By: Fabian Apechihin

My dear people of Benue State,

Today, we join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad to celebrate 65 years of our independence — 65 years of resilience, diversity, and the unyielding spirit of our people.

This anniversary is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. We draw strength from the vision of our founding fathers and honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, both military and civilian, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. To those still in service, we say thank you. You remain the shield of our sovereignty, and we pray for your continued safety.

Progress and Reforms
In the last two years, bold reforms have been undertaken at both state and federal levels. Though tough, these reforms are building a stronger foundation for growth. In Benue State, we have translated increased revenues into visible progress:

• Education: Over 354 schools have been renovated, 9,000 new teachers employed, and our children now learn in safer, better-equipped classrooms.
• Healthcare: Facilities have been upgraded, essential drugs provided, and access expanded. The Fr. Adasu University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, has emerged as a hub for medical tourism.
• Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and rural access routes have been constructed, including underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko, with an overpass in Otukpo soon to commence. The Otobi Water Works is back on stream, supplying potable water to Otukpo, Otobi, and surrounding communities.
• Agriculture: Improved seeds, fertilizers, and farming inputs are reaching our farmers, reaffirming Benue’s place as Nigeria’s food basket.
• Youth and ICT: Programmes have trained 10,000 youths and women in ICT, while 40,000 civil servants are now equipped with digital tools to enhance service delivery.
• Industrialization: Investments are driving industries such as the Benue Fruit Juice Factory and the Food Basket Breweries, while new investors are joining to strengthen our value chain and create jobs.

Honoring Leaders and Securing the Future
As we move forward, we remember the service of great Benue leaders — from Aper Aku to Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu, Wantaregh Paul Unongo, Sen. Iorchia Ayu, and many others — whose dedication laid the foundation for today’s progress. We stand on their shoulders with gratitude and pride.

Yet the journey continues. Our future demands more: advancing industrialization, deepening digital transformation, empowering youth and women, and extending governance to every community, no matter how remote.

On security, we are working tirelessly to protect our people and restore peace to all parts of Benue. Our uniformed men are making sacrifices, and though challenges remain, we are recording significant successes. With courage, intelligence, and unity, we will reclaim every inch of our land.

A Call to Unity and Hope
My dear people, let us recommit ourselves to unity: one people, one purpose, one destiny. In hardship, let us find hope; in diversity, strength; and in challenges, opportunity.

Benue will not be left behind in the journey to a new Nigeria. We will continue to work closely with the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

We also acknowledge our partners, friends, and the international community for standing with us on this journey of nation-building.

As we celebrate 65 years of independence, let us remember: freedom is not only a gift, but also a responsibility — one that calls for unity, resilience, and unwavering faith in a brighter tomorrow.

Long live Benue State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary!

— Speech by Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State, on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Would you like me to sharpen this into a press-release style summary (short, punchy highlights of the speech for media use), or keep it as a full ceremonial address for public reading?