The Congress of Idoma Journalists (COIJ), Worldwide, has acknowledged and applauds the contributions of one of the great sons of Idoma, who is a gift to Benue State, Nigeria and the world.
This was expressed in a statement jointly signed by COIJ President, Okpani Amos Mathew and Secretary, Okpani Mike Odeh James, made available to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday July 19, 2023.
“Chief (Dr) Benjamin Omale, one of the greatest entrepreneurs in Nigeria today, has expended over 35 years as a business administrator in the country ,whilst generating huge employment opportunities, leading to humongous economic development of the country .
“This Illustrious son of Idoma has also invested in the oil and gas sector of the Nigerian economy, Information communication technology, sports as well as the agricultural sectors of the nation .
“Chief Omale’s forays into Nigeria’s economy has generated over 2 to 3 thousand direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians and numerous skilled and unskilled labour on contract basis,” the statement said.
It explained that furthermore, most of the direct beneficiaries are Benue indigenes, as well as residents of host communities, where his business ventures are located.
“Those who have benefited from Chief (DR) Benjamin Omale’s benevolence, confirmed to the Congress of Idoma Journalists that they may not have been able to put food on the table without his milk of human kindness and generosity.
“Another reason why the Congress of Idoma Journalists celebrates Chief(DR) Benjamin Omale is the fact that, his companies such as Edi-Jen Group of Companies, Jenny-Owi Company Nigeria Limited, Ejeg Company Nigeria Limited, Tonsjos Nigeria Limited, Sai Allah Construction & Engineering Company Nig. Limited and Omapet Multi Functional Gas Plant have all contributed their quotas in the corporate social responsibilities leading to infrastructural development of host communities and making lives much easier for the common Nigerian on the streets.
“By and large, many people, mainly from Benue state and host communities have benefited from Chief Omale’s philanthropy,” the statement said.
The group pointed out that the detribalized Nigerian has single handedly sponsored the Tonsjos Soccer Tournament within the last 15 years running, where footballers playing in international clubs have been discovered.
“It is a known fact that Chief (DR) Benjamin Omale has an endowment fund that offers scholarships to indigent students from Benue state who are studying in various higher institutions across the country.
“In addition, the Ohonyeta Foundation, a charity and humanitarian organization founded and funded by this great and illustrious Benue son of Idoma extraction have trained numerous youths and women in various skills acquisition and have gone ahead to provide them with starter packs.
“Dr Omale’s philanthropic work and great contributions to humanity and community development have not only earned him recognition back home in the Idoma Kingdom of Benue State but rightly earned him the prestigious title of Ohonyeta of Idoma kingdom. He also has numerous awards conferred on him both locally and internationally,” it said.
The statement noted that these awards include, The Business Person of the Year Award by Leadership Newspaper-2020, the Business Excellence Award By Kaduna State Ministry of Commerce and Industry -2010; International Special Peace Envoy Award by the United Nations -2010, Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Commonwealth University, Belize -2012 and the Garkuwan Matasan Arewa which was jointly conferred on him by both the Christian and Muslim youth in the northern part of the country.
“He is a graduate of Production and Operation Management from the prestigious Kaduna Polytechnic, this business mogul also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Kaduna State University (KASU).
“He is a man of deep faith, a Catholic and he is happliy married to Mrs Gloria Benjamin Omale and they are blessed with six children .
“It is the fervent hope of the Congress of Idoma Journalists that the Benue state Governor, Rev Father Hyacient Alia would tap into Chief Omale’s wealth of business cum economic and entrepreneurer knowledge and put him up for national service for the betterment of Benue state and Nigeria.
“As a silent achiever and giver whose desire for a greater Nigeria is equal to non, the Congress of Idoma journalists admires his distinguished personality and humbly testifies to his integrity, capacity and his commitment to national growth and development,” it said.