Governor Alia Calls Youth To Purpose, Salutes The Life Of A Respected Traditional Chief

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia , has appealed to young people across the state to take up agriculture and establish cooperative societies, as part of efforts by his administration to support them in achieving commercial-scale farming and improved economic productivity.

The governor made this call on Saturday during his tribute at the funeral of the Late Ter Kyôôr, Chief Thomas Jam Gbinde. He advised youths to steer clear of social vices and instead turn their energy towards agricultural ventures. Governor Alia emphasized that his administration has already distributed tractors to local government areas to support farming activities and disclosed plans to provide farmers with free herbicides and fertilizers to further boost agricultural yields across the state.

Offering his condolences to the Tiv Traditional Council and the bereaved family, the governor encouraged them to seek solace in God, expressing hope that the late Chief Gbinde’s good deeds have earned him eternal peace in the bosom of the Lord.

In their remarks, the President General of Mzough u Tiv, retired Commissioner of Police Iorbee Ihyagh, and Professor Mrs. Hembadoon Ayatse, wife of the Tor Tiv, extended their sympathies to the bereaved family. CP Ihyagh urged the governor to intensify efforts in addressing the security challenges confronting the state so that farmers can safely return to their fields. He also appealed to the political class in Benue to refrain from divisive politics and the politicization of security issues.

Professor Mrs. Ayatse, in her remarks, commended Governor Alia’s ongoing initiatives to curb insecurity and encouraged Tiv women to become members of the "Kasev Tiv Bam Multipurpose Cooperative," which, she noted, is already providing loans to women to support their businesses and livelihoods.

Representing the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Tor Kwande, Chief Ambrose Iortyer, and the Tor Jechira, Chief Edward Ujege, both praised the life and legacy of the late Ter Kyôôr. They called on the Tiv nation to unite and rise in defense of their ancestral land.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Barnabas Gemade, alongside retired Brigadier General Atom Kpera, also expressed gratitude to the state government and the multitude of mourners who gathered to honor the memory of Chief Gbinde. They offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the late monarch’s soul.

Kehe Hon ,

Information Officer,

Government House Makurdi.

31/05/2025

Photo credit Lanshima Ephraim