Makurdi Rising: How Benue’s Capital Is Becoming Nigeria’s New Creative and Economic Powerhouse

Makurdi, Benue State – May 2025

In 2025, the story of Makurdi is no longer one of missed potential — it’s one of undeniable progress. From overlooked capital to cultural and business hub, Benue’s heartbeat city is rising fast, blending grassroots energy with smart governance and creative firepower.

2Baba’s Appointment: A Cultural Turning Point

The appointment of global music icon 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Engagement has given this transformation a powerful symbol. A proud son of Benue, 2Baba’s new role is more than ceremonial — it signals a shift: that culture, identity, and the creative economy now sit at the heart of state development.

Benue’s progress is anchored by a powerful wave of innovators, activists, artists, and digital builders. Here are some of the names and platforms shaping the state’s new identity:

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

• Ashwe Emmanuel (FJPay) – His fintech platform is making airtime and utility payments easier across Nigeria, built entirely from Benue soil.
• Vershima Isaiah Iorember (Vitex Farms) – Leading a new generation of sustainable agribusinesses blending tech with tradition.
• Henry Anebi-Atede (OPay) – A regional leader helping integrate digital banking into daily life across Benue communities.

Creative & Cultural Leadership

• John Tumeun (Shanpepe Films) – Telling unapologetically local stories through film, with bold satire and drama reshaping Tiv-Nollywood.
• Monica Ogah – Project Fame winner and musical ambassador, blending soul, highlife, and pride in her Benue roots.
• Rapizo (Nyam Luke Lubem) – One of the region’s most recognizable voices, with songs that marry reggae, gospel, and cultural preservation.
• Omo Benue TV & Igboji Comedy – Two digital media creators keeping Tiv humor, street culture, and social commentary alive for a new generation.

Social Impact & Advocacy

• Dr. Helen Teghtegh – Executive Director of Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiative, and internationally certified in development justice, she has been on the frontlines of fighting for displaced children and empowering rural women.
• Jessica Doofan – A grassroots champion empowering young women with vocational and tech skills in underrepresented LGAs.

Diaspora Strength & Business Influence

• Ukeyima John (UKmoni) – A real estate and music entrepreneur using his brand “After all, I know where I belong” to inspire return, reinvestment, and pride in being Benue-born.

Infrastructure and Intentional Leadership

Makurdi’s development is backed by policy. Dual overhead bridges at Wurukum and High-Level roundabouts are now easing urban traffic.

The Benue Inventors and Entrepreneurs Exhibition 2025 has also drawn national attention and capital. These projects show clear intent: Benue is investing in itself.

But the Pain Still Lingers: Benue’s Plea for Peace

Amid this rise, a wound still bleeds — the recurring herders’ attacks that have plagued Benue for over a decade. The recent loss of over 40 lives in Gwer West once again shook the state.

The Tiv, Idoma, and Igede peoples, known for their hospitality and peaceful coexistence, have long called for security and justice. These tragedies have transcended governments — and so must the solutions.

Benue’s people remain peaceful, but their patience is not permission. Peace is not optional — it’s foundational to any lasting development.

We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For

Makurdi is no longer waiting for outside saviors. With a rich blend of culture, tech, farming, music, advocacy, and infrastructure, the city is forging its own legacy — and it’s doing it proudly, loudly, and on its own terms.

“We’re not just rising. We’re leading — with identity, with pride, and with purpose.”