By Matthew Ajai-Kume and Florence Ugbem
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has assured the Catholic Church of his administration’s partnership and continuous support in the development of the state in areas of education, healthcare services among others .
Governor Ortom gave the assurance recently at the Silver Jubilee celebration and thanksgiving mass of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo held at Saint Francis Cathedral, Otukpo. He commended the Catholic Church for her strides in education, healthcare services among others, stating that their partnership with the state government will be sustained.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, he maintained that, “The Catholic Church has carried out a lot of developmental projects in the state.”
Describing the Catholic Church as an epitome of development, and enjoined others to follow suit, also he praised the church for the upbringing and training of the youth which he said has helped in grooming them to take leadership positions.
In his opening remarks the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, His Lordship, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, thanked the state government for her willingness to partner with the church in several areas which has brought development, also, he emphasized that the infrastructural development carried out so far is centered on Benue South senatorial district and beyond stating that we need to showcase what we have as stepping stone for others to emulate.
Similarly, the governor has expressed God’s faithfulness over the Holy Ghost Catholic Parish, Makurdi which was established since 1930, its impact in the spiritual life and educational transformation of the people.
He disclosed this during the Thanksgiving Mass, celebrating the solemnity of the Saints and 90th Anniversary of the establishment of Holy Ghost Catholic Parish, in Makurdi.
Governor Ortom applauded the Catholic Mission for their contributions to the health service delivery, education and above all the spiritual rejuvenating and impartation to lives.
Speaking, the Priest in Charge of Holy Ghost Catholic Parish, Makurdi Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu thanked Governor Ortom for attending the mass and noted the contributions of the church since its establishment to the spiritual and physical development of the people.
In a homily, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Right Reverend, Wilfred Anagbe said, October 31, is a day set aside by the Catholic faithful for the celebration of the solemnity of the Saints as well as the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Holy Ghost Catholic Parish which was established in 1930.
Most Rev Anagbe charged the faithful to sustain their faiths in serving the Lord, noting that there is gain and reward, while he commended the German Holy Fathers who brought the word of God to our land and appealed to all to emulate their resilient and commitment to the things of the Lord.
