By Bridget Ikyado
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has charged christians to always give as a sacrifice to the work of God without counting the cost.
Governor Ortom gave the charge at St. Joseph Parish, Orokam, Ogbadibo local government area of the State in his remarks at a Thanksgiving Mass organised by the Head of Civil Service of the State, Mrs. Veronica Onyeke and her family.
According to. Nathaniel Ikyur
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,Gov. Ortom asserted that people who give sacrificially to the work of God always receive abundant blessings from God, stating that he is a testimony in that regard.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,Gov. Ortom asserted that people who give sacrificially to the work of God always receive abundant blessings from God, stating that he is a testimony in that regard.
The Governor lauded the celebrant for her immense contribution to the state and his administration, describing her as “a great woman who has added value to the civil service and the Government of Benue State.”
He encouraged other civil servants to always “take after her as a model” given her meritorious and dedicated service.
He also applauded Mrs. Onyeke for discharging her duties with the fear of God, stressing that “Whatever I commit into her hands, she delivers.”
Governor Ortom also commended husband of the celebrant, Major James Onyeke (rtd) for being supportive to his wife which enabled her to succeed in her services to the state and humanity.
The State Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu who also graced the occasion with his wife, Justice Mary Abounu, corroborated with the Governor on the qualities of Mrs. Onyeke as a dedicated public servant.
Engr. Abounu said the upliftment of Mrs. Onyeke to the zenith of her civil service career as Head of Service was purely the work of God.
He recounted the enviable role Governor Ortom played in giving Mrs. Onyeke the opportunity to serve as Permanent Secretary and later her appointment as Head of Service, describing her as “a wonderful civil servant” who has continued to serve meritoriously.
Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro thanked Governor Ortom for the appointment and reappointment of Mrs. Onyeke as the Head of Service and prayed to God to preserve the celebrant, noting that she still had much to offer.
In her remarks, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Onyeke said the occasion was to thank God for his goodness to the family and the opportunity she had to serve as Head Service, stating God used Governor Ortom as a destiny helper along the path of her civil service career.
She particularly expressed profound appreciation to the Governor whom she described as a “servant of God and leader who leads by example” for supporting her to succeed in carrying out her duties, saying the governor’s guiding principles made her job easier.
Mrs. Onyeke also extolled the Governor’s inclusive approach of giving women several opportunities in his administration, noting that her appointment since September 2018 as the first female Head of Service was unprecedented in the history of the state.
Earlier in a homily, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish Orokam, Rev. Fr. Santa Oche tasked Christians on practicing acts of charity, noting that works of charity done to fellow human beings give glory to God and was a ticket for making heaven.
According to the Catholic cleric, the acquisition of works of charity done to humanity goes back to God, stating that God gives constant protection to charitable people so they may remain a source of benevolence and succour to others.
The Thanksgiving also featured fundraising for the renovation of the St. Joseph Parish Church auditorium.
Governor Ortom on his way back inspected work at the Och’Idoma’s palace in Otukpo as the contractor put finishing touches as the date for its formal commissioning draws nearer.