Golden Jubilee: Leaders Rally Benue Towards Peace, Prosperity

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

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

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during the commemorative event in Makurdi, President Tinubu said the occasion was more than a celebration of five decades of existence. According to him, it was a recognition of the remarkable journey and achievements recorded by the people of Benue since the state’s creation in 1976.
He stated 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 praised General Gowon for his foresight, noting that Benue had justified that vision over the past 50 years by emerging as a major pillar of the federation through its contributions to national unity, economic growth, and cultural diversity.
Tinubu also commended Benue’s position as the nation’s Food Basket, saying the state’s fertile land and industrious people have continued to feed millions of Nigerians. He 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 said.
He paid glowing tribute to the state’s founding fathers, especially the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, whose advocacy for justice and minority rights played a significant role in the creation of Benue State.
Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of former governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and other citizens whose efforts have shaped the state’s development.
According to him, Benue has produced distinguished leaders and professionals who have brought honour to Nigeria through achievements in politics, governance, the judiciary, academia, business, sports, and other sectors. He equally commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for strengthening governance, improving infrastructure, promoting peace, and expanding opportunities for the people.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, also congratulated Benue on attaining 50 years of statehood and addressed the country’s prevailing security challenges.
He described insecurity as a “man-made problem” that could be overcome through collective efforts and genuine commitment from both leaders and citizens.
Gowon called on political leaders across Nigeria to rise above their differences and work together to restore peace, strengthen national unity, and promote development.
He stressed that lasting 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 creating the platform that enabled Benue people to celebrate the state’s Golden Jubilee.
He urged the political class in the state to put aside their differences 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 enormous 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 maintained 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 enjoy the benefits of the reforms and policies of the current administration.
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed appreciation to General Gowon for laying the foundation for the creation of Benue State and to all those who have contributed to the state’s growth over the years.
According to the governor, the founding fathers envisioned a future where the people would have the opportunity to determine their own destiny and attain 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 said the administration was 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 stated.
He prayed for God’s continued guidance and blessings upon Benue State and its people, expressing hope for a peaceful, secure, prosperous, industrialised, technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and globally respected Benue State.