By Sunday Iduh
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has expressed appreciation to God for the life of his wife, Dr Eunice Ortom, stating that she dedicated her whole life to him and has great passion for humanity.
“I remain grateful to God for the life of my wife. She dedicated her whole life to me. She has stood with through thick and thin. She never left me in my lowest moment. God has used her to transform so many aspects of my life. I remain grateful to her,” he stated.
The governor stated this Saturday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Signs and Wonders Mega Parish, Gboko Road, Makurdi during a thanksgiving and celebration of God’s faithfulness in the life of his wife, who was marking her 50th birthday anniversary.
According to him, “thanksgiving is very important. We value it greatly. We choose to thank God because of his faithfulness upon our lives.”
Governor Ortom appealed for contributions, in order to add value to the RCCG’s intervention in the education sector.
He disclosed that he was humbled by the presence of dignitaries, who turned out to honour them. Governor Ortom particularly acknowledged the presence of the National Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu and the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who is also the Vice Presidential candidate of PDP.
Speaking, the celebrant, Dr Ortom, said: “I can’t thank God enough for all he has done in our lives. The Lord has been a light unto my path. I am thankful to him for the blessings that has accompanied my new age. It is a great favour and privilege to be recognized by God.”
She urged people not to take others around them for granted as God uses people in various ways. She expressed appreciation to the dignitaries who turned out to honor her.
Dr Okowa, in a remark, congratulated Dr Ortom on her 50th birthday. He stated that he was happy that she took her celebration to the house of God.
“I am proud of your contribution to the church as was testified by your pastor. If we can find a lot of women who have noble character like you, Nigeria will be better off. We thank God for your life and I am truly excited by the description of your person.
“I encourage you to continue on the path of the good work. Build a lot of women through your hard work so that they can impact the society. Together, we can build a stronger nation. We all have a role to play in the restoration of Nigeria,” he stated.
On his part, Sen. Ayu equally congratulated the wife of the governor on her golden jubilee and commended her supporting her husband.
“I have not heard one negative thing that has been said about Dr Eunice Ortom. She loves children immensely. All children around her are hers. She is a hard working woman. The family loves education and have supported education greatly.
“She has passion for the women of the state. Through her efforts, many women in the state are in public office either by appointment or elections,” he stated.
Sen. Ayu thanked Governor Okowa for honouring the first family with his presence.
The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, who spoke on behalf of the Benue State Traditional Council, appreciated God for the wonderful day in the life of Dr Ortom. He urged her to continue to do the good things she has been doing in support of her husband.
“We appreciate your role in promoting women in the state. We will continue to support you. I pray that God continue to bless you and your family. The land will be a blessing to you and your family,” he said.
Earlier, in a sermon, Evangelist Michael Ewaoche of the Glory of His Majesty Ministry, Makurdi spoke on the topic: ‘Enter into his gates with thanksgiving’ and stressed the importance of thanksgiving in the life of believers.
Evangelist Ewaoche, who read from Psalms 100 said, “thanksgiving open more doors for the believers. When you thank God, where your voice can not go, the voice of thanksgiving will always speak for you.”
He admonished believers to learn the act of thanksgiving, stating that If people leave God out of their being, it will be difficult to navigate their ways through life.
The event which was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, had in attendance, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, John Elaigwu; Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu; Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Titus Uba; wife of former President of the Senate, Helen Mark; First Ladies of Nasarawa State, Hajiya Salifat Sule; Kebbi State, Dr Zainab Bagudu; Taraba State, Anna Ishaku and former First Lady of Imo State, Dr Onioma Okorocha among others.