FIC Report (Benue State) – The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday 16 June 2026 commissioned ten newly completed roads in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as part of the over 45 road projects executed by the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
The commissioned roads, covering a total distance of 11.5 kilometres, form part of the Benue State Government’s urban renewal programme aimed at improving mobility, stimulating economic activities, enhancing security, and improving the overall quality of life of residents.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Senator Tinubu commended Governor Alia for his visionary leadership and commitment to delivering meaningful development to the people of Benue State.
She noted that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through investments that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods.
The First Lady also expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for naming one of the roads after her, describing the gesture as a deeply personal honour due to her family’s long-standing connection with Benue through her late uncle, popularly known as Dele Bookshop, who lived in and maintained strong ties with the state.
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia welcomed the First Lady and other wives of governors to Benue, describing Senator Tinubu as a mother and friend of the state whose interventions, particularly through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), have continued to support women, youths, children, and vulnerable groups.
Governor Alia stated that the road projects demonstrate his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and urban transformation.
According to him, the roads have opened up previously inaccessible areas, reduced travel time, improved connectivity, created employment opportunities, and boosted economic activities within Makurdi.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting sub-national governments and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent resource management and the delivery of more impactful projects across the state.
Presenting the technical details of the projects, the Director of Civil Engineering at the Benue State Ministry of Works and Urban Development, Engr. Tivfa Wombo, disclosed that the ten roads commissioned under the first phase include the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dual Carriage Road, Abu King Shuluwa Road, Mama Mbateren Alia Street, Dabo Plaza–Fashion Hub Road, Sir James Iorpuu Street, Tyagher Gbaa Street, Jato Aka Road, and adjoining roads.
He added that the projects also featured 3.4 kilometres of drainage channels designed to tackle flooding in Makurdi.
The roads and drainage infrastructure were constructed by Triacta Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦15 billion.
Senator Tinubu thereafter formally declared the roads commissioned to the glory of God and for the benefit of the people of Makurdi and Benue State at large.
Earlier in the day, Governor Alia, while receiving the First Lady at Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area, extolled Senator Tinubu’s commitment to the empowerment of women and youths in Benue State.
The Governor made the remarks during the commissioning and handover ceremony of a Community ICT Centre established through the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Benue State Government.
Governor Alia announced that the ICT Centre had been named after Mama Lucy Aluor in recognition of her contributions to society.
He noted that the facility would enhance digital literacy, equip youths with employable skills, bridge the digital divide, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and prepare beneficiaries to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
According to the Governor, the centre represents his administration’s commitment to ICT development and rural transformation. He expressed optimism that the facility would expand access to digital opportunities, improve connectivity, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth within the host communities.
Governor Alia again appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting state governments and reiterated his administration’s resolve to prudently manage resources while delivering more people-oriented projects across Benue State.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
