By Lubem Gena
The Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism are set to forge a strategic partnership aimed at unlocking the vast economic and tourism potentials residing along the Benue River corridor.
This collaboration is a deliberate move to align with Governor His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s transformative development agenda.
The foundation for this joint venture was laid during a Tuesday, 25th November, 2025, when the Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Denis Ter Iyaghigba, hosted the Director General of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Shadrach Teryila Ukuma, to Makurdi.
Commissioner Iyaghigba who described the visit as both “timely and strategic”, reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to fully partner with the Bureau to explore the state’s marine and blue economy assets.
The Commissioner disclosed ambitious plans for immediate collaboration, including the revival of the historic Akata Fishing Festival by next year after it was last held in 2013.
The Ministry’s strategic blueprint focuses on harnessing the Benue river corridor for leisure, ecotourism, cultural showcases, and direct revenue-generating ventures which will turnaround the fortunes of Benue state.
The Commissioner further emphasised that a central component of the plan is the development of the river’s beaches and numerous dotted islands into prime ecotourism destinations noting that the initiatives are designed not only to attract visitors but also to stimulate local economic activities, thereby creating wealth and significantly contributing to the state’s overall development objectives championed by Governor Alia.
He emphasized that the state’s serene riverfront, extensive land resources, and rich cultural assets around the Benue River remain largely underutilised, presenting strategic opportunities for recreation, enterprise, and cultural tourism that could serve as a key economic driver.
Dr. Ukuma who is a long time ally of the Commissioner had earlier informed of the Bureau’s determination to maximize the economic and tourism opportunities currently lying dormant along the riverfront.
Both leaders agreed that maximizing the synergy between marine resources and cultural assets is critical to repositioning the sector for sustainable growth.
It must be noted that the collaboration is poised to transform the Benue River from a mere geographic feature into a vibrant hub of economic and cultural activities.
