50th anniversary: Benue’s contributions to Nigeria is both profound, enduring- Tinubu

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that Benue’s contributions to Nigeria are both profound and enduring, adding that the state has produced distinguished national leaders and professionals whose achievements have brought pride and honour to the country.

He further stated that the creation of Benue State on 3rd February 1976 represented far more than the establishment of a new administrative entity, stressing that it reflected Nigeria’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and balanced development. 

President Tinubu  who made this  remark during the grand finale of the golden celebration of Benue held at the IBB Square Makurdi, the state capital at the weekend, noted that fifty years later, Benue has more than justified that vision.

He added that Benue has emerged as one of the pillars of the Nigeria federation, feeding the nation, strengthening its economy, enriching the diversity, and producing exceptional men and women whose contributions continue to shape the destiny of Nigeria

The President assured his administration’s commitment to remain steadfast in partnership with the Benue State government in improving security and unlocking the immense potentials of the state.

President Tinubu who was represented by his Chief Of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila acknowledged Benue as one of the pillars and foundation of the Nigeria state  enjoined the people to dream bigger and aspire higher.

The President however paid glowing tributes to past leaders of the state who laid the foundation for the present including late J. S Tarka who fought for the minority that cumulated to the creation of the State, late Aper Aku,

Current Secretary to Government of the Federation Sen George Akume amongst others, for their enormous contribution, maintaining that the next phase of the state lies in the hands of the youth to build a greater Benue State.

He said, “Benue story is that of hope, resilience, no challenge is insurmountable. The people need to remain united in purpose and steadfast in peace. They must be confident, face the future and build a state that is safer and prosperous”.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia described the 50 year celebration as ‘defining’ milestones, noting too that it is a triumph of hope, resilience, unity, and purposeful leadership.

He said It is a moment to reflect on the state’s journey, celebrate her achievements, honour her heroes, and renew  commitment to a better future.

Governor Alia averred that Benue’s creation on 3rd February, 1976 was accomplished through the determined struggle of the ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt like Joseph Sarwuan Tarka who fought for justice, equity, and political inclusion/

Even as he also paid tributes to the pioneer Military Governor, Colonel Abdullahi Shelleng whose administration laid the administrative foundations of a new state  and all Military Governors and Administrators who served Benue with dedication during the formative years of her development.

He noted the immense contribution of first civilian Governor of the State late Aper Aku in 1979, stating that he laid the enduring foundation of modern Benue through visionary investments in agriculture, education, industries,

Healthcare, and rural development and as such  firmly established Benue as the Food Basket of the Nation, stressing that his legacy continues to inspire successive administration’s development agenda.

Alia said the state has endured insecurity, communal conflicts, displacement of its people, devastating floods, and economic hardship despite these trials, the Benue spirit remains unbroken as the people are resilient. 

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building upon the achievements of the past while laying a stronger foundation for the future. 

Said he, “We are restoring confidence in governance through fiscal discipline, strengthening institutions, expanding infrastructure across all twenty-three local government areas, improving healthcare and education,

Supporting agriculture, attracting investment, promoting industrialization, empowering our youths and women, and enhancing security across our state.

“We are determined to move Benue beyond being only the Food Basket of the Nation. We are building an economy driven by agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, technology, tourism, and innovation.

Our abundant natural resources, entrepreneurial people, and strategic location position us to become one of Nigeria’s leading centres of economic growth.

“The first fifty years gave us our identity. The next fifty must deliver unprecedented prosperity” he said.

He noted that beyond agriculture, Benue is richly endowed with over forty-five identified solid mineral occurrences and deposits, including gold, lithium, limestone, barite, kaolin, lead, zinc, and several other strategic minerals, with promising prospects for oil and gas development. 

Governor Alia assured that his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment that attracts responsible investment, not merely for the extraction of these raw resources, but for the establishment of processing industries