Olivebranch Editorial Board Member, Mr. Joseph Nashakyaa, recently paid a courtesy visit to the new paramount ruler of the Tiv People Worldwide and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Iorzua Ayatse at his palace in Gboko.
Mr. Nashakyaa said the purpose of his visit to the paramount ruler was to thank him and recognize his leadership role and his modest efforts in returning the Tiv people to God. The Tor Tiv surprisingly refused to be sworn in traditionally as it is done decades ago in Tiv land but only accepted to be sworn in with the Holy Bible.
“I think I admire his courage. As a devoted member of Deeper Life Bible Church, the Tor Tiv still upholds his Christian beliefs despite the exalted traditional thrown. One wonders that a first class Chief of his caliber would rather bring God closer to his people and would not compromise whatsoever is worth emulating,” he said.
Nashakyaa who is an Assistant Director, School of Professional Studies of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria highlighted some of the issues he raised before the Tiv paramount ruler.
Responding, Professor Ayatse thanked Mr. Nashakyaa and his team for the visit, describing it as a morale booster. The ruler who is a former Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State and pioneer Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutsima, Katsina State called on all Tiv Sons and Daughters living in both home and abroad not to abandon him in leadership but always visit him for useful contributions that could take the Tiv nation to greater heights. He advised all the sons and daughters to think of being self reliant and reduce the overdependence on government’s support.
Also on the visit was the District Head of Iwarinyam, known as the Tior U Iwarinyam in Konshisha LGA of Benue State, Chief Lazarus Unaha Koko among others.
By Peter Orpin.