Governor Samuel Ortom has commissioned the headquarters of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, Benue Television and the remodelled Governor’s office.
The Governor performed the ceremonies separately on Friday, at the Benue Peoples, Makurdi.
The Governor in his remarks while commissioning the office complex of the State Community Volunteer Guards commended the state security outfit for working in line with rules of engagement in collaboration with conventional security agencies to secure the state.
He reiterated his position that Nigeria was long overdue to have a State Police, stressing that whenever it comes to fruition, the State Community Volunteer Guards should be given the first right of refusal to join to strengthen the security of the State and country.
At the Benue Television, Governor Ortom expressed delight over the achievements the corporation has recorded within a short span of its establishment, stressing that it was a platform to showcase the state to the outside world.
Governor Ortom also approved the conversion of 13 casual staff of the Benue Television to permanent employment status.
While commissioning the remodelled Governor’s office, which serves as central administration block at the Government House, the Governor noted that it was in the state of dilapidation with leaking roof and an eyesore.
State Commandant of Community Volunteer Guards, Cpt. A. Ajobi (rtd) said a total number of 1,574 BSCVG personnel were trained and kitted.
He said to enhance mobility and operational capacity of the outfit, the State Government procured 52 vehicles and 463 motorcycles and lauded the Governor for providing office accommodation to serve as the state headquarters of the security outfit.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba (rtd) and representative of the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, S. Y Gimba praised the BSCVG for being professional in their conduct and applauded Governor Ortom’s efforts to ensure security of lives and property in the state, and expressed hope that the incoming administration will build on the foundation he has laid.
Director General of Benue Television, Dr. Patience Achakpa-Ikyo in her remarks said the station, which was initiated by the Ortom-led administration had achieved milestones and was broadcasting 56 programmes for 24 hours and had obtained the Digital Terrestrial License, adding that Benue TV had won an award as the best station in North Central region.
Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Michael Inalegwu hailed the Governor for the priority towards funding the ministry and its agencies.
Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Chief Ekpe Ogbu who presented the remodelled Governor’s office edifice for the Governor’s commissioning, stated that it had been completely upgraded and fully furnished.
Meanwhile, Governor Ortom has sworn-in, Rev. Fr Terungwa as Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service with a charge on him to add value to the State, noting that the appointment was based on the track record of experience and service of the appointee in the educational sector.
In his response, the new Permanent Secretary, Fr. Tor expressed appreciation to the Governor for the opportunity to serve the state in that capacity and assured that he will not disappoint, stressing that Governor Ortom made history for appointing the first Catholic Priest Permanent Secretary.
Governor Ortom also inaugurated the Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission, stating that it was part of his conscious of efforts towards ensuring peace-building and sustainable development in the state.
He extolled people of the state for being peaceful in the past eight years of his administration, noting that there were no religious crises except the attacks by herdsmen marauders, which the state was grappling with.
The Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission has Bishop Nathan Nyom as Board Chairman and Mrs Josephine Habba as Director General of the Commission.
Others on the Commission are: Mr Nduul Raphael Msugher as Secretary, Mr. Aboh Utah, Engr Felix Atume, AIG Wilson Inalegwu (rtd) as Eminent Persons for zones, A, B & C respectively, while Ms. Priscilla Achakpa, Prof. Charity Angya, Mrs. Dorcas Iorkusa, Barr. Rommy Mom are representatives of Peace-building, Gender Advocacy for Justice, Gender and Community Empowerment Initiative as well as Lawyers Alert respectively.
Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and NEPAD, Prof. Magdalyn Dura stated that the Commission is a creation of the law enacted by the State Assembly, saying the Commission was targeted at developing policies and institutional peace-building efforts and responding to early warning signals to avert any breach of public peace.
In his remarks on behalf of other members of the Commission, Bishop Nathan Nyom thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve, saying efforts for sustainability of peace in the state were commendable and members of Commission will remain loyal to the noble cause.
