By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.
The First Lady of Nigeria and wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday commissioned 10 Roads Executed by the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in Makurdi, the Headquarters of the State.
Senator Oluremi also commended the pragmatic Leadership disposition of the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for placing the plight of the Benue people above his personal interests.
Senator Oluremi performed the Commissioning Ceremony in Makurdi, stating that she was delighted to be in Benue to commission the most people-oriented projects that have a direct bearing on Benue people.
“I’m glad to be here for the commissioning of 10 newly completed roads which form part of the over 45 road projects delivered by the administration of his excellency, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State.
“These roads, with a combined length of 11.5 kilometers, including Ishaya Bakut road dual carriageway, Abu King Shuluwa road, Mama Mbateren Alia streets, Dabo plaza to fashion hub road, Sir James Iorpuu street, Tega Bar street, Jato Aka road and the connecting spur roads, are pathways to economic growth, improved mobility, enhanced security and a better quality of life for the people of Makurdi and beyond.
“I commend Governor Hyacinth Alia for his visionary leadership and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Benue State.” Oluremi commended.
According to her, the projects clearly demonstrate the practical implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through investments that directly impact the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
“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 before I commission these roads, I want to thank the Governor for naming this road after me. I’m honored that he named it after me. But I was wondering, why me? You know, why here? But I’ll tell you the story. My uncle, you all know Dele Bookshop?. Yes, he was my uncle, my father’s younger brother. And if for that alone, because he loves this place, he died straight from London to here and married two of your daughters.
“One passed, and he married another one. And I know maybe the wife will be around or watching us, the second wife before he died. But he really loved this state. I was telling the Governor, that’s why we are arguing, he should name it after my uncle.
“But he said no, he has something else. So I think, you know, I gladly accept it, because of his love for this state. And by extension to us, because we have children, his children, who are my nieces. My cousins, actually, I was his niece. My cousins, my first cousins, are his children. And I’m really, really truly honored. And thank you for the honor.” Oluremi explained.
The First Lady disclosed that she was honored and privileged to officially commission the 10 roads to the glory of God and the benefit of the people of Makurdi and the entire Benue State.
Earlier, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, described the event as a celebration of progress, purposeful leadership and the collective determination of his administration to build a better Benue.
He explained that the ten newly completed roads, which cumulatively span a total of 11.5 kilometers, are out of the 45 delivered by our administration.
The Governor further disclosed that the roads represent just a clue to his administration’s commitment to infrastructure, total development, and urban renewal.
Alia further disclosed that the roads being commissioned are all the newly constructed ones under his watch.
“I’ve opened up previously inaccessible areas, reduced travel time, enhanced connectivity between different communities in the city of Makurdi, and improved the aesthetic outlook of our capital city.
“We have also created employment opportunities during construction and will continue to stimulate economic activities for years to come.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the people of the state, our development partners, members of the state executive council, State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, community leaders, dedicated workforce that laboured tirelessly to ensure the successful completion of these projects.
The Governor also appreciated Nigeria’s Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support to sub-national governments and his commitment to improving infrastructure across Nigeria.
He maintained that his Renewed Hope Agenda continued to inspire efforts in Benue State, where the State Citizens work to deliver democratic dividends at the doorsteps of every citizen.
“As we celebrate this important achievement today, I wish to assure people that this is only one step in our broader development agenda. More projects are ongoing across the state many more will be delivered in the months ahead.
“We look forward to you electing another day to come and commission more projects in Benue. We remain committed to prudent management of public resources and to implementing projects that directly impact the lives of our citizens.
“Your Excellency, your presence here today will remain a memorable chapter in the development story of Benue State. By accepting our invitation on very short notice to commission these roads, graciously commissioning this road, you will further strengthen the bond between the federal government and the people of our dear state.” Alia stated.
He disclosed that all ten roads selected for the brief ceremony have also been itemized and mentioned.
“On this stretch where we are, it is named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Road.
“Your Excellency, once again, on behalf of the government and the good people of Benue State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for this honor.” Alia saluted.
