Benue at 50: Tinubu Hails State’s Resilience, Unity and Progress

By Victor Idajili

President Bola Tinubu says Benue’s 50th anniversary is a celebration of “resilience, unity and enduring progress.” 

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the golden jubilee event, Tinubu said the creation of Benue State five decades ago was about justice, inclusion and balanced development. 

“Benue State has continued to make outstanding contributions to national growth,” he said.

The President paid tribute to the state’s founding fathers, singling out the late minority rights activist, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka. He also honoured teachers, farmers, traditional rulers, public servants and artisans whose sacrifices, he said, shaped Benue’s history. 

“Benue State has produced distinguished national leaders and accomplished professionals whose achievements have brought honour to Nigeria,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for improving governance, infrastructure, job creation, peacebuilding, healthcare and education, and for expanding opportunities for Benue people. 

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to partner with the state to tackle insecurity and modernise agriculture to strengthen food security.

Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, urged Benue people to use the milestone to foster unity and development. 

Gowon recalled that he initiated the creation of Benue, which was later realised under another military government. He praised Governor Alia’s achievements so far and called for unity across the state.

Governor Alia said his administration is working to build industries and reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocation. 

As part of the anniversary activities, the President’s representative commissioned the Benue Fruit Company at the Industrial Layout along the Makurdi-Naka Road.