Tor Tiv Charges his subjects on unity

By Henry Ibya Abuja

The Tor-Tiv, HRM Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula has re-emphasized the need for all Tiv sons and daughters both at home and in the Diaspora to ensure unity among them and also develop community spirit wherever they may find themselves since that is the only way to ensure development of the Tiv land.

Dr. Torkula who was speaking at the Honorary Award Ceremony and launching for the building of a secretariat in Abuja organized by the Mar u Ushongo Development Association, Abuja branch for their illustrious sons including Dr. Paul Orhii, the DG NAFDAC and Mr. Roberts Orya of Nexim Bank said if Tiv people will remain united, there is nothing they cannot do.

The Tor Tiv represented by the Ter Ushongo Chief Ambrose Iortyer also lamented the level at which the Tiv cultural values have disappeared in the present dispensation and advised that to avoid extinction,  Tiv sons, especially those in the Diaspora should apart from speaking the language with their children, endeavour to educate them in the Tiv cultural values wherever they are as well as give them names such as Ityohemba, Igbalagh, Igbawua, Terngu, Ityowua,  Akombonger which have pure cultural meanings.

The Tor Tiv who expressed happiness that the Ushongo people have always braze the trail recalled that this community apart from producing the first governor of Benue State the late Aper Aku were the first to produce Minister of justice, Barrister Mike Kaase Aondoakaa during the late Yar Adua regime and the first chief justice of the federation, Justice Katsina Alu among others adding that the secretariat tagged Ushongo Embassy will be for the entire Tiv people and encouraged other communities to emulate the Ushongo people.

Speaking in his own capacity, the Ter Ushongo Ambrose Iyortyer said Ushongo people apart from enjoying so many leadership positions both at the federal and State level have so much to celebrate, adding that it was at Ushongo hills that the Ugenyi people were defeated by the Tiv.

The former M/D Benue Cement Engr. Dr. Solomon Nyagba who is also President of the Abuja Chapter in a welcome address, recalled that the Association  started in 2007 as a fallout of the reception the body organized for Barr. Kaase Aondoakaa SAN when he was appointed the Attorney general and minister of justice in the late Yar’ Adua regime.

He further disclosed that the association has now been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a Non Governmental Organisation with competent Trustees and an executive Committee adding that it is a non political socio-Cultural association focusing on the development and welfare of the Ushongo community.

He also explained that the association in recognition of the credible leadership the sons and daughters of this great community such as Mrs. Ferida Waziri, Dr. Paul Orhii, Kaase Aondoakaa, Mr. Roberts Orya and others both in government and private sector have provided for the state and Nigeria that the  community has decided to honour them.

He said the embassy building which will have a conference hall, office/lockup shops, quest lodge and recreational facilities will in addition will serve as a rallying point for convergence of productive ideas for the common good of the people that will also provide employment for Ushongo youths and promised that monies realized will be judiciously.

Chairman, Central planning committee, Mr. Oliver Awar in a speech expressed gratitude to have been selected as Chairman despite other equally competent Ushongo sons and daughters.

He recalled that few months ago, when the idea was conceived analyzed and adopted by the association congress, it actually looked too good to be true “but today, it is no doubt of the fact that Ushongo Embassy has not just come to stay, but with your contributions and support, it will achieve meaningful social economic transformation for not just those in Abuja but those at home who are the main focus of this industrial conception” Awar emphasized.

According to Mr. Awar, the Ushongo Embassy building was not conceived as a jamboree, but a viable business concept that is indeed to be a money spinner for the Ushongo community and as well a business model for all community based organization who are registered with Co-operate affairs to meaningfully generate income to run their philanthropic objectives.