Tasks before new Tor Tiv

As Professor James Ortese Ayatse assumed the throne as the 5th Tor Tiv. I congratulate him and pray that he carries out his duties effectively. However, there is no doubt that Ayatse is coming in at a time the Tiv nation is having some challenges, including disunity.  Owing to the desire for political power, there […]

As Professor James Ortese Ayatse assumed the throne as the 5th Tor Tiv. I congratulate him and pray that he carries out his duties effectively. However, there is no doubt that Ayatse is coming in at a time the Tiv nation is having some challenges, including disunity. 

Owing to the desire for political power, there is division among Tiv sons and daughters.  The new Tor Tiv is expected to start by ensuring unity, as that is the only way there can be any form of development.  There is also the issue of dearth of federal projects in the area; the people are hopeful that he would use his position to attract projects to the area.   I also suggest a consultative body to be constituted by the traditional council comprising five members. It should be saddled with the responsibility of collaborating with our political appointees; so as to channel our yearnings to the federal government.

The issue of insecurity in Benue State is no longer news. There have been clashes between herders and farmers, kidnappings and assassinations. I hope that as the head of traditional rulers in the state, he will come up with strategies that will tackle the issues.  Another area of great concern is the destruction of cultural norms and values.  Cultural festivals like ‘kwaghahir’, ‘Amar a mirin/ Ivom unden’ among others are apparatuses through which our rich cultural heritage can be revived. The reinstitution of the prestigious ‘Ijir Tamen’ will serve as a supreme forum that will coordinate and checkmate all Tiv affairs for a common purpose and good of all. It will also serve as a tool to sanction erring members and bring subjects under control.

Youth unemployment and restiveness are on the increase despite increase in the level of education acquired. There is no connectivity between those who are already employed and those who will succeed them.  I urge the Tor Tiv to meet with the elders to fashion a way to solve that problem. 

Tiv in Diaspora must also be made to understand that there is no place like home. The new paramount leader should organize a meeting of all Tiv so that they can come together and decide what areas they can invest in to aid development.

Such investments will create job opportunities, increase the revenue base in Tiv land as well as boost security of lives and property.  I am optimistic that the lost pride of the Tiv nation will be regained under the new traditional ruler.

 Ahule Samuel Aondoaver, wrote from Abuja