Chief Goddy Ikerave:
A Milestone in Journalism Profession And Community Development
Veteran Journalist and pace setter in the media industry, Chief Goddy Ikerave, (JP, FCIDA), the imaagh-ki-abaver-a-Tiv was born 12th August, 1950, at Mbakyondu, present day Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He had the privilege to attend a formal education as he enrolled into Saint Theresa’s Primary School Naka in 1960 and passed out in 1966 with the First School Leaving Certificate. The young Ikerave proceeded to St. John Vianney Seminary Secondary School, Barkin Ladi Plateau State for his secondary education between 1967 and 1971 when he graduated with the basic certificate for higher education. As was the tradition of the time, Chief Ikerave also obtained the University of London GCE O, Level Certificate between 1973 and 1974 before setting his foot on the pedestal of his successful journalism profession.
Chief Goddy Ikerave attended the School of Journalism and Television, Frilsham, Hermitage, Berkshire – England, Kalmar University College, Stockholm, Sweden and University of Jos Nigeria for relevant certificates in international journalism and democracy. At the prestigious Benue state University, Makurdi, Chief Ikerave has bagged a PGD in Mass Communication and three Master degrees in: International Relations and Strategic Studies, Development Studies and Mass Communication between 2007 and 2020.
Chief Ikerave began his public career as a Senior Moisture Officer (Lab), Nigeria Tobacco Company, Zaria from 1972 to 1974 after which he joined the Nigerian Customs as a Preventive Officer in 1975. While these jobs lasted, Chief Ikerave’s dream into the journalism profession did not die away. He therefore left the Custom Service and joined the Widest and largest TV network in Africa – the Nigerian Television Authority where he served in different capacities, the peak of which was Acting Controller News, NTA Port-harcourt in the year, 1996. Chief Ikereve is the beacon of journalism in Benue state where he also served as the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) from 1989 to 1991. That the Benue chapter of the NUJ still prides itself with a magnificent permanent secretariat is all thanks to Chief Ikereve. While in active service, he was briefly the state secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in 1992. He is the founder/President, League of Veteran Journalists (LVJ) 2018 to date.
Chief Ikerave went into full time politics prior to the 1999 elections and won a seat as Member, House of Representatives Gwer/Gwer West Federal Constituency. At the National Assembly, he was Chairman, House Committee on Industry, Federal Public Commission and HIV/AIDS. He has also served the National Government as Chairman, Governing Board, National Theatre/National Troupe of Nigeria, Igamu Lagos.
Chief Goddy Ikerave was appointed Tor Gwer I before a shifting was done by the Ortom Administration in 2015. He has also served his ethnic interest as National Public Relations’ Officer Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide. Back to his immediate Tyoshin community he was awarded a honorific title by the Tyoshin traditional Council as Tor Bem Tyoshin (Man of Peace) in 2012.
-The Imaagh ki abaver a Tiv is a member of professional bodies including:
-International Federation of Journalists
-Nigerian League of Veteran Journalists
-Fellow – Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration
-Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Member of Rotary International
Chief Goddy Ikerave is the owner of Lady Victoria Academy Nursery, Primary and Secondary School Makurdi, which was established in 2001. His quest for educational opportunities for children is reflected in many places he has passed through. Some of these monumental efforts include the establishment of: NUJ Pen Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Makurdi in 1990 as NUJ Chairman.
-Tongov Zuwa International School, Enger Tongov – Gwer west LGA (1978).
-Tongov Community Clinic.
-Provision of boreholes to dozens of communities in Gwer West.
-Electrification of Naka Rice Mill, Nagi Camp.
-Award of scholarships to indigent students.
-Provision of employment opportunities.
-Sponsorship of pilgrims to the holy lands.
Chief Goddy Ikerave loves reading, writing, research and philanthropic works. He has travelled to many countries of the world, including USA, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Algeria, Finland, France, Denmark, Israel, Canada, Thailand, India, Egypt and South Africa. The soft spoken veteran is married to Chief Mrs. Bridget Ikereve (JP) and blessed with ten children.
