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In a glowing tribute that has warmed hearts across Benue State, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, has felicitated renowned scholar and administrator Professor Eugene Aliegba on his nomination and impending conferment of the prestigious traditional title of Ibugbashe-I-Tiv by the Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC).
The nomination, approved under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Orcivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, the Tor Tiv V, was formally presented to the Speaker on Monday in Makurdi by Professor Aliegba himself, accompanied by a high-powered delegation that included Hon. Donald Kpochin, Barr. Benjamin Une, Hon. Godffery Choughul, Engr. Peter Akulega, and Hon. Henry Agba, among others.
Describing the occasion as “historic, deeply inspiring, and reflective of the values of excellence, integrity, and service,” Rt. Hon. Emberga praised Professor Aliegba as “one of the shining lights of our land — an intellectual icon whose contributions to governance, public policy, academia, and community development have stood the test of time.”
The Speaker emphasized that the Ibugbashe-I-Tiv title is not merely an honour for the recipient but a blessing to Benue State and the entire academic community, noting that the Tiv nation reserves such exalted recognitions for individuals whose work has significantly uplifted Tivland and advanced the welfare, pride, and identity of the Tiv people.
“Professor Aliegba has trained minds, shaped policies, mentored leaders, and contributed immensely to the social and intellectual capital of our state,” Emberga said. “His life remains a model for public servants and young people aspiring to greatness. This title is a reaffirmation that a man who has done so much for society will always be remembered and honoured.”
He expressed strong confidence that the conferment will inspire more citizens to commit themselves to excellence, community service, and nation-building, while highlighting the symbolic bridge Professor Aliegba has built between traditional institutions and modern governance through knowledge, wisdom, and patriotic stewardship.
Concluding his remarks, the Speaker prayed for God’s continued grace, wisdom, and protection upon the professor as he prepares for the investiture, urging him to remain “a beacon of hope, inspiration, and moral strength” to the Tiv nation and Nigeria at large.
The statement was issued on 1st December 2025 by Zape Michael Upaa, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
