Testaments of Service: ‘I built CEFTER, attracted millions of dollars grants’ – Prof Barns Ikyo
By Bridget Tikyaa
When Professor Barns Achakpa Ikyo returned in thanksgiving to God in a church service on Sunday July 27th at the NKST Ugbema, Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue, it was to mark a successful 10 years of building the Center for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) at the Benue State University from the scratch into an institution with global recognition. His wife, Dr Patience Achakpa Ikyo, has also her fair share of contributions over the last five years as Director General of Benue State Television.
At the thanksgiving tagged “testament of service ” the couple attributed their successes to God’s mercies and favours.
“I’m happy because I built CEFTER I was given a responsibility to plan and build to where we are.
“We started in a room, went to a temporary building and now we have a gigantic infuse comprising twenty two offices, ten classrooms and one auditorium.
“We have built a complex that has about six factories, we have trained over one thousand graduates, and we have international students. We have gained international recognition in the whole world. It is an achievement, we move from taking recognition to train more graduands.
“Even after ten years we can still boast of 5 more million dollars grants that can be used in investing at different levels, so I’m very excited about this,” he said.
In her remarks,the DG of Benue TV and co celebrant, Dr Patience Achakpa Ikyo acknowledged God’s blessings upon the family.
“The greatest achievement for Benue television is that Benue state has a TV station. Many states have owned a TV station, but for Benue it has been a difficult one until the last five years when the TV station was aired.
” The effort started twenty years ago, but It was only five years ago that it was successful.
“For it to not only be successful, but also go on air is a big achievement because there were many challenges but finally we got there.
“The set up of the team was incomplete, the funding was very poor, the facilities and equipment was bad, but it has been the grace and creativity that have had the TV on air, so I will say it is the greatest achievement of all.
“I appreciate God almighty for this opportunity and most importantly, this five years wouldn’t have been a success if Governor Hyacinth Alia did not give us the opportunity, I appreciate his excellency,” she said.
The event which coincided with thehurch’s 20th anniversary had family,friends associates, traditional rulers government officials and party men of the celebrated couple contributed in millions for the development of the church .
The Tor Jemgbagh,Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftency Affairs, Prince Denen Aondoakaa and the Chairman of Benue Internal Revenue Services,Hon Joseph Kwahgba graced the occasion.
Other dignitaries where the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Benue Geo Mining Company Ltd, Dr. Erdoo Mongol-Aga ,Secretaries of BIRS and BIPC,Hon Ushahemba Dekaa and Hon Terna Ioryoosu, respectively and other governors appointees .
Distinguished members from the Academia, from CEFTER and Mass Communications Department MOAU,Dept of Physics-MOAU ,Staff of Benue TV and Mkar old students Association etc and clergies joined in the celebration.
During the service, Rev. Prof Usue in his sermon advised christians to always remember their family, the Lord, and the church, just like the couple who did not forget their roots.
He said whoever remembers God genuinely will also remember his people and attract more blessings from God.
The couple launched a maiden magazine: ‘Testament of Service’ that showcases the impactful work of notable private and public servants, who have led agencies, parastatals, and units.
The inaugural edition, highlighted the remarkable contributions of Prof. and Dr. Mrs. Patience Achakpa Ikyô as heads of CEFTER and Benue Television, respectively.
