Alia declares spiritual renewal as state policy, welcomes Kumuyi to Benue

Governor Hyacinth Alia has declared spiritual renewal, moral values and the fear of God as key policy pillars of his administration as he welcomed William Kumuyi, General Overseer of Deeper Christian Life Ministry for a 6-day Global Crusade in Benue State.

Receiving the cleric at Government House, Makurdi, the Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor Sam Ode, said: “My administration believes that sustainable development is built not only on physical infrastructure but also on spiritual renewal, moral values and the fear of God.”

He described Kumuyi’s visit as “a divine blessing and a demonstration of God’s love for the people of Benue.”

According to Kumuyi, i postponed an earlier planned visit to Makurdi to allow the state to celebrate its Golden Jubilee. “Benue has a special compartment in my heart,” he told journalists.

He explained: “About two weeks before the programme, I learnt that the state would be celebrating the 50th anniversary, so I decided to give preference to the state’s anniversary celebration. That is why we were not here then.”

During the courtesy visit, Kumuyi announced the crusade would run in Gboko from Tuesday and move to Otukpo from Friday. He said the meetings would be broadcast to about 180 countries across six continents.

“Through this state, the world will receive tremendous blessings. Since blessings begin at home, the major outpouring will be here in Benue State,” he said.

Speaking on insecurity and economic hardship, Kumuyi urged residents to embrace faith. “When there are problems there is concern. But we shouldn’t allow the concern to make us lose hope. When there is life, there is hope.”

He cautioned against the “blame game”: “We know that when bad things happen, there are people that might be responsible, but the people are not the solution. God is our problem solver. When we are hoping in God our problems will be solved.”

The G.O. anchored his message on Scripture. “He says, ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray and turn away from their wickedness, I will heal their land.’”

“That’s one of the reasons we are here in Benue State: to bring the word of hope, the word of grace and the word of love, not the word of conflict and fighting and throwing evil words at each other,” he said.

Kumuyi commended the Alia administration for progress in governance, infrastructure and education “despite prevailing challenges,” attributing the achievements to “God’s hand upon the state.”

Ode said the state expects the crusade to bring “salvation, healing, deliverance, restoration and renewed hope.” He added that it would “strengthen families, inspire our youth, promote peace and encourage our people to remain steadfast in righteousness.”

Governor Alia, through Ode, applauded Kumuyi’s “decades of faithful ministry,” noting that his “humility, integrity and unwavering commitment to preaching the gospel have earned him global respect.” He also acknowledged the support of CAN, PFN and other Christian bodies, security agencies, and volunteers.

In another policy decision, Kumuyi pledged to return to Makurdi before December. “It may seem unusual to visit the same state twice in one year, but we wanted to give special honour and love to Benue State.”

The governor said the state would work with CAN and Deeper Life to ensure the second visit becomes “another remarkable milestone.”

Ode urged Benue people to participate fully. “Let us come with open hearts, great expectations and unwavering faith, trusting God to perform miracles beyond our imagination. Let us pray fervently for lasting peace, security, unity and sustainable development for our dear State.