Tinubu, Gowon, Ooni, Tor Tiv Rally Benue People to Unity as State Marks 50th Anniversary

From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the government and people of Benue State on the occasion of the state’s 50th anniversary, describing the Golden Jubilee as a celebration of resilience, courage, enterprise, and unwavering faith in a brighter future.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the commemorative event in Makurdi, President Tinubu said the milestone was not merely a celebration of 50 years of existence but a recognition of the remarkable journey and achievements of the people of Benue since the state’s creation in 1976.

He noted that the creation of Benue State by the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon reflected Nigeria’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and balanced development.

The President commended Gowon for his foresight, stating that Benue had justified that vision over the past five decades by becoming a key pillar of the federation through its contributions to national unity, economic growth, and cultural diversity.

Tinubu praised Benue’s status as the nation’s food basket, saying its fertile lands and hardworking people have continued to sustain millions of Nigerians and urged Benue sons and daughters across the world to remain united, peaceful, and committed to the development of their homeland.

“The story of Benue is ultimately a story of hope, a reminder that with unity, visionary leadership, hard work, and faith in God, no challenge is insurmountable and no aspiration is beyond our reach,” the President stated.

He paid glowingly tribute to the state’s founding fathers, particularly the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, whose advocacy for justice and minority rights contributed significantly to the creation of Benue State.

He also acknowledged the contributions of former governors, legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and other citizens whose efforts have shaped the state’s development.

According to Tinubu, Benue has produced distinguished national leaders and professionals who have brought honour to Nigeria through their achievements in politics, governance, the judiciary, academia, business, sports, and other sectors. He also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his efforts in strengthening governance, improving infrastructure, promoting peace, and expanding opportunities for the people.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who also congratulated Benue on attaining 50 years, addressed the prevailing security challenges in parts of the country. He described insecurity as a “man-made problem” that can be overcome through collective efforts and genuine commitment from leaders and citizens.

Gowon called on political leaders across the country to rise above their differences and work together to restore peace, strengthen national unity, and promote development.

He emphasized that sustainable peace remains the foundation for meaningful progress and urged stakeholders to place national interest above personal and political considerations.

The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Professor James Ayatse, commended Governor Alia for providing the platform for Benue people to celebrate the state’s Golden Jubilee.

He urged the political class in the state to sheath their swords and work together to unite, secure, and develop Benue.

Similarly, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite existing challenges. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s immense potential and assured citizens that brighter days lie ahead.

The monarch joined the Tor Tiv and other traditional rulers in calling for unity, stressing that peace and collective responsibility are essential to overcoming security challenges. He noted that security should not be left to government alone, insisting that every citizen has a role to play in building safer communities.

The Ooni also expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon begin to reap the benefits of the reforms and policies of the current administration.

In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed gratitude to General Gowon for laying the foundation for the creation of Benue State and to all those who have contributed to its growth over the years.
According to the governor, the state’s founding fathers envisioned a future where the people would have the opportunity to determine their own destiny and achieve prosperity.

“Today, we celebrate not only the creation of a state but the triumph of hope, resilience, unity, and purposeful leadership. This occasion belongs to every Benue son and daughter, both at home and in the diaspora. It is a moment to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, honour our heroes, and renew our commitment to a better tomorrow,” he said.

Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening governance through fiscal discipline, institutional reforms, infrastructure development across the 23 local government areas, improved healthcare and education, agricultural transformation, investment promotion, industrialisation, youth and women empowerment, and enhanced security.

He stated that his administration is determined to move Benue beyond its traditional identity as the Food Basket of the Nation by building an economy driven by agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, technology, tourism, and innovation.

“The first fifty years gave us our identity. The next fifty must deliver unprecedented prosperity. Let history remember this generation as the generation that united Benue, restored confidence in governance, unlocked the potential of our people, and positioned our state among the leading economies of Nigeria,” the governor said.

He prayed for God’s continued guidance and blessings upon the state and its people, expressing hope for a peaceful, secure, prosperous, industrialised, technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and globally respected Benue State.