President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Tiv people for their rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to Nigeria’s unity and national development.
Tinubu, who spoke while delivering a keynote address at the Tiv Cultural Day celebration held in Gboko, Benue State, commended the Tiv nation’s traditions, values, and communal spirit, which he said have promoted peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu restated his administration’s commitment to good governance, economic transformation, infrastructural development, food security, poverty alleviation, and job creation.
He acknowledged the Tiv people’s sacrifices in preserving Nigeria’s unity, citing their meritorious service in key positions, including within his administration.
The president highlighted achievements of his Renewed Hope Agenda, including improvements in education, digitalisation, public service welfare, and ease of doing business, noting that these developments are capable of attracting foreign investment.
He also pointed to infrastructure projects, security efforts, and the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), expressing optimism that the commission would benefit the Tiv people and the wider North Central region.
Tinubu commended the Tiv Area Traditional Council for approving honorary titles for 26 individuals, with 18 conferred during the ceremony.
In his address, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, called on the Federal Government to sustain efforts to address insecurity and bring justice to people affected by attacks across the country, highlighting challenges faced by the Tiv people, including herdsmen attacks, land disputes, and economic hardship.
Ayatse commended Tinubu for efforts to improve security in Benue State, particularly following the Yelwata killings.
He noted with dissatisfaction that the Tiv people, estimated to be over 15 million nationwide, have suffered greatly from herdsmen attacks, which started in 2011, leading to displacement, loss of lives, property, and livelihoods. He called on the Federal Government to expedite action to enable those living in IDP camps to return to their ancestral homes and restart their lives.
The Tor Tiv also highlighted the Tiv Area Traditional Council’s efforts to promote peace, unity, and development, including reforms to traditional practices, empowerment of women, and language development.
He expressed appreciation to Akume, the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, and other dignitaries for honouring the occasion, as well as their various forms of support in hosting a successful celebration after eight years of non-hostage.
He called on Tiv sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to contribute to the Tiv Scholarship Trust Fund to support needy children and empower women.
Alia, who received his chieftaincy title alongside 17 others, expressed appreciation to the Tiv Area Traditional Council for finding him worthy of the honour.
Dedicating the honour to the people of Benue State, Alia appealed to all Benue sons and daughters, especially those he may have offended, to join hands with him to develop the state.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yelwatda, in his response after receiving an honorific title, expressed delight at the award and commended the Tiv nation for the distinction, noting that he would not take it for granted.
He promised to work closely with the Tiv people and other stakeholders to reconcile political differences currently affecting the party in the state.