A group of youths in the Makurdi metropolis around the new international market have donated an office and car to the Ortom Governorship Organization.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Secretary of the group, Mr. Moses Iornongo, described Chief Dr. Samuel Ortom, Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment as a household name in Benue State as well as a God-fearing and industrious man who has touched the lives of many over the years.
He stated that the life transforming programs which the minister initiated since his days as local government chairman have motivated the group to support his candidature for the governorship election in 2015.
“You are a God-fearing person who is humble, committed and has dedicated your entire life to the service of God and humanity,” Mr. Iornongo maintained.
“Dr. Ortom is the only person among the whole aspirants for the governorship position that has created employment for the youths of Benue State.”
According to him unemployment was a cankerworm that has eaten the fabric of the state and Nigeria as a whole but Chief Dr. Ortom had contributed his quota in reducing it by establishing several industries.
Mr. Iornongo stressed that the Minister who is aspiring on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was also a humane and generous person whose gate was always open to accommodate the needy.
Several other speakers including Francis Gbande for elders, Mama Paulina Ape for women and Dr. Peter Tsav Chimbiv stated that the entire community had adopted Chief Dr. Ortom as its governorship candidate in the hope that if given the opportunity he would move the state forward given his antecedents.
Elders of the community symbolically stepped forward and accepted the aspirant, decorated him in Tiv traditional attire with a goatskin bag and spear while women supporters gave him a hand woven Tiv dress for his wife.
Chief Dr. Ortom expressed appreciation for the support which he said was a confirmation of his acceptability by the people since the gesture was freely and voluntarily made.
He stated that since he commenced consultations several groups and individuals have made contributions in cash and kind assuring that they were sowing on fertile ground which would lead to a bountiful harvest.
The minister commended the Benue State Governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam for the construction of the Makurdi Inner Ring Road and the International Market among other laudable projects pledging that he would consolidate on achievements recorded and add more value to all sectors if given the mandate.
The aspirant said given his experience in politics, connections from local, state, national to the international level as well as God-fearing lifestyle, characteristics which Governor Suswam prescribed for his successor, he was convinced that he remained the most ideal candidate.
Chief Dr. Ortom stated that having risen from humble beginnings he was conversant with the aspirations of the people and would deploy his wealth of experience and exposure in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to attract foreign investment and industrialization to the state.
He stated that the initiative would create jobs and wealth as well as opportunities by boosting commercial activities through private sector participation as well as add value on farm produce by way of processing.