By Matthew Ajai-Kume
Governor Samuel Ortom has challenged the management of the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi to make innovations that can transform the state and the country in general.
Speaking at the recent National Colloquium to celebrate his 60th Birthday, organised by Centre for Peace and Development Studies, BSU, Makurdi with the theme “Ortom at 60 and the Contemporary Nigerian politics” , the governor said, he enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in consonance with the acceptance of the people of Benue State in order to bring absolute peace between farmers and herders.
He stated that, the enactment of the law is part of his administration’s strategy to provide good governance, which others, particularly the Fulani herdsmen look at as a way of antagonizing them.
Governor Ortom said the country is undergoing many challenges including security, political and if these problems are not solved, there will be no elections in 2023. He called on the Federal Government to arrest the situation.
He charged the students of the university to do something that can add value to their lives and the state, rather than indulging in vices.
Speaking separately, the Keynote Speaker, President, Historical Society of Nigeria, Prof. Okpeh Okpeh Jnr, the President, Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu and a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, Benue State University, Makurdi, Prof. Akaa Imbwaseh and other who spoke on the theme; “Ortom At 60 and the Contemporary Nigerian Politics” described Governor Ortom as the voice to the voiceless, the defender not only to the people of Benue State, but also of the less privileged and the helpless Nigerians. They called upon the people of the Middle Belt to unite, in order for them to take their rightful position in the country.
On their part, the Chairlady of the Occasion, Prof. Magdalene Dura and the Guest Speaker, Mark Gbillah, represented by Benjamin Mdzondu said in contemporary politics of Nigeria, Governor Ortom must be mentioned for his impact in the development of the political system in the country.
In their various comments, the Pro-Chancellor of BSU, Prof. Zacharys Gundu and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tor Iorapuu congratulated the governor for reaching the diamond age while they described him as a great politician of repute who had provided democratic dividends as well as stood for the well-being of his people.
Earlier, the Director, Centre for Peace and Development Studies, BSU, Dr Chris Orngu who thanked all for attending the colloquium stated that, Governor Ortom’s commitment to the development and security of people has distinguished him among his contemporaries in the country.
