Posted by Samuel Ortom, the governor of Benue State, has once more urged his citizens not to undermine the security forces stationed in their communities.
He urged them to instead help them succeed in their mission to protect lives and property.
The charge was given by the Governor on Sunday, November 27, 2022, during his remarks at the Thanksgiving Mass held at St. Peter’s Quasi-Parish, Aondoana in the Gwer West Local Government Area in honor of his wife, Dr. Eunice Ortom’s 50th birthday.
In particular, Governor Ortom reaffirmed his appeal to the people of Benue to keep assisting the state’s security agencies in carrying out their duties rather than being hostile to them.
He encouraged the people of Benue to support the security agencies’ work as they served the people, praising them for their efforts to protect lives and property.
The Governor advised that “even if any security personnel was found wanting or engaging in conduct detrimental to security, they should be reported to appropriate authorities.”
The governor praised his wife, Dr. Eunice, calling her “a gift to humanity” and praising her as a rock for his life and his administration.
He insisted that the First Lady was “A woman who loves God and has the passion for humanity,” pointing out that she has supported him unflinchingly and prayed for him in all of his trying times.
Governor Ortom also expressed his gratitude to the Church for its consistent prayers and support in helping his administration meet the state’s challenges.
At the event, which included fundraising for the completion of the Church project at St. Peter’s Quasi-Parish, Aondoana, he also expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who attended the Thanksgiving Mass to honor and support his wife.
The Governor officially opened the St. Veronica’s Clinic in Aondoana, which had been constructed by the Benue State Government to meet the community’s basic healthcare needs, shortly after the Thanksgiving Mass.
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe, earlier warned the faithful to be ready for Jesus’ return so as to not be caught off guard, noting that “It was important for Christians to spiritually fortify themselves” in his homily at the Thanksgiving Mass, which marked the first Sunday of Advent.
Given that the celebrant had achieved 50 years of grace, Bishop Anagbe emphasized the need to thank God, saying that “the celebration was a thing of great joy enabled by the grace of God, which speaks of God’s undeserving love for all humanity.”
The clergyman praised the First Lady, saying she was an inspiration to others, for what he called her passion for the weaker and less fortunate.
The State Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu and his wife, Justice Mary Abounu, the State Chief Judge, Justice Aondoaver Kaka’an, President Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Cosmos Idye, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, John Odogbo, the Tor Gwer, His Royal Highness, Julius Aondoana who is also the biological father of the celebrant among other dignitaries also graced the Thanksgiving Mass.