By Achibong Esuena                                         To cement the already existing cordial relationship between the Federal University of Health Science, Otukpo Benue State and the host community, the elder of Otukpo District paid a courtesy visit to the institution, pledging their full support to Prof. Innocent Ujah led management team.

In the same vein, the Otukpo District Elders commended the Federal government for the establishment of the first Federal Medical University in Idoma land, which according to them has imparted positively to the development of Idoma land.

The team which was led by his Royal Highness, the Ochi Otukpo Dr. John Eimonye said the Elders of the land were in FOSHO to cement the existing harmonious relationship between the Federal Institution and the host community for the progress of Idoma land in particular and Benue State in general.

The Royal Father who spoke briefly before handing over to the official spokesman of the Otukpo District Elders, who is the immediate past deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr. Benson Abounu commended the visionary leadership of the pioneer vice Chancellor, prof. Innocent Ujah and his management team and promised the full support of the traditional institution and entire Otukpo District to support the university.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the former deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu acknowledged the enormous contributions of professor Ujah to the development of medical profession, not only in Idoma land, but in Nigeria, having known him for over three decades.

He further stated that the visit apart from cementing the existing relationship, it was also to assuage any ill feelings especially with the reaction of Okpoga Olotuta (Okpoga Development Community -ODC) over the unfortunate recent development, ‘‘ what is paramount to us and the entire Idoma land is service and not sentiments’’

The former deputy governor while vehemently debunking the negative impression that Otukpo community is unfriendly to the V.C and his management team, ‘Otukpo as a people has never been against you, consequently when the youth go wrong, it is our duty to correct them and call them to order, They are still your children and I would want you to look at them as such’

Engr. Benson Abounu who strongly condemned any unruly act against constituted authority, when there are proper channels to register grievances ‘protest does not yield any positive result. If they have approach me or any of the elders here with their intentions or grudges, I think constructive dialogue with the management would have been the best way out because I know the V.C very well and for what he stands for’’

‘‘ Infact I know the V.C since 1976 and I have been in constant touch with you. I know your character, and your behavior. I know that you are a goal getter, therefore, starting a university is not an easy thing and I was convince that with you at the helm of affairs, the university will take off very well. Today, I think I have been proved right’’

The Elders commended the V.C for the achievement recorded within a short period, especially the peaceful academic session and massive infrastructural development both at the temporal and permanent site which has drastically transformed the socio economic activities of the host communities.

Responding, the V.C prof. Innocent Ujah expressed gratitude for the visit by the Otukpo District elders, He described Otukpo LGA as a home of peace for not only the Idomas, but to every other Nigerians who have a good reason to visit.

Prof. Ujah told his guest that FUSHO is the first Federal University of Health Science in Nigeria and fastest growing because of the commitment of the principal pioneer management and staff.

The V.C who appeal for the entire Idoma land and Benue state to jealously guide the university, commended the effort of the former senate president Sen. David Mark and the Federal Government for establishing the first specialist university of health in the state. According to prof. Ujah, there is no perfection in life and urged stakeholders to embrace peace and dialogue as the management has achieved a lot in the last three years which he listed the ongoing construction of Senate and Administrative building, college of medicine, faculty of sciences, student hostels, department of physics and microbiology, principal officers quarter, perimeter fencing and gate house.

Prof. Ujah disclosed that the remedial program at the GRA campus of the university was aimed at addressing deficiencies particularly among students from the host community in sciences as part of their corporate social responsibilities apart from the employment as the university is a specialized medical university, ” I am sure that we are doing our best in that direction, but if our best is not enough, then we would put it into prayers so that it can be better because there is no perfection in life. I am very happy with Otada and Akpachi communities of the take off campus because they have been peaceful and hospitable”.
The Ochi Otukpo Dr John Eimonye was accompany by the first class ruler of Otukpo/Ohimini, Chief Emmanuel Akochi, and former deputy governor Engr. Benson Abounu, Prof. Okwoli Amali, Chief Owoicho Anyebe, Dr Innocent Ekoja and Chief Inalegwu among others.