Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and the deputy, Engineer Benson Abounu, have renewed their commitment to selfless service, mutual respect and confidence in each other as they continue to steer the affairs of the state.
Governor Ortom and Engineer Abounu spoke during the thanksgiving service in their honour at the Norcross Methodist Cathedral, Otukpo on Sunday.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Ortom said he has enjoyed a cordial working relationship with his Deputy which has translated to the stability in government and the achievements being recorded in various sectors of the economy.
He described Engineer Abounu as a dependable and trustworthy Deputy with whose support they have surmounted most of the challenges facing the state.
The Governor who said the combined thanksgiving service was to express gratitude to God for His mercy and guidance, stressed the need for the people of the state to continue to pray for the present administration to succeed.
Governor Ortom urged the people to embrace agriculture as a reliable way out of the current economic challenges, reassuring that his administration will continue to evolve ways to empower the people, citing the recent N2 billion Memorandum of Understanding signed between the State Government and Bank of Industry for loans to Benue entrepreneurs at only 5% interest rate, as one of such examples.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Engineer Abounu showered encomiums on Governor Ortom whom he described as a God-fearing, selfless, humane and honest leader.
He said he and Governor Ortom had disappointed those who predicted disagreement between them, stressing that the existing cordial relationship he has with the Governor will be sustained.
In a sermon, the ArchBishop of Methodist Church, Benue State, Most Reverend Oliver Aba, commended the decision of the Governor and his Deputy to return to the church with thanksgiving to God.
Governor Ortom and Engineer Abounu later inaugurated the newly built ArchBishop’s House as part of activities marking the thanksgiving service.
The statement issued by Terver Akase, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said the church service was attended by many personalities, including wife of the Governor, Dr. Eunice Ortom and that of the Deputy Governor, Justice Rosemary Abounu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, former first lady of the state, Mrs. Regina Akume, and members of the State Executive Council.
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