Benue@50: Exploring Today, Shaping The Future

The inauguration of the 40,000 metric tons per day concentrate plant of Bensono Fruits Processing Company Limited in Makurdi, is an apt birthday gift to Benue State, Nigeria’s food basket. An apt birthday present for a state that has marked 50 years of struggle, fulfilment, and a desire to excel amidst various challenges of governance, crisis and orchestrated divisions.

No wonder then, that the state’s Golden Jubilee

celebration was witnessed by a gathering of national leaders, traditional rulers and eminent personalities, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s representative, his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in a reaffirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering Benue in addressing the state’s security challenges, its push for the modernisation of agriculture, the expansion of the state’s infrastructure, improvement of healthcare and education, and the determination to unlock the state’s vast economic potentials.

The President’s address at the IBB Square, Makurdi, on Saturday 27th June 2026, delivered by Gbajabiamila congratulated the people of Benue on attaining the historic milestone, describing the state as a symbol of resilience, enterprise and national unity. He paid tribute to the state’s founding fathers, particularly the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, while commending Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for strengthening governance, promoting peace and expanding opportunities for the people.

After the encomium, the President told the people of Benue to build on their agricultural strength so that the state would emerge as a leading centre for agro-industrial innovation, commerce, tourism and investment over the next fifty years.

An elated Governor Hyacinth Alia described the Golden Jubilee as a celebration of hope, resilience, unity and purposeful leadership. He honoured the founding fathers of the state, successive military and civilian administration, traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers and distinguished Benue sons and daughters whose contributions have shaped the state’s development.

His message carried a bold commitment to restoring confidence in governance through infrastructure development, improved healthcare and education, industrialisation, investment promotion, youth and women empowerment, and the implementationof a clear vision of transforming Benue into a major hub for agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, technology and tourism.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, reflected nostalgically on his long relationship with Benue, recalling that his administration created the former Benue-Plateau State in 1967 and initiated the process that culminated in the creation of Benue State in 1976. He celebrated the state’s rich human capital, agricultural heritage and immense contributions to national development, while urging political, traditional and community leaders to work together in resolving security challenges through dialogue, fairness, inclusiveness and mutual respect.

For Gowon, the Golden Jubilee is an opportunity for “a new beginning” for the people of Benue State to built peace and unite for the overall development of the state.

From Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule, sent a powerful message through his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe. As neighbours, he said, the two states are bound by shared history and culture despite administrative boundaries, pledging continued cooperation

in promoting peace, security and developmen, as the Deputy Gov of Plateau  H.E ,Josephine Piyo was also present  amongst  others dignitaries wished Benue well.

The Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, through its Chairman, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, saluted the resilience of the people of Benue for overcoming decades of challenges and shaping a state that is trying to work for all.

The traditional council paid tribute to late Governor Aper Aku and successive administrationsfor laying the foundation of the state’s progress, while appealing to political leaders to embrace inclusive politics, unity and people-centred leadership.

There was fraternal message from the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who recalled his National Youth Service days in Benue, describing the state as a place of warmth and hospitality that left a lasting impression on him.

His message was to all Nigerians to  believing in the country and unite for a better future. He harped on  reconciliation, and called on citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening peace and national cohesion.

Indeed, as  Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode said, the calibre of guests at the event was a strong affirmation of Benue’s importance to the Nigeria project.

For him, the Golden Jubilee represents not only fifty years of statehood but also the triumph of a resilient and hospitable people who have remained steadfast despite numerous challenges.

As noted by the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Barr. Deborah Aber, the week-long celebration was a flamboyant showcasing of Benue’s history, culture, developmental strides and aspirations.

Bridget Tikyaa Is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communications Strategy