Oluremi Tinubu commissions 10 roads in Benue, commends Alia’s transformational leadership

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday said Benue State occupies a special place in her heart as she commissioned 10 newly completed roads in Makurdi, the state capital, as part of the 45 projects executed by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia within three years.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded her by the government and people of Benue State, describing the citizens, especially the women, as peace-loving and hospitable.

According to her, the visit was particularly memorable because of the affection and support she has consistently received from the people of the state.

“Benue holds a special place in my heart. I appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me by the good people of this state. The women and people of Benue are peace-loving citizens who continue to contribute positively to the development of our nation,” she said.

The First Lady commissioned roads with a combined length of approximately 11.5 kilometres. The projects include Ishaya Bakut Road, Mama Mbateren Alia Street, the Dabo Plaza–Fashion Hub Road, Sir James Iorpuu Street, Tega Bar Street, Jato-Aka Road, and several connecting spur roads strategically designed to improve transportation and economic activities within Makurdi and surrounding communities.

Senator Tinubu noted that the newly completed roads would significantly improve mobility, enhance security, stimulate commerce, and improve the quality of life of residents.

She commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his visionary leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people of Benue State.

“These projects demonstrate the practical implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through investments that directly impact the lives and livelihoods of citizens,” she stated.

The First Lady urged residents to support the state government’s development efforts and take ownership of public infrastructure by ensuring their proper use and maintenance.

“As we commission these roads today, I encourage the good people of Benue State to continue supporting the efforts of the Governor and to take ownership of these public assets by ensuring their proper use and preservation for future generations,” she added.

Senator Tinubu also expressed deep appreciation to Governor Alia for naming one of the roads after her, describing the gesture as both humbling and overwhelming.

“I am truly honoured and overwhelmed by this gesture. It is one I will always cherish,” she said.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia announced the naming of the Ishaya Bakut Road after Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her contributions to national development and support for the people of Benue State.

The governor described the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his administration, noting that the commissioning of the 11.5-kilometre road network formed part of the 45 projects already completed and delivered to the people of the state.

Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for economic growth and improving the quality of life of citizens through strategic infrastructure development.

“Today marks one of the happiest moments of our administration. These roads are part of the 45 projects we have successfully delivered to the people of Benue State. They are evidence of our commitment to development and service delivery,” he said.

The governor expressed optimism about the future, assuring residents that his administration would continue to execute impactful projects across the state’s three senatorial districts.

“We are encouraged by the support and confidence of our people. These achievements inspire us to do even more. The best is yet to come as we prepare to commence additional road projects across the three senatorial districts,” Alia stated.

He further noted that the road projects had created employment opportunities during construction and would continue to stimulate economic activities long after completion.

“We have created jobs during the construction phase, and these roads will continue to boost businesses, attract investments, and improve the overall economic fortunes of our communities for years to come,” he said.

Governor Alia thanked the people of Benue State for their overwhelming support, emphasizing that the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been possible without their cooperation.

He also appreciated members of the State Executive Council, the Benue State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders for their encouragement and support.

The governor particularly acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of the state and reaffirmed Benue’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

“Let me sincerely appreciate our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support and encouragement, which have helped us achieve these laudable projects. We remain committed to supporting and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda for the benefit of our people,” Governor Alia added.

The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, community representatives, and residents who gathered to witness the inauguration of the strategic road infrastructure projects.