As Abuja marks its 50th anniversary yesterday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has hailed what he described as a “transformed landscape” of the nation’s capital, attributing the changes to an aggressive infrastructure drive under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
 
He spoke after an extensive inspection tour of key road and bridge projects across the FCT, undertaken as part of activities commemorating the golden jubilee of Nigeria’s purpose-built capital. 

According to Wike, the milestone offers not just an opportunity for celebration but a moment of reflection on how far Abuja has evolved in line with its original vision.

Beginning the tour in Gishiri, the minister inspected sections of the ongoing road network project in the area, which he disclosed is scheduled for inauguration within the second or third year of the current administration. 

Also, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia has immortalised former Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, under whose regime the state was created on February 3, 1976.
 
In a state broadcast yesterday in Makurdi to mark the event, the governor also announced the immortalisation of the late Dan Agbese by naming the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation after the veteran journalist.
 
Governor Alia also disclosed plans to honour Second Republic Minister of Power and Steel, the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, one-time Minister of Agriculture, Isaac Shaahu, Senator Suemo Chia, former Military Administrator of old Anambra State, as well as Military Governor of Benue State,  General Atom Kpera, First Republic Minister of Lagos Affairs, the late Tashaku Oradi, among many other eminent personalities across the state.
 
Also, as part of activities to mark the golden jubilee, the governor also granted state pardon to 14 inmates serving various jail terms at the Makurdi Custodial Centre, Yaikyo.