President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the government and people of Benue State on the state’s Golden Jubilee.
The president described the occasion as a celebration of resilience, enterprise and the enduring contributions of the people to Nigeria’s development.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration held at IBB Square in Makurdi, the President who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said Benue’s 50th anniversary was not only a celebration of the state’s creation but also of a people whose history had been shaped by courage, sacrifice and hope for a better future.
He noted that the creation of Benue State on February 3, 1976, reflected Nigeria’s commitment to justice, inclusion and balanced development, stating that five decades later, the state had justified that vision by emerging as a major pillar of the federation.
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The President described Benue as the nation’s “Food Basket,” praising its vast agricultural potential and the resilience of its people in sustaining millions of Nigerians through food production while making significant contributions across various sectors of national life.
Paying tribute to the founding fathers of the state, the President particularly honoured the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka for his advocacy for justice and minority rights, which he said helped pave the way for the creation of Benue State.
He also commended past governors, administrators, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, civil servants and all citizens whose sacrifices had contributed to the state’s growth over the past five decades.
According to the President, Benue has produced outstanding national leaders, including Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, Secretaries to the Government of the Federation, ministers, ambassadors, service chiefs, jurists, scholars, captains of industry and sports icons who have brought honour to Nigeria.
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Benue State Government in tackling security challenges, modernising agriculture, improving infrastructure, creating jobs and expanding access to quality healthcare and education.
“As Benue enters its next fifty years, this is the time to dream bigger, aspire higher, and work harder,” the President said.
He expressed confidence that the state could become not only Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse but also a leading centre for agro-industrial innovation, commerce, education, tourism and investment.
Addressing the youth, he urged them to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, saying the next chapter of Benue’s history belongs to them.
Call for Unity
He also called on Benue indigenes at home and in the diaspora to remain united, peaceful and committed to the development of their homeland, stressing that unity, visionary leadership and hard work would enable the state to overcome every challenge.
President Tinubu urged the people to honour the past, celebrate the present and embrace the future with renewed confidence, expressing optimism that the next fifty years would surpass the achievements of the last.
He congratulated the government and people of Benue State on the historic milestone and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, called for unity and urged residents to work together for a peaceful, prosperous and industrialised Benue.
Tribute
The Governor paid tribute to the pioneers of the state’s creation, honoured past leaders and other contributors to Benue’s development, and praised the resilience of the people despite insecurity and economic challenges.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development, Alia highlighted ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security and investment.
He said the government would diversify the economy through agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, technology and tourism, while encouraging diaspora investment and urging residents to embrace peace and collective responsibility for a more prosperous Benue.
