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The ancient city of Gboko is set for a colourful cultural explosion as the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Orcivirigh Professor James Ayatse, prepares to bestow one of the highest traditional honours in Tivland on former Benue State Governor and Senator representing Benue North-East, Dr. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, CON, and his wife, Arc. Pastor Yemisi Dooshima Suswam.
The grand ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, 13th December 2025, will see the paramount ruler, in conjunction with the Tiv Traditional Council, formally install the former first couple with esteemed chieftaincy titles in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of Tiv nation, Benue State, and Nigeria over several decades.
Event coordinator and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Nicholas Akise Ada, described the honour as long overdue, noting that Senator Suswam remains one of the most impactful political leaders ever produced by the Tiv people. He called on political associates, admirers, loyalists, and well-wishers across party lines to turn out en masse for what promises to be a celebration of service, excellence, and Tiv pride.
Already, the Gboko community is buzzing with excitement. Traditional dancers are rehearsing, hospitality groups are mobilising, and major roads leading into the Tiv paramount ruler’s palace are receiving attention ahead of the influx of dignitaries, traditional rulers, political heavyweights, and supporters expected from every corner of the country.
Sources close to the Suswam family say the former governor, who rarely seeks the spotlight, accepted the honour with profound humility, seeing it as recognition not just for himself but for the collective efforts of all who worked with him during his eight-year tenure as governor and his continued service at the national level.
With barely ten days to the event, the December 13 chieftaincy investiture is already being touted as one of the biggest socio-cultural gatherings in Tivland this year, a fitting tribute to a man whose political footprint continues to shape conversations in Benue and beyond.
