By Aloysius Umalo
Reactions have continued to trail the just-concluded Golden Jubilee celebration of Benue State, with APC governorship aspirant, Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, expressing disappointment over what he described as the poor organisation of the event, saying it fell short of the expectations of many citizens and missed an opportunity to unite the people.
In a statement titled “Benue at 50: A Golden Jubilee That Should Have United Us All,” Kuraun said the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation ought to have been a defining moment for reflection, unity and recognition of those who contributed to Benue’s development.
He noted that a Golden Jubilee is a once-in-a-lifetime event that should transcend politics and personal interests by bringing together all Benue sons and daughters, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences.
According to him, one of the major concerns surrounding the celebration was the apparent absence of several distinguished personalities associated with the creation and development of the state.
Kuraun observed that many surviving pioneers of the state, former military administrators and other prominent Benue leaders were not visibly present at the event.
He also pointed to the absence of some notable political figures, including the highest-ranking Benue indigene in the current Federal Government and the immediate past civilian governor of the state, describing it as a missed opportunity to demonstrate unity among past and present leaders.
The APC governorship aspirant further criticised what he described as inadequate publicity for the celebration, citing the reaction of a Benue-born artist who reportedly disclosed on social media that he only became aware of the state’s Golden Jubilee through a colleague from another state.
According to Kuraun, the incident reflected the concerns of many citizens who believed they were neither sufficiently informed nor actively involved in the commemorative activities.
He maintained that public participation remains the foundation of every successful state anniversary, stressing that while governments organise such events, it is the people who ultimately give them meaning.
Kuraun also expressed concern over the limited participation of leaders from other states, particularly some of those created alongside Benue in 1976, noting that broader interstate representation would have enhanced the prestige of the celebration.
He argued that the anniversary programme lacked adequate activities targeting children, women, youths, persons living with disabilities, senior citizens, students, entrepreneurs, artists and community groups.
According to him, a Golden Jubilee should extend beyond official ceremonies to become a statewide festival that gives every citizen a sense of belonging.
The APC chieftain also questioned the timing of the celebration, noting that Benue State was created on February 3, 1976, but its 50th anniversary was marked in June.
He said although there might have been administrative or logistical reasons for the shift, providing timely explanations would have promoted public understanding and reduced speculation.
Kuraun stressed that seeking clarification over such decisions should not be interpreted as criticism but as a legitimate expression of citizens’ interest in events of historical significance.
He maintained that constructive criticism strengthens democratic governance and is intended to improve public institutions and state events.
Looking ahead, Kuraun urged the government to adopt a more consultative approach in planning future anniversaries by involving former leaders, statesmen, the Benue diaspora and stakeholders across different sectors.
He recommended that future commemorations should feature educational, cultural, sporting, youth, women and community-based programmes while recognising the contributions of both military and civilian administrations to the state’s growth.
Kuraun maintained that Benue’s anniversary belongs to all its people and should always reflect the values of unity, inclusiveness and shared heritage.
He expressed hope that future celebrations would be more inclusive, widely consultative and representative of the collective sacrifices and achievements that have shaped Benue State over the past five decades.
