Benue records another milestone as First Lady unveils 11.5km road network in Makurdi.

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday commissioned 10 newly completed roads in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, describing Governor Hyacinth Alia as a purposeful leader committed to improving the lives of the people through infrastructure development.

The roads, which have a combined length of 11.5 kilometres, form part of more than 45 road projects executed by the Alia administration across Benue State to improve transportation, enhance mobility and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Makurdi, Mrs Tinubu expressed delight at returning to the city, noting that Makurdi holds 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 said the newly completed roads would significantly improve transportation, boost economic activities and strengthen security within the state.
“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 Alia for prioritising infrastructural development and the welfare of the people, noting that the projects reflect the practical implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through investments that directly impact citizens’ lives and livelihoods.
Mrs Tinubu also 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.
While expressing appreciation for the recognition, Mrs Tinubu revealed her family’s long-standing connection to Benue State through her late uncle, who owned the popular 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 said.
She explained that her uncle, her father’s younger brother, had a deep affection for Benue State 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.”
According to her, she initially suggested that the road be named after her late uncle because of his strong ties 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.”
Mrs Tinubu described the honour as memorable and thanked both the government and people of Benue State for the recognition.
“And I’m really, really truly honored. And thank you for the honor,” she said.
She 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 his administration’s determination 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 stated.
He noted that the roads have opened up previously inaccessible areas, reduced travel time, improved connectivity among communities and enhanced the overall 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 expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting sub-national governments and advancing infrastructure development nationwide through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He assured residents that more developmental projects are ongoing across the state and would be delivered in the coming months.
“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 honouring the state’s invitation and for her continued support for the people of Benue State.