My dear people of Benue State,
Today, we stand united with millions of Nigerians across the country and beyond to celebrate 65 years of our independence, 65 years of resilience, diversity, and the unyielding spirit of our people.
- This day is not only a celebration but also a solemn moment of reflection. We must draw inspiration from the visionary ideals of our national founding fathers and many others who laid the groundwork for our nation.
- We also pay heartfelt tribute to our fallen heroes; military and civilians, who gave their lives in defence of our freedom. May their souls rest in peace. To those still in active service, we thank you. You remain the shield of our sovereignty. We pray for your protection and strength.
- My dear people, we are reforming our systems both at state and federal levels. The removal of fuel subsidy has enhanced the revenue leading to numerous infrastructure development. In just over two years, we have invested boldly in:
(a) Education: by renovating no fewer than 354 schools, employing over 9,000 qualified teachers and ensuring our children receive quality education in safe and welcoming environments.
(b) Healthcare: we will continue to enhanced facilities, provide essential medications and improve access to services in both rural and urban areas. The Fr. Adasu University Teaching, Makurdi has become a medical tourist facility.
(c) Our substantial investment in infrastructure has led to the repair and construction of vital roads, including the construction of two underpases in Makurdi and Gboko while work on the overpass in Otukpo will soon commence. We have also built bridges and rural access routes, connecting communities and boosting trade. Today, the Otobi Water Works has been fixed and is supplying portable water to Otukpo, Otobi and its environs. Other water works in the state are presently receiving the needed attention.
(d) Agriculture: we have distributed improved seeds, fertilizers and farming inputs supplied to empower our dedicated farmers and reinforce Benue’s status as the food basket of the nation.
(e) We have launched programmes like the training of 10,000 in ICT to empower youth and women, and 40,000 civil servants across the state in digital tools to enhance the quality of service delivery, and to create opportunities for entrepreneurship, skills development and self-sufficiency.
(f) Industrialization: we are investing in new industries including the Benue Fruit Juice Factory, the Food Basket Breweries, amongst some others coming up. Similarly, our administration is attracting investors that will enhance the value chain of our rich resources and create jobs.
- These reforms, including cutting down government spending are tough, but they are necessary to build a stronger foundation for growth.
- Let us also acknowledge in this journey, the efforts of great leaders from the state, like the legendary Aper Aku, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu, Gen. Atom Kpera, Sen. Iorchia Ayu, Prof. Daniel Saror, Late Chief Audu Innocent Ogbe, Sen. Ameh Ebute, Gen. Lawrence Onoja, Wantaregh Paul Unongo, Sen. Suemo Chia, Amb. Oga Okwoche, and other past leaders, whose service laid the groundwork for today’s progress, and we stand on their shoulders with pride and gratitude.
- Yet, we know the journey is not over. Our future calls for more, and we are ready. We are advancing industrialization, driving digital transformation, empowering our youth and women, and ensuring that every community, no matter how remote, feels the touch of governance.
- Insecurity is being fought optimally. We have embarked on security reforms to guarantee peace, protect our communities and allow our people to live and farm without fear. Our uniform men are making sacrifices but huge success is being recorded. With courage, intelligence, and collaboration, we will restore peace to every inch of our land.
- My dear people, let us renew our commitment to unity, one people, one purpose, one destiny. In the face of hardship, let us keep hope alive. In our diversity, let us find strength. In our challenges, let us find opportunity.
- Benue will not be left behind in the journey to a new Nigeria. We will continue to work with the Federal Government under the progressive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure inclusive growth and development.
- We salute our partners, friends, and the international community for walking with us on this journey of nation-building.
- As we celebrate this milestone, let us remind ourselves that freedom is not just a gift, it is a responsibility. It demands our unity, our resilience, and our faith in tomorrow.
Long live Benue State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Happy 65th Independence!
