As Benue people celebrate the state’s fiftieth anniversary, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has said celebrating the state at this moment is not an end but rather, a new beginning.
Governor Alia stated this Tuesday at Government House while delivering his speech on the occasion of Benue At Fifty.
According to the Governor, “Today marks a very significant milestone, 50 years of Benue state’s existence. 50 years of persistence. 50 years of resilience. But today is more than a celebration. Today is a moment of reflection, renewal, and resolve.
“Fifty years ago, Benue State was born with hope in its heart and promise in its soil. Our founding fathers envisioned a land that would feed the nation, nurture unity, and raise generations of resilient, proud, and progressive people. That dream is what we celebrate today.
“Benue at 50 is not just about how far we have come, it is about where we are going and how determined we are to get there.
“I stand before you with humility, with gratitude, and with an unshakable belief in the strength of the Benue spirit, especially grateful that God gave me this opportunity to be your Governor at this time of our state’s history. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.”
Governor Alia while recognising past leaders of the state said, “Let me at this juncture appreciate everyone who worked hard for the creation of this state. I salute in a special way the late J S Tarkar, and the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC)/Action Group (AC) Alliance led by Obafemi Awolowo. I won’t leave behind the likes of Wantaregh Paul Unongu, Hon. Ugba Uye, Chief Isaac Shaahu and a host of others who worked tirelessly to see to this feat.
“I must say a huge thank you to the General Murtala Muhammed led administration that carved out our state, from the then Benue-Plateau, and named it after our river which is the second largest in the country. This marked a historic point in our existence presenting us an amazing opportunity to bring governance closer to the people.”
He further used the opportunity to salute past Governors of Benue- Military or Civilian as well as their Deputies, living or dead, for their various roles in contributing to the development of the state.
“May I also specially appreciate all past and present illustrious sons and daughters of Benue origin, whom at any point in the past 50years, held or are still holding various leadership positions, for their unflinching service to the Benue cause.
“I also cannot thank enough, all our unsung heroes, whether alive or not, both in the hinterlands and our urban centres, for their silent sacrifices that have culminated into the Benue we have today. it is my sincere prayer that God’s blessings will not depart from your households.”
Reflecting on the state’s journey so far, Governor Alia noted that it has not been without trials which include economic pressures, insecurity, natural and man-made challenges, and moments that tested the people’s unity and patience adding that there were times when the people felt unheard, when confidence wavered, and when the future seemed uncertain.
He however noted that through all of these, if Benue has taught Nigeria anything, it is that, “WE BEND, BUT WE DO NOT BREAK.
Through hardship, our farmers worked their fields.
Through pain, our workers stayed committed. Through uncertainty, our youths continued to dream and through it all, Benue endured.”
Assuring of his administration’s determination to offer responsible leadership that places people over politics, progress over excuses, and the future over the comfort of the present, Governor Alia maintained that his administration will continue to prioritize revitalizing agriculture as a business, not just a tradition; Supporting farmers with access to inputs, extension services, and market linkages; Encouraging agro-processing and value addition to reduce waste and increase income; Strengthening Internally Generated Revenue through reforms, not hardship on citizens
“Gradually but steadily, Benue is reclaiming its place as Nigeria’s food and agro-industrial hub, while laying the foundation for a diversified economy that can withstand future shocks,” he stated.
Other areas of priority as enumerated by the Governor include Strengthening the Healthcare system;
Investing in Education
Education; Workers’ Welfare and Human Dignity; Security and Peace; Infrastructure and Connectivity as well as Digital Infrastructure and Digital Governance among others.
Speaking further, the Governor described youths as the headline of Benue’s future and charged them to take advantage of opportunities provided by his administration to participate in governance and the economy saying their their energy, creativity, and courage will drive the next 50 years of Benue’s greatness.
Governor Alia charged people of the State to look forward with clarity and determination as they celebrate as according to him, the next chapter of Benue will be defined by Stronger institutions, A resilient economy, Peaceful and secure communities, Educated and empowered citizens as well as Leadership that listens, learns, and acts.
“I ask for your trust not blind trust, but earned trust. Trust built on transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility, as I lay the solid foundation for the next 50 years and justifying this opportunity God has given me at this time of our state’s history. I pledge our government’s continued relentlessness in ensuring that we do not only create the atmosphere for growth and development, but to continue to be the engineers of peace, stability, accountability and transparency that will ensure a guaranteed better future for our state in the next 50 years.”
Speaking on activities lined up to mark the celebration of Benue At Fifty, the Governor explained that, “this day only marks the beginning of the celebration. it is our plan and intent to celebrate this golden jubilee in a big and special way, throughout the year, involving all the leaders and citizens of the state across partisan divides. There are lots of activities that have been ear marked for this all important celebration, which will be unveiled as time progresses.”
