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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Igede Traditional Council in Benue State for painstakingly preserving the Igede Agba new yam festival, which has remained a beacon of unity amongst its sons and daughters.
The President stated this on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at this year’s edition of the cultural festival held at Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, noted that the traditional institution has remained an instrument for peace, unity, and progress, and a veritable tool for his administration to explore to solve development purposes and other sundry issues.
He also acknowledged their critical role in peace-building processes in troubled zones, saying, “Your Royal Highness, the Adiharu of Igede, CP Oga Ero Rtd, I wish to commend you very specially for hosting yet another successful edition of this rich cultural festival, the Igede Agba new yam festival.”
Senator Akume stated that President Bola Tinubu, in whose stead he was speaking, had asked him “to congratulate you and also inform you that he appreciates the special invitation extended to him to be part of this historic event today.”
Senator Akume also informed that, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, all sections of the country are experiencing rapid growth and development through various sectors of the economy.
He said, “The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu has been able to touch every region of the country, with the economy growing on a positive trajectory as both the base and superstructure are accelerating rapidly.
“Benue State has benefited so much from the Tinubu-led government with juicy appointments and physical infrastructures, with more still in the pipeline.
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“He asked me to announce to you on this occasion that the contract has been awarded for the construction of Oju-Ogoja Road. And to whom much is given, much is expected,” the SGF noted.
Speaking, HRH Adiharu of Igede, CP Oga Ero Rtd, thanked the President for honouring his invitation and also appreciated him for connecting Benue to the national government through the SGF and other juicy appointments.
He said, “Your Excellency, Sir, I and my entire kingdom are very grateful to you for honouring our humble invitation to be part of this year’s celebration of our rich cultural heritage.
“We are overwhelmed with joy to receive the news of the award for the construction of Oju-Ogoja Road. This road has been a nightmare to us over the years until your government graciously came to our rescue.”
He pledged to support the President and the SGF to enable them to succeed in building a country that everyone would be proud of.
A high point of the occasion was the conferment of a chieftaincy title on the president.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event, including the Board Chairman of the National Agricultural Seed Council, Hon. Austin Agada; Hon. David Ogewu; and Benjamin Akobo, Central Planning Committee Chairman, among others, appreciated the President for finding Igede sons worthy to be Permanent Secretary and a Director General, describing the NELFUND social scheme being disbursed as unprecedented.
The Igede Agba celebration was first held at Ihigile Market in September 1957. It is a time for stocktaking for members of the community by reviewing the prevailing year towards making amends and effecting corrections where necessary.
