Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The senatorial candidate for Benue North-West, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom, continued her engagements with grassroots support groups in Gboko, where women from different associations expressed support for her aspiration, citing the need for greater female participation in leadership and development.
Representatives of the Gboko PDP Trustee Mothers, Genger Mothers, Kasev Mbatiav, Sena Mothers, Able Mothers, Able Women Support Group, Hausa Women for PDP, MKA Sisters and the Tailors Association, among others, said their prayers and support for Dr. Ortom were driven by their expectations of more inclusive leadership. Speaking through their representatives, including Hon. Mrs. Charity Anagende, Hon. Doobee Tali, Hon. Mrs. Judith Yaaya, Mrs. Regina Orya, Hon. Erdoo Ikyaagba, Hon. Mrs. Gill Zanariah Bridget, Hajia Fatima Useni, Hon. Mnena Tachia, Lubem Jessica and Hon. Doosuur KwaghAondo, the groups recalled her record as former First Lady of Benue State, particularly her involvement of women in leadership and community development initiatives.
They expressed confidence that her senatorial aspiration would provide an opportunity to advance women’s interests and promote development across Zone B.
The PDP candidates for Gboko/Tarkaa Federal Constituency and Gboko Central State Constituency, Hon. Nath Ikyur and Hon. Lubem Asuwa, respectively, assured the women of their readiness to work with grassroots structures. They emphasised the importance of collaboration among the party’s candidates and support groups in engaging communities across the district.
Responding, Dr. Eunice Ortom acknowledged the longstanding support the Ortom family had received from Gboko and the wider Jemgbagh Block. She expressed appreciation for the women’s prayers and their advocacy for greater female inclusion, describing women as central to building responsible leadership and stronger communities.
She pledged to uphold the confidence reposed in her by pursuing initiatives that address education, agriculture, healthcare, job creation, business development, security and other pressing needs. She also urged the women to promote issue-based political engagement, cautioning against insults and divisive rhetoric.
In a separate engagement, Dr. Eunice Ortom met with the Mbayion Mbatsegh people, led by Sunny Nyior, whose members recounted the support their community had received through his appointment and relationship with the Ortom family. Nyior said the community was committed to supporting Dr. Eunice Ortom’s aspiration, expressing hope that her representation would reconnect the community to development opportunities.
Elder Amindi Kwande and Elder Nguerkyav Doonga, representing Mbaswa and Mbatyewe, respectively, alongside Hon. Mrs. Erdoo Chaver and Mr. Aseer Iorshaegh, who spoke for women and youths, reaffirmed the group’s position. Members also presented Dr. Eunice Ortom with Tiv traditional attire as a gesture of appreciation for the support they said had helped sustain their relationship with Sunny Nyior and his community.
The Director-General of the campaign organisation, Hon. Ortese Gbegi, said the engagements reflected the importance of maintaining close relationships with communities and listening to their expectations. He described Dr. Eunice Ortom’s aspiration as an opportunity to pursue development-focused representation for the people of Benue North-West. He assured them of more engagements for more acquittance before elections and when elections are won.