Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The PDP Governorship Candidate for Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has described former Nigerian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ambassador Yonov Frederick Agah, PhD, FICA, KofC, as a great asset whose wealth of experience and expertise Benue State is yet to fully harness.
Aondoakaa stated this yesterday at the 70th Birthday Anniversary celebration of Ambassador Yonov and a fundraising dinner organised to equip St. Mary’s Hospital, Igbor, built by the celebrant for the benefit of his community.
He decried the politics of division and bitterness which, according to him, has made the government of the day neglect the opportunity to celebrate and utilise the wealth of experience of such an accomplished son of Benue. He noted that Ambassador Agah has distinguished himself through years of exceptional service to Nigeria, including as Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO in Geneva, where he chaired several important WTO bodies. He also served as Chairman of the WTO General Council, becoming the first Nigerian and third African to occupy that position, as well as Deputy Director-General of the WTO and Chief Trade Negotiator of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN).
The former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice said a serious and visionary government would have taken advantage of Ambassador Agah’s international experience, networks and expertise to attract meaningful investments, partnerships and economic opportunities to Benue State. He regretted that the present administration was, instead, allowing political differences to stand in the way of progress, stressing that the development of Benue should never be sacrificed on the altar of political hatred and bitterness.
Aondoakaa assured the gathering that, if given the opportunity to lead Benue State, he would actively engage and utilise the expertise of distinguished Benue sons and daughters like Ambassador Agah in driving economic growth, attracting investment and opening the state to greater opportunities in the international community.
He also commended Ambassador Agah for his remarkable commitment to community development, philanthropy and social impact, particularly his decision to build and support St. Mary’s Hospital, Igbor, as a lasting contribution to the wellbeing of his people.
Aondoakaa appreciated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, Sen. Titus Zam, Dr. Mathias Byuan, members of the Masev community and other dignitaries who joined in celebrating the illustrious Benue son. He prayed for Ambassador Agah to be blessed with many more years of good health, greater accomplishments, renewed strength and continued opportunities to contribute to the development of his community, Benue State and Nigeria.