Governor Alia Unveils New Benue State Logo and Anthem Amid Criticism
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has officially revealed the state’s new logo and anthem, also referred to as the state seal, during a ceremony on Saturday night in Makurdi.
Before the unveiling, the new logo faced backlash from some critics who accused the governor of attempting to impose Christianity on the state, due to the inclusion of a cross in the design.
In his address at the event, Governor Alia announced that an Executive Bill would be forwarded to the House of Assembly for the official adoption of the symbols.
He explained that the symbols reflect the core identity of the Benue people, representing their values, culture, and history. According to the governor, these symbols will play a key role in promoting the state and attracting tourists and investors.
Alia emphasized that the new logo and anthem would distinguish Benue, offering a unique identity that would set it apart from other states.
“These symbols are more than just aesthetic elements; they serve as reminders of our shared history, struggles, and triumphs,” Alia stated. “They inspire us to aim for greatness and embody the strength of our unity, even in our diversity. Let’s wear them with pride and let the world recognize us as proud Benue citizens.”
The governor also acknowledged the committee responsible for creating the symbols, commending them for their dedication and skill in capturing the spirit of the state.
“I deeply appreciate the effort of everyone involved in this project. Whether or not your submission was chosen, your contribution is valuable. You have all played a part in shaping the identity of Benue,” Alia said.
Additionally, Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing the state’s development challenges, particularly in health and education. He mentioned that 9,700 new teachers were being hired as part of efforts to strengthen the educational system. The governor also assured the people that security issues were being addressed and plans were underway to return Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.
Earlier in the ceremony, Augustine Utsaha, Chairman of the State Symbols Screening Committee, thanked the governor for including them in the historic project. Utsaha, a retired judge, noted that the state’s search for a unifying symbol was long overdue, calling it a noble initiative. He praised the governor’s commitment to infrastructure and human capital development, adding that the symbols would promote peace, unity, and pride among Benue citizens.
The committee’s Secretary, Solomon Iorpev, revealed that 119 entries were submitted for the state symbols, from which the top five were selected. He explained that the anthem was derived from the submissions of these finalists.
