<< By Tahav Agerzua >>
Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, who is also a leading governorship aspirant in Benue State, Chief Dr Samuel Ortom, has pledged to partner with the church in order to ensure rapid development if given the mandate.
He made the pledge while addressing a session of the NKST synod in Mkar last Friday.
Chief Dr Ortom who also supervises the Aviation Ministry narrated how faith in God lifted him from humble beginnings to his present status stressing that if supported the church has the capacity of making enormous contributions to the development of individuals and society.
He recalled with nostalgia the days when the Mkar Christian Hospital provided standard medical services to the Benue Community and beyond adding that the glory of the hospital and educational institutions of the NKST must be restored.
He said what was needed was the upgrading of the hospital to a referral institution stressing that with adequate government support the church could also revamp its ailing institutions.
The Minister pledged that if given the mandate he would govern with the fear of God which would bring about transparency, accountability, justice, selflessness, forgiveness and reconciliation leading to unity and unprecedented development.
Chief Dr Ortom said he would create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive through industrialization as well as wealth and opportunities’ creation.
He said the initiatives would tackle unemployment and make the citizenry self-reliant.
Former National Publicity Secretary of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, Chief Simon Shango in his testimony said the minister would make a good governor having overcome the temptations of women, drunkenness and lust for money which have been the bane of leaders.
President of the NKST Synod Rev Dr Ayohol Ate solicited government’s support in revamping health institutions of the church even as he appealed to the federal government to stem the current communal violence and insecurity in parts of the country while expressing doubt about the possibility of holding elections in violence prone areas.