After losing the 2023 Benue North-West senatorial district election, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and his family have decided to move on.
He also counselled other lawmakers who lost the election to go on and find other ways to impact society as God leads them.
Last weekend, the Governor said this when commissioning his wife’s state-of-the-art pet project, the Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF), Integrated Health Facility (IHF) in Apir, Makurdi LGA.
The Governor also named a 9.7-kilometre road from Agbadu to Apir after Late Major Gideon Gwaza Orkar and a 3.5-kilometre road after former Benue House of Assembly speaker Chief Ayua Num.
Ortom added, “The Bible in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 from verse 1, reminds us that there is a time for everything; time to win elections; time to lose elections; time to be in power and time to be out of power.
We must proceed. “I returned, and saw beneath the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all,” Ecclesiastes 9:11.
“You may be qualified, but if God does not permit it, you cannot make it.
“But it does not prevent you from moving to other areas where you may effectively contribute to the development of your town, state, or country.
God brought us 8 years (as Governor and first lady). Many want a second term but can’t. Some wanted one phrase but couldn’t.
We moved on. I will resign as Governor on May 29, 2023, at noon.
So please pray for me and the incoming Government. And in regions, we weren’t able to cover in fulfilment of our people’s wishes, I hope the future Government will cash in and fill the gap.”
He also advised youth to pray for their leaders instead of insulting them.
He remarked, “The culture of insults against leaders; I’ve taken in so much (as Governor). Therefore I want the youth to draw a line and start over. Praying for leaders is biblical.
Ortom, who characterised his wife as creative, innovative, and passionate about humanity and excellence, said, “Government will continue to create the enabling atmosphere for the advancement of businesses like the IHF that are aimed at bettering people’s lives to succeed.
In her speech, Benue First Lady Dr. Eunice Ortom stated ESLF has impacted over 100,000 needy people through poverty reduction, improved health, and anti-cultural services in the state and beyond.
She added, “ESLF, under her health thematic initiatives, has touched over 70,000 rural dwellers and encouraged self-reliance among women and youths.
HRM Felicia Ayatse, Tor Tiv’s wife, encouraged him by saying that the Governor’s actions would only be revealed after he left office and that his and his wife’s legacies would endure.
According to Proverbs 31:29, ‘what the first, Dr Eunice Ortom has done excellest them all’.
HRM Martha Elaigwu, the wife of the Ochi’Idoma, said Eunice Ortom, a noblewoman who had made Benue women proud and prayed that God would elevate her so she could impact more lives.
Justin Aule, the Former Makurdi mayor, praised the Governor for picking Apir and the state to put all his industries and urged other leaders to do the same to develop the state.
Dr Gloria Shoda, President of the Africa Regional Council of Women, said the first lady’s project was one of the country’s best and met people’s needs.
Shoda, a board member of the International Council of Women, praised the first lady for meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Putting out another person’s light will not boost the light of your shine, so let us learn to encourage individuals to bloom’, said Royal Choice Hotel MD/CEO Felix Akiga, a retired international basketball player.
The clinic will offer paediatric, gynaecological, surgical, maternity, and child health treatments. End.
