The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Benue Chapter, has appointed the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, as Grand Patron of the association.

NVMA Chairman, Benue chapter, Dr. Andrew Amine formally announced the appointment during an appreciation and courtesy visit on the traditional ruler by the NVMA leadership on Tuesday in Gboko.

Amine said that the appointment was in recognition of Ayatse’s enduring contributions to the growth of veterinary education and professional practice in the state.

The chairman added that the decision to appoint Ayatse as grand patron was largely informed by his pivotal role in the establishment of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, during his tenure as vice chancellor.

He noted that the Tor Tiv had consistently used his influence and voice to promote the profession and advance public interest in animal health and food safety.

He further congratulated Ayatse on the successful resurrection and hosting of Tiv Day and for being a strong voice for the Tiv nation.

Amine prayed to God to grant him wisdom throughout your reign.

The chairman expressed the association’s desire to build a strong working relationship with the Tor Tiv that would benefit Benue and Nigeria at large.

He described the visit as a potential turning point for the association.

Amine recalled the Tor Tiv’s support during the association’s bid to host a national veterinary event in Jalingo in the year 2025 and emphasised that his interview and moral weight gave them a huge edge.

The chairman explained that Benue narrowly lost the hosting right to Akwa Ibom due to stronger financial backing.

“We remain hopeful that with government support this year, Benue will secure the hosting right, which comes with significant economic benefits,” he said.

He also outlined key challenges confronting the veterinary profession in the state, including unemployment, lack of mobility, and the absence of a permanent secretariat.

Amine disclosed that fewer than 200 veterinarians were currently practising across the state.

The chairman stated that many of them were unemployed, and appealed to the Tor Tiv to advocate for the engagement of at least one veterinarian in each of the state’s 23 local government councils.

He further said that the association’s outreach activities had been constrained by transportation challenges and revealed that the NVMA currently operates from a rented apartment.

Amine expressed the need for a permanent secretariat to enhance administrative efficiency.

In his response, the Tor Tiv warmly accepted the role of grand patron and pledged unwavering support for the association.

Ayatse assured the veterinarians that they could count on him at all times, promising to do whatever was necessary to move the association forward.

The NYSC Director of Internal Audit, Dr. Levi Agim, has urged corps members in Rivers to serve the state with commitment, passion and patriotism.

Agim gave the charge on Monday during a working visit to Batch A, Stream One corps members at the Nonwa-Gbam orientation camp in Tai Local Government Area.

He said the service year was “a time for reflection and introspection”, shaping character and preparing corps members for future responsibilities.

The director urged them to serve with “discipline and dedication”, noting that the nation places “great hopes” on the younger generation.

Agim also advised corps members to be role models, make a positive impact, and acquire skills through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.

Rivers NYSC Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, said corps members were disciplined and actively participating in camp activities.

Oleghe identified rising food costs and camp maintenance as challenges, but assured that the state leadership remained committed to national service.

 Access Bank Plc has appointed Mrs Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman Board of Directors, following the retirement of Mr Paul Usoro, on Jan. 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Osime, an accomplished legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s Board in November 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director and had chaired the Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this role made her contribute significantly to bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

In addition to her role at Access Bank, Osime is a Director at Ebudo Trust Ltd.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectorial Group.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.

Speaking on her appointment, the Group Chairman, Mr Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said: “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the Bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the Bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African Bank.”

The Group Chairman also congratulated Usoro on the completion of his tenure and for his exemplary leadership, dedication and significant contribution to the Group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.(NAN)