Laughter echoed through a sea of vibrant Tiv attire as Makurdi came alive last night to celebrate the birthday of Justice Theresa Mimi Shija, wife of Professor Terhemba Shija.
The cultural night in her honour was filled with Benue’s rhythmic heartbeat: Swange dances, thumping agogo bells, and the earthy aroma of simmering okoho soup.
Under a canopy of twinkling stars in a bustling Makurdi hall, guests dressed in flowing black-and-white smocks and intricate A’nger wrappers gathered to celebrate the esteemed judge’s milestone. Cultural troupes swirled in hypnotic Swange formations, their feet pounding on red earth to the beat of wooden drums that evoked ancestral pride. Elders told folktales about strong Tiv women, eliciting knowing smiles from Justice Shija, whose poised presence anchored the festivities. Her children, overjoyed, led renditions of “happy birthday songs”, while family and friends shared heartfelt stories about her nurturing spirit amidst judicial demands.
The evening’s highlight was the birthday cake, a towering, three-tiered marvel draped in white fondant, etched with Tiv motifs of unity, and adorned with fresh orchids symbolising grace.
Spotlights shone on the couple as Prof. Terhemba Shija, the devoted partner, gently guided his wife’s hands to the knife. They sliced through the first layer, the sweet vanilla scent wafting as confetti rained down overhead. Cheers erupted; Justice Shija’s eyes welled up with tears as she embraced her husband, their children rushing forward for hugs. Prof. Shija whispered, “This moment captures everything – love, family, and Benue’s enduring spirit,” as the audience applauded the touching scene. Platters of pounded yam, bushmeat pepper soup, and sweet potato fries followed, fuelling lively discussions until late.
Among the celebrations, subtle murmurs from attendees hinted at broader Benue yearnings. Local elders and youth leaders, mingling over plates of delicacy, voiced a silent groundswell: Prof. Shija must appear on the 2027 election ballot in Benue. “He’s the steady hand we’ve prayed for,” one chief said, nodding to Shija’s intellectual stature.
Shija, a Professor of English and African Literature at Nasarawa State University who also directs the Centre for Governance and Development, combines scholarly depth with policy expertise. His prospects for governor in 2027 shine in the face of incumbent dissatisfaction. This academic edge, honed through narrative power and governance research, stands in stark contrast to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s delivery shortfalls. Persistent herder-farmer violence claimed 500+ lives in 2025 (International Crisis Group), unemployment idles 45% of young people, and crumbling roads like Makurdi-Gboko mock federal funds. Budget execution at 52% (BudgIT) exacerbates opacity concerns, undermining trust in Alia’s federalist approach.
Shija’s vision is based on his Centre’s work: agricultural revival through modern storage, security through community policing informed by African literature’s communal ethos, and digital leaps for Benue’s “food basket” status. Early polls have him at 28% favorability (Benue Policy Initiative), with his Tiv unity and anti-corruption stance attracting 1.5 million votes. “The people are calling – time to answer,” a youth performer remarked after Swange, evoking the sentiment.
Justice Shija’s colleague praised her “fair bench,” which bolstered the couple’s appeal. As fireworks illuminated the night sky, the Shijas departed hand in hand, leaving whispers of hope. Benue’s grassroots call expands: Place Prof. Shija on the ballot for a transformed state.
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