The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday commissioned 10 newly completed intra-city roads in Makurdi, Benue State, describing them as pathways to economic growth, improved mobility, enhanced security and a better quality of life for Benue residents.
The commissioning formed part efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration commitment to improve infrastructure which has delivered over 45 road projects.
The 10 roads, which span over 11.5 kilometers, include: the Ishaya Bakut Road dual carriageway, Abu King Shuluwa Road, Mama Mbateren Alia Street, Dabo Plaza to Fashion Hub Road, Sir James Iorpuu Street, Tyagher Gbaa Street, Jato-Aka Road, and connecting spur roads off Ishaya Bakut.
Speaking during the event, Mrs Tinubu, who said Makurdi holds a special place in her heart, commended Alia for his visionary leadership and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy, noting that the projects reflect the practical implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through investments that directly impact citizens’ lives and livelihoods.
In an emotional moment during her address, the First Lady recounted a personal connection to Benue through her late uncle, Dele Bookshop, who married two women from the state, recalling that his uncle really loved Benue state.
According to Mrs Tinubu, she was initially surprised when the governor named one of the new roads after her but accepted the honour with the belief that the honor will extend to her cousins, who are her uncle’s children.
“It is, therefore, my honour and privilege to officially commission these 10 roads to the glory of God and the benefit of the people of Makurdi and the entire Benue State,” she declared while unveiling the projects, urging Benue residents to take ownership of the assets and ensure their proper use.
Alia, in his remarks, described the event as a celebration of progress, purposeful leadership through collective determination to build a better Benue.
He said the 10 roads represent part of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure, total development, and urban renewal.
According to him, the projects have opened up previously inaccessible areas, reduced travel time, enhanced connectivity across Makurdi, improved the capital’s aesthetics, and created jobs during construction while stimulating future economic activity.
The governor credited the achievements to the support of Benue people, development partners, the State Executive Council, House of Assembly, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the workforce that executed the projects.
He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting sub-national governments and attested that the Renewed Hope Agenda has continued to inspire Benue’s development drive.
The governor assured citizens that the road commissioning was only one step in a broader development agenda, with more projects ongoing and slated for delivery in coming months, announcing that the stretch where the ceremony held has been named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Road.
He said the presence of the first lady would remain memorable in the chapter Benue’s development story, expressing appreciation to the first lady for being a mother as well as standing with the state and for accepting to commission what he described as landmark projects that would serve the people for generations to come.
Mrs Tinubu, after the Makurdi ceremony, proceeded to Ihugh, Vandeikya LGA, for the commissioning and handover of a Community ICT Centre under the Renewed Hope Initiative.