Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has extolled the good virtues of an elder statesman, elder Jonathan Nyiyongo Ninga on his 90th birthday celebration.
The governor who spoke at Kimbis Hotel, Makurdi said as one who has seen it all in life, he in particular and the state at large, stand to benefit immensely from his wealth of experience.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Paul Biam, Governor Alia said it was a joyous moment to celebrate a man who has impacted tremendously on the state and called on people of the state to pray for more of God’s blessings, good health and favour upon him.
Some of the guests who spoke at the occasion, including Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Dennis Akura, appreciated God for his mercies upon the life of the celebrant.
Dr. Akura while emphasising the need for the teaching and learning of history subject in schools across the country, appealed to the governor to make it mandatory for the book, “The Biam Genealogy” written by the celebrant to be included in post primary school curriculum with a view to teaching it in schools across the state.
He said for one to have basic understanding of his or her society, it was incumbent on them to have good knowledge of their history, adding that the celebrant’s literary exploits was a masterpiece and should be read by all.
The former chairman of Ukum Local Government Council, Hon. Kaatyo Tyoumbur in an interview with news men on the sideline, thanked God for sparing the life of the celebrant.
He said for one at elder Ninga’s age to have the ability to write, it takes sufficient God’s grace and congratulated the elder statesman on his 90th birthday anniversary.
The celebrant elder Ninga Biam in an interview with news men said he was grateful to God for sparing his life all these years.
He stated that it takes self discipline devoid of certain habits coupled with God’s grace to live long, insisting that people must desist from keeping things in mind against one another.
