President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed Benue State as one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria’s development and the nation’s fertile heartland, as the state marked its Golden Jubilee.
Represented by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the grand finale of the Benue at Fifty celebration held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at IBB Square in Makurdi, the President described the creation of Benue State five decades ago as a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and balanced development.
President Tinubu paid glowing tributes to the state’s founding fathers, particularly the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, and past leaders including the late Aper Aku. He commended the contributions of Benue’s illustrious sons and daughters, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens both at home and in the diaspora for their roles in national development and security.
The President acknowledged the challenges of insecurity, flooding, and other adversities the state has faced, yet praised the enduring resilience and spirit of the Benue people. He expressed confidence in the state’s future, citing its abundant agricultural resources, youthful population, and rich cultural heritage as foundations for growth in agro-industrial innovation, commerce, tourism, education, and investment.
In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a self-reliant and economically vibrant Benue. He called on indigenes, especially those in the diaspora, to return home and contribute to the state’s development, highlighting policies aimed at unlocking Benue’s vast economic potential through improved infrastructure, peace initiatives, agriculture modernisation, job creation, and better access to healthcare and education.
Governor Alia also honoured the legacies of past leaders and paid tribute to the state’s military officers, traditional institutions, and development partners. The celebrations underscored a message of unity, collective resolve, and optimism for a prosperous future as Benue enters its next chapter.
