The Executive Chairman of Mikang Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali, FCA, has marked his first anniversary in office, showcasing a record of tangible achievements that cut across key sectors of governance including security, health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and administration.
Dr. Alkali, a renowned academic and financial expert who previously served as Head of the Department of Accounting at the University of Jos, has leveraged his wealth of experience and professional discipline to entrench accountability, prudent resource management, and people-oriented development at the grassroots.
Operating under his administration’s developmental mantra, “The Future Has Come,” the council has executed several impactful projects designed to improve the welfare of residents and strengthen local governance.
Security
To strengthen security within the local government, the council constructed and fenced a Police Outpost in Piapung District and distributed 30 motorcycles to various security formations operating across Mikang.
Health
The Alkali administration has prioritized healthcare delivery with the construction of modern clinics in Shamang, Keotes, Kongyil, and Pal, as well as the fencing of the Lifidi Primary Health Centre (PHC) and completion of Doctors’ quarters in Lifidi. A free medical outreach was also conducted across the four districts, providing access to quality health services for hundreds of residents.
Infrastructure
In the area of infrastructure, the council constructed five box culverts in Piapung District and installed 150 solar-powered streetlights within the Tunkus council headquarters.
Other notable projects include the remodeling and furnishing of the Council Secretariat Complex and Legislative Chambers to modern standards, both now powered by 24-hour solar supply.
The administration also refenced the secretariat, furnished Kangmi Resorts and commenced its operations, drilled 20 new boreholes, and rehabilitated over 100 non-functional boreholes across various communities.
Agriculture
To boost food production, the council procured 40 trucks of fertilizer sold at subsidized rates and, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, distributed four trucks of fertilizer free to farmers. Thousands of bags of grains were also distributed to vulnerable persons across the 18 electoral wards.
Education
Dr. Alkali’s commitment to education is evident in the renovation of classroom blocks at LEA Lalin and the construction of a three-classroom block at LEA Longkrom in Garkawa District. The council also sponsored 100 Mikang students at Usweller College of Education, Shendam, and awarded scholarships to students pursuing professional courses such as ANAN, ICAN, and Law.
In addition, 800 candidates received free JAMB registration, 108 candidates had their NANTEB exams registered, and numerous students in tertiary institutions benefited from scholarship support.
Administration and Staff Welfare
Under administrative reforms, the council procured five official vehicles for principal officers, ten computers for staff capacity development, and paid compensation to property owners at Zamwai-Puken in Montol District, successfully recovering the land for the council.
Currently attending a one-week workshop in Abuja, Dr. Alkali is expected to commission the completed projects across all districts in the coming weeks as part of his one-year anniversary celebrations.
Looking ahead, the Mikang Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating on the gains of the past year and expanding development to underserved areas, guided by a comprehensive needs assessment report from the 18 electoral wards.
In just one year, Hon. Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali has redefined local governance in Mikang through transparency, innovation, and result-driven leadership—living up to his vision that indeed, “The Future Has Come.”
– Nkat Joseph Lakai
Head of Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairman, Mikang Local Government Council
October 10, 2025
