A Man Who Contributed Immensely to the Growth of Môôn District
By Ayoo Sunday
Late Hon. Vincent Gbaior Atser was born on the 20th of October, 1954 to the family of Late Pa. Atser Iywa-Gbehe Abo of Uvande, Maav-Môôn, and Late Mama Mbaduun Agu of Mbaigbe, Imbesev Yaav, all of Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.
After completing his secondary education at the famous St. Andrew’s Secondary School, Adikpo, Late Chief Gbaior Atser joined active politics in 1979 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Shortly after, he was appointed as the Government Liaison Officer (GLO) for Turan District.
He later defected to the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) where he contested for a councillorship position, but his ambition was truncated by the military government in 1983.
A few years later, Late Chief Atser was appointed as the Supervisory Councillor for Works and Housing, representing Turan District under the Zero Party System from 1989 to 1990. During that period, he facilitated the recruitment of many people as primary school teachers and Local Government workers.
Later on, he emerged as the SDP Party Chairman for Kwande LGA between 1992 and 1993, when Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu was the Governor of Benue State.
Upon the return of the Fourth Republic and the formation of a new political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Late Chief Gbaior Atser was among the founders of the PDP in Turan and Kwande. He served the party in various capacities, including as a Party Delegate of the PDP in 1999 and 2003.
During his brief stay as Supervisory Councillor, he facilitated the recruitment of many Turan sons and daughters into the TSB, SUBEB and the Local Government Service.
In fact, history has shown that in the whole of Môôn, apart from the Late Tor Azembe, no politician has facilitated employment opportunities in the district more than Gbaior Atser, despite holding minor positions throughout his political career.
A true son of Môôn, he contributed positively to making Môôn what it is today through the facilitation of Local Government Health Care Centres at Tumachan, Mbanyon and Ikyoawen.
He also facilitated the construction of Nomadic Primary School, Ugbe; LGEA Primary School, Igbudu; LGEA Primary School Tyough; and many others.
Late Hon. Atser lived a simple life worthy of emulation. He was a devoted Christian, married with children, including Officer Terungwa Atser Philip, Samuel Gbaior (PhD in view),Hon.Denen Gbaior,Miss Danielle Dooshima Atser,Miss Msurshima Gbaior and others.
Late Hon. Gbaior Atser is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and many other relatives.
He will be buried at his country home, Tse Atser, Maav-Môôn, Kwande LGA, Benue State on the 16th November,2026.
Sir, you will be greatly missed for ur contributions towards boundary issues between Mọōn and the neighbouring Jukum of Taraba state..
Adieu, Uncle
