It was a day of colour, culture, and celebration in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State as the Igede people marked the 2025 Igede Agba New Yam Festival. The festival, which drew sons and daughters of the land from far and near, also featured a special message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the president hailed traditional rulers as pillars of peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria. He praised the Igede Traditional Council for keeping alive a festival that has remained a symbol of identity and togetherness for generations.
“Traditional rulers play a vital role in peace building across the country. Your resilience in preserving culture is commendable,” Tinubu said in his message, while also congratulating the Adiharu of Igede, CP Oga Ero (rtd), for hosting another successful celebration.
The SGF also brought good news: under the Renewed Hope Agenda, he announced the award of the contract for the construction of the Oju–Ogoja Road, a development that was greeted with excitement by the crowd. “Benue has already benefited from key appointments and projects, and more are still on the way,” Akume assured.
In his response, the Adiharu of Igede expressed gratitude to the president for honouring the invitation and for the road project, describing it as a long-awaited dream. “My people and I are overwhelmed with joy at this good news. It will open up our communities to new opportunities,” he said.
The festival climaxed with the conferment of a chieftaincy title on President Tinubu, sealing his bond with the Igede people on a day that blended tradition, thanksgiving, and hope for the future.
