<<< By Terver Akase >>>
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom,has promised to complete the construction of St. Robert’s Catholic Church Adamgbe, Vandeikya LGA which collapsed and claimed 22 lives on the eve of Easter in April, 2012.
Governor Ortom made the pledge while speaking at the funeral of the late Professor Mrs. Regina Ode, a lecturer at the Benue State University, Makurdi.
He sympathised with the Ode family, describing the deceased as a great daughter of the state who shared his vision and was one of those who drafted his administration’s blueprint ‘Our Collective Vision for a New Benue’.
The Governor said Mrs Ode’s death was a painful loss, not only to her family and the University but also to the entire State.
He assured the people of the area that he will ensure the completion of work on the new Church building at St. Robert’s Catholic Mission in memory of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Benue State University, Professor Moses Msugh Kembe, said the death of Professor Ode was a big blow to the institution, appealing to Christians to intensify prayers to prevent untimely loss of lives among academics.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and President, Kunav Development Association, Arc. Joe Kyaagba, commended Governor Ortom for taking proactive steps to address development challenges affecting the people.
While consoling the bereaved family, he expressed the hope that though the economy was dwindling by the day, the Governor would find a way of accommodating the road in the area among roads to be constructed.
Governor Ortom was accompanied to the burial by his Deputy, Engr Benson Abounu and other top government officials.