<<< By Terver Akase >>>
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has assured the people of Ukum that he will ensure the completion of all ongoing projects in the area.
Governor Ortom gave the assurance when members of the Ukum Traditional Council led by the Acting Ter Ukum, HRH Zaki Teran Kwaghbo visited him at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.
He appreciated Ukum people for the massive votes they gave him in the last governorship election saying that the show of love and solidarity had propelled him to do more.
The Governor told the traditional rulers that his administration will complete the Zaki Biam – Afia – Gbeji road, Zaki-Biam – Tor Donga road as well as the Zaki-Biam – Chito – Vaase road, stating that the budget before the State House of Assembly has provision for road construction in various party of the state.
The Governor said Ukum people were about the largest yam producers in the world and deserve a yam flour industry, saying that the state government would soon establish the yam factory in the area.
Earlier, the Acting Ter Ukum, Chief Teran Kwaghbo thanked the Governor for the peace restored in sankera and Ukum in particular through the amnesty programme of his administration. He also commended the Governor for appointing Ukum sons Dr. Tersoo Kpelai and Col. Edwin Jando rtd in his cabinet and appreciated the Governor for releasing funds for the successful burial of Ter Ukum II.
Also speaking, the Mue Ter Ucha, Chief (Dr) J k. Swift Ivuen, assured the Governor of Ukum’s unalloyed support to his administration and appealed to the Governor to complete the Zaki-Biam – Tor Donga road, Zaki-Biam – Afia – Gbeji road and Zaki-Biam-Chito – Vaase road.
In a remark, the District Head of Kundav, Chief Joseph Awua Alabar, appreciated the Governor for the love he has shown the entire Ukum people within the short time he has been in office and appealed to him to use his office to correct the injustice done to Ukum on the issue of Sankera headquarters.
Other prominent Ukum sons who witnessed the occasion included, Dr. Tersoo Kpelai, Col. Edwin Jando, Sarwuan kwaseka, Akwati Biam and Engr. Dr. Pastor and Bill Anaka.