Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode has tasked Heads of Parastatal and Agencies in Benue State on unity and commitment to duty to ensure good governance in state.
He stated this on Wednesday when the Forum of Heads of Parastatals and Agencies paid him a condolence visit over the death of his elder brother and his mother inlaw.
Dr. Ode who stressed the need for mutual support and dedication to duty emphasized that with commitment and dedication by the forum good governance would be assured in the state.
While calling on all appointees to be ambassadors of the administration and to defend the government’s vision and achievements wherever they find themselves, the Deputy Governor noted also that the Governor alone could not do everything, insisting that “we must support him, not just in words but through actions and performance.”
Dr. Ode appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia for his visionary leadership and commitment to development through strategic appointments and creation of key agencies.
He promised to convey the Forum’s condolence message to his family and reaffirmed his commitment to working as a team with all government appointees to move Benue forward.
“God used those events to speak to me, I found peace through faith and the outpouring of support from the Benue State Executive Council, religious communities, and his colleagues, including the Benue masses.”
He lamented that the events in May, including the loss of his mother-in-law and subsequent violent events in parts of the state had been spiritually and emotionally draining, yet marked by divine assurance and comfort.
The Deputy Governor appreciated the Forum for their solidarity, describing their visit as overwhelming and touching, as he recounted the painful events surrounding the loss of his brother.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Forum, the state Director General (DG) Bureau for Education Quality Assurance (BEQA), Dr. Terna Francis expressed deep sympathies to the deputy governor and his family, saying most members had already conveyed their condolences privately or participated in the burial ceremonies but it was important for them to come together as a united body to show collective support.
The spokesman of the forum disclosed that the Deputy Governor was a father to them and also their leader.
“Your composure and words have often consoled us during our own trying times. Today, we come to return that gesture of love and support to you,”
He emphasized the deputy governor’s importance to the Forum and acknowledged his ever-available guidance and encouragement to appointees of the administration.
The DG used the occasion to brief the deputy governor on the activities of the Forum, revealing that it was a community of mutual support among agency heads and added that during their most recent meeting, that members resolved to formally reach out and condole with him.
The visit was attended by over 15 members of the Forum representing various Parastals and Agencies.
