President Bola Tinubu says the Benue golden jubilee is a celebration of resilience, enterprise, courage, sacrifice, and hope.
Tinubu, who was represented by his chief of staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, spoke on Saturday at the grand finale of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary in Makurdi.
The president said the creation of Benue on Feb. 3, 1976, has reflected Nigeria’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and balanced development.
He said that five decades later, Benue had justified that vision by emerging as one of the pillars of the federation and earning its reputation as the nation’s food basket.
Tinubu paid tribute to the state’s founding fathers, particularly the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, as well as past governors, administrators, public servants, and citizens whose sacrifices and contributions had shaped the state’s development.
He noted that Benue had produced distinguished national leaders, public officials, professionals, scholars, business leaders, artists, and sports personalities who had made significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
The President also commended Gov. Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to strengthening governance, improving infrastructure, promoting peace, and expanding opportunities for the people of the state.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to partnering with Benue to address security challenges, modernize agriculture, expand infrastructure, create jobs, and unlock the state’s vast economic potential.
Addressing young people in the state, Tinubu urged them to transform their ideas into industries, talents into enterprises, and education into innovation.
“The next chapter of Benue’s history belongs to you. Let your ideas become industries, your talents become enterprises, and your education become innovation,” he said.
