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Gowon, Ooni, Tor Tiv rally support for peace, unity and national development
The Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Square was filled on Saturday as Benue State marked its golden jubilee anniversary. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, pride and reflection as the state celebrated not only 50 years of existence but also “a journey of resilience, progress and prospects.”
The event attracted eminent personalities, traditional rulers, political leaders and citizens from across the country. These included President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; former Vice President Namadi Sambo; the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Ayatse; the Och’Idoma, HRM John Ogbodo; Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule; former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam; among other government officials, friends and well-wishers.
The colourful celebration served not only as a moment of reflection on the state’s journey since its creation in 1976 but also as an opportunity to chart a path towards a more peaceful, united and prosperous future.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, President Bola Tinubu 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.
The President, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the milestone was not merely a commemoration of 50 years of existence but a recognition of the remarkable journey and achievements of the people of Benue State since its creation in 1976.
Tinubu 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. He commended Gowon for his vision in creating the state and said Benue had fully justified that vision over the past five decades by emerging as a key pillar of the federation through its contributions to national unity, economic growth and cultural diversity.
The President praised Benue’s reputation as the nation’s food basket, saying its fertile lands and hardworking people have continued to sustain millions of Nigerians.
“To all sons and daughters of Benue, wherever you may be, this President urges you to remain united in purpose, step by step, peace and commitment to the development of your homeland. Let this golden jubilee renew our collective resolve to build a state where every child can dream without limits, every family can prosper, and every community can live in peace and security.
“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.”
He paid 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 the 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 driven the state’s development.
According to the President, Benue has produced distinguished national leaders and professionals who have made significant contributions to Nigeria, highlighting the state’s record of producing Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, ministers, ambassadors, service chiefs, jurists, scholars, captains of industry, artists and sports personalities whose achievements have brought honour to the country.
Tinubu also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his efforts in strengthening governance, improving infrastructure, promoting peace and expanding opportunities for the people, and called on the people of Benue to remain united and committed to the development of their homeland.
The President urged Benue people to use the jubilee celebration as an opportunity to renew their resolve to build a more prosperous, united and peaceful state, expressing confidence that the next 50 years would surpass the achievements of the past. He wished the state continued progress and prosperity.
The former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who also congratulated Benue on the golden jubilee, spoke on the prevailing security challenges confronting parts of the country and described insecurity as a “man-made problem” that can be resolved through collective efforts and genuine commitment from leaders and citizens alike.
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He called on political leaders at all levels to rise above differences and work together to restore peace, strengthen unity and promote development across the nation.
According to him, sustainable peace remains the foundation upon which meaningful progress can be built, urging stakeholders to place national interest above personal and political considerations.
The Tor Tiv, HRM Professor James Ayatse, commended Governor Alia for giving the Benue people an opportunity to celebrate. He said there was need for the political class in the state to sheath their political swords and work together to unite, secure and develop the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite existing challenges. He noted that Nigeria possesses enormous potential and assured citizens that brighter days lie ahead.
The revered monarch joined the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and other traditional rulers in calling for unity among the people, stressing that peace and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming security challenges.
The Ooni expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon begin to enjoy the benefits of ongoing reforms and policies of the current administration. He emphasised that security should not be viewed as the responsibility of government alone, insisting that every citizen has a role to play in building safer communities.
Using the golden jubilee celebration as a platform to connect with Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides, the monarch congratulated the government and people of Benue State on attaining the historic milestone.
Governor Hyacinth Alia appreciated former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon for laying the foundation for the creation of Benue State and those who have continued to build upon it.
He said: “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, those at home and those in the diaspora; the young and the old; those who laid the foundations of our state and those who continue to build upon them. It is a moment to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, honour our heroes and renew our commitment to a better tomorrow.”
He added: “As your Governor, I reaffirm our administration’s commitment to building upon the achievements of the past while laying a stronger foundation for the future. We are restoring confidence in governance through fiscal discipline, strengthening institutions, expanding infrastructure across all 23 local government areas, improving healthcare and education, supporting agriculture, attracting investment, promoting industrialisation, empowering our youths and women, and enhancing security across our state.
“We are determined to move Benue beyond being only the Food Basket of the Nation. We are building an economy driven by agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, technology, tourism and innovation. Our abundant natural resources, entrepreneurial people and strategic location position us to become one of Nigeria’s leading centres of economic growth.
“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,” Alia added.
He prayed that God would guide the state and its people and strengthen them to build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, industrialised, technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable and globally respected Benue State.
