Ortom is a man of Valour and Resilience – Sen. Gyado
By Tyodoo Livinus
Second Republic politician and elder statesman, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado has described the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom as a man of determination, integrity and courage, who has overcome many hurdles to get to the pinnacle of his political and public service career.
Senator Gyado stated this yesterday (Tuesday 24th December 2024), during a dinner organized to celebrate his 80th birthday by Chief Ortom and his amiable wife, Dr Eunice Ortom at their residence in Makurdi.
Senator Gyado was accompanied to the dinner by some elder’s and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Benue State among who were Chief Akange Audu, Chief Michael Iordye, Chief Joe Akaakar (Baba Jiro), Chief Cliff Atile and the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Akutah. Also at the dinner was Chief Felix Akiga and his wife, among several other prominent figures in the state.
Senator Gyado who is the Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, went down memory lane to recount how he met Ortom and instantly realized that the young Samuel had a great future ahead of him.
He stated that his relationship with Chief Ortom is that of father and son, saying that the former Benue State Governor has tremendously impressed him in all his endeavours. Senator Gyado also described Ortom as a man full of respect for elders.
“When I met Ortom, I saw his future before him and I knew that he was going to be a great person. I saw it. That is why I bonded with him; and I singled him out and ensured his accelerated promotion to the position of a manager of Pepsi International in the 80s. If you gave Ortom a target, he made sure that he doubled that target. I want to say to this gathering that my relationship with Ortom is deeper than we can say here. Extremely deep, and no amount of politics can tamper with that relationship. Ortom and I have come a long way, and I am always very proud of him.
Chief Gyado continued:
“Ortom has crossed a lot of obstacles in life. Ortom has swum across oceans to be where he is today. Ortom always exceeds any barrier anyone sets for him. He is very hardworking and very trustworthy. I saw him coming. So when he was contesting for governorship in PDP, I knew that he would be denied the ticket and I went to tell him, but in his usual conviction and determination, he assured me that God promised him in 1992 that He would make him governor, so he was going to be governor; and it came to pass”, Senator Gyado stated.
Earlier, Chief Samuel Ortom narrated how his time with Gyado Foods also known as Pepsi-Cola International Makurdi honed his skills in business management with multiple promotions from Salesman Driver to a Senior Salesman Driver, to Sales Supervisor, Senior Sales Supervisor, Assistant Sales Manager and ultimately appointed as the Sales Manager of the company.
The former Governor extolled the qualities of Senator Gyado, describing him as a great Nigerian who has made indelible contributions and impacted positively on numerous lives including him.
“Today, we celebrate not just the years you have lived, but the profound impact you have made on countless lives. As a father, leader, and visionary, you have shown us the power of humility and compassion. Your guidance has shaped future generations of entrepreneurs and leaders, leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come. You are a politician of uncommon wisdom; a seasoned administrator, businessman and philanthropist. I am one of the beneficiaries of your legacy of mentorship,” Chief Ortom stated.
Others who spoke at the event were Prof Akase Sorkaa, Dr Laha Zever and Hon. Charles Torbunde who commended Chief Ortom and his wife for celebrating the elder statesman on his birthday and prayed for greater years of good health upon him.
