First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Commissions 10 Newly Constructed Roads in Benue, hails Gov Alia’s for purposeful leadership

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned 10 newly completed roads in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as part of efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing mobility and stimulating economic growth in the state.

The roads, with a combined length of 11.5 kilometres, are among over 45 road projects executed by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia across Benue State.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Makurdi on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said she was delighted to be back in Makurdi, noting that the city occupies a special place in her heart.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to be in Makurdi again and I will tell you how Makurdi holds a special place to me when I finish speaking,” she said.

The First Lady stated that the newly completed roads would improve transportation, boost economic activities and enhance security for residents.

“These roads with a combined length of 11.5 kilometers including Ishaya Bakut Road dual carriageway, Abu King Shuluwa Road, Mama Mbateren Alia Streets, Dabo Plaza to Fashion Hub Road, Sir James Iorpuu Street, Tega Bar Street, Jato Aka Road and the connecting spur roads, are pathways to economic growth, improved mobility, enhanced security and a better quality of life for the people of Makurdi and beyond.”

She commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to infrastructural development and the welfare of the people of Benue State noting that the projects represent the practical implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through investments that directly improve the lives and livelihoods of citizens.

She urged residents to continue supporting the state government and to protect public infrastructure for future generations.

A major highlight of the event was the renaming of the Ishaya Bakut Road dual carriageway as Senator Oluremi Tinubu Road in honour of the First Lady.

Expressing appreciation for the gesture, Mrs Tinubu disclosed that she shares a long-standing family connection with Benue State through her late uncle, who owns the popularly Dele Bookshop.

“And before I commission these roads, I want to thank the Governor for naming this road. I’m honored that he named it after me. But I was wondering, why me? You know, why here? But I’ll tell you the story.”
She explained that her uncle, her father’s younger brother, had a deep affection for Benue and married two women from the state.

“My uncle, you all know Dele Bookshop? Yes, that was my uncle, my father’s younger brother. He really loved this state.”
Mrs Tinubu said she had initially suggested that the road be named after her late uncle because of his strong connection to Benue.

“I was telling the Governor, that’s why we are arguing, he should name it after my uncle. But he said no, he has something else. So I gladly accept it because of his love for this state.”

She described the honour as a memorable one and thanked the people and government of Benue State for the recognition.

“And I’m really, really truly honored. And thank you for the honor,” she said.
The First Lady thereafter formally commissioned the roads.

“It is therefore my honor and privilege to officially commission these 10 roads to the glory of God and the benefit of the people of Makurdi and the entire Benue State.”

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia described the occasion as a celebration of progress, purposeful leadership and the determination of his administration to transform the state through strategic infrastructure development.

“These ten newly completed roads, which cumulatively span a total of 11.5 kilometers, are out of the 45 delivered by our administration,” the governor said.
He noted that the roads have opened up previously inaccessible areas, reduced travel time, improved connectivity among communities and enhanced the aesthetic outlook of Makurdi.

“We have also created employment opportunities during construction and will continue to stimulate economic activities for years to come,” he added.

Governor Alia appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting sub-national governments and promoting infrastructure development across the country through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He assured residents that more developmental projects were ongoing and would soon be delivered across the state.
“As we celebrate this important achievement today, I wish to assure people that this is only one step in our broader development agenda. More projects are ongoing across the state and many more will be delivered in the months ahead.”
The governor also thanked the First Lady for accepting the state’s invitation and for her continued support for Benue people.