Tinubu lauds Tiv people, pledges good governance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Tiv people for their rich and enduring cultural heritage as well as their significant contributions to Nigeria’s unity and national development.

Delivering a keynote address at this year’s Tiv Cultural Day in Gboko, Benue State on Saturday, President Tinubu said the Tiv nation’s traditions, values and communal spirit have continued to strengthen the country’s cultural diversity and promote peaceful coexistence, noting that such heritage remains a vital pillar for national cohesion and sustainable progress.

The president who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume recalled that the Tiv Cultural Day Celebration, which began in 1977, has remained a vital platform for promoting unity and preserving cultural identity among the Tiv people, a development which he said is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the country.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Tiv nation to the preservation of Nigeria’s corporate unity, promotion of national development, as can be seen in the quality of persons serving meritoriously in key positions in his administration.

Highlighting the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening fundamental freedoms and civil liberties, and good governance as evidenced in improvements in the quality of education, digitalisation of the economy, public service welfare, and the Ease of Doing Business, which is attracting direct foreign investment in quantum leaps.

He restated the commitment of his administration ‘s Renewed Hope Agenda to the task of repositioning Nigeria through massive economic transformation, infrastructural revamping and expansion, food security, poverty alleviation, job creation and the fight to end insecurity.

The president also pointed to the construction of new dams and major bridges across the country, including the one at River Buruku, the intensification of the war against insurgents and terrorists to achieve enhanced national security.

He highlighted the establishment of the North Central Development Commission and its strategic benefit to the Tiv nation and people of North-Central Nigeria.

“May I commend specially once more the contribution of the Tiv people during the Nigerian Civil War to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of this country, even as I extend my continual goodwill and prayers for long life and prosperity to His Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, the Tiv Area Traditional Council, and the entire Tiv nation,” President Tinubu said.

No fewer than 18 individuals were conferred with various titles during the ceremony in Gboko, which was marked by cultural displays and communal solidarity.