The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a work-free day in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the state, which is expected to focus on commiserating with the people over the devastating security challenges that have plagued several communities in the region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Makurdi, Mrs. Deborah Aber, Secretary to the State Government, said the holiday is meant to enable residents to welcome the President and his entourage.
“This is in honour of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is scheduled for a one-day visit to the state,” the statement read.
Aber noted that President Tinubu’s visit is part of the federal government’s renewed commitment to addressing the long-standing violence and instability in the state, often driven by farmer-herder clashes, armed banditry, and displacement crises.
While the holiday applies to the general public, essential service providers—including health workers, security agencies, and banks—are exempted and expected to remain on duty.
Tinubu’s Visit Signals Focus on Peace
On Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the Benue visit, stating it underscores the President’s intent to foster peace and rebuild confidence among affected communities.
“The visit is to commiserate with the government and people of the state over incessant security challenges,” Onanuga said.
Tinubu’s Benue trip comes as he rescheduled a planned visit to Kaduna State, where he was initially expected to commission key infrastructure projects.
A State Under Siege
Benue has, for years, found itself at the epicenter of violent clashes, resulting in the deaths and displacement of thousands. The state's agrarian population has repeatedly borne the brunt of the crisis, which has led to food insecurity, the closure of schools, and overwhelmed humanitarian facilities.
President Tinubu is expected to meet with Governor Hyacinth Alia, traditional rulers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other stakeholders during his visit.
Residents Urged to Show Support
The State Government has called on all residents to come out en masse and give the President a warm reception.
“We urge the good people of Benue to turn out massively to receive Mr. President as he comes in solidarity and with renewed efforts to restore peace to our land,” Aber said.
As the date draws closer, expectations are high that the President’s visit will translate into concrete action, particularly in the form of enhanced security operations, resettlement support, and reconstruction of affected communities.
Benue, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” now hopes this presidential visit signals not just empathy, but decisive interventions to end the cycle of violence.
