By Ben Adaji Jalingo
Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente has been conferred with the prestigious Tiv traditional title of ZEGEIGBAU-TIV (Great Maternal Kin of the Tiv Nation) by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, CFR, at a colourful ceremony held on Friday at the royal palace in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
The conferment, steeped in Tiv customs and traditions, drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders and well-wishers from across the country, underscoring the high esteem in which Chief Kente is held by the Tiv nation.
In recognition of her support and shared commitment, Chief Kente’s wife, who accompanied him to the palace, was also honoured with the title Icivir-I-Zege Igba-U-Tiv (Honour of the Great Maternal Kin of the Tiv Nation).
According to the Tor Tiv, the honour was bestowed in appreciation of Chief Kente’s outstanding character, integrity, philanthropy and sustained contributions to community development and the welfare of the Tiv people and humanity at large.
While presenting the title, Prof. Ayatse described Chief Kente as a distinguished leader whose personal excellence and selfless service have brought pride to the Tiv nation. He urged him to sustain his commitment to uplifting the less privileged and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him.
Guests at the ceremony praised Chief Kente’s humility, vision and dedication to social impact, describing him as a model of leadership and positive change.
Although a renowned politician, business icon and philanthropist, Chief Kente is no stranger to honours and chieftaincy titles. However, observers noted that the ZEGEIGBAU-TIV title stands out, given the calibre of its recipients, which include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), top service chiefs, as well as current and former governors of Benue State and other illustrious sons and daughters of the state.
It was also observed that Chief Kente is among the few non-indigenes of Benue State to receive the honour and one of the rare recipients who is not currently holding any public office, underscoring that the recognition was based purely on his personal values, contributions and impact rather than political position.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, Chief Kente expressed deep gratitude and humility over the honour, describing it as a renewed call to service.
“I am excited but deeply humbled to be counted among men of timber and calibre,” he said. “This recognition tells me that my little efforts have been seen, and it challenges me to do even more. I am committed to continuing, relentlessly, to impact the lives of the less privileged.”
The conferment of the ZEGEIGBAU-TIV title is widely regarded as a testament to Chief David Sabo Kente’s enduring legacy and his growing role in promoting unity, development and compassion within and beyond the Tiv nation.
