President Bola Tinubu says Benue’s golden jubilee is a celebration of resilience, enterprise, courage, sacrifice and hope.
Mr Tinubu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, 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 February 3, 1976, 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.
Mr 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 Governor 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 in addressing security challenges, modernising agriculture, expanding infrastructure, creating jobs and unlocking the state’s vast economic potential.
Addressing young people in the state, Mr 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.
The president called on all sons and daughters of Benue to remain united, peaceful and committed to the development of their homeland.
He expressed confidence that with unity, visionary leadership, hard work and faith in God, the next 50 years of Benue would surpass the achievements of the past.
Mr Tinubu congratulated the people of the state on the historic milestone and prayed for continued peace, prosperity and God’s blessings upon Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The president inaugurated the Bensono Fruit Processing Plant established by the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).