■ The governor had a Radio/TV interactive session by the governor on the activities of government so far in checking the spread of the Coronavirus in Benue state. He was joined on the programme by the State Action Committee Chairman on COVID-19 and Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu. Other members of the committee also were on hand to help give updates on the prevention of the virus.
■ The deputy governor, Engr Abounu, inaugurated the Border/Boundary Task Force on behalf of the governor as part of efforts to check the influx of persons from other states of the federation into Benue to curtail the spread of COVID-19 .
TUESDAY APRIL 21ST:
■ Governor Ortom inspected the progress of work on the Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko. He was taken round the project site by the contractor, Arc Asema Achado. The governor gave assurances of speedy completion of the Palace to enable the Monarch to relocate to his permanent palace.
■ Gov Ortom paid an unscheduled visit to the Gboko General Hospital, saying it was in line with his administration's proactive approach to improving the health sub-sector. He then directed the Ministry of Housing to work out a three-phase renovation schedule which will be carried out on the hospital, including the staff quarters.
■ He also inspected the Coronavirus quarantine/treatment centre in the General Hospital. He said he was impressed with the commitment shown by the management in collaboration with the Gboko local government committee on COVID-19 in utilising scarce funds to renovate a block in hospital premises to serve as an isolation/treatment centre. In addition, he made a personal donation of N5 million to enable the hospital complete work on the block which was designated as COVID-19 quarantine unit.
THURSDAY APRIL 23rd:
■ Another visit to Benue Online Television Studios by the governor to ascertain the level of work. As usual, Jeff Udende, the consultant took the governor round.
FRIDAY 24th:
■ A Special State Executive Council was held.
■ Thursday April 24 was the governor's birthday. Members of the state EXCO celebrated his 59th birthday with the cutting of a birthday cake before the commencement of the proceedings of the EXCO.
■ State Chairman of the PDP, Chief John Ngbede assisted by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Bemgba Iortyom also presented a birthday card to the governor to mark his 59th birthday.
■ IPPAN President, Babs Usigbe presented a birthday card to the governor on his 59th birthday celebration.
■ Later that afternoon, the governor received the Interim Report on the activities at the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB. The receipt of the SUBEB report continues on Monday April 27. Two former chief executives of the board and other top management staff will be present to give clarifications for their various roles in the running of the agency.
(C) Pics:
Nathaniel Ikyur,
Principal Special Asst on Media,
Governor of Benue State.
