By Amos Aar
THE MAIDEN edition of One Benue, themed “Unity and Peace in Benue State”, took center stage on Monday in Makurdi as stakeholders gathered to deliberate on strategies for fostering unity and driving development in the state.
The event, tagged “The Youth Discus”, saw thought leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders share insights on the critical need for peace and collaboration.
In his welcome address, the convener of One Benue, Mr. Lawrence Terseer Kyuta, highlighted the long-term vision of the project. “This is just the beginning. We believe that as Benue celebrates its 50th anniversary, the future will be even brighter. The One Benue series is more than a one-time event, it’s an ongoing initiative,” he stated.
Kyuta further unveiled upcoming activities under the One Benue umbrella, including the One Benue Exhibition and One Benue Concert scheduled for April, as well as the One Benue Ambassador Contest, open to individuals aged 18 and above.
According to him, the exhibition will spotlight the One Local Government, One Product Project, aimed at identifying, developing, and industrialising key products from each of the 23 local government areas in Benue State.
Delivering the keynote address, the President-General of Mdzough u Tiv, CP Iorbee Ihagh (Rtd), emphasised the importance of moving beyond electoral politics. “Elections are over. Now is the time for governance and development. We must work together, and the youth should refrain from spreading divisive rhetoric,” he advised.
Father of the Day, Retired Brigadier Atom Kpera, noted that political, rather than tribal, differences are the current drivers of disunity in Benue. He called for a paradigm shift, urging stakeholders to focus on development rather than lingering on political rivalries. “The era of politicking is behind us. It’s time to build,” he declared.
Another guest speaker at the event, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, who is the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, stressed the importance of forward-thinking leadership.
“Instead of dwelling on the inglorious past marked by disunity and stagnation, we must chart a new course for growth. Leaders should lead by example and learn to disagree without being disagreeable,” Ikyaan remarked, adding that sustainable development thrives only in peaceful environments.
Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Manasseh Alumo Orpin, urged leaders to set aside personal differences for the greater good. He also challenged the youth to be innovative and proactive, focusing on self-empowerment rather than relying solely on financial handouts from political figures.
“True empowerment comes from thinking outside the box,” Orpin asserted.
