By Amos Aar
IN A bold move to foster peace, unity, and economic growth, the One Benue Initiative is set to light up Makurdi with a spectacular four-day Easter Fiesta from April 18 to 21, 2025, at the IDP Square.
The event promises an electrifying mix of music, comedy, dance, cultural displays, and advocacy – all aimed at bridging divides and showcasing Benue’s rich heritage and untapped potential.
A vision for a united Benue
At a press briefing held at the NUJ House in Makurdi, Mr. Lawrence Terseer Kyuka, Convener of the One Benue Initiative, emphasized that the project was born out of a pressing need to heal the state’s deep-seated ethnic, religious, and political fractures.
“We envision a Benue where peace, cooperation, and tolerance are not just ideals but a way of life. This fiesta is more than entertainment—it’s a movement to reignite our collective pride and purpose,” Kyuka declared.
The initiative kicked off earlier this year with the One Benue Conference, bringing together government officials, traditional leaders, clerics, and youth advocates to chart a path toward lasting harmony.
Now, the Easter Fiesta takes the mission further – transforming advocacy into action through the power of art and culture.
Stage for talent, platform for change
From rising music stars to rib-cracking comedians and mesmerizing cultural troupes, the event will spotlight Benue’s brightest talents while spreading a powerful message: This is a state ready for progress.
Mr. Romeo Nyamatsa, State Coordinator of the initiative, called on the media to amplify this vision: “Benue has been torn apart for too long. We’re using entertainment to mend these divides and prove that our diversity is our strength.”
The fiesta will also feature a business and craft exhibition, showcasing products and innovations from across Benue’s 23 LGAs – an open invitation to investors and a boost for local entrepreneurs.
Beyond politics, a legacy for generations
Mr. Joseph Igomu, the initiative’s technical partner, stressed that One Benue is not tied to any administration but is a people-driven mission.
“Governments come and go, but culture and unity endure. We’re building a legacy that outlives us all,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, NUJ Chairman, Bemdoo Ugber, pledged the media’s full support, calling journalists “natural allies in the fight for a united Benue.”
As anticipation builds, organizers urge every Benue citizen – young and old – to come out, celebrate, and be part of this historic push for a brighter, more united future.
“This is our time. This is our Benue,” Kyuka proclaimed, adding: “Let’s show the world what we’re made of.”
