by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Last Saturday say yet another celebration of Tiv Day, which had been put on hold for awhile. The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, while speaking at the event, described the Tiv Day celebration as a new chapter in the history of the Tiv people, which brings to remembrance the sacrifices of past leaders, who fought for identity, dignity and freedom of the Tiv Nation.
Governor Alia stated this on Saturday, while speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 Tiv Day celebration held at JS Tarka Stadium, Gboko, in Benue State.
The event, tagged, ‘The Rebirth of the Tiv Nation,’ featured cultural displays, reflections on the Tiv journey, the conferment of honorific chieftaincy titles and renewed calls for peace and development in Tivland.
While highlighting the numerical strength and widespread of the Tiv people across several states of Nigeria, the governor describe them as “one of the country’s most identifiable ethnic nationalities.”
He urged Tiv sons and daughters to take pride in who they are, to remain peaceful and united, and to work collectively for the progress of the Tiv Nation.
The governor, while expressing gratitude for the title conferred on him as ‘Asôrtar-u-Tiv,’ congratulated all recipients of the honorific chieftaincy titles, emphasizing that “A Tiv title is a profound honour that carries responsibility and commitment to service,” adding that the honour would further motivate him to deliver more developmental strides across Benue State.
A major highlight of the governor’s remarks was the launch of the Tiv–English Dictionary, which he described as a milestone in the preservation and revival of Tiv Language and culture.
Also speaking at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, described Tiv Day as a celebration of identity, unity and cultural pride, recalling that the celebration began in 1977, and was instituted to foster unity among Tiv people at home and in the Diaspora.
Sen. Akume praised the Tiv people for their contributions to national development and their courage during the Nigerian Civil War in defending the unity and territorial integrity of the country.
He assured the Tiv Nation of the President’s commitment to equity and inclusiveness, acknowledging that early reforms brought temporary hardship but were necessary for long-term national stability and progress.
The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Professor James Ortese Ayatse, CFR, welcomed dignitaries and thanked President Tinubu for his concern and interventions, following insecurity challenges in Benue State.
He commended Governor Alia for changing the development narratives of the state and for providing the support that made the resumption of Tiv Day possible after several years of suspension.
The Tor Tiv explained that, the Tiv Area Traditional Council approved the conferment of honorific chieftaincy titles on distinguished Tiv sons, daughters and friends in recognition of their contributions to the Tiv Nation and Nigeria.
Among those honoured were Governor Hyacinth Alia (Asôrtar-u-Tiv), APC National Chairman, Engr. Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwada (Zegebar-u-Tiv), and former Governor, Senator Dr. Gabriel Torwua Suswam (Vande-u-Tiv).
Other honourees included Engr. Slyvanus Ghasarah (Orwasen Tar-u-Tiv); Mr. Terry Atiba (Anôngo Tar-u-Tiv); Prince Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (Ivangeyange-u-Tiv); Prof. Sebastine Hon (Semawan-u-Tiv); Air Commodore Titus Terhemba Agbacha (Rtd.) (Garyō-u-Tiv); Hon. B.T. Ashaver (Yarasuwa-u-Tiv); Prince Solomon Wombo (Imenger-i-Tiv); Rt. Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Jime (Shagbawan-u-Tiv); Prof. Okurga Malu (Akinde-u-Tiv); Prof. Eugene Aliegba (Ibughashe-i-Tiv); Dr. Steven Hwande (Jime Nor-u-Tiv); Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Mato (Pendatyo-u-Tiv); Barr. Samuel Paul Edeh (Wandor-u-Dedoo-u-Tiv); Mr. Isaac Akinkunmi (Vanya-u-Dedoo-u-Tiv); and Chief David Sabi Kente (Zege Igba-u-Tiv).
The Tor Tiv noted that the remaining eight honourees would be conferred with their titles at a later date.
He further highlighted ongoing cultural reforms aimed at eliminating practices that hinder progress, empower women, promote Tiv Language development, and support youth education through initiatives such as the Tiv Scholarship Trust Fund, “Ayatutu Ka Se” Foundation, and “Kasev Tiv Bam.”
The Tor Tiv called on Tiv sons and daughters to embrace unity, heal political and social divisions, and work collectively for the future of the Tiv Nation.
Former governor of Benue State, Sen. Dr. Gabriel Suswam, also urged Tiv sons and daughters to rise above political differences and support the government in power so as to advance development across Tivland and Benue State.
The President-General of Mzough-u-Tiv Worldwide, CP Iorbee Ihagh (Rtd.), described the 2025 Tiv Day celebration as a “call to deep reflection and action,” stressing that unity and peace are the foundations for development, even as he appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to end insecurity and enable displaced Tiv people return to their ancestral homes and farms.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwada, expressed gratitude to the Tiv Nation for the honour, and appealed for unity and reconciliation within the political space, stressing that, “Peace within is necessary to confront external challenges.”