June 21, (THEWILL) – Governor Hyacinth Alia has described the death of the father of the Managing Director of Benue State Investment and Property Company Limited, Pa James Asemakaha, as a great loss, not only to the Mbaduku community, but the state at large.
He, therefore, promised to immortalise the deceased with a community project after due consultation with community leaders based on a needs assessment.
Governor Alia, who was represented at the burial ceremony by the Secretary to Benue State Government, Deaconess Deborah Aber, held at Tse Antor, at Mbaduku in Vandeikya local Government area of Benue state on Saturday.
The governor, therefore, called for unity of purpose in order to overcome challenges bedevilling the state.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajo, represented by his wife, Cynthia, acknowledged the good work done by the deceased and his son in the course of life.
The Speaker assured of continuous support to Governor Alia to deliver on the mandate beyond 2027, calling for a peaceful approach towards the next general election.
The Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Council, Mr Dennis Guda, said late James Asemakaha trained his children, including Dr Raymond Asemakaha, who has transformed the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited to high levels.
He alleged that terrorists herders are attempting to invade Kunav land but without success due to vigilance by stakeholders in the area.
The chairman, therefore, challenged youths in the area to shun collaboration and any financial inducement for the safety of the community, and commended Governor Alia for being alive to his responsibilities in the state.
The Tor Jerchira, HRH Engr Chief Edward Ujege, promised to reawaken the Jerchira Day celebration in order to sustain the unity they are known for in the past.
According to him, it is not yet well with Benue people, regarding security in the state, and acknowledged the contribution of the deceased in fostering peace in Kunav land.
In his oration, the paramount ruler of Kunav land, the Ter Kunav, Chief Joseph Achiaku, called for unity of purpose among Jerchira sons in order to defend and foster unity and progress.
He said during the Yelwata invasion, many stood aloof until the invaders wreaked havoc, and advocated State Police so as to safeguard their communities from the hands of enemies.
Chief Achiaku commended the contributions of the deceased when he served in the Nigerian army and later in the civil service.
President General of Kunav United Development Association (KUDA), Deacon Tor Yaji, described late Asemakaha as a peacemaker, and called on residents of Mbaduku to be vigilant and report any strange movement.
He said the son of the deceased, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, has done well, pointing out that the late James Asemakaha sold his car for a community electricity project in the area.
Mrs Theresa Abeda, who spoke on behalf of the Management of Benue State Investment and Property Company, said the death of Pa James Asemakaha is a great loss, as it will devastate their Managing Director, Dr Raymond Asemakaha.
She, however, noted that he produced the son who is positively impacting the lives of people who came his way, and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Speaking on behalf of appointees from Mbaduku, gave a pass mark for Governor Hyacinth Alia in the past four years, saying he will consolidate the gains after eight years in office.
In a vote of thanks, the Chief mourner, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, commended his friends for donating N73 million and cows towards the burial of his father.
He also thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia for the assistance and for standing by him in the time of grief.
