Governor Samuel Ortom on Thursday said the death of Chief Mrs Elizabeth Ivase, a second Republic Education Minister.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase in Makurdi.
NAN reports that late Chief Ivase, a traditional Tiv title holder “Penda’tyo u Tiv” and OON, before her death, served in the Shehu Shagari government as the minister of education.
Ortom said her death was a huge loss to Benue State and the country, adding that she was a caring mother and a woman of distinction, who had an illustrious career in public service at all levels of governance.
“Chief Ivase was an epitome of womanhood, a foremost politician, eminent person, experienced administrator and community leader, she was kind-hearted, humble and dedicated her life to the service of God and humanity.
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“As a trailblazer, Ivase set records with her outstanding performance while serving in various capacities including being a two-time Commissioner in Benue State and a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The governor said Ivase before her death mentored the younger generation while championing girl-child education and women’s rights in general.
“The death of Ivase has created a vacuum which will be difficult to fill.”
He urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that their mother had lived a fulfilled life with numerous contributions to the development of her fatherland.
Ortom prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the entire Orvihi-Ivase family as well as Mbayion community in Gboko Local Government Area the fortitude to bear the loss. (NAN)