JOSEPH ITYAV: A RARE BREED
JOSEPH ITYAV
Emmanuel Aondoaver Shom
Federal University Wukari
When you left the banking sector where you were not only doing exceptionally well but was getting close to the zenith and ventured into politics, there were mixed feelings; one school of thought saw the decision as the worst miscalculation, imagining the miracle you would perform in blending the background that was direct, clearly defined and purely based on merit with the one that is slippery, cunning and manipulative in nature. Another school of thought believed that the fascination with the avalanche of material wealth in the world of politics and the power associated with it beclouded your sense of judgment on the risk involved.
Very few people who had followed your life style from the early childhood, school days and other social fora, clearly understood and acknowledged that your decision was perfect. Their stance was predicated on your inherent personality traits revolving around generosity, compassion on the less privilege and passion for service to humanity. They, thus, saw politics as the best place that could provide the platform for attaining your heart desires. This group rather saw you as a strange bed fellow in the banking sector, where you were confined by ethical codes that left little room for exhibiting the above mentioned innate personality traits.
Through doggedness, perseverance and determination, you succeeded in cracking the hard nut associated with politics. Your philanthropic disposition, kindness and sagacity earned you a special place. The charisma associated with your personality galvanized massive support for you in Buruku. Though, that support did not manifest to victory in several contests; more brazenly in 2019, where you were shortchanged through a political coup, your hard work over time, endeared you to Dist. Senator Dr. George Akume fnim and indeed, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who found you worthy of prestigious appointment as the Chairman, Governing Council, Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission. This appointment bestowed on you, the responsibility of driving infrastructural development and human empowerment in several states affected by the ecological menace arising from hydroelectric power production and thus, draws you closer to the Presidency and other critical stakeholders. The appointment was greeted with thunderous ovation across Benue State and beyond and collectively described as well-deserved and apt.
Barely few months after takeoff, you left no one in doubt that your avowed commitment to politics is purely service to humanity. The vigor, zeal and speed at which you zoomed off clearly attest to this. Your engagements with critical stakeholders in various host states, including governors, first class chiefs and leaders of immediate host communities, in addition to physical inspection of dams and the vulnerable areas heavily ravaged by overflow of dams clearly attest to the fact that you are deeply touched by the cumulative catastrophes threatening the livelihood of host communities for decades.
Your capacity to assemble, sustain and direct a formidable team towards achieving excellent result is proven to be unarguable. Marvelously, you promptly inculcated a family – like spirit in the council members appointed from various backgrounds. All the council members participated enthusiastically in all the engagements with stakeholders. The captivating traits around your personality have stirred up council members to work towards achieving the best results. So far so good, the host communities have already heaved a sigh of relief.
Notably, APC stakeholders at national, state and local levels as well as political associates, teeming supporters across Benue State and beyond, friends and well-wishers are pleased with you for this momentous takeoff.
On our part, we are glad that you are justifying the confidence reposed on you by President Muhammadu Buhari who found you worthy of the appointment and your admirers in Benue State and beyond. We further urge other Benue sons and daughters recently handed various national assignments to emulate you. We beseech the Almighty God to give you more strength and wisdom to enable you maximize your potentials as you strive to excel.
