Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the change of name for Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi to Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. TMP reports that President Buhari approved the change of name for the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi alongside the signing the Nigerian Correctional Service Bill into law. The statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang said the new name for the institution is Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. The approval follows the president’s decision to sign a bill amending the law that set up the university.
Reacting, Ortom while addressing newsmen at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi lauded the National Assembly for passing the bill which sought to effect the institution’s name change. He also commended the member representing Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. John Dyegh who sponsored the bill. “We appreciate Rt. Hon. John Dyegh for reminding the entire nation and the President that there was the need to immortalize our father and hero of this land.”
The governor stated that Senator J.S. Tarka left indelible footprints on the political and economic landscape of the country and deserved to be accorded the honour as it has been done to other notable sons and daughters of the nation. “Today, the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sadauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello and several other heroes of our land have been immortalized and so we appreciate Mr. President for honouring our great son,” he stated.
Ortom also commended President Buhari for banning the importation of agricultural produce, stating that the decision was in the right direction. A move which he said would benefit farmers across the country as returns on investments in agriculture would also increase.