…Suswam calls for revival of reading
By Isaac Uzaan
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia Saturday, February 17, 2024 attended Thanksgiving Mass to mark 36th Priestly Ordination Anniversary, 60th Birthday Celebration and Book Launch of the Rector of St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi, Rev. Fr. Dr. Simeon Iber.
Governor Alia, while speaking at the event, appreciated the celebrant for his dedication and unwavering commitment to spreading the word of God.
He added that Frs. Simeon Iber, Kenneth Agede and a few others were very instrumental in assisting him during his years of study in the United States.
Commenting on the economic hardship in the country, Governor Alia expressed deep worry over the recent hardship faced by Benue citizens, particularly the high cost of food items.
He said his government is working tirelessly to provide support to farmers and increase food production in the state even as the federal government is putting measures in place to alleviate the hardship.
Governor Alia said they have taken cognizance of the influx of herders in most of the local government, particularly the most troubled areas of Agatu, Apa, Logo, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Kwande, and Ukum, saying series of meetings have already been held and the result will soon be felt.
He also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 36 states Governors met Thursday and deliberated extensively on ways of solving the escalating security challenges in the nation.
Governor Alia who admitted that we are passing through troubling times, called on the people to remain resilient and keep praying for better days.
He called on students of St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary Makurdi to take advantage of their presence in the seminary and utilize it maximally.
Also speaking, the former Governor of Benue State and Chief Launcher, Sen. Gabriel Suswam extolled the virtues of the celebrant and called on the people to support literature and encourage the youth to concentrate on reading books instead of engaging themselves on social media.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, Most Rev. David Ajang recounted his relationship with the celebrant and prayed God to grant him many years in life.
The event was graced by friends, family relatives, and colleagues of the celebrant as well as seminarians and parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi
