By Faith Igbudu
Majority Leader, Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Damian Cheme has called on Christians to groom and develop healthy relationships such that is capable of influencing good things their way.
Chief Cheme made this known on Easter Sunday at a thanksgiving mass held at Church of Immaculate Conception, Upper Hill, Makurdi, to thank God for the conferment of a chieftaincy title on him by the Etulo nation.
Earlier, on 20 March, 2021, Chief Cheme was conferred with the title Uta-Ogbani 1 of Okpashila Etulo, Buruku Local Government Area in Benue state. According to findings, the title means: “The stream that does not dry.”
Chief Cheme who hails from Gwer-West Local Government Area and represents the people of Gwer-West state constituency in the state assembly said, having a chieftaincy title far away from home can be attributed to the good relationship he has sustained with the people of Etulo. He noted that it is one relationship he is proud of and admonished people to do same.
Cheme who lost his wife few weeks before the conferment, said he remains grateful to God for bringing joy to his household again after a time of deep grief.
While appreciating the church, friends and family for gracing the occasion, Chief Cheme told the people that the conferment has made him son of the Etulo nation and promised that he will always identify with the people in all situations.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. By virtue of this conferment, I have become an adopted son of Ogbasila in Etulo. Their problem is my problem and their joy is my joy,” he said.
Speaking, an Etulo son, Barr Thomas Ese of Ministry of Justice, Makurdi said the conferment of the title was solely due to the good relationship Cheme has maintained over time with his people. He said the lawmaker is a friend of the people and has engaged in many philanthropic works in the area.
In a sermon, Parish Priest, Church of Immaculate Conception, Upper Hill, Rev. Fr John Vershima admonished congregants to live a life of sacrifice as Jesus did, in order to be celebrated in the future. He said such sacrificial acts always speaks good for the doer at all times.
