strategic Development Plan”, focusing on poverty reduction, security, and rural development. The ₦695.01 billion 2026 “Budget of Rural Development, Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth” prioritizes road construction, rural electrification, education, digital skills training, social welfare, and a ₦75,000 minimum wage. He plans to return to priesthood after his tenure.