President Tinubu Pledges Infrastructure Support at Igede Agba New Yam Festival, Vows to Complete Oweto-Otukpo Road
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
A Presidential Commitment to Igede Land
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to support the tourism and economic potentials of the annual Igede Agba New Yam Festival in Benue State, with a major commitment to completing the Oweto-Otukpo road project through Obi and Oju Federal Constituency, terminating in Cross River State.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, made this declaration in Oju, Benue State, during the 2025 edition of the Igede Agba festival. He called on traditional rulers across Nigeria to mobilise rural communities and work hand in hand with government initiatives to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Igede Agba: A Celebration of Culture and Heritage
The Igede Agba New Yam Festival, widely celebrated across the Benue South Senatorial District, has for decades served as a unifying cultural platform for the Igede-speaking people.
Known for its colourful cultural displays, rich culinary traditions, and spiritual significance, the annual event continues to attract dignitaries, political leaders, business executives, and tourists from different parts of the country.
This year’s edition, however, stood out not just for its cultural splendour but for the strong federal government commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges in the region.
Road Construction, Water Supply, and Security Dominate Requests
Akahi News gathered that during the festival, community leaders presented a list of pressing needs to the President, with failed road networks, lack of potable water, and rising insecurity topping the demands.
The Oweto-Otukpo road, in particular, has been a major source of concern for residents and travellers, who lament the economic losses and hardships caused by its poor state over the years. By committing to its completion, President Tinubu reassured the people of Igede land that his administration is determined to deliver lasting infrastructural development.
Launch of Empowerment Initiatives and Healthcare Support
In addition to the road commitment, the President used the occasion to launch empowerment items and hospital equipment to strengthen rural healthcare delivery across Oju, Obi, and neighbouring communities.
The move, stakeholders noted, aligns with the federal government’s broader plan to improve healthcare access in underserved rural areas while creating economic opportunities for local residents through small-scale empowerment programmes.
A Turning Point for Igede Land
Many residents described the President’s pledge as the highpoint of the 2025 Igede Agba Festival, marking what they hope will be a turning point after years of infrastructural neglect.
A youth leader in Oju told Akahi News that the President’s commitment to basic infrastructure such as access roads, healthcare facilities, and clean water signals a renewed federal interest in rural development.
“For too long, our communities have suffered untold hardship because of bad roads and lack of basic amenities. We are hopeful that this administration will match its words with action,” he said.
Traditional Institutions Urged to Support Development
President Tinubu further urged traditional rulers not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to act as development partners in mobilising grassroots support for government projects and policies.
According to him, the cooperation of traditional leaders remains crucial for ensuring that infrastructure projects, empowerment schemes, and social programmes reach rural communities effectively.
Looking Ahead
As the festival concluded with dances, masquerade displays, and thanksgiving prayers for a bountiful harvest, expectations are now high that the federal government’s promises will translate into tangible development across Igede land and beyond.
For residents, the hope is that the completion of the Oweto-Otukpo road, improved healthcare services, and provision of potable water will finally end many years of hardship and open a new chapter of progress for the region.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org
