The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, a public holiday to honour President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state.
Announcing the decision in Makurdi on Tuesday, June 17, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, said the one-day visit is meant to show solidarity with Benue people amid ongoing security challenges.
“This is in honour of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is scheduled for a one-day visit to the state.
“The visit is to commiserate with the government and people of the state over incessant security challenges.
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“Note, however, that those engaged in essential services like health workers, security agencies and banks are exempted from this holiday,” she said.
Aber encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome the President and his entourage.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier announced the visit on Monday, saying it was part of ongoing efforts to foster peace and address the lingering conflict affecting communities across the state.
He also noted that Tinubu’s previously scheduled visit to Kaduna for project commissioning has been postponed.