28/06/2026
*BENUE @ 50: A GOLDEN JUBILEE OF RESILIENCE, UNITY AND RENEWED HOPE*
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of Benue State's 50th Anniversary
On behalf of the Gwer-East Basic Education Quality Assurance Evaluators Forum, Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, Gwer-East Local Government Education Authority, Aliade, Benue State, we heartily congratulate His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Government, and the resilient people of Benue State on this auspicious occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebration of our beloved state.
Today, as we celebrate this milestone under the theme, "A Journey of Resilience, Progress and Prospects," we are reminded of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, the dedication of successive leaders, and the unwavering determination of our citizens who have collectively shaped the history and identity of the Food Basket of the Nation. In Gwer-East, we have witnessed firsthand the transformational power of education in communities across our LGEA—from the rural settlements along the banks of River Benue to the hills of Aliade and beyond.
This Golden Jubilee is more than a celebration of years; it is a celebration of the courage of our people, the strength of our communities, and the hope that continues to inspire us to build a greater Benue. It is an opportunity to honour our rich heritage while embracing a future anchored on unity, innovation, social justice, and sustainable development. For us in the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, this celebration reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every child in Gwer-East receives quality basic education that equips them for life and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to the development of Benue State.
As the body charged with the responsibility of assuring and enhancing quality in basic education across Gwer-East LGA, we take pride in contributing to the vision of a Benue where every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to quality education. We remain committed to advancing policies and programmes that promote effective teaching and learning, continuous professional development of teachers, school infrastructure improvement, and inclusive access to education—all of which are essential pillars for the development of our state and the realisation of its full potential.
The administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to people-centred governance through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare. These interventions have renewed confidence in governance and strengthened the collective resolve to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous Benue State. In the education sector, we have observed encouraging progress that deserves recognition and sustained support.
In this regard, we extend our profound commendation to the Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, whose visionary leadership, astute policy direction, and relentless advocacy for foundational learning have significantly elevated the standard of basic education across the state. Her strategic reforms and unwavering dedication continue to provide the enabling environment that empowers evaluators like us to effectively discharge our oversight duties with clarity and purpose.
At the Local Government level, we are equally delighted to express our heartfelt satisfaction with the sterling administrative acumen of our Education Secretary, Mrs. Stella Mwuese Tarka. Her proactive supervision, inclusive leadership style, and motherly disposition toward both staff and learners have cultivated a most conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning to flourish across the Gwer-East LGEA. Her tireless efforts in stakeholder engagement and resource mobilisation remain a beacon of inspiration for all of us.
Furthermore, we place on record our deep appreciation to the Head of Service for Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Nicholas Utukwa, alongside the entire Management Staff of Gwer-East LGEA. Their exceptional oversight, professional mentorship, and synergistic administrative support have not only honed our capacities as evaluators but have also strengthened our operational framework, ensuring that our monitoring exercises translate into tangible improvements in classroom outcomes.
As evaluators, we recognise that the quality of education we provide today will determine the quality of leadership, governance, and development that Benue will enjoy in the next fifty years. We therefore renew our commitment to rigorous and objective evaluation of educational delivery in Gwer-East, ensuring that standards are maintained, gaps are identified and addressed, and best practices are documented and shared across our schools.
As we commemorate fifty years of existence, let us renew our commitment to unity beyond ethnic, religious, and political differences. Let us embrace the ideals of justice, compassion, and shared responsibility, knowing that the greatness of Benue lies in the collective efforts of her sons and daughters. In Gwer-East, we remain dedicated to promoting inclusive education that transcends all barriers and gives every child an equal opportunity to succeed.
We must not overlook the indispensable contributions of our dedicated teachers, who labour daily in the classrooms to illuminate young minds and shape character; our supportive parents and guardians, whose sacrifices and partnerships with the school system ensure continuity in learning; and our enthusiastic learners, who are the very reason for our collective existence as educators and evaluators. To the learners—the potential governors, technocrats, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow—we salute your resilience, curiosity, and determination. You are the cornerstone upon which the next golden era of Benue shall be built.
May this Golden Jubilee mark the beginning of an even greater era of peace, security, economic prosperity, and inclusive development. May our children continue to receive quality education that prepares them for leadership, may our teachers be empowered and equipped to deliver excellence, may our communities continue to support educational advancement, and may our youth become the driving force of innovation and progress that will propel Benue to greater heights.
Congratulations to His Excellency, the Government, and the wonderful people of Benue State on this historic milestone.
Together, through quality education and unwavering commitment, we shall continue to build a state that future generations will be proud to call home.
Happy 50th Anniversary, Benue State!
*Simon Orkaa*
Chairman,
Gwer-East Basic Education Quality Assurance Evaluators Forum