First Lady Commissions 10 Roads in Benue, Renamed Major Dual Carriageway in Her Honour

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday commissioned 10 newly completed roads in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, praising Governor Hyacinth Alia for what she described as purposeful leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of citizens through infrastructure development.

The roads, spanning a total of 11.5 kilometres, form part of more than 45 road projects executed by the Alia administration across Benue State.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mrs. Tinubu said the projects would enhance transportation, stimulate economic activities, improve security, and raise the quality of life for residents.

According to her, the newly completed roads, including the 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 several connecting spur roads, represent more than physical infrastructure.

“These roads are pathways to economic growth, improved mobility, enhanced security and a better quality of life for the people of Makurdi and beyond,” she said.

The First Lady commended Governor Alia for prioritising infrastructure and welfare initiatives, noting that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

She urged residents to support the state government’s development efforts and protect public infrastructure for future generations.

A major highlight of the event was the renaming of the Ishaya Bakut Road Dual Carriageway as Senator Oluremi Tinubu Road in recognition of the First Lady’s contributions to national development.

Responding to the honour, Mrs. Tinubu expressed gratitude and revealed a personal connection to Benue State through her late uncle, the proprietor of the well-known Dele Bookshop.

“My uncle, you all know Dele Bookshop? Yes, that was my uncle, my father’s younger brother. He really loved this state,” she said.

She disclosed that her uncle had strong ties to Benue and married two women from the state, adding that she had initially suggested that the road be named after him because of his longstanding relationship with the people.

“I was telling the Governor he should name it after my uncle, but he said no, he had something else in mind. So I gladly accept it because of his love for this state,” she said.

Describing the gesture as deeply touching, the First Lady thanked the government and people of Benue State for the recognition before officially declaring the roads open for public use.

“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 stated.

Earlier, Governor Alia described the commissioning as a celebration of progress and evidence of his administration’s determination to transform Benue through strategic infrastructure investments.

“These ten newly completed roads, which cumulatively span a total of 11.5 kilometres, are part of the 45 road projects delivered by our administration,” the governor said.

He noted that the projects have improved connectivity, opened up previously inaccessible areas, reduced travel time, enhanced the appearance of Makurdi, and created employment opportunities during construction.

“We have also created employment opportunities during construction and will continue to stimulate economic activities for years to come,” he added.

Governor Alia also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development at the sub-national level and assured residents that additional projects were underway across the state.

“As we celebrate this important achievement today, I wish to assure our people that this is only one step in our broader development agenda. More projects are ongoing across the state and many more will be delivered in the months ahead,” he said.

The governor further thanked the First Lady for honouring the state’s invitation and for her continued support for the people of Benue.