Governor Samuel Ortom:

Richard Elesho

Benue State Governor, Ortom, says his administration is aware of the difficulties confronting the people as a result of the current economic downturn, giving assurance that efforts have been intensified to address the delay in the payment of salaries and other development challenges.

Governor Ortom stated this when he joined hundreds of other sympathisers to witness the burial of Mrs. Grace Jane Iorapuu, the mother of the Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Jos, Professor Tor Iorapuu and Reverend Father Moses Iorapuu which took place at Lele Village, Mbalaa in Gwer local area of the state.

He expressed optimism that God will help the government to overcome the hard times and continue to fulfil its promises to the people. The Governor said agriculture has offered the country a reliable alternative to survive the present recession, stating that the State Government will encourage anyone with interest in agro business.

He said the efforts being made by his administration to revive state-owned industries such as Taraku Mills and Otukpo Burnt Bricks as well as the take-off of other investments such as Wannune Tomato and Juice factory, will no doubt boost economic activities in the stated.

Another issue Governor Ortom emphasized was the security of lives and property which he said his administration has taken as a priority. He urged the people to cooperate with security agencies by giving them useful and timely information to enable them apprehend criminals.

The Governor warned those aiding or accommodating wanted man Terwase Akwaza alias Ghana to desist from the act as the law would not spare anyone found culpable.

He paid tribute to the late Mrs. Grace Jane Iorapuu describing her as a good mother who, though not educated, saw the importance of education and ensured that all her children received quality academic background.

The chief mourners, Professor and Reverend Father Iorapuu thanked God for the life of their mother whom they said did all within her strength for their upbringing. They also thanked Governor Ortom and all those present at the funeral for standing by the family in its time of grief.

Governor Samuel Ortom: