Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has admonished the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Evangelist Tor Uja to remain steadfast in serving God. A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Nathaniel Ikyur quoted him to have given the advice Saturday, in his remarks during a reception/Thanksgiving Service in honour of Evangelist Uja.
The event, which was organized by the Council of Christian Elders in conjunction with the Benue State Government held at Jerusalem Mission House International along Gboko Road in Makurdi the state capital.
Governor Ortom according to the statement acknowledged that the former NCPC Executive Secretary “has maintained his integrity as a child of God and a Christian,” stating that he has been a worthy role model to many persons.
He enjoined the celebrant to continue to serve God, stressing that “You are on the right path. Looking unto God is what is important, be worthy of hire by not looking back as you have put your hands on the plough.”
The Governor who described Evang. Uja as “A man that has a consistent record of following Christ without looking back,” stated that the celebration in his honour by the Council of Christian Elders was deserving for the impact the celebrant has made in the service of God and humanity.
He particularly noted the enormous impact, which Evangelist Uja has continued to make for the salvation of souls and his missionary works in the area of education, saying it also complements Government’s efforts in that regard.
According to the Governor, “God has prepared a platform for revival in Benue State and there is no reason for anyone to shy away from serving God”, adding that “if we will get things right, we must work closely with God.”
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam in his goodwill message, congratulated Governor Ortom for building a befitting edifice as Secretariat for the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Benue State Chapter.
He said his predecessor, Evangelist Uja did “marvelously well” when he held sway as the Commission’s helmsman, stressing that the Commission was proud to identify with the celebrant because of his tremendous impact in the administration and spiritual upliftment the NCPC had before his disengagement.
The NCPC boss also lauded Governor Ortom for his unflinching support to the Commission, stating that Benue and Plateau States were the major home of Christian pilgrims.
In his goodwill message, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, John Elaigwu Odogbo who also attended the the event along with the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, prayed to God to continue to uphold the celebrant.
He also encouraged Evangelist Uja to remain focused, determined and committed, describing him as “a wonderful child of God” and urged Christians to support men of God to succeed in winning more souls for God’s kingdom.
Chairman of the occasion, Rev. Sam Alaha stated that greater things God shall do in the life of a celebrant.
The Planning committee Chairman, Prof. Gbenda Batur-Laha pointed out that the event was put together by the Council of Christian Elders to celebrate Evangelist Uja for his many years of dedicated missionary work.
The celebrant, Rev. Uja expressed appreciation to Governor Ortom for his sustained support and all guests who graced the event and stressed the need for people who are truthful to their calling to be given positions of responsibility.
Governor Ortom later attended the wedding of Samson Tortya Imgbiam and his wife, Arumun Keryn Kurugh, daughter of Pastor Kurugh Antiev held at NKST Church, Yina as well as the wedding reception of Peace Joseph Eshiet and his wife, Mavis Ngodoo Toryem at City Bay Events Centre, Makurdi.