Benue @50: Tinubu, Alia Unveil Vision For Greater Prosperity

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday joined the government and people of Benue State to celebrate the state’s Golden Jubilee, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, enterprise and the enduring spirit of the Benue people.

Speaking at the celebration held at the IBB Square, Makurdi, the President said the creation of Benue State on February 3, 1976, reflected Nigeria’s commitment to justice, inclusion and balanced development, noting that the state has since become a pillar of the federation through its contributions to agriculture, national development and human capital.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiambila, President Tinubu paid tribute to the state’s founding fathers, particularly the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, past governors and administrators, legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, civil servants and all citizens whose contributions have shaped Benue’s growth.

He commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for strengthening governance, improving infrastructure and promoting peace, while assuring continued Federal Government support in addressing insecurity, modernising agriculture, expanding infrastructure, healthcare, education and job creation.

President Tinubu urged Benue to leverage its agricultural strength, youthful population and rich cultural heritage to become a leading centre for agro-industrial innovation, commerce, tourism and investment.

In his address, Governor Alia described the Golden Jubilee as a celebration of hope, unity and purposeful leadership, emphasizing the contributions of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, General Murtala Mohammed, pioneer Military Governor Colonel Abdullahi Shelleng, the late Governor Aper Aku and all former military and civilian leaders which shale the state’s development.

The Governor also honoured distinguished Benue sons and daughters who have excelled in public service, politics, the military, judiciary, academia, business, sports and the creative industry, alongside traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners, women, youths, farmers and civil servants.

Governor Alia acknowledged the state’s security and economic challenges but reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, improved healthcare and education, agriculture, industrialisation, youth and women empowerment and enhanced security.

He disclosed that beyond agriculture, Benue possesses over forty-five identified solid mineral deposits, including gold, lithium, limestone, barite, kaolin, lead and zinc, stressing that the administration is focused on attracting investments that will establish processing industries, create jobs and transform the state into a major agro-industrial and mineral processing hub.

Goodwill messages were delivered by former Vice President Namadi Sambo, the representative of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, while former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion as Guest of Honour, also delivered remarks.

The celebration featured colourful cultural displays showcasing Benue’s rich heritage and climaxed with the cutting of the Benue at 50 anniversary cake.

The President was later led by Governor Alia to the industrial layout in Makurdi where he commissioned the newly built fruit concentrate factory in the State.

The factory would help address the long-standing challenge of post-harvest losses by providing a ready market for fruits produced in the state, and it’s products would serve both local and international markets.

The plant processing capacity would create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic activities, boost foreign exchange earnings and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fruit concentrate.

President Tinubu commended Benue State Governor for driving industrial development in Benue State and urged the people of the state to continue to support Governor Alia’s efforts to reposition Benue as an industrial hub.

While the 50th anniversary is a major celebration of resilience and survival, it has also been a period of deep reflection for citizens over the decades the state has faced significant hurdles, including severe security challenges, displacement of farming communities, and questions regarding infrastructure development and economic empowerment.

Discussions during the celebration were centered on protecting rural farming communities from violence, moving from basic crop production to large-scale agro-industrialization and job creation, as well as ensuring equitable governance and inclusive development across all the 23 Local Government Areas.

Isaac Uzaan is Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor of Benue State on Media and Content Creation and he writes from Makurdi.