Bridget Tikyaa
The family of Prof. Barnabas Ikyo, Director, Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), MOAU formerly BSU,has presented a wide range of food and non-food items to hundreds of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The items donated by the don and his family include toiletries, foodstuffs, and other consumables.
Other items donated include shoes and clothing for the youth, children, women and men.
Ikyo, in his remarks, said that the gesture was his modest way to alleviate the sufferings of the IDPs.
The Director CEFTER said that he was thankful to God, who has spared his life to be of help to the needy.
According to him, he successfully completed two tenures of 10 years at CEFTER.
He expressed sadness over the June 13 massacre at Yelewata and prayed to God to heal the wounded and broken spirit.
“It is our little way to give back to the society in appreciation of what God has done for us. We are here to share the little we have with the IDPs.
“We pray that peace will return in their homes and land to enable them live their normal lives.
“I thank God for my wife, the Director General of Benue Television, who completed her 5 years in office,” he said.
Mrs Patience Achakpaikyo, in her part, commended the government’s efforts in providing a safe temporal space for the IDPs.
She also commended the government for its proactive approach and clear understanding of the humanitarian crisis.
She appreciated God for her family, particularly her husband, who had had a successful tenure of 10 years serving under four vice chancellors gracefully.
Responding to Dr Donald Komgbenda, Head of Administration, Benue SEMA, welcomed the donation with deep appreciation, describing it as a gesture rooted in compassion and responsibility in alleviating the suffering of displaced persons.
He expressed sincere gratitude to the couple for the timely intervention and urged other well-meaning organisations and individuals to emulate the gesture.
The family of Prof. Ikyo was accompanied by the SSA to the Governor on the School Feeding Programme, Mrs Josephine Boager; the PSA to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Communication Strategy, Bridget Tikyaa; as well as family, friends, and colleagues from CEFTER and Benue TV.
