Mbaduku clan’s glorious day for sons, daughters

Mbaduku clan is one of the eight clans comprising the larger ancestral cleavage of Kunav in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue.  It’s a border community in generous romance with   Kwande Local Government Area in the state and and Obudu Local Government Area in Cross River States.Known for their rich cultural heritage, enterprising nature, valour […]

Mbaduku clan is one of the eight clans comprising the larger ancestral cleavage of Kunav in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue.  It’s a border community in generous romance with   Kwande Local Government Area in the state and and Obudu Local Government Area in Cross River States.
Known for their rich cultural heritage, enterprising nature, valour and excellence in virtually all undertakings, the sons and daughters of the area have scored several firsts in many fields of endeavour, producing the first paramount ruler of Tiv nation, the late Orchivirgh Makir Dzakpe, Tor Tiv I;    and hordes of others.
Weekly Trust learnt that the people of Mbaduku remain about the only clan which does not maintain permanent enmity with their Udam neighbours, even after violent conflict, especially those from the Obudu axis. They live together and socially interact again in peace and harmony once a truce is reached, says Denen Nomor, an indigene of the area.      
It is gathered that the Mbaduku clan under the auspices of Mbaduku Development Association (MDA) converge home once annually, where her elite sons and daughters as well as elders of the community review its progress, challenges and celebrate worthy members who have distinguished themselves in community service and nationhood. On August 24th, 2013 was again one of such days, as Mbaduku’s  main town of   Tsar, came up alive and bubbling,  as it played host to the young and the old, men and women, the low and the  mighty members  of the mega clan to the annual feast.
 Mrs. Miriam Kartyo, Director-General, Services and Administration, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State said “Mbaduku Day” is a day that draws its sons and daughters together to celebrate their common history, aspirations, successes, and as well confront their challenges as a people with a common destiny. However, this year’s event was laced with the honouring of five worthy sons and daughters, who were presented with awards of recognition from the clan as well as the award of scholarships to 10 indigent students for higher education.
The awardees included   Mr. Ambrose Feese, a former Minister of Works; Mr. Ambrose Agbelagba, a retired Executive Secretary, Benue State Teaching Service; Mrs. Grace Ashi Wende, Director-General, Benue State Action Committee on AIDS; Mrs. Miriam Kartyo, Director- General, Services and Administration, Ado LGA Benue State and Dr. Gowon Ama Doki, an Associate Professor, Head, Department of Theatre Arts and Sub-Dean of Arts of the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi.
Explaining reasons for the nomination of Dr.  Doki who is the youngest among the awardees, , MDA’s National President, Mr. Hyacinth Ikyaagba, a Permanent Secretary with the Benue State Ministry of Lands and Survey said, though a young man, he has distinguished himself as a selfless community servant with promise. Ikyaagba said the community upholds him as a pillar that will sustain the Mbaduku people for a long time.
“Dr. Doki has used his many links to, among other things, secure employment for several Mbaduku people, draw people from far and near to contribute to development projects in the Mbaduku clan as well as facilitate the admission of several Mbaduku wards in tertiary institutions across Benue State and beyond. That he is  honoured today, is  not only in recognition of these feats,  but to stimulate him to do more and also to challenge other Mbaduku young men and women to take upon themselves the task of selfless community development,” the President said.
The MDA president said Mrs. Grace Ashi Wende is honoured for her sustained battle against the dreaded HIV/AIDS scourge in the state, which has halted its rapid spread, stigmatization and risky behaviour among the people. Benue State has a reputation of been among the top three leading states with the highest prevalent rate of the dreaded disease.
In his response, an elated Dr.  Doki, said to be honoured by one’s immediate community is to him, a no common gesture, adding that being given an award alongside accomplished men and women have totally humbled him, even as it has challenged his life.
“I dedicate the award to my wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Naomi Doki and thankful to the Almighty God who makes all things possible,” he said.
The occasion was chaired by Gen. Indyar Garba (rtd.) and had in attendance Mr. Hingah Biem, Permanent Secretary, Internal Affairs and Special Services, Benue State, and Mr. Terna Ahua (mni), Head of Service, Benue State, as Guests of Honour. Others were Hon. Mike Kusa, a former Commissioner in Benue State, Hon. Dominic Ucha, Governor’s Liaison Officer for Vandeikya LGA. Other dignitaries at the occasion included  Prof. Paul Sorkaa, immediate past Vice Chancellor, Benue State University (BSU); Prof. Tony Edoh, immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, BSU;  Prof. T. A. Varvar, Dean, Faculty of Arts, BSU ; Prof. Tony Ijohor (SAN), Dean, Faculty of Law, Baze University, Abuja; Prof. J. B. Ashiko, Dean, Postgraduate School, BSU; Prof. Targema Iorvaa, Director, Centre for Continuing Education, BSU;;  Professors Lawrence Egah,  Daniel Shishima, Shittu Abimbola, Alloy Ihuah, and Drs  Msugh Kembe, Dean Faculty of Science and President, BSU Senior Staff Club,  as well as  Joseph Kerker, a onetime ASUU Chairman and a former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Benue State University, among  others.
Also, friends and colleagues of the awardees from the neighbouring Cross River State also graced the occasion. Among them were Dr. Akpanke Aniashie and Charles Ushie who both expressed satisfaction with the honour bestowed on their friend, Dr. Doki, saying it is “well deserved”.
In his words of felicitation, Superintendent of Police, Mr. Dominic Iornumbe, who is the Divisional Police Officer, ‘B’ Division Makurdi, described Dr. Doki as an excellent gentleman who is selfless, benevolent, cheerful and self-styled. He thus prayed God to guide, protect and propel him to higher heights.
Chairman of the occasion, retired General Garba charged the awardees and indeed other sons and daughters of Mbaduku to see the honour as an invitation to render more service to community and the nation at large.
The occasion climaxed with   a lavish cocktail at Dr. Doki’s country home at Tse Doki, Betse Nyumangbagh Council Ward where the Benue State Arts Council troupe was also on hand to felicitate with their professional colleagues as they entertain guests with graceful Tiv dances.