The Benue State Government has officially declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as a public holiday to mark the scheduled visit of the President to the state.
According to a statement issued and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Serumun Deborah Aber, the President is expected to embark on a one-day condolence visit to Benue.
The purpose of the visit, the statement noted, is to commiserate with the government and people of the state following the spate of violent attacks that have claimed numerous lives across various communities.
The declaration of the public holiday, the government explained, is aimed at allowing residents ample opportunity to come out in large numbers to receive and welcome the President warmly. The visit is seen as a significant gesture of solidarity and empathy from the Federal Government to the people of Benue State during these trying times.
However, the state government emphasized that the holiday does not apply to essential service providers. Workers in critical sectors such as healthcare, security, and banking are exempted from the directive and are expected to continue their duties uninterrupted to ensure the smooth functioning of essential operations.
In its appeal to the public, the government urged all residents to turn out en masse and give the President a rousing welcome as a mark of respect and appreciation for his show of concern over the ongoing security challenges in the state.