There was pomp in Benue State, the Food Basket of Nigeria, as Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume returned home for the first time since his appointment as Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) in June by President Bola Tinubu.
The homecoming also coincided with his 70th birthday anniversary, for which elaborate arrangements were laid out by family members, political associates, and benefactors.
The committee headed by Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Dr Sonny Echono stated that Akume would arrive at the state on December 23, to a heroic Welcome in Makurdi, the state capital.
Indeed Akume arrived to a tumultuous reception by thousands of his supporters across the state.
There was a Golf Tournament on December 24, in his honour at the Makurdi Golf Course, Northbank, Makurdi and yesterday, the SGF performed the official commissioning of the remodeled State Secretariat of his party, the All Progressives Congress(APC).
He also participated in a symposium/colloquium in his honor at the College of Health Science Auditorium, Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi Benue State.
On Wednesday morning, the committee scheduled an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service at St. Christopher Parish, Wannune, Tarka LGA, to be presided over by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama while the birthday celebration and grand reception would follow immediately at Senator George Akume’s Country Home, Wannune, Tarka LGA.
According to the programme by the Central Planning Committee, the Kwara state Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, would be chairman of the occasion while the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu would be chairlady at the event.
The statement named President Bola Tinubu as Distinguished Guest of Honor alongside the National Chairman of the APC, Alh. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
It named the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shetima, Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Gusts of Honour.
Other Special Guests expected at the occasion include: Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, All Senators, Deputy Speaker and all Members of the House of Representatives; All Federal Executive Council Members.
The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia would be the Chief Host, the statement said adding that traditional rulers from across Nigeria would also attend the occasion to add the royal dimension to the celebration.
In his speech at a brief reception to welcome him into the state, the SGF asked for prayers for the administration of Gov Hyacinth Alia to yield great success.
Akume said the people of Benue state had suffered so much and that it was time the state was elevated to attain its full potential.
He poured encomiums on his friend of over 30 years, President Tinubu and assured that with him in charge of affairs, Benue State will remain forever greater and better.
The SGF announced plans by the Federal Government to build 1000 Housing Units for the people in the state and urged Benue State people to keep faith with the APC administration of Tinubu at the national level and Gov Alia at the state level.
Political supporters also rendered solidarity messages to draw the occasion to a close amid dances and jubilation from the enthusiastic crowd. [With reports by Daily Asset]
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