By Bridget Tikyaa
Benue Celebration – July 28, 2025 | Newspointer News
The Director of the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), Prof. Barns Achakpa Ikyo, and his wife, Dr. Patience Achakpa Ikyo, Director-General of Benue Television, have marked 10 and five years of public service, respectively.
The thanksgiving service, held on Sunday at NKST Ugbema in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, also featured the launch of a new publication titled Testament of Service.
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The event, which coincided with the church’s 20th anniversary, attracted dignitaries from government, academia, and the traditional institution.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ikyo recounted how CEFTER grew from a modest beginning into a centre with international recognition and multi-million-dollar grants.
“We started in a single room, moved to a temporary site, and today we have a massive facility with 22 offices, 10 classrooms, an auditorium, and six factories,” he said.
He revealed that over 1,000 graduates, including international students, have been trained at the centre.
“CEFTER has attracted millions of dollars in funding, with $5m more secured recently. It’s a testament to God’s grace and commitment to vision,” he added.
In her remarks, Dr. Achakpa Ikyo described the successful takeoff of Benue Television five years ago as a historic breakthrough after two decades of stalled efforts.
“Benue TV is now fully operational despite initial setbacks. Poor funding, limited staff, and inadequate facilities could not stop the vision,” she said.
She credited Governor Hyacinth Alia for supporting the station’s sustainability, noting that his administration provided the needed backing.
“I sincerely appreciate His Excellency for the opportunity to serve,” she added.
The couple also launched Testament of Service, a magazine that documents the contributions of leaders in public and private sectors. The first edition focuses on their achievements at CEFTER and Benue Television.
Dignitaries present at the thanksgiving included the Tor Jemgbagh, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Denen Aondoakaa; Chairman, Benue Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Joseph Kwahgba; and MD/CEO, Benue Geo Mining Company Ltd, Dr. Erdoo Mongol-Aga.
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Others were Hon. Ushahemba Dekaa of BIRS, Hon. Terna Ioryoosu of BIPC, and other appointees of the state government.
In his sermon, Rev. Prof. Usue urged Christians to remain grateful to God and connected to their communities, describing the Ikyos as examples of service rooted in faith.
“Those who remember God genuinely will always remember their people and attract more blessings,” he said.
