….Governor Alia commends Hon. Iyaghigba for piloting Ministry rightly
The ancient city of Makurdi, capital of Benue State, came alive with colour, excitement and renewed economic optimism as the maiden Benue Marine Carnival officially commenced at the Makurdi Golf Course Waterfront area, marking a historic milestone in the state’s journey into the marine and blue economy.
The groundbreaking event which started on Wednesday, 31st December 2025, attracted participants from all walks of life—policy makers, investors, professionals, youth groups, water sports enthusiasts and curious residents—who gathered to witness what many described as the unveiling of a new economic frontier for the Food Basket State.
Declaring the carnival open, the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Moses Atagher.
In his address, Barr. Atagher underscored the enormous economic benefits inherent in the global marine and blue economy, describing it as a multi-billion-dollar industry that Benue State can no longer afford to ignore.
He charged the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to remain resilient, innovative and forward-thinking in its operations, urging it to explore creative strategies that will translate the state’s vast water resources into sustainable wealth and employment opportunities.
The Governor, he said, was particularly pleased with the early strides made by the ministry, commending the Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy for what he termed “a job already well done.”
In his welcome address, the pioneer Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, said the carnival, themed “Showcasing the Potentials of River Benue,” was deliberately designed to unveil the legitimate and untapped opportunities available to stakeholders in the marine and blue economy sector.
According to him, the creation of the ministry by Governor Alia was a product of foresight and visionary leadership, signaling Benue State’s readiness to take a leading role in boosting its economic fortunes through water-based industries.
He urged investors, entrepreneurs and youths to key into the governor’s development agenda, stressing that the River Benue remains one of the state’s greatest natural assets.
In a major highlight of his address, Hon. Iyaghigba announced plans for a strategic partnership with the Makurdi Golf Club to utilize a substantial portion of the waterfront facility for the creation of a beach, which would serve as a permanent venue for the Benue Marine Carnival in subsequent years.
The carnival featured an array of engaging activities, including deep diving demonstrations, manual sand dredging, boat displays, swimming competitions, and cultural showcases depicting life in coastal and riverine communities, offering attendees both entertainment and education.
Goodwill messages poured in from key stakeholders and partners, including the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Novus Microfinance Bank, Mrs. Patricia Goja; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategic Communication, Mr. Solomon Iorpev; the Managing Director/CEO of Benue State GeoMining Company Limited, Dr. Erdoo Mongol; the Captain of the Golf Club, Engr. Kenneth Yanum, as well as sponsors of the event.
As the maiden edition unfolds, the Benue Marine Carnival stands as a bold statement of intent—projecting Benue State as an emerging hub in Nigeria’s blue economy and reaffirming the Alia administration’s commitment to innovation-driven development and economic diversification.
Below are some of the sights and sounds during the day 1 of the carnival.
