Follow Us on Google
From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
A former controller general of prisons, Mr. Abraham Akpe has charged professionals in Tivland to bring their wealth of experience and connections to bear on the development of Benue state.
Akpe who spoke in Abuja at the annual general meeting of the OnTiv Professionals Association, extended his call on Tiv professionals in diaspora to
Highlights of the meeting was the honour conferred on prominent sons and daughters of the Tiv nation.
Akpe, who was chairman of the occasion said with the quality of highly educated and experienced people the Tiv nation possess, there was need for them to put their heads together and chart a positive course for the development of their land.
Speaking at the occasion, the president general of Tiv socio-cultural association, Mzough U Tiv, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, called for the revival of the Teaching of Tiv language in schools in the state.
He lamented that the speakinf of the language among the Tiv people was unfortunately declining as most parents were no longer teaching their children the language.
He said a Tiv man was distinguished by his language and advised the diaspora Tiv to embrace the language.
He disclosed that through his efforts as president general of Tiv worldwide, he has facilitated the reintroduction of the Teaching of Tiv language in schools in Benue state.
“When I came I to office, I discovered that Tiv language was gradually dying as most of our children would not speak the language. Today, I want ro report that Tiv language is taught in all schools across the state”, he stated.
In his welcome address, the haian of OnTivProfessionals Association, Deputy Corps Marshal, Julius Atom (rtd)) said the economic, social, security and development challenges facing the Tiv nation have brought to the fore the need for a communiity based professional association.
He said “OnTivis a veritable platform that could be used to drive the engine of development in Tivland. It could also serve as the vehicle through which Tiv professionals could share their experiences, resources and proffer solutions that could assist government at all levels in understanding of social, e economic and security challenges facing theTiv nation at hone and abroad”
A cording to him, “With the ongoing political activities in the country, there is the greater need for our elite to come together irrespective of their political differences to chart a common developmental paradigm that could maximize our contributions and benefits drivable from the dividends of democracy.
“In this case, while our people ma share different political beliefs, we as professionals must rely on our 2ducation, management skills and exposure to build the spirit of politics without bitterness”
He stated that “Tiv people have been outstanding in their commitment to nation building, national unity, development and security. But how could our people remain committed to the question of nation building yet detached from the basic responsibility for community development?”
Highlight of the occasion was the conferment of various awards on some deserving Tiv sons and daughters including the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu, who was honoured with the award in excellence.
Also honoured was a constitutional lawyer,Chief Sebastian Hon (SAN), Major Gen.James Myam, Major Gen. John Malu (rtd) and director, humanroghts education and programmes at National Human Rights Commission, Barr. Aver Gavar and Comrade Joseph Utse.
Others honoured were the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigeria Shippers Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime with the award of Excellence in advancement of democracy.
