By Angula Reuben – 17 September, 2024
Benue State has embarked on a promising partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, aimed at fostering an exchange program that will benefit civil servants and council staff from both London and Benue State.
The announcement was made by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on his official social media handles, following a meeting with the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Councillor Moin Quadri, and his team.
The collaboration aims to create a platform where civil servants from Benue State will have the opportunity to learn from their UK counterparts, improving their service delivery and gaining insights into modern administrative best practices. in return, council staff from Barking and Dagenham will experience the culture of Benue State, adding a rich cultural dimension to their professional development.
Mayor Quadri expressed his excitement about the partnership, highlighting the power of international collaboration. “This initiative is a testimony to the power of international collaboration,” he said. “We are excited to share our experiences and learn from the dedicated civil servants of Benue State. This exchange program is not only about professional development but also about building lasting relationships between our communities.”
The partnership meeting was witnessed by the Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom (CANUK), demonstrating the importance of this cross-cultural exchange.
Governor Alia expressed his gratitude to the five Nigerian councillors in Barking and Dagenham, particularly veteran Councillor Sade Bright, for their significant role in making this partnership possible.
Beyond cultural and professional exchange, the discussions also opened doors for potential commercial and economic opportunities. With the relocation of three major markets from Central London to Dagenham, Benue State stands in a prime position to become a key supplier of agricultural produce. This move could greatly benefit Benue’s rich agro-resources, establishing the state as a vital link in the supply chain to these markets.
Governor Alia emphasized that the partnership marks a step towards building a future where learning, culture, and commerce will foster stronger connections and create new opportunities for both regions.
Comrade Angula Bishop Reuben is the Private Secretary/PSA to the Governor on ICT & New Media.
