By Ijeoma Obioma, Makurdi
The President, the Gboko club 1932, Mr Emmanuel Ordams, has honoured first civilian governor of Benue state, late Aper Aku, second republic Minister Elizabeth Ivase, constitutional lawyer, Sabastine Hon, SAN, and other eminent Nigerians who distinguished themselves in their chosen careers and impacted on the general society.
Our Correspondent reports that the club, one of its kindin existence in Nigeria from the colonial era acknowledged, the honourees during the celebration of its 90th year anniversary in Gboko, Benue state.
Ordams said that the club conferred special awards of recognition on carefully selected Nigerians as a mark of honour and encouragement for their contribution to the development of their society and impact on humanity in their areas of endeavor.
The club president called on all to join in the celebration of their 90 years anniversary and 150 million naira appeal fund for the construction of an ultra-modern sports complex.
Prof. Zacharys Anger Gundu, Vice Chancellor, University of Mkar, who delivered the keynote address at the occasion,noted that Gboko club 1932 was among the oldest clubs in the country, older than Ikoyi club 1938, Lagos boat club 1950, Lagos Metropolitan club 1959 and Lagos/Ikeja club 1949.
Prof. Gundu,who lamented the retrogression of the Gboko club said that there was a nexus between the stagnation and stunted growth of the Gboko club and the Tiv Native Authority (NA) which once shared the same pride of place with other Native Authorities like Sokoto, Kano and Borno etc.
Other awardees include former governor of Benue and Anambra states,Brig- Gen John Atom Kpera, Senator Gabriel Suswam, former PDP national, chairman Barnabas Gemade, House of Representatives members Kpam Sokpo and Rt.Hon John Dyegh, Wife of the Benue state Governor, Dr Eunice Ortom, former Minister of Justice and Attorney -General of the Federation Chief Mike Aondoakaa amongst others.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
