The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr George Akume, has urged the Tiv community in Taraba to ensure peaceful coexistence with others in the state.
By Martins Abochol
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr George Akume, has urged the Tiv community in Taraba to ensure peaceful coexistence with others in the state.
Akume gave the advice on Sunday at the Traditional Chieftaincy Award on Dr and Mrs John Tor-Agbidye in Tor-Damisa, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba.
Represented by Dr Francis Kyenge, Director of Administration in his office, the SGF emphasised that only where there was peace that development could be achieved.
He commended the Tiv community for honouring Tor-Agbidye, whom he described as an embodiment of scientific and medical knowledge of the present generation.
Akume encouraged the title holder to continue his selfless service to humanity and contributions to global medicine development.
Earlier, Chief David Gbaa, Chairman, Tiv Traditional Leaders Council in Taraba, said that Tor-Agbidye’s services to mankind had earned him the traditional title of ‘Atakpa U Tiv’ and his wife as ‘Ityegh Ki Atakpa’.
Gbaa translated the titles as the ‘medicinal cure of Tiv in Taraba’ and the ‘medicinal pot of Tiv in Taraba respectively.
He described Tor-Agbidye as the famous and indispensable driver in human medicine.
The traditional ruler said the title was in recognition of his numerous contributions to Tivs, particularly in Taraba, and the world in general.
Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election in the state, acknowledged that the award on Tor-Agbidye was earned through hardwork, dedication and selfless service.
Bwacha described the new title holder as an icon of scientific innovation and discovery.
He commended the Tiv community for finding Tor-Agbidye worthy to be conferred with the title of Atakpa.
In his remark, Tor-Agbidye, who is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of In-Coutnry Medicare, a cancer centre, thanked the Tiv leadership for finding him worthy to be confered with the title.
He pledged to support his kinsmen and not to let them down, not with the great confidence they have in him.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that many dignitaries from within and outside the country graced the event. (NAN)