Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State is a Roman Catholic priest turned politician, known for his grassroots appeal and focus on public service. Born in 1966 in Benue State, Nigeria, Alia pursued theological studies and was ordained in the Catholic Church.

Prior to entering politics, he earned respect and popularity within his community as a clergyman and a counselor, often engaging in social and humanitarian initiatives. His decision to join politics marked a significant career shift, motivated by a desire to address the socio-economic challenges affecting his community on a larger scale.In 2023, Alia ran for governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, gaining support for his anti-corruption stance and his commitment to transparency and development in Benue.

His administration has focused on addressing financial mismanagement by the previous government, working with national agencies to recover state funds. Alia is also known for his attention to the needs of Benue’s rural population including farmers and small business owners, promising to leverage state resources to improve their lives.