January 26, (THEWILL) – Governor Samuel Ortom has said that the government of Benue state has keyed into the National Diaspora Policy that was signed into law by the Federal Government.
The Governor pointed out that following this development, Benue state would involve her citizens in the diaspora in the governance of the state through appointments and other areas of cooperation.
He disclosed this, when Dr Kohol Iornem, President, Mutual Union of the Tiv in the United Kingdom (MUTUK), paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Makurdi, on Monday and presented him with an award on behalf of the organisation.
Doctor Iornem who presented Governor Ortom with the ‘Companion of Honour Award’ for advancing the objectives of MUTUK, stated that the group had to make the presentation in Nigeria, since he could not make it to the UK when the body celebrated its 30 years of existence as an organisation.
Ortom, who emphasised the importance of diaspora relations in Nigeria’s migration policy, acknowledged the contributions MUTUK was making both in the diaspora and at home.
“The initiators of this great Union indeed had the fore-sight to have conceived a Union that would bring us under one umbrella body; the Mutual Union of Tiv in the UK (MUTUK).”
While Governor Ortom commended the efforts of MUTUK in supporting the state through campaigns against killings in the state by armed herdsmen, he stated that “our greatest challenge” is that of armed herders that were killing and maiming innocent citizens across the state.
He stated that despite persist invasions, the enactment of the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law is an indication that government would not relent in finding solutions aimed at tackling the hydra headed monster of herdsmen attacks, despite the lack of commitment on the part of the Federal Government.
He commended MUTUK for the Award bestowed on him, even as he dedicated it to the people of the state, particularly, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have been displaced by the attacks and those who lost their lives to the attacks.
Earlier, while speaking at the occasion, Dr Iornem informed the Governor of some activities of the group slated for year 2022, which include the donation of a dialysis machine at the University of Mkar in Gboko local government; an Outreach for IDPs in the state as well as the commencement of the Tiv language classes for MUTUK members in the UK.
According to him, “MUTUK consolidated it’s 30th anniversary to honour Tiv sons and daughters who have made significant contributions to Tiv land, especially to MUTUK.
“We honoured a few persons from the UK; the Founders’ award to the founding members of MUTUK. We also had awards to other personalities who have contributed significantly in areas of raising funds and others who have excelled and supported MUTUK in various ways.
“We gave the Governor the ‘Companion of Honour Award’ for his contributions to MUTUK and for consistently supporting MUTUK; the Tor Tiv HRM Prof James Ayatse, by virtue of our Constitution, he is the Grand Patron of Mzough U Tiv (MUT), so we gave him the Grand Patron award.
“Other distinguished persons in Nigeria who have contributed to MUTUK by way of their active involvement in our projects are Peter Ichull, Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, who attends our programmes on behalf of the Governor and make financial contributions; Ichull himself has been honoured for his selfless contributions and Prof David Iornem for consistent support and attending Tiv day celebration in the UK.”
Also honoured according to MUTUK president are, Engr Edward Ujege, the immediate past President General of MUT, who was instrumental in bridging the gap that existed among them and looking forward to having the governor attending the next Tiv Day celebration in UK in person.
Others honoured he listed to include, Mr Stephen Agera; recipient of the Founding Member’s Award for Exemplary Leadership and Vision; Dr Gabriel Agbir Kur, recipient of the Founding Member’s Award for Exemplary Leadership and Vision; Mr Joseph Ajai for conducting successful elections consecutively over the years in his position as Chairman of respective Election Committees.
Others are Miss Dobee Adura, recipient of the Excellence Award in recognition of her excellence in poetry; Mrs Nancy Bourne, recipient of the Appreciation Award for her outstanding efforts in fund raising for MUTUK causes; and Ms Salome Biam, recipient of 30 Years of Service Award to MUTUK.
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