Wilson Adekumola
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has told the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi the state capital to built a university in a bid to immortalize Rev. Fr. Michael Murphy saying he is ready to support the project any time such decision is made.
Ortom said the late Fr. Murphy had told him about his desire to build a Catholic University, that was why he was urging Catholic Diocese of Makurdi to ensure the fulfillment of that dream, a legacy in honour of the late missionary priest.
The Governor made the urge Wednesday during the commissioning of township roads in Makurdi, the state capital constructed by his administration.
The roads are situated around a secondary school built by the late Irish priest.
According to the Governor “We don’t have a Catholic University yet in Benue State and I think it will be a legacy in honour of Fr Murphy and the entire Catholic mission to establish a university here in the Diocese of Makurdi.
He said, “It won’t be out of place, because our population is growing and there is a need for more educational facilities to help curb youth restiveness in our state and beyond.”
Governor Ortom promised his readiness to support the university project if taken up by the Diocese of Makurdi.
He said, “Whether I am in office or out of office, anytime this project is initiated about building the university, I want to assure you that wherever I am, in or out of office, I want to be part of it.”
While explaining the Irish’s service to God and humanity, he said Fr. Murphy sold himself to Christ, noting that he committed himself to serving God for over 60 years as a priest even at the age of 93 before passing on.
The Governor stated that his encounter with Fr. Murphy was that of encouragement and excitement, adding that Fr. Murphy was always willing to positively impact the life others and everyone that had an encounter with him.
Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Jude Uungwa said the roads commissioned were part of the six roads whose contracts were awarded at the cost of over N4.8 billion Naira.
Discussing infrastructural projects he executed in the state, Ortom said that some of the roads have been completed and others were at various stages of completion, noting that the road inaugurated will benefit the community.
The Contractor, Engr. Stephen Akange of Privent Construction Company, praised the Governor for its patronage, stating that the company will continue to justify the confidence in the execution of quality projects and timely completion.
District Head of Ugondo, Chief Justine Ihwakaa showed his gratitude to Governor Ortom for the several projects his administration has implemented in his vicinity promised to support his administration.
Bishop of Makurdi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe who inaugurated the Rev. Fr. Michael Murphy crescent said the honour accorded the late priest is well deserved, adding that Fr. Murphy’s 62 years as a priest were eventful given the unprecedented impact he made in all the places that he served as a priest.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Benue State Chapter, Rev. Akpen Leva commissioned Mrs. Victoria Azamber Puusu crescent.
The roads are named after Fr. Michael Murphy crescent and Mrs. Victoria Azamber Puusu crescent.