Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has described the late Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue Council, Mrs Victoria Asher, as a thorough bred professional who contributed immensely to the growth of the union.
Ortom made the expression at a valedictory session in honour of the late unionist on Thursday in Markurdi.
Represented by his Principal Special Assistant on Media, Mr Nathaniel Ikyur, the governor said that the state government had a good working relationship with the NUJ under her watch.
“It is painful that we lost her so suddenly, it is more painful that we have lost two sitting chairmen of the union during the six years that I have been in office.
“While we pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, we also pray that no sitting chairman of the NUJ will die again,” he said.
Ortom said that his administration was committed to strengthening social ties with NUJ to ensure a sustained and mutually-rewarding working relationship.
Speaking during the event, Mr Chris Isiguzo, NUJ National President, described Asher as `a great achiever and unionist per excellence’.
“She brought positive developments to the union, she did not disappoint those who had trust in her, we shall miss her dearly,” he said.
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Also speaking, Mr Bem Mngutyo, an Assemblyman representing Tarka Constituency at the Benue House of Assembly promised to establish a foundation in her honour.
Mngutyo urged the NUJ and good spirited individuals to support the foundation when it comes on stream, adding, “this foundation will be used to take care of her children.”
Earlier, Mr Martin Kajo, the Acting Chairman of the NUJ in Benue described Asher’s death as a huge loss to the union and the state.
