<<< By Tahav Agerzua >>>
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has urged the people of the state to join him to worship and serve the almighty God in spirit and truth.
He spoke at the launching of a gospel album, Beraka Africa, by the New Jerusalem Singers, at the Aminu Isah Kontagora Arts Theatre in Makurdi yesterday.
The Governor stated that from his personal experience it was more profitable to worship and serve God rather than idols adding that his success story in life was a testimony to what faith in Jesus Christ could produce through God’s grace and mercy.
He said since he came into contact with God through the Lord Jesus when he was at the lowest ebb in his life he has been elevated to various leadership positions and blessed in all spheres including family life, business and politics.
According to him, although he would not interfere with the selection of the next Tor Tiv and did not know who would emerge as one at the moment, his prayer was for the emergence of a genuine Christian who would take his oath of office on the Bible.
He explained that such a development would indicate that the traditional ruler would be guided by the teachings of the Bible to rule with the fear God and lead the Tiv people in the right direction pointing out that those who supported his position seemed to be in the majority.
Governor Ortom explained that from what the scriptures said in Job 36: 11 and 12 it was clear to him that the people needed to return to God in repentance as only that could heal the land.
The Governor maintained that in spite of the current challenges his administration had recorded tremendous milestones in the health, education and infrastructure sectors adding that his transparent policies have also helped workers of the state to sympathize with him.
He said he was happy that when he identified the potentials of Israel Terhemba Ikyereve, the leader of the group, and advised him to use the traditional Tiv Swange music to praise God, he heeded the advice and has spread his gospel music throughout the world.
Band leader, Mr. Ikyereve disclosed that he used to be a robber until 16th March, 1995 when what he described as a divine encounter led to his conversion and eventually turned him into a gospel musician.
He said the recent album was his sixth having produced five audios and one video album.
Member of the House of Representatives for Sankera Federal Constituency, Mr. Emmanuel Udende, represented by his aide, Mr. Elijah Dogoh, stated that the New Jerusalem singers had extended the frontiers and scope of Swange from the secular to the divine.
Other gospel groups including Obadiah Orkor and Titus Chur also performed at the occasion.
Comment may GOD ALMIGHTY bless u for putting his name first before any thing atall am so glad to be in BENUE STATE his excellences governor ortom OUR GOD IS ALWAYS THERE FOR HIS SERVANT SO HIS THERE FOR YOU AND YOUR PEOPLE BLESS YOU SIR