The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Dr. George Akume, has been honoured in Jos, Plateau State, with the naming of a newly constructed international conference hall after him.
The state-of-the-art facility, located at the North Central Zonal Coordinating Office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, was commissioned by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshen Yilwada, who was represented by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu.
Speaking during the ceremony, Professor Yilwada described the project as a tangible reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which continues to bring federal presence and development to various parts of the country.
He praised President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership and commitment to balanced development, noting that both Senator Akume’s appointment as SGF and his own emergence as APC National Chairman underscore the strategic importance of the North Central region in Nigeria’s unity and economic advancement.
Yilwada further lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for expanding the frontiers of the blue economy, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, for his visionary leadership.
“This auditorium named in honour of Senator George Akume is a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to public service and regional empowerment,” Yilwada said. “It stands as a symbol of partnership between government, industry, and the people — showing how purposeful leadership can deliver projects that outlive administrations.”
The newly commissioned Senator George Akume Auditorium features a world-class design equipped with advanced facilities such as a high-fidelity sound system, pillar-free visibility, and a spacious networking foyer. The facility is expected to serve as a regional hub for trade facilitation, policy dialogue, and investment promotion across the North Central zone.
In his remarks, Senator Akume expressed deep appreciation for the honour, describing it as an unexpected recognition of his years of public service.
“When I was Governor of Benue State for eight years, I never named anything after myself. This came as a surprise, and I receive it with gratitude and humility,” he said.
He emphasized that infrastructure remains a key driver of economic growth, stressing the federal government’s commitment to expanding trade and logistics infrastructure across inland regions.
“Infrastructure development is a national priority, not a choice,” Akume stated. “We must continue to build systems that promote ease of doing business, reduce logistics costs, and open new frontiers for trade and investment.”
Delivering the goodwill message of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, commended Senator Akume’s integrity and contributions to governance. He also applauded the Shippers’ Council for completing the project, noting that it aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for inclusive economic growth.
Other dignitaries, including Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the North Central Senate Caucus; Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki of the House Committee on Shipping Services; and former Chairman of the Shippers’ Council, Elder Yahaya Kwande, praised the initiative as a milestone toward economic diversification and inland logistics development.
Representing the Governor of Plateau State, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo congratulated the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and pledged the state government’s support to ensure the facility benefits local trade and employment.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda through the blue economy. He thanked all stakeholders for their collaboration and called for sustained partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s export and logistics systems.
Traditional leaders, including representatives of the Gbong Gwom Jos, also sent goodwill messages, commending the federal government’s efforts to promote inland shipping and commerce in Plateau State.
The commissioning of the Senator George Akume Auditorium marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for inclusive infrastructure development, regional trade integration, and the growth of the blue economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
