Benue State is set to climax its week-long Golden Jubilee celebration this weekend with a grand ceremony marking 50 years of its creation, as Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s administration highlights the state’s achievements and future aspirations.
The celebrations, which commenced earlier in the week with a series of commemorative activities, will culminate on Saturday at the iconic IBB Square in Makurdi with colourful cultural displays, ceremonial parades, and reflections on Benue’s five-decade journey as Nigeria’s acclaimed “Food Basket of the Nation.”
The event is expected to showcase the state’s rich cultural diversity and celebrate its contributions to agriculture, politics and national development since its creation in 1976.
According to the Governor’s spokesperson, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Golden Jubilee festivities will continue on Sunday with a combined celebration of Governor Alia’s third anniversary in office and his 60th birthday.
As part of the program, an interdenominational thanksgiving service will be held at the IBB Square, Makurdi, beginning at 9:00 a.m., bringing together government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and residents to offer prayers for the state.
The government said the anniversary celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on Benue’s progress over the past 50 years while renewing its commitment to sustainable development and improved governance.
It noted that since assuming office, Governor Alia has pursued his “Benue First” agenda with emphasis on infrastructural development, civil service reforms, economic revitalisation, and human capital development.
The state government has invited members of the public to participate in the historic celebrations as Benue commemorates its Golden Jubilee and charts a new course for growth and prosperity.
