Traditional and former national leaders called for unity, resilience and inclusive governance during Benue State's 50th anniversary celebrations in Makurdi. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, recalled his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience in the state, describing the people as warm, welcoming and accommodating. He said the NYSC programme helped foster national unity by exposing young Nigerians to the country's diversity, and urged citizens to maintain faith in Nigeria's future despite security challenges. "We must believe in our country and in the unity and togetherness of Nigeria. Despite the challenges, Nigeria is making progress, and we will overcome our security difficulties together," he said.
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo praised Benue as Nigeria's food basket, highlighting its fertile land, cultural heritage and hardworking population. He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for reviving abandoned projects, particularly the Taraku Mills, a long-idle flour and animal feed facility. Sambo noted that no equipment was stolen from the mill during decades of abandonment, which he attributed to the integrity of the Benue people. The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, lauded the resilience of the people amid insecurity and political challenges over the past 50 years. He urged political leaders to pursue unity, warning that division would hinder development. "We must raise leaders whose interest is in the people, not leaders whose interest is in themselves. Benue needs politics that unite rather than divide," Ayatse said. He also praised past governors for their contributions and honoured the late Aper Aku, the state's first democratically elected governor, for laying early development foundations. The Tor Tiv pledged the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers' support for current leadership in advancing progress through cooperation.
The Tor Tiv criticises political division while praising governors whose tenures included prolonged disputes over state resources and leadership. His call for leaders who prioritise people over self-interest contrasts with the lack of specific accountability for past project failures. The revival of Taraku Mills is held up as a symbol of progress, yet decades of neglect under multiple administrations remain unexamined. Unity is urged, but the role of traditional leaders in past political standoffs is not addressed.
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