Benue @50: Fundamental Questions to Ask

By Ogiri John Ogiri 

As Benue State marks 50 years in Nigeria’s federation, it is a fundamental moment for deep reflection—not just celebration. As we undertake this reflection, Let us interrogate our achievements and failures. We can begin by asking certain fundamental questions that can guide honest assessment, public dialogue, and future planning:

1. Identity & Vision

Why was Benue created in 1976? What was the original vision for the State at its creation in 1976? How has our identity as the “Food Basket of the Nation” evolved in practice?

Do we have a shared vision for our dear State in the next 25–50 years? As Benue citizens, what values should define us today—industry, unity, innovation, integrity?

2. Governance & Leadership

How effective have successive governments been in delivering good governance in the State? To what extent have our leaders been accountable and transparent to us?

Has governance promoted inclusion across ethnic, religious, and local lines? Or have we been pandering to exclusionist politics?

What lessons can be learned from past administrations in terms of what worked, what failed, and why?

3. Security & Peace

Why has insecurity (especially farmer–herder conflicts) persisted despite interventions by successive governments? What measures have been taken( and are currently being taken) to address the challenge of insecurity in our dear State?

How well have governments at all levels protected lives, farmlands, and communities?

What role should our traditional rulers ( notably the Tor Tiv, Och'Idoma, and other leaders) as well as communities, and youths play in peacebuilding? How have governments supported them to play this role?How can we secure lasting peace without undermining justice or coexistence in our dear State?

4. Economy & Development

Have we truly harnessed abundant resources dotting our landscape? Have we truly leveraged agriculture beyond the level of subsistence?

Why are agro-processing and value chains still underdeveloped? Why do we have no functional processing companies for tomatoes, oranges, plantains, yams and cassava? 

What non-agricultural sectors like mining, tourism, creative economy, and ICT, remain untapped?How sustainable is our economy without serious dependence on federal allocation?

5. Infrastructure & Urban Development

Do we have adequate roads, electricity, water supply, and housing across the state?

Why do rural areas still lag far behind urban centres in terms of development?

What is our urban development plan? How well planned are our major cities namely Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, and Katsina-Ala?

What kind of infrastructure priorities must define the next decade of our existence and experience in the State?

6. Education & Human Capital

What is the current level of our investment in education and human capital development? Have we invested enough in quality education at all levels? Why do graduates still face acute unemployment and underemployment in the state? What plan do we have for our graduates?

Are our schools producing people who solve problems, innovators, and entrepreneurs? If no, why? How can education be aligned with our economic needs as a State?

7. Health & Social Welfare

Do we have adequate healthcare system in Benue? How accessible and functional are our primary healthcare facilities across the state?

What can we point out as progress that has been made towards reducing maternal and child mortality in our State?

Are we prepared to handle and tackle public health emergencies? How prepared are we?

Are vulnerable people—women, children, elderly, persons with disabilities—adequately protected? What kind of protection plan do we have for them?

8. Youth, Gender & Inclusion

What about our youth participation in governance and economy? What real opportunities exist for us?

How empowered ( technically speaking) are women in leadership, business, and decision-making positions in our State?

Has politics in our State encouraged merit or has it merely promoted a recycling of the elite?

How can the energy of our youths be harnessed and redirected from frustration to productivity?

9. Culture, Unity & Social Cohesion

How well have we preserved and promoted our diverse cultures and languages in Benue?

Have our ethnic and local identities strengthened our unity or has it deepened division among us? Have we identified what role culture can play in tourism, education, and peacebuilding? 

What have we done and currently doing to tell the Benue story beyond its challenges? Are we doing enough in this aspect?

10. Federalism & Benue’s Place in Nigeria

Can we truly say that Benue has benefited fairly and squarely from Nigeria’s federal system?

How well have our representatives in government defended the interests of the state within and outside our borders? What kind of reforms would make the federation work better to accommodate the interests of our dear Benue? What should our voices represent in national discourses?

11. The Future (Next 50 Years)

In the next 50 years, What kind of Benue do we want to bequeath to the next generation?

What must urgently change if our dear State is to survive and thrive? Who should we elect to lead the next phase? What kind of qualities must they have?

How do we transition from a state of potential to a state of performance?

Final Reflection

At 50, Benue State is no longer a child, but it is not too old to recreate itself and to reinvent its wheel of fortune and progress. Let me conclude that the real celebration lies, not in frivolous revelry but in asking tough questions, telling ourselves uncomfortable truths, and directing our priorities to taking bold, collective action.

Long live Benue!

Long live Nigeria!

God bless Nigeria!