Governor Samuel Ortom has appealed to industrial unions especially Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Benue State University Makurdi to shelf their planned industrial action.
He enjoined them to always explore other ways of resolving issues with management of the university and state government rather than embarking on strikes.
The Governor who made the appeal during a thanksgiving service in his honour held at the BSU Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy, Makurdi reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue placing the university on first line charge, stressing that ” education of the Benue child must not be treated with levity.”
The Governor said he was properly briefed on outstanding issues with industrial unions at the university and state government will continue to show sincere commitment to resolving all issues for the growth of the institution.
“My appeal is that we find a middle ground on resolving issues and avoid the temptation of always embarking on strike,” the governor stated.
He lauded management of the university under the leadership of its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tor Iorapuu for steering the affairs of the institution, stating that “I am happy you have been able to manage the university without any major issues” and urged management to sustain the tempo.
Governor Ortom who congratulated the university for attaining 30 years stated that he was proud of achievements the university has continued to record since its establishment.
According to the governor, it was a deliberate approach to encourage growth of the university that state government has approved the institution’s takeover of the Makurdi Zoological Garden, JS Tarka Foundation as well as the Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC) along Makurdi-Aliade road for academic research and other purposes.
The governor thanked the Chaplain of the Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula and Christian community for organising the thanksgiving service to offer prayers for him as he was gradually rounding-up his tenure in office.
He noted that amidst the travails, his administration was sustained by prayers of the Church and solicited constant prayers to overcome the challenges of his administration.
He particularly applauded the Catholic Church for adding value to humanity through collaborative efforts in the areas of education, health services and character formation, noting that the Church has never deviated from its mandate.
Governor Ortom also used the moment to commiserate with the university community over the death of one of its pioneer staff, Prof. Armstrong Matiu Adejo who died a few days ago, stating that he was saddened as the deceased university don was his personal friend and taught him in the university.
Vice Chancellor of the Benue State University, Prof. Tor Iorapuu in his remarks said the university was lucky to have unhindered access to the governor, stating that the governor’s move to expand the university was unimaginable.
He particularly expressed profound appreciation to the governor for giving approval to the university to take over Agriculture Development Corporation, JS Tarka Foundation as well as the Makurdi Zoological Garden saying the facilities will be useful for the university’s research purposes.
Earlier in a homily, Vicar General, Pastoral of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu who represented Bishop Wilfred Anagbe pointed out that endless love flows from the mystery of the cross. He stated that we give thanks to God because of the mystery of the cross which symbolises victory.
While urging Christians to develop friendship with Jesus, the cleric cautioned against divisions in the Church which he said will destroy the victory of the cross that unites all Christian faithful.
Rev Fr. Iorapuu admonished politicians to have the courage of St. Paul the apostle to stop their followers from destroying others.
