Benue governor, Ortom solicits help for over 1.5 million IDPs

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has solicited the support of Nigerians to cushion the effect of the humanitarian crisis in the State occasioned by the over five years stay of people in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps, IDP.

The Governor spoke on Sunday at separate thanksgiving masses held at St Dominic Catholic Church Sachi and St Joseph’s Quasi-Parish Nyon to mark the birthday anniversary celebrations of the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Titus Uba and Wanteregh Paul Unongo respectively.

Governor Ortom acknowledged the support of the Church especially the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, the Governors of Rivers, Taraba and Akwa Ibom States, donor and faith based organisations as well as individuals to the plight of the over 1.5 million IDPs.

He said the humanitarian crisis has overstretched resources of the state, appealing for the intervention of good spirited individuals, governments, corporate organizations and civil society groups in meeting the needs of the displaced people.

The Governor also called on Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders in the country to enable them provide leadership that would engender peace and unity in the country.

He congratulated the celebrants on their birthday celebrations and wished them greater days ahead.

While describing the Speaker Titus Uba as a humble personality under whose leadership the State Assembly has enacted people-oriented laws, the Governor described Paul Unongo as an ‘encyclopedia’ in Nigerian politics under whose tutelage he learnt a number of things about leadership.

Governor Ortom directed his Commissioner for Works and Transport to immediately swing into action to ensure the opening of an access road to St Dominic Science School Ayu with a pledge to also ensure that the worship centre in the area has a good car park.

The celebrants expressed gratitude to God for adding a year to their years, even as they also thanked the Governor and other guests for identifying with them on the auspicious occasion.